The New King and His Strengths

February 26, 2024 at 2:03 pm | Posted in I Chronicles | 2 Comments
Tags: 1 Chronicles 11, commentary on 1 Chronicles, David, Jerusalem, King David, Shepherd-King, Sunday School lessons on 1 Chronicles

The main theme of I Chronicles 10 could be summarized as the death of Saul or Saul’s failure as king and the loss of the kingdom by his “house.” The theme of Chapter 11 is very obvious in the first three verses: the transfer of the kingdom to David. Three main points are emphasized.

Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

I Chronicles 11:1

The Chronicler’s hope was that the southern and northern kingdoms (Judah and Israel) would be reunited; he was not “anti-Samaritan.” In his time they were divided, but back in David’s time they had still been united. Among David’s many talents, he was (though this is sometimes forgotten) a man of unity and a unifier of opposing factions. He was a man of war, but he wanted peace. In this way he foreshadowed Jesus, and he reminds us of the great need for peacemakers, reconcilers, and unifiers in the Church today.

And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the Lord thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

I Chronicles 11:2

This is the second main point concerning the rule of David. It was in accordance with the Word of the Lord. God’s representative ruler of His people must be a shepherd-king. David was both literally and figuratively a shepherd. He fed, guided, defended, and sought to increase God’s people.

Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by Samuel.

I Chronicles 11:3

Here is the third main point: the strong support for David among the people. He was a man who the people respected (sometimes feared), admired, loved, and followed. Even the mightiest leaders and warriors of the tribes were willing and anxious to support and serve under David. This leads naturally to a discussion of the history of Jerusalem, the “city of David.”

⁴ And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. ⁵ And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David. ⁶ And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. ⁷ And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David. ⁸ And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

I Chronicles 1:4-8

The mention of Joab highlights the allegiance to David of the most highly-respected and powerful leaders among the people. Of course, the author can’t let us forget the real reason for David’s success:

So David waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts was with him.

I Chronicles 1:9