A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David by Beth Moore

Author:Beth Moore [Moore, Beth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Spiritual Growth, Non-Fiction, Religion, Inspirational, Adult
ISBN: 9780805420357
Amazon: 1433677164
Publisher: B&H Books
Published: 2003-04-01T23:00:00+00:00

A Virtuous Man

2 SAMUEL 8

David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. (2 Sam. 8:15)

This chapter undoubtedly represents the zenith of David’s career. God had given him success. David had it all: fame, fortune, power, and position. For just a little while, David handled the unabashed blessings of God with brilliant integrity. Up until now we’ve seen David’s virtues presented as subtle themes in the shadow of God’s own. In 2 Samuel 8, God directly pinpointed David’s character, allowing him to take a moment in the spotlight. We can glean the following virtues from this chapter:

1. David showed a spirit of cooperation. In 2 Samuel 7:10–11, God promised David that He would give the nation of Israel rest from her enemies. Second Samuel 8:1 tells us that “in the course of time, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them.” David did not sit on the throne and simply wait for God to fulfill His promise. He obeyed God’s beckoning to the battlefield to participate in the victory!

When God assures us of a promise, He desires for us to respond by cooperating in the fulfillment of that promise. Sometimes that means battle; at other times God directs us to sit still and wait. Wisdom involves learning to know the difference. Whether God tells us to sit, stand, or move, He calls us to respond with a spirit of cooperation.

2. David kept a spirit of hope even through a violent event. When David defeated his enemies, he did not annihilate them and simply leave the nations destroyed. When he defeated the Moabites, he allowed one-third of them to live (2 Sam. 8:2).

King David lived in a harsh and cruel time. That he would kill two-thirds of the people naturally offends our modern sensibilities—until we compare his actions with the standard of his day. “Normal” behavior would have called for complete destruction of the Moabites. What we remarkably do see is that David had a concern for the spiritual welfare of non-Jews. Both Psalms 9 and 22 spoke of God’s message reaching the nations:

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