In this chapter, let us observe that there is no man who has such a sufficiency in himself that he does not have reason to be thankful for the help of his neighbors. David had a very large kingdom, and King Hiram of Tyre had a rather small one; yet David could not build himself a house like he desired, unless Hiram furnished him with both workmen and materials (verse 1). This is a reason why we should despise no one; but, as far as we are able, we should be obliging to all.

It is a great satisfaction to a wise man to be settled, and it is an even greater satisfaction to a good man to see the special Providences of God in his settlement. The people had made David king, but he could not be easy or happy until he perceived that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel (verse 2).

We must look upon all our advancements in life as opportunities for us to increase our usefulness. David’s kingdom was exalted and blessed – not for his own sake, so that he might look great; but because of his people Israel, so that he might be a guide and protector to them. We are blessed so that we may be blessings to others. We are not born for ourselves, nor do we live for ourselves.

It is difficult to thrive on earth without growing secure and indulgent to our sinful flesh. It was to David’s discredit that when he was settled in his kingdom, he took more wives (verse 3). However, the many children which were given to him did add to his honor and strength. “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord.”

This chapter provides another record of David’s triumphs over the Philistines (1047-1040 BC), which is much the same with the narrative in 2 Samuel 5. The attacks which the Philistines made upon David teach us that we must not be secure in any earthly settlement or advancement; we must expect troubles in this world. When we are most easy in life, something or another may come to be a trouble to us. Christ’s Kingdom will always be insulted by the serpent’s seed, especially when it makes any advances; but it will ultimately be crushed under the dominion of our Savior!

David’s enquiry of God – when the Philistines invaded him on two occasions – directs us to acknowledge Him in all our ways. In distress, we may fly to Him; when we are wronged, we may appeal to Him; and when we do not know what to do, we may ask counsel from Him, and put ourselves under His direction, and beg Him to show us the right way.

Let David’s successes in both of these encounters with the Philistines encourage us to resist our spiritual enemies, in observance of Divine directions and dependence upon Divine strength. Resist the devil, and he shall flee – just as the Philistines did before David!

In the second of these two battles, the Lord told David to wait to advance against the enemy until he heard the sound of marching coming from the tops of the mulberry trees. This sound of marching in the treetops directs us to be attentive to God’s motions – both in His Providence, and also in the influences of His Holy Spirit. When we perceive that God is going before us, let us put on our spiritual armor and follow Him!

David burned the idols of the Philistines, when they fell into his hands; and this reminds us that we must have a holy indignation against idolatry, and everything that is associated with it.

After his successes in these battles, David thankfully acknowledged the hand of God. This serves as an encouragement to us to bring all our sacrifices of praise to the Lord. As David himself said in Psalm 115:1, “Not unto us, O Lord! not unto us, but to thy name give glory!” He alone deserves the praise for all the blessings that we enjoy from His hand!

David obtained a good reputation – not only in his kingdom, but also among his neighbors. “The fame of David went out into all lands” (verse 17). He was generally talked of and admired by all people, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. Everyone looked upon him as a formidable enemy and a desirable ally. And we may look upon David as a picture or foreshadowing of the exalted honor of the greater Son of David; for God has highly exalted our Redeemer, and given Him a name above every name!

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