Day 51: 2 Samuel 8:1–18

So David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people (v. 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 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 (v. 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. David’s concern was a giant step forward for a man of his day. He left a remnant and exhibited hope for the nations to bend their knees to the King of all kings. I believe David’s God-given motive was to bring the other nations to a place of obedience to God rather than to obliterate them.

3. David had a literal dedication to God. At this point David had never confused the source of his strength. He immediately dedicated any spoils of his feats to the Lord. Verse 11 tells us that King David dedicated all the articles of silver and gold from all the nations he conquered. If he was praised for his successes, he quickly gave the praise to God. If he was exalted for his successes, he lifted the name of God even higher. When he was surrounded by splendor, he wanted God to have something more splendid. When he returned with gold, silver, and bronze, he dedicated them immediately to the Lord.

4. David displayed a concern for justice and righteousness. The definitive verse of 2 Samuel 8 says, “David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people” (v. 15). This verse describes the moment when David most clearly and completely fulfilled his calling! When God called David a man after His own heart, He meant it literally. For a season, the kingdom of David reflected the kingdom of the supreme King of all kings. These were the glory days of David’s kingdom. God had given him the keys to the kingdom: justice and righteousness—keys to a kingdom that will never end.

5. David employed a wisdom for administration. He knew that growth meant a greater need for administration. As the eighth chapter concludes, we see one of the first orders of business: the delegation of authority and responsibility. You may not find verses 16–18 exciting, but they record an essential step in David’s kingdom. Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were royal advisers.

David had obviously learned an important lesson in his initial leadership of the distressed, indebted, and discontented (1 Sam. 22:2). A leader needs help! A good administrator knows when and how to delegate.

In this chapter, we see David as a man after God’s own heart more than ever before in our study. We see Christ’s own heart illustrated over and over. No one was more humble. No one held himself more accountable to God. No one revealed a greater heart for worship. No one had such a depth of cooperation with God. In all these ways David provides a picture of Jesus. Christ dedicated His every treasure to God, His Father, and will return for us when the Father nods. He will rule in justice and righteousness. As Chief Administrator, He will delegate the responsibilities of the kingdom to the faithful on earth.

The characteristics God saw and loved so much in David are those most like His Son. God has one specific bent toward partiality: He loves anything that reminds Him of His only begotten Son. To be more like Christ is to be a man or woman after God’s own heart.