Death Of A King Series

The Death of a King

Thesis: David died leaving a mark in history for all of eternity to talk about.

Texts: II Samuel 23, I Kings 2:1-12, I Chronicles 28, 29

Illustration: Titanic’s Last Hero

Introduction:

John Harper’s words from the ocean his lasts words shortly before his death still echo out today to those who are listening. What about you? What would your last words sound like, what would they say? Who would be listening? Would they echo on in history? Would the echo on for eternity? Would they be meaningful? Would they be insightful? It’s amazing how people’s last words make a difference. I find it fascinating how at the point of death what really matters rushes to the forefront.

Illustration: At Death, what really matters?

Today we are going to talk about death- the time when you heart stops beating. When your lungs no longer take in breath when you receive a flat line.

Everyone dies! You will die! But what will your mark in history be? David’s mark was summed up in Acts 13:22,23, where the Bible says he was man after God’s heart. He went down in history noted as a man, a king who sought after the heart of God. We have been exploring David’s life over the last few weeks and we have learned a lot.

A nobody becomes a somebody

A somebody becomes a fugitive

This fugitive has integrity

A fugitive becomes king

Kingdom growth is experienced

A King falls into sin but finds revival

Our king comes to the end of his life and speaks his last few words. His life is coming to an end but his life will leave a mark for eternity.

How did David leave his mark in history AND FOR ETERNITY?

I. David left his mark in history by influencing others (I Samuel 23:8-39)

a. His most famous influence upon others is shown in his “Mighty Men” listed in II Samuel 23:8-39:

NIV 2 Samuel 23:8-39

8. These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.

9. Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered [at Pas Dammim] for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated,

10. but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.

11. Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them.

12. But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.

*This next section here amazes me- David is thirsty and the three top leaders sneak into the Philistine camp and get him a drink from his hometown well. They bring it back and he is so overwhelmed by their selfless act it gives it to God as an offering. A Sacrifice will always be something you do not want to give up!

* David knew that only God deserved this type of dedication that his men showed him.

13. During harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

14. At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

15. David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!"

16. So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD.

17. "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!" he said. "Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?" And David would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

* Take time this week an understand these where people like you and I.

18. Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three.

19. Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them.