2 Samuel 2:1–7

It happened after this that David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?”

And the LORD said to him, “Go up.”

David said, “Where shall I go up?”

And He said, “To Hebron.”

So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. And David brought up the men who were with him, every man with his household. So they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.

Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul.” So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “You are blessed of the LORD, for you have shown this kindness to your lord, to Saul, and have buried him. And now may the LORD show kindness and truth to you. I also will repay you this kindness, because you have done this thing. Now therefore, let your hands be strengthened, and be valiant; for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

Notice how carefully, even gingerly, David takes over the kingdom. It’s the exact opposite of a “take charge” CEO who comes in and cleans house.

First, David checks with the LORD to see if he should go into any city at all, and after getting a green light, he then asks, “Which one?”

Only with God’s approval does David decide where to settle. It sounds like he’s not ready to be king.

Actually, it’s the opposite. David is showing that he’s a natural at this.

After ascending to the throne, David’s first action is to commend the men who buried Saul. This commendation isn’t some formulaic thank you letter; it’s a detailed commendation explaining why what they did was good and praying detailed blessings on the men who did it. David even promises rewards.

And now may the LORD show kindness and truth to you. I also will repay you this kindness, because you have done this thing.

When people are out of their depth, it shows—like a guy who acts a little too macho. Conversely, David checks with God when everyone else doesn’t want him to take the time to do it. He commends people for helping honor a rival.

David is showing signs of being comfortable with his calling.

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These weekday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. The Saturday ones are written by Matt Richardson. To subscribe to the DEEP click here: https://www.ailbe.org/resources/community

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Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.