A New Tree Planted

David had been waiting in the royal wings for many years–first as Saul’s music therapist, then as the shepherd who defeated Goliath. He became a friend of Saul’s son Jonathan and the husband of Saul’s daughter Michal, but Saul himself mostly responded to David with jealousy and fear, “because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul” (1 Sam. 18:12). He spent years fleeing from Saul’s aggression and won many battles.

At the death of Saul and his sons, the nation claimed David formally as the monarch who had already proved himself. They saw his credentials not only in military terms but also in pastoral ones. The former shepherd of sheep was being called by the Lord to shepherd people (Psa. 78:70-72). This small family shoot would grow into a massive royal tree that would shape the nation’s identity and future.

Despite all the years of preparation, David had an enormous task ahead of him. His official anointing as king of “all Israel” (1) by a united people and their leadership affirmed his private anointing by Samuel many years earlier (1 Sam. 16:1-13). It took place at Hebron, a significant city for the nation since the time of Abraham and the conquest. David’s royal headquarters was based there for seven years, but he soon had his eyes on a new capital, the high rocky plateau of the Jebusites that had previously been unassailable. Joab took up the challenge of conquering Jerusalem, to become the chief of a myriad of loyal warriors who had already performed military exploits for David (1 Chron. 11:6–12:40). But the secure planting of this new tree in its new soil, “the City of David” (5), came about by more than valiant human endeavor; it happened because the Lord Almighty was with David–a pertinent reminder for us, no matter how impressive our personal credentials!

Are you facing the challenge of a new venture or life-direction? How does this passage reveal where you can find wisdom and support on the way forward?