| 2 SAMUEL |
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| Even after David's rivals were eliminated, peace was uneasy. Unless David could heal the wounds of war, resentment might smolder in the hearts of the Northerners. David's decisive action showed wisdom and firmness. He justly punished murderers who expected his gratitude. He showed respect for his enemies by mourning their deaths. From his first day in office, David behaved as the king of all the poeple, not just his loyal followers. The Northern tribes soon came over to him, submitting to his leadership (5:1-3). David's next move was to capture Jerusalem. People said it couldn't be done; mountainous Jerusalem was impregnable. David did it, and made Jerusalem his new political and religious capital. Located on the border between North and South, Jerusalem symbolized a new national unity based on trust in God. That was just the beginning. David led the unified tribes to do what they had barely dreamed of: they defeated the dreaded Philistines once and for all. Almost overnight the tiny, threatened nation of Israel became safe. Secure borders opened expanded trade, and Israel boomed. (David's son Solomon reaped most of the wealth from this.) Naturally, David's popularity increased. A Murderer and an Adulterer But David's reign held ironic tragedies, too. Second Samuel makes no effort to hide them. David could lead a nation but not his own children. His ineffective parenting nearly destroyed all he had done when his heartless son Absalom led a rebellion. Second Samuel portrays David without retouching his blemishes: he was a murderer and an adulterer and a leader capable of cruelty. Nevertheless, he was Israel's greatest king. Even at his lowest points, his great strength of character showed. He was never vengeful with his enemies. He took full responsibility |
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