David Defeats The Philistines Series

Scripture

In our sermon series on “The Life of David,” we have come to the point where David was anointed king over Israel when he was thirty years old. This was, in fact, the third time that David was anointed as king. The first time was about fifteen years earlier when the Prophet Samuel was sent by God to anoint young David as the future king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Then, when David was twenty-two years old, he was anointed as king over the southern territory of Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-7). Now, as we said, David was anointed as king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5).

In the first part of Second Samuel 5, we learned about David’s coronation as king over Israel (5:1-5). We also learned that David chose Jerusalem as his new capitol city (5:6-10). Then, the kingdom was consolidated by the erection of new buildings in Jerusalem with materials from King Hiram of Tyre (5:11-12). Finally, we noted that seeds of compromise were sown by David when he took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem (5:13-16), which was a direct violation of God’s command not to take many wives.

We also noted that David’s coronation as king over Israel was very significant because God was establishing his kingdom on earth, with David as his king. The kingdom of God on earth with David as king was intended to point people to the future, eternal kingdom of God.

In today’s lesson, we learn that the celebration of David’s coronation had hardly died down when significant opposition arose against David and his kingdom. But, because this was God’s kingdom on earth, we see how God used David to protect his kingdom.

Let’s read about David defeating the Philistines in 2 Samuel 5:17-25:

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 19 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 21 And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.

22 And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23 And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 24 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 25 And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer. (2 Samuel 5:17-25)

Introduction

Dorothy Sayers (13 June 1893 – 17 December 1957) was an English crime writer and poet, and also a student of classical and modern languages. She once wrote, “I believe it to be a grave mistake to present Christianity as something charming and popular with no offense in it.” Sayers was not saying that Christians must give offense to others. Instead, she was saying that Christianity is naturally offensive to unbelievers. Christianity teaches that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18). Unbelievers don’t like to hear that at all. They are in rebellion against God and the things of God.

But, the good news of the Gospel is that God saves ungodly and unrighteous men and women, regenerates them and gives them new natures, and makes them citizens of his kingdom. But, unless God changes the hearts of unbelievers, they will continue to oppose God, the people of God, and the kingdom of God.

David quickly learned that though God had crowned him king of his kingdom on earth, that news was not met with support by everyone. Indeed, the Philistines opposed David and his kingdom. But, God was at work establishing his kingdom on earth.

Second Samuel 5:17-25 tells us about two attacks by the Philistines against David. These two attacks by the Philistines show us that God was protecting his kingdom, and how he did so.

Lesson

Second Samuel 5:17-25 shows us how God protects his kingdom.

Let’s use the following outline:

1. God Protects His Kingdom by His Guidance (5:17-19, 22-24)