2 Samuel 7: But that night the word of the L ORD came to Nathan, saying: 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the L ORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.

7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” ’

8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the L ORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.

10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning

11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. “ ‘The L ORD declares to you that the L ORD himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.

13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands.

15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’ ” 17 Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.

Lessons From a King 2 Samuel 1-10

. The book of 1 Samuel told of the early life of David: Saul chosen as king of Israel but was rejected. David the shepherd boy was chosen to succeed him. David played the harp and carried armor. Defeated Goliath; became Jonathan’s friend. Saul gave David high rank in the army.

But Saul became jealous of David’s success and fame. Saul pursued David to get rid of him on several occasions. David passes up opportunities to kill Saul. Ultimately, Saul is wounded in battle—he leaned on his own sword to take his life.

2 Samuel picks up the story of David’s life. The first ten chapters tell of David becoming king first over Judah, then Israel and ultimately building up Jerusalem, the city of David, and conquering the surrounding peoples.

While lots of battles and jockeying of power happened in the story… Major themes: 1.David honored his calling…in God’s time. 2.David honored his relationships…even over the long term. 3.David was humble…he knew his place and loved and honored God.

1. David honored his calling…in God’s time. Even though Samuel had anointed David as Saul’s successor when he was young, David did not rush to usurp Saul’s kingship. David allowed himself to learn, to gain experience and the peoples’ trust.

David passed up opportunities to retaliate against Saul because he honored the authority of the king; he respected the office and liked Saul. David was a man of character; he wasn’t going to accept his role until it was time. In some ways, David simply allowed Saul to do himself in.

In chapter 1, David mourned the death of Saul and was upset with the man who finished him off. David spent years in training under King Saul so that he was ready and skilled when it was his time.

In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The Lord said, “Go up.” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the Lord answered. 2 So David went up there …4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. Chapter 2

Chapter 3:1 The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

As king, David, with God’s blessing, took things a step at a time: First, anointed king over Judah. Allowed Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth to rule over Israel until he was murdered; then, because he had gained favor with the Israelites, they came to him to rule them. (7 years) With the united kingdom, they were able to defeat surrounding nations. Ruled 40 years.

2. David honored his relationships… even over the long term. Saul and Jonathan – lamented their deaths and blessed those who buried them Years later, he showed kindness to Mephibosheth

Chapter 9 David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”. 3 Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet.” 4 “Where is he?” the king asked.

6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, “Mephibosheth!” “Your servant,” he replied. 7 “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

Touching story of a relative of a good friend, but David sought justice even for adversaries: Isho-Bosheth Abner

3. David was humble…he knew his place. David respected the authority of King Saul. He didn’t overstep his position. Even more, David understood his relationship with God. He knew that his authority came from God and it amazed him. He responded with love.

Our scripture reading from Chapter 7, was the promise of God to establish His kingdom through the line of David. David was astounded and humbled that the Lord would do that for him, a mere human.

7:18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19 And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign Lord?

20 “What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign Lord. 21 For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant. 22 “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.

David clearly loved God. He understood that it was because God’s Spirit was on him and favor was given to him. David gave the Lord the honor and praise; even his wife could not understand the depth of his love.

A ruler who is a servant leader is a treasure. They make decisions based not on just their own desires or aspirations, but consider the leading of God and His truths.

Honor your calling…in God’s time. Look how God has gifted you. Listen to His calling. Grow a step at a time and take a big step of faith when it is time. Putting it all together

Honor your relationships…even over the long term. Be true to your relationships, both personal and professional, not just because you might be able to benefit from them, but just because it is the right thing to do.

Be humble…know that the Lord is God. Know that your accomplishments come through God’s Spirit and gifting. Give Him the honor, praise, thanks and love that is rightfully His. Putting it all together

Psalm Shout for joy to the L ORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the L ORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the L ORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.