Bible Study

Just for your thoughts.

1 Chronicles – Bible Lesson 2.
Meditation Portion – Chapter 11
The Growth of David
Israel’s first king was Saul, who reigned for about forty years. For more than ten of those years he showed enmity toward David. After Saul was killed by the Philistines, the people of Israel came to David, requesting him to be their king. Until then, many who had not openly supported David turned to him only after Saul’s death.
Just as a change in government brings a change in scenery, so it was in those days as well.
Lessons we learn from this:
Those who rejected us will, in God’s appointed time, come seeking us.
The greatest sign that God is with a person is when those who once rejected him later accept him.
David’s step-by-step growth
Although he gained sudden fame by killing Goliath, his true elevation came only after Saul’s death. When God is with us, progress must surely be seen in our ministries and in our work. One thing we must continually confirm in our lives is this: Is God with us? It is not so much that we are with God, but that He is with us—this is our greatest security. Therefore, we must make sure every moment that God’s presence abides with us.
Until then, David lived a hidden life. But later he established a capital of his own. This marked the foundation for the expansion of his kingdom. And that very Jerusalem has remained on the world’s map until today, never erased.
After capturing Jerusalem, the Bible says of him:
“David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.” (1 Chronicles 11:9)
Another important aspect we see in this chapter is David’s excellent leadership qualities. David stands as the best example of what a leader ought to be.
A true leader does not treat his fellow workers as slaves. He does not build his empire on their sacrifice, nor exploit their labor for his own gain. Instead, he offers their service as unto the Lord, without seizing it for his personal glory. This quality is the true greatness of a leader.
When David once longed to drink water from the well of Bethlehem, three of his mighty men boldly broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from that very well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it to David. Yet David refused to drink it, and instead poured it out before the Lord. (1 Chronicles 11:18)
The words David spoke then are deeply significant:
“Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?”
Because they had brought it at the risk of their own lives, David would not drink it. (1 Chronicles 11:19)
The daring deeds of these three mighty men teach us a profound truth: A leader must value and honor the labor of his fellow workers.
A true leader dedicates the sacrifices of his co-laborers to God, without taking advantage of them or building his kingdom on their toil. He exalts them rather than using them for his own gain.
This attitude lifted David’s leadership to the highest honor. Those who build their kingdoms on the sacrifice, labor, and dedication of others cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.