2025 2 Samuel 3, David Grew Stronger And Stronger
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2025-03-30 16:14
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David Grew Stronger And Stronger
2 Samuel 3
Verse 1 says, “David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.” This is the conclusion and summery of till 2 Samuel 2. David sought God, obeyed Him and lived for God’s glory. Saul sought his own name, acted by his emotion and people’s demand and disobeyed God. The result is verse 1.
Every individual, family and church is supposed to grow stronger. Do you want to grow stronger as time passes? We learn two more factors in this passage.
First, waiting
Saul died in a war with his three sons. Now, David anointed 13 years ago could immediately go to Gibeon, the capital of Israel to become the king of Israel. However, he first prayed to the Lord. Then God told him to go to Hebron. There he became a king of Judas, a tribe among 12 tribes. David waited there for 7.6 years. But he experienced the benefit and power of waiting.
First, he developed the integrity of heart and equipped necessary skills (Psalm 78:72) before he became king of Israel. Second, all complicated problems are solved on their own.
After Saul’s death, Israel is now in a state of chaos. Because David had been wandering in the wilderness for the past 13 years, the people of Israel hesitated to make him king of Israel. Moreover, Abner, the commander of Saul made Ish-Bosheth, Saul's fourth son king. David confronted another opposing forces or enemies. If David had tried to seize the throne by force, he would have shed lots of blood that he would not have won the hearts of the people of Israel.
At that complicated situation, David went to Hebron by God’s direction. There he waited as he restored worship. Then, the other 11 tribes began to pay attention to the tribe of Judah who lived by worship and prayer.
Do not rush. If you rush, you will become Ishmael. But if you wait by believing in God Almighty, you will become Isaac. If you have any problems, don’t try to solve the problems as quickly as possible by your strength and plans. Instead, worship God and wait. Then the complicated problems will be solved on their own. This is the secret how David grew stronger and stronger.
Waiting is believing in God’s power and grace. It is to believe that God will give me good things.
From verse 2-5 is the records of David’s six sons. Did David pursue too many women? Let’s look at the meaning of each name. His firstborn, Amnon means, “I can trust in God.” His second, Kileab means, “God is my judge.” The third, Absalom means, “God is peace.” The fourth, Adonijah means, “God is the Lord.” The fifth, Shephatiah means, “God judges.” And the sixth, Ithream means, “God enriches his people.” Through the names, we can see that David sought God and waited for His timing.
They said, “Constant dripping water splits the rock.” David’s worship in Hebron for 7.6 years are like dripping water that it will soon split the rock of chaos and conflict. What David did for 7.6 years in Hebron (fellowship) was worship. Worship seems too simple and passive, but there is power in it. However, when you worship God faithfully, God’s grace and power will come to you like dripping water to spilt rock of chaos or uncertainty.
When David waited, national chaos was resolved one by one. Look at the downfall of Saul’s family. There was a rumour that Abner took Saul's concubine, Rizpah. Taking a king’s wives seems to have been considered prerogative of the throne. The Bible doesn’t say whether it is true or false accusation. But it became the beginning of inner conflict and destruction.
Ish- bosheth was angry and rebuked him. "Why did you commit adultery with my father's concubine?" Then Abner became very angry. “You became king because of me. Then why do you accuse me?” And he swore that he would transfer Saul’s kingdom to David.
Did David use military forces? No. He just obeyed God’s direction and waited as he worshipped God faithfully.
After internal conflict between Abner and Ish-bosheth, Abner persuaded the elders of Israel to make David king of Israel. He also spoke to Benjaminites, the tribe of Saul to accept David as their king.
Look at verses 17-19. Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “For some time you have wanted to make David your king. Now do it! For the LORD promised David, ‘By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies. Abner also spoke to the Benjamites in person. ’”
Abner is doing all the things David should do. David obeyed God’s direction. He worshiped God waited in Hebron. Then God did everything necessary for David to become the king of United Israel without any side effects.
There is no one as powerful and trustworthy as a person who worships, prays and waits. Are you looking for a job, career, marriage or something? Do you have any problems? Are you in chaos or uncertainty? Worship God, pray to Him and wait. Live like David. This is the way to win and resolve problems.
Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (And your plans will succeed.)” Why is your plan not successfully accomplished? It is because you try to accomplish your plans. In fact, you and I don’t have such ability and wisdom. Therefore, if you want to make your plans successful, leave them to God and wait.
Verses 19-21 show a peaceful treaty between David and Abner. David embraced Abner. Abner was a very shrewd, self-seeking and ambitious opportunist. He betrayed Ish-Bosheth. So he could betray David anytime. However, David was broad-minded. Through worship, David became stronger and stronger. He trusted in God Almighty. Then he even embraced an opportunist, Abner. Finally a peaceful transfer of power was going to be accomplished.
However, here is another man of ambition, Joab, the commander of David. When Joab knew the peace treaty between Abner and David, he became enraged because his youngest brother, Asahel was killed by Abner. In fact, Abner killed Asahel in self-defense. Abner did not want to kill Asahel. He twice warned Asahel to stop chasing him. But when Asahel did not stop, Abner had no choice but to kill him in a war situation. However, Joab took revenge on Abner without warning. Joab did not consider David’s great intention to peacefully unite Israel. He deceived Abner to return to Hebron.
Look at verse 27. “Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber, as if to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died.” With Abner’s death, the people of Israel would lose trust in David and peaceful unification would never be achieved.
Hebron was a city of refuge. God made a law that anyone who murders unintentionally can go and find refuge in Hebron. However, Joab killed Abner in Hebron. He did not heed the law of God. The motive for Joab’s actions can be seen either as concern for his own position and personal revenge. In him there was no waiting. He is the one who quickly handles problems with his own emotion. To him his personal emotion is much important than the word of God. Such person is to be doomed sooner or later.
According to 1 Corinthians, there are three types of people. First is unbeliever, second is spiritual man who believes in Jesus and lives under the control of the Holy Spirit and third is a fleshly man who believes but is not spiritual. Joab is a fleshly man. He says he believes with his mouth, but his life is not spiritual at all. He lives by trickery, emotion and his own benefit. He ruins the community of God, his family and himself.
When Joab killed Abner, David cursed him. Look at verses 28-30. “Later, when David heard about this, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. May his blood fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family! May Joab’s family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food.” By seriously rebuking (cursing) him, David wanted him to repent.
How would you react? Would you hold a grudge against him? Would you leave him and never see him again? However, if you and I are a spiritual man, we should react like this, “God, I was foolishly swayed by my emotions. I committed a grave sin. I thwarted your kingdom. Please forgive me. Please pour out your grace again. O King David, I am sorry. Forgive me.”
However, Joab is a fleshly man. He thinks being cursed is better than being demoted from the position of commander. He thought, “Curse? No way! Nothing would happen to me.”
Even now, there are people like Joab. “If you continue like this, you will fall away from God’s grace, and you will lose everything. You will even lose the opportunity to worship God.” Then, they laugh. “Worship? Gee, money is more important. I can go to worship service at any time.” They are like Joab. “Let’s go to worship, pray, and do gospel work.” Then, they ignore it, “I’m busy, I’m tired. Maybe next time.” But, “Hey, let’s have a drink.” Then, they smile. They are like Joab who do not know spiritual value.
How did David overcome this crisis? He buried Abner in Hebron, He wept aloud at Abner’s tomb. And he sang this lament for Abner.” (V 31-33) And he was sincere and honesty.
Look at verse 35. Then they all came and urged David to eat something while it was still day; but David took an oath, saying, “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!” He fasted till evening though no one saw him. Then, the people recognized his sincerity and followed him.
Psalm 51:6 says, “Lord, you want complete honesty from me, so teach me true wisdom.” David wanted to become sincere and honesty. Honesty is true power to overcome a crisis. The world seeks is own benefit. The world tries to judge who is wrong and who is right. However, we God’s people are to be honesty and sincere.
Though you may be weak, you can be honesty. Though you may commit sin, you can be honesty. “Lord, I am a sinner.” Though you may lack many things, you can be honesty.
I want you learn to wait as you worship God with honesty. Waiting and honesty are power and the secret to growing stronger and stronger.
Second, serving
This is the principle of BMW; blessing-mission-worship. When you are blessed, carry out your mission that is to serve others and worship with them together. This is the vision of God's chosen people. God's blessings must be connected to a mission and worship.
David’s life is BMW. In 1 Samuel 23, David shared the spoils of war with those who did not participate in the war. In 2 Samuel 1, he saved a sick and abandoned Amalekite young man. Then he could win a battle by the help that young man.
When Abner, an enemy of his kingdom came for peace treaty, he served him. Even after he died, David sincerely mourned his death and buried him. When David served others with his position and possession, he grew stronger and stronger.
King Saul, Abner and Joab were very smart and experienced generals and politicians. But they used their strength for their own benefits. Then they grew weaker and weaker. They all ended their lives miserably.
If you and I use health, money, position and talent that God has given us only for ourselves and our families, we will grow weaker and weaker. On the other hand, if we uses them to serve God’s church and others like David, we will grow stronger and stronger.
Here are sheep and grass. God created the grass first. Why the grass first? To be eaten by the sheep and to serve sheep. When the grass is eaten by the sheep, it fulfills its meaning, purpose and mission. Then the sheep can grow healthy.
The purpose of everything that comes first is not to boast about themselves or enjoy what they have or exploits the later, but to be eaten by those who come later. This is sacrifice, serving and death.
Parents give birth to their children. In a sense, children eat their parents’ love and labor. Then they grow healthy, responsible and independent. However, these days, parents are not willing to be eaten. “No. I can’t give them any more.” That is why many families break down. Parents must be eaten by their children. This is sacrifice, serving and death. Then the family becomes one and peaceful and healthy.
Do you think you have received God’s grace and blessings? Do you know why? It is to be eaten by those who have less or weak. You are to serve them. This is sacrifice, serving and death.
You and I have received God’s grace. Now, our mission is to be eaten by those who do not know Christ Jesus and those who are weak. This is the teaching of Luke 9:23. Then Jesus said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Do you know Christ Jesus? Then you are to take up our cross. You are to die, die of your human ambition, ungodly habits, greed and self-centered plans. When God gives you health, money, career and security, be eaten. This is the way to grow stronger and stronger.
God is called ‘the Absolute Other.’ God and humans are fundamentally different that they can never become one. How can God immortal, holy and righteous become one with man, mortal and sinful? There is only one way. It is when God becomes man. So Jesus came to this earth from heaven and eternity. And he shed his blood on the cross and died on behalf of sinners. Since then, Jesus says to mankind, “Eat my body and drink my blood.” Only when we eat and drink his body and blood, our dead spirits come alive. Salvation and eternal life are given to us. And I and Jesus become one. I ate Jesus. Jesus has been eaten by me to give me eternal life and blessings of God. Now Jesus tells us to do the same. Then the world will change.
David was a king, but he was eaten by his people including Abner and Joab. Then he saved many. Being eaten is carrying the cross; sacrifice, serving and death.
When we take up our own cross to serve others, we grow stronger and stronger. I pray that you may grow stronger as you wait for God and serve others.
2 Samuel 3
Verse 1 says, “David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.” This is the conclusion and summery of till 2 Samuel 2. David sought God, obeyed Him and lived for God’s glory. Saul sought his own name, acted by his emotion and people’s demand and disobeyed God. The result is verse 1.
Every individual, family and church is supposed to grow stronger. Do you want to grow stronger as time passes? We learn two more factors in this passage.
First, waiting
Saul died in a war with his three sons. Now, David anointed 13 years ago could immediately go to Gibeon, the capital of Israel to become the king of Israel. However, he first prayed to the Lord. Then God told him to go to Hebron. There he became a king of Judas, a tribe among 12 tribes. David waited there for 7.6 years. But he experienced the benefit and power of waiting.
First, he developed the integrity of heart and equipped necessary skills (Psalm 78:72) before he became king of Israel. Second, all complicated problems are solved on their own.
After Saul’s death, Israel is now in a state of chaos. Because David had been wandering in the wilderness for the past 13 years, the people of Israel hesitated to make him king of Israel. Moreover, Abner, the commander of Saul made Ish-Bosheth, Saul's fourth son king. David confronted another opposing forces or enemies. If David had tried to seize the throne by force, he would have shed lots of blood that he would not have won the hearts of the people of Israel.
At that complicated situation, David went to Hebron by God’s direction. There he waited as he restored worship. Then, the other 11 tribes began to pay attention to the tribe of Judah who lived by worship and prayer.
Do not rush. If you rush, you will become Ishmael. But if you wait by believing in God Almighty, you will become Isaac. If you have any problems, don’t try to solve the problems as quickly as possible by your strength and plans. Instead, worship God and wait. Then the complicated problems will be solved on their own. This is the secret how David grew stronger and stronger.
Waiting is believing in God’s power and grace. It is to believe that God will give me good things.
From verse 2-5 is the records of David’s six sons. Did David pursue too many women? Let’s look at the meaning of each name. His firstborn, Amnon means, “I can trust in God.” His second, Kileab means, “God is my judge.” The third, Absalom means, “God is peace.” The fourth, Adonijah means, “God is the Lord.” The fifth, Shephatiah means, “God judges.” And the sixth, Ithream means, “God enriches his people.” Through the names, we can see that David sought God and waited for His timing.
They said, “Constant dripping water splits the rock.” David’s worship in Hebron for 7.6 years are like dripping water that it will soon split the rock of chaos and conflict. What David did for 7.6 years in Hebron (fellowship) was worship. Worship seems too simple and passive, but there is power in it. However, when you worship God faithfully, God’s grace and power will come to you like dripping water to spilt rock of chaos or uncertainty.
When David waited, national chaos was resolved one by one. Look at the downfall of Saul’s family. There was a rumour that Abner took Saul's concubine, Rizpah. Taking a king’s wives seems to have been considered prerogative of the throne. The Bible doesn’t say whether it is true or false accusation. But it became the beginning of inner conflict and destruction.
Ish- bosheth was angry and rebuked him. "Why did you commit adultery with my father's concubine?" Then Abner became very angry. “You became king because of me. Then why do you accuse me?” And he swore that he would transfer Saul’s kingdom to David.
Did David use military forces? No. He just obeyed God’s direction and waited as he worshipped God faithfully.
After internal conflict between Abner and Ish-bosheth, Abner persuaded the elders of Israel to make David king of Israel. He also spoke to Benjaminites, the tribe of Saul to accept David as their king.
Look at verses 17-19. Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “For some time you have wanted to make David your king. Now do it! For the LORD promised David, ‘By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies. Abner also spoke to the Benjamites in person. ’”
Abner is doing all the things David should do. David obeyed God’s direction. He worshiped God waited in Hebron. Then God did everything necessary for David to become the king of United Israel without any side effects.
There is no one as powerful and trustworthy as a person who worships, prays and waits. Are you looking for a job, career, marriage or something? Do you have any problems? Are you in chaos or uncertainty? Worship God, pray to Him and wait. Live like David. This is the way to win and resolve problems.
Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (And your plans will succeed.)” Why is your plan not successfully accomplished? It is because you try to accomplish your plans. In fact, you and I don’t have such ability and wisdom. Therefore, if you want to make your plans successful, leave them to God and wait.
Verses 19-21 show a peaceful treaty between David and Abner. David embraced Abner. Abner was a very shrewd, self-seeking and ambitious opportunist. He betrayed Ish-Bosheth. So he could betray David anytime. However, David was broad-minded. Through worship, David became stronger and stronger. He trusted in God Almighty. Then he even embraced an opportunist, Abner. Finally a peaceful transfer of power was going to be accomplished.
However, here is another man of ambition, Joab, the commander of David. When Joab knew the peace treaty between Abner and David, he became enraged because his youngest brother, Asahel was killed by Abner. In fact, Abner killed Asahel in self-defense. Abner did not want to kill Asahel. He twice warned Asahel to stop chasing him. But when Asahel did not stop, Abner had no choice but to kill him in a war situation. However, Joab took revenge on Abner without warning. Joab did not consider David’s great intention to peacefully unite Israel. He deceived Abner to return to Hebron.
Look at verse 27. “Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber, as if to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died.” With Abner’s death, the people of Israel would lose trust in David and peaceful unification would never be achieved.
Hebron was a city of refuge. God made a law that anyone who murders unintentionally can go and find refuge in Hebron. However, Joab killed Abner in Hebron. He did not heed the law of God. The motive for Joab’s actions can be seen either as concern for his own position and personal revenge. In him there was no waiting. He is the one who quickly handles problems with his own emotion. To him his personal emotion is much important than the word of God. Such person is to be doomed sooner or later.
According to 1 Corinthians, there are three types of people. First is unbeliever, second is spiritual man who believes in Jesus and lives under the control of the Holy Spirit and third is a fleshly man who believes but is not spiritual. Joab is a fleshly man. He says he believes with his mouth, but his life is not spiritual at all. He lives by trickery, emotion and his own benefit. He ruins the community of God, his family and himself.
When Joab killed Abner, David cursed him. Look at verses 28-30. “Later, when David heard about this, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. May his blood fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family! May Joab’s family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food.” By seriously rebuking (cursing) him, David wanted him to repent.
How would you react? Would you hold a grudge against him? Would you leave him and never see him again? However, if you and I are a spiritual man, we should react like this, “God, I was foolishly swayed by my emotions. I committed a grave sin. I thwarted your kingdom. Please forgive me. Please pour out your grace again. O King David, I am sorry. Forgive me.”
However, Joab is a fleshly man. He thinks being cursed is better than being demoted from the position of commander. He thought, “Curse? No way! Nothing would happen to me.”
Even now, there are people like Joab. “If you continue like this, you will fall away from God’s grace, and you will lose everything. You will even lose the opportunity to worship God.” Then, they laugh. “Worship? Gee, money is more important. I can go to worship service at any time.” They are like Joab. “Let’s go to worship, pray, and do gospel work.” Then, they ignore it, “I’m busy, I’m tired. Maybe next time.” But, “Hey, let’s have a drink.” Then, they smile. They are like Joab who do not know spiritual value.
How did David overcome this crisis? He buried Abner in Hebron, He wept aloud at Abner’s tomb. And he sang this lament for Abner.” (V 31-33) And he was sincere and honesty.
Look at verse 35. Then they all came and urged David to eat something while it was still day; but David took an oath, saying, “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!” He fasted till evening though no one saw him. Then, the people recognized his sincerity and followed him.
Psalm 51:6 says, “Lord, you want complete honesty from me, so teach me true wisdom.” David wanted to become sincere and honesty. Honesty is true power to overcome a crisis. The world seeks is own benefit. The world tries to judge who is wrong and who is right. However, we God’s people are to be honesty and sincere.
Though you may be weak, you can be honesty. Though you may commit sin, you can be honesty. “Lord, I am a sinner.” Though you may lack many things, you can be honesty.
I want you learn to wait as you worship God with honesty. Waiting and honesty are power and the secret to growing stronger and stronger.
Second, serving
This is the principle of BMW; blessing-mission-worship. When you are blessed, carry out your mission that is to serve others and worship with them together. This is the vision of God's chosen people. God's blessings must be connected to a mission and worship.
David’s life is BMW. In 1 Samuel 23, David shared the spoils of war with those who did not participate in the war. In 2 Samuel 1, he saved a sick and abandoned Amalekite young man. Then he could win a battle by the help that young man.
When Abner, an enemy of his kingdom came for peace treaty, he served him. Even after he died, David sincerely mourned his death and buried him. When David served others with his position and possession, he grew stronger and stronger.
King Saul, Abner and Joab were very smart and experienced generals and politicians. But they used their strength for their own benefits. Then they grew weaker and weaker. They all ended their lives miserably.
If you and I use health, money, position and talent that God has given us only for ourselves and our families, we will grow weaker and weaker. On the other hand, if we uses them to serve God’s church and others like David, we will grow stronger and stronger.
Here are sheep and grass. God created the grass first. Why the grass first? To be eaten by the sheep and to serve sheep. When the grass is eaten by the sheep, it fulfills its meaning, purpose and mission. Then the sheep can grow healthy.
The purpose of everything that comes first is not to boast about themselves or enjoy what they have or exploits the later, but to be eaten by those who come later. This is sacrifice, serving and death.
Parents give birth to their children. In a sense, children eat their parents’ love and labor. Then they grow healthy, responsible and independent. However, these days, parents are not willing to be eaten. “No. I can’t give them any more.” That is why many families break down. Parents must be eaten by their children. This is sacrifice, serving and death. Then the family becomes one and peaceful and healthy.
Do you think you have received God’s grace and blessings? Do you know why? It is to be eaten by those who have less or weak. You are to serve them. This is sacrifice, serving and death.
You and I have received God’s grace. Now, our mission is to be eaten by those who do not know Christ Jesus and those who are weak. This is the teaching of Luke 9:23. Then Jesus said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Do you know Christ Jesus? Then you are to take up our cross. You are to die, die of your human ambition, ungodly habits, greed and self-centered plans. When God gives you health, money, career and security, be eaten. This is the way to grow stronger and stronger.
God is called ‘the Absolute Other.’ God and humans are fundamentally different that they can never become one. How can God immortal, holy and righteous become one with man, mortal and sinful? There is only one way. It is when God becomes man. So Jesus came to this earth from heaven and eternity. And he shed his blood on the cross and died on behalf of sinners. Since then, Jesus says to mankind, “Eat my body and drink my blood.” Only when we eat and drink his body and blood, our dead spirits come alive. Salvation and eternal life are given to us. And I and Jesus become one. I ate Jesus. Jesus has been eaten by me to give me eternal life and blessings of God. Now Jesus tells us to do the same. Then the world will change.
David was a king, but he was eaten by his people including Abner and Joab. Then he saved many. Being eaten is carrying the cross; sacrifice, serving and death.
When we take up our own cross to serve others, we grow stronger and stronger. I pray that you may grow stronger as you wait for God and serve others.