After moving from Hebron to Jerusalem, David took more concubines and wives, and had more sons and daughters. The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: …Nathan, Solomon…
David was not prepared for the transition to city life and all its tentations (2 Samuel 11:1-4); he was better suited to be where the wild goats roam (1 Samuel 24:1-3). May I remain in the latter, Father (Habacuc 3:18-19).
The Philistines were told that David had been made king of Israel, so their army set out to capture him.
There would have been peace without a king – but you wanted conflict, Lord (Matthew 10:34). May I therefore not look for peace (Galatians 1:10; John 15:18-25; James 4:4).
David asked the Lord, “Shall I attack the Philistines? Will you give me the victory?”
“Yes, attack!” the Lord answered. “I will give you the victory!”
Once more David consulted the Lord, who answered, “Don’t attack them from here, but go around and get ready to attack them from the other side…”
The first time God communicates to David via the sacred dice, the second via a prophet – all the different ways you communicate to us, Lord (1 Samuel 28:6; Job 33:14-30). May my ears always been ready to listen to you, Father!
David did what the Lord had commanded, and was able to…
Doing what the Lord commands is not always a formula for success / for getting what one wants (Judges 20:18-25). In any event, the model has changed (Romans 12:2).