I’M IN TOUCH
Opening Prayer
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths” (Psa. 25:4).
Read 2 Samuel 2:1–7; 3:1
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
2 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 with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. 4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah.
When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, 5 he sent messengers to them to say to them, “The Lord bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 6 May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 7 Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them.”
3 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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Recall a time recently when you believe God guided you. How could you explain that to someone who asks?Through these events, David appears to be in touch with God and what he wants: “In the course of time” (1). David waits until the appropriate mourning period is over before heading out into Judah and his kingship. He is in touch with the mood of the moment.
“David enquired of the Lord” (1). Even though he knows he will be king, he still asks the Lord about the timing: “Is it now, Lord?”
“The Lord bless you…” (4,5). The wise leader knows when appreciation really counts, when encouragement is needed and helpful. He treats people in a godly way.
“May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness…” (6). He assures the people of God’s active presence in their situation, now and in the future.
Now, David isn’t perfect—as some of the choices he makes later will show—and his motivations here may be slightly skewed, but the Lord is clearly the main driving force in his life. How clear might this be about us?
Apply
Do you need guidance? Ask the Lord now to guide you. Write down any answer you believe he is saying.
Closing prayer
“May the mind of Christ, my Savior, live in me from day to day, by his love and pow’r controlling all I do and say” (Kate B. Wilkinson, 1859–1928).
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