David Anointed King of Israel

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

2 Samuel 5:11-12

11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also carpenters and masons who built David a house.
12 And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

This passage begins the description of a long standing relationship between David and a Phoenician King named Hiram. The Word tells us that the relationship between these two men, describing them as leaders of their nations, each seeking the best for their people and working together for the mutual benefit of all.

1 Kings 5:1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David.

Even after David’s passing, Hiram continued to work with Solomon, delivering the required materials for his vast construction projects, including the kings house, and finally the Temple of God.

Our verse this morning though speaks of the first instance this relationship between David and Hiram is mentioned, and it appears Hiram initiated the transaction. Let’s remember that David’s kingdom was in it’s infancy, that the nation had only healed recently, that David was newly placed on the throne of a nation that had been in civil war.

David had established himself as a very capable warrior, and had taken the city of the Jebusites by cunning. A wise man would see this young warrior and find it favorable to align his kingdom with David, and this is apparently what Hiram is doing at this time.

As an aside, after the death of David, there seemed to be a need for a treaty between these two nations.

1 Kings 5:12 And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

Now, at first glance this seems innocent, but it also implies no treaty was needed during the time of David. I don’t want to make too much of this other than bringing it to our attention. David and Hiram, as two national leaders, seemed to be content with a relation of coexistence, without a formal treaty being required.

Hiram sent to David not only the materials needed for his kings house, but also the skilled men to construct the house. This is an enormous act of reaching out to this young “upstart” king, and shows the wisdom of Hiram in aligning himself and his people with a nation on track to become a world power.

Hiram saw it coming. And David was realizing it. All the running and living under persecution, all the uncertainty and brushes with death, all the threats and conspiracies against him all behind him, with the future looking as promised.

God had fulfilled His promise to David. The nation was heading into it’s golden age!

For us who are following Jesus today, we are in the state of following a persecuted King, as David was prior to his ascension. Yet we also are in a state, (if we will admit it), of the Great King reigning over all, not only His people in the church, but over all of creation, all the nations, each people group is under the authority of the Messiah.

Our mission is to bring them under a willing compliance to His Lordship, instead of the ignorance and rebellion we all have had towards our Greater David.

Hiram saw the wisdom of seeking favor of Israel’s new Regent. It is the same today. If you are one who has refused to bend the knee to King Jesus, consider who Jesus is.

For Jesus is King, and He rules the nations. Join Him while you have opportunity. Confess your rejection of Him, your sinful attitude and actions against Him. Trust Him, for He is a King like no other.

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