The Essentials Of The Bible: Part 83 -- God Judges And Restores The People – Violence Begins Within The House Of David

Because of David’s sin against Uriah, the LORD said that the sword would never leave his house.  His daughter Tamar was a sister to Absalom his son; that is they had the same mother.  David had many wives and many children.  Absalom and Tamar were very close and he was her protector.  Their half brother Amnon fell in love with Tamar and became so obsessed with her that he made himself sick.  Tamar was a virgin and all that Amnon could think of was her. 

2 Samuel 13:1-4 ESV Now Absalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David's son, loved her.  (2)  And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her.  (3)  But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother. And Jonadab was a very crafty man.  (4)  And he said to him, "O son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me?" Amnon said to him, "I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister."

He lusted after her; and a very crafty friend of his Jonadab, who was actually a cousin, came up with a plan that would help Amnon fulfill his lust upon his half sister.  He told Amnon to fake an illness and when his father David would inquire about how he was feeling; that he was to say that if Tamar would come and cook for him his favorite meal at his house, that he would feel better.  So David had Tamar go and cook for Amnon.

2 Samuel 13:6-8 ESV So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. And when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, "Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand."  (7)  Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, "Go to your brother Amnon's house and prepare food for him."  (8)  So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house, where he was lying down. And she took dough and kneaded it and made cakes in his sight and baked the cakes.

When Tamar went to Amnon’s house she went where he was lying so he could watch her cook, but when she went to serve him, he had all of the servants leave.  When she began to serve him, he grabbed her and demanded that she go to bed with him.  She struggled and cried out, pleading with him not to do so wickedly; but he overpowered her and raped her.  As soon as Amnon raped Tamar, his love turned to hate and he threw her out of his house and had a servant lock the door.  She tore her robe and put ashes on her head.

2 Samuel 13:10-12 ESV Then Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from your hand." And Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.  (11)  But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, "Come, lie with me, my sister."  (12)  She answered him, "No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing.             

2 Samuel 13:14-19 ESV  But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.  (15)  Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, "Get up! Go!"  (16)  But she said to him, "No, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me." But he would not listen to her.  (17)  He called the young man who served him and said, "Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her."  (18)  Now she was wearing a long robe with sleeves, for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her.  (19)  And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe that she wore. And she laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went.

When her brother Absalom confronted her about the rape, she said it was true and he advised her to keep silent about it; he implied that he was going to avenge her.  This just added insult, to her injury; and Tamar had to live in her desolation in Absalom’s house.  When David found out, he was very angry, but little was done to Amnon.

2 Samuel 13:20-21 ESV And her brother Absalom said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart." So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom's house.  (21)  When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry.

Absalom plotted to murder Amnon.  Two years latter when Amnon didn’t suspect anything, he went to shear sheep with Absalom.  When his men got Amnon drunk, they killed him as Absalom ordered.  David’s other sons who were present fled on donkeys.  When the report got back to David, he was told that Absalom killed all of his sons.  Later it was found out that it was only Amnon.  David mourned many days for Amnon.  Absalom fled from Jerusalem and hid from his father.  After David came to terms with Amnon’s death, he longed to be reunited with his son Absalom.

 2 Samuel 13:27-29 ESV But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.  (28)  Then Absalom commanded his servants, "Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, 'Strike Amnon,' then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant."  (29)  So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and each mounted his mule and fled.

Rape and murder were only the beginning of violence that would plague David’s household.  Even though Absalom reconciled with David, he would ultimately prove to be an adversary and threat to David and his kingdom.

Prayer:  Almighty Father in Heaven; help us to fully understand that sin carries more than the death penalty.  That even though the blood of Christ covers the sin and frees us of the death penalty, there are other circumstances that we will have to live with.  Help us to walk in your righteousness in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Copyright © 2006, 2011  Thomas C. Blake

The Essentials Of The Bible: Part 82 -- God Judges And Restores The People – David And Bathsheba

In the spring of the year, farmers go to their fields to plant and kings would go out to the battle field.  This particular year, King David sent General Joab out to do battle with the Ammonites and they ravaged them and besieged Rabba their capital city.  This was situated in a mountainous tract of Gilead.  There are extensive ruins of that city remaining today.  So the army of Israel, under Joab went to war, but David remained in Jerusalem.

One day, David was on his terrace that overlooked the rooftops beyond his palatial residence and as he surveyed the city, he could see a most beautiful woman, from across the way who was bathing.  All was perfectly innocent, until David sent his servants to acquire about who she was.  That was the first step, one small degree off course.  He was told that she was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of his lieutenants in the army.  In fact, Uriah was a very good friend of the king.  When David captured Jerusalem away from the Hittites and Jebusites, he allowed only a handful of the captive people to remain and Uriah was one.  Joab, of all people, would not have made him an officer in David’s army, except that he was the Kings personal good friend. 

At the point of finding out that the woman was married and the wife of his good friend and loyal officer of the army, David should have prayed a blessing upon Uriah and sent a command to give Uriah a furlough for a week or two to spend with his wife.  But David had been surveying his great city, The LORD had given him all and in a moment of vain weakness, he felt entitled to partake of the forbidden because he was the king.  Bathsheba was brought to the palace where David entertains her and fulfills his sexual lust upon her and she becomes pregnant.

2 Samuel 11:2-5 ESV It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful.  (3)  And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?"  (4)  So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house.  (5)  And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, "I am pregnant."

In order to cover up their sin, David sends word to Joab to have Uriah sent back with a battle report.  He then does what he should have done before he turned his innocent thought into sin.  He sends Uriah home and gives him a furlough to spend time with his wife; but now it was not innocent.  David’s sin has now hatched a conspiracy to cover up his adultery.  “Surely Uriah, coming off the battle field, after months of war, would be anxious to be intimate with his wife and then nine months later; he would think that the baby was his.” David said to himself.  So David sends Uriah home and gives him a furlough to spend time with his wife and be refreshed from the battle; but Uriah was not only loyal to his king, but he was dedicated to his men.  He could not enjoy the comfort of his wife while his men were in the heat of the battle, so he refuses to go home.  Instead, Uriah slept that night at the palace gate with the king’s guard.  Then David invited Uriah to dinner and got him drunk, but still Uriah would not go home to his wife.

2 Samuel 11:6-9 ESV So David sent word to Joab, "Send me Uriah the Hittite." And Joab sent Uriah to David.  (7)  When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab was doing and how the people were doing and how the war was going.  (8)  Then David said to Uriah, "Go down to your house and wash your feet." And Uriah went out of the king's house, and there followed him a present from the king.  (9)  But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

The conspiracy to cover up the adulterous affair now turned into a plot of murder.  David sends Uriah back to Joab with a dispatch, a written decree sealed with the royal stamp.  In the dispatch were instructions to send Uriah into the hottest part of the battle, to put him in the front lines so that he would be killed.  Uriah carried his own death warrant to the general.  Joab sent Uriah to the front where he was quickly killed. 

2 Samuel 11:13-15 ESV And David invited him, and he ate in his presence and drank, so that he made him drunk. And in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house.  (14)  In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah.  (15)  In the letter he wrote, "Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck down, and die."

Word was sent back to David.  Now, after waiting a respectable time, David could marry Bathsheba and carry on his adultery openly and claim the child as his.  No one would be the wiser.  But David forgot that there was a God in Israel and no king is exempt from the law and its penalty.  David goes on, business as usual.  His conspiracy worked and his sin was covered up.

2 Samuel 11:16-17 ESV And as Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew there were valiant men.  (17)  And the men of the city came out and fought with Joab, and some of the servants of David among the people fell. Uriah the Hittite also died.

Then Nathan comes to David with a problem that needs the intervention of the king.  It seems that there were two men in Israel, one exceedingly rich with a great many sheep and cattle, the other was extremely poor and had only one little ewe lamb that he raised.  It had become his children’s pet lamb and even the man had the lamb eat from his own plate and drink from his own cup.  He held this lamb close to his bosom as one of his children.  Then one day the rich man had wanted to entertain a guest and serve him a roast leg of lamb dinner.  Not wanting to take one of his many fine lambs, he steals and slaughters the poor man’s family pet and serves it to his guest.  David is enraged!  “As surely as I live, that man shall die!” shouted David.

Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man!

2 Samuel 12:1-7 ESV And the LORD sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, "There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor.  (2)  The rich man had very many flocks and herds,  (3)  but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him.  (4)  Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him."  (5)  Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, (6) and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."  (7)  Nathan said to David, "You are the man! “

The Lord, the God of Israel, says: I took you from the sheepfold and ordained you the anointed shepherd of my people, taking the kingdom away from Saul and establishing for you an everlasting dynasty.  I gave you everything and if that wasn’t enough, I would have given you much, much more.  Why have you disgraced my word and committed this great atrocity by murdering Uriah with the sword of the Ammonites and then stole his wife?  There fore the sword will never leave your house.  There will be bloodshed within your family and your wives will openly commit adultery against you in public.  What you did in secret I will cause to happen to you in full public view.  The child of this sinful deed will die”  David repented and fasted for seven days pleading for the life of his child, but on the seventh day, the child died as Nathan had said; but, the LORD spared David’s life.  Then David comforted Bathsheba and slept with her and she conceived and gave birth to a son; they named him Solomon.

2 Samuel 12:7-12 ESV Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.  (8)  And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.  (9)  Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.  (10)  Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.'  (11)  Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.  (12)  For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'"

2 Samuel 12:15-18 ESV Then Nathan went to his house. And the LORD afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick.  (16)  David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.  (17)  And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them.  (18)  On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, "Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm."

2 Samuel 12:24 ESV Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the LORD loved him.

Prayer:  Most Merciful Heavenly Father, help us to learn from the stories of the Bible.  Let them live in our hearts and direct our paths into your righteousness, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright © 2006, 2011  Thomas C. Blake

The Essentials Of The Bible: Part 81 -- God Judges And Restores The People – God Promises That David’s Dynasty would Reign Forever

Establishing his reign over Israel, David had to be patient and had to trust in the LORD.  His heart was kind and righteous; yet he ruled with strength and justice.  God was with David and gave him victory over all of his enemies and David wanted to build a temple for the LORD.  But the LORD told Nathan the prophet to tell David that his kingdom would be established forever.  Unlike Saul, the LORD would never take away the kingdom from David’s descendants.  If his descendants would go astray, the LORD would chastise them and bring them back into favor with the LORD.  But the LORD would give the responsibility to one of David’s descendants to build a temple. 

2 Samuel 7:5-16 ESV "Go and tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in?  (6)  I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling.  (7)  In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"'  (8)  Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel.  (9)  And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.  (10)  And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly,  (11)  from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.  (12)  When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.  (13)  He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.  (14)  I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, (15)  but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.  (16)  And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'"

David humbly thanked the LORD and accepted His promise with a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart.  He didn’t feel worthy of the LORD’s promise of blessings.  David looked to the Most High LORD of Heaven as his personal sovereign and the true sovereign of Israel.  Knowing that the LORD was going to establish a dynasty of kings through the House of David was quite overwhelming.

We know that the WORD of God is true.  There has to be an unbroken lineage of King David that has continued to our day.  Whether that king and kingdom has been in exile down through the ages or has appeared in a form not recognized by historians, the fact remains that the Bible is clear on God’s promise to the Davidic Dynasty.  So where could that kingdom be today?  It is an established fact that all of the Kings and Queens of England; coroneted from 1308 have been coroneted on King Edward’s Chair that hold’s what is believed to be Jacob’s pillow/pillar stone (the stone that Jacob erected in Bethel, when God gave his promise to Jacob of a nation and a company of nations that would come out of his loins). 

Genesis 35:11-14 KJV And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; (12)  And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.  (13)  And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.  (14)  And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

The promise of God was that a nation and a company of nations would descend from Jacob, also called Israel.  Down through history, there are no two nations that could epitomize or be the quintessential; fulfillments of this prophesy than the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the United States.  There was a time when the sun didn’t set on the British Commonwealth (company of nations).  God had also promised Abraham that through him and his lineage, all of the people of the world would be blessed.

Genesis 12:1-3 ESV Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.  (2)  And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  (3) I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

History record’s that no two nations have ever blessed the world like the United States and Great Britain; in fact, other Western European nations have regularly joined with the U.S. and U.K. to bless the world and make efforts to establish world peace.  Both nations have carried the hope of the Gospel to the world.  King James of England authorized the translation of the Bible; it was commissioned by the King!  In America, the words, “In God we trust,” appears on our currency and in many of the walls of historic government buildings.

The chair of King Edward is believed to be the throne of King David.  

There is a lot of speculation and a lot of Celtic/Irish, Scottish and English legends that claim the prophet Jeremiah (in the company of his scribe Baruch) took King Zedekiah's daughter to Ireland where she founded a line of Davidic kings that has continued on down to this day.  There are no historical documents to prove this.  The conjecture though is fascinating.

A man named Richard Steel claims to be a descendant of the Scottish throne and documents (unsupported) a family tree back to Adam and Eve.  He also parallels the British Royal Family back through King David to Adam as well.  See his web site:  http://www.jesusevidence.org/gen.html.

The concept of British Israelism (U.S. Britain and Western Europe being the lost tribes of Israel) has been published by literally thousands of writers since the early 1800s.  Could it be fact, or is it just folk lore?  Only the LORD truly knows.  We do know that Jesus Christ will return as King of kings and establish the throne of David in the Kingdom of God for all eternity.  David will live on as a man and a king after God’s own heart.  That heart moved The LORD to continue to make David mighty in battle, giving him continued victories over all of his enemies.  One day David asked his servants to find out if there was any one left of the house of Saul, because he wanted to show some kindness as a respect to the memory of his best friend Jonathan.  David had a compassionate heart toward Saul, Jonathan and their family. 

2 Samuel 9:1 ESV And David said, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son was still alive; so David had him brought before him and he bestowed great kindness upon him by giving him all of the lands that belonged to his grandfather Saul; and he also insisted that he eat at the king’s table with him.  Mephibosheth was very humble and replied, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”  So from that time on, Mephibosheth sat at David’s table as one of his sons.

2 Samuel 9:7-13 ESV And David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always."  (8)  And he paid homage and said, "What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?"  (9)  Then the king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's grandson.  (10)  And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master's grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master's grandson shall always eat at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.  (11)  Then Ziba said to the king, "According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table, like one of the king's sons.  (12)  And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba's house became Mephibosheth's servants.  (13)  So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet.

As Christians, we are called out of this world to prepare for the world to come.  We are called to a life of transformation in Christ.

Romans 12:2 KJV And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are also called to overcome the world and to overcome sin.  If we do, there is a promise from Jesus Christ to sit on His throne with Him.

Revelation 3:21 KJV To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, thank you for your marvelous promises and the glory that will be revealed in those who overcome.  Thank you for my calling, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright © 2006, 2011  Thomas C. Blake

The Essentials Of The Bible: Part 80 -- God Judges And Restores The People – God Promises That David’s Dynasty would Reign Forever

Establishing his reign over Israel, David had to be patient and had to trust in the LORD.  His heart was kind and righteous; yet he ruled with strength and justice.  God was with David and gave him victory over all of his enemies and David wanted to build a temple for the LORD.  But the LORD told Nathan the prophet to tell David that his kingdom would be established forever.  Unlike Saul, the LORD would never take away the kingdom from David’s descendants.  If his descendants would go astray, the LORD would chastise them and bring them back into favor with the LORD.  But the LORD would give the responsibility to one of David’s descendants to build a temple. 

2 Samuel 7:5-16 ESV "Go and tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in?  (6)  I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling.  (7)  In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"'  (8)  Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel.  (9)  And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.  (10)  And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly,  (11)  from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.  (12)  When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.  (13)  He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.  (14)  I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, (15)  but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.  (16)  And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'"

David humbly thanked the LORD and accepted His promise with a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart.  He didn’t feel worthy of the LORD’s promise of blessings.  David looked to the Most High LORD of Heaven as his personal sovereign and the true sovereign of Israel.  Knowing that the LORD was going to establish a dynasty of kings through the House of David was quite overwhelming.

We know that the WORD of God is true.  There has to be an unbroken lineage of King David that has continued to our day.  Whether that king and kingdom has been in exile down through the ages or has appeared in a form not recognized by historians, the fact remains that the Bible is clear on God’s promise to the Davidic Dynasty.  So where could that kingdom be today?  It is an established fact that all of the Kings and Queens of England; coroneted from 1308 have been coroneted on King Edward’s Chair that hold’s what is believed to be Jacob’s pillow/pillar stone (the stone that Jacob erected in Bethel, when God gave his promise to Jacob of a nation and a company of nations that would come out of his loins). 

Genesis 35:11-14 KJV And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; (12)  And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.  (13)  And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.  (14)  And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

The promise of God was that a nation and a company of nations would descend from Jacob, also called Israel.  Down through history, there are no two nations that could epitomize or be the quintessential; fulfillments of this prophesy than the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the United States.  There was a time when the sun didn’t set on the British Commonwealth (company of nations).  God had also promised Abraham that through him and his lineage, all of the people of the world would be blessed.

Genesis 12:1-3 ESV Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.  (2)  And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  (3) I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

History record’s that no two nations have ever blessed the world like the United States and Great Britain; in fact, other Western European nations have regularly joined with the U.S. and U.K. to bless the world and make efforts to establish world peace.  Both nations have carried the hope of the Gospel to the world.  King James of England authorized the translation of the Bible; it was commissioned by the King!  In America, the words, “In God we trust,” appears on our currency and in many of the walls of historic government buildings.

The chair of King Edward is believed to be the throne of King David.  

There is a lot of speculation and a lot of Celtic/Irish, Scottish and English legends that claim the prophet Jeremiah (in the company of his scribe Baruch) took King Zedekiah's daughter to Ireland where she founded a line of Davidic kings that has continued on down to this day.  There are no historical documents to prove this.  The conjecture though is fascinating.

A man named Richard Steel claims to be a descendant of the Scottish throne and documents (unsupported) a family tree back to Adam and Eve.  He also parallels the British Royal Family back through King David to Adam as well.  See his web site:  http://www.jesusevidence.org/gen.html.

The concept of British Israelism (U.S. Britain and Western Europe being the lost tribes of Israel) has been published by literally thousands of writers since the early 1800s.  Could it be fact, or is it just folk lore?  Only the LORD truly knows.  We do know that Jesus Christ will return as King of kings and establish the throne of David in the Kingdom of God for all eternity.  David will live on as a man and a king after God’s own heart.  That heart moved The LORD to continue to make David mighty in battle, giving him continued victories over all of his enemies.  One day David asked his servants to find out if there was any one left of the house of Saul, because he wanted to show some kindness as a respect to the memory of his best friend Jonathan.  David had a compassionate heart toward Saul, Jonathan and their family. 

2 Samuel 9:1 ESV And David said, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son was still alive; so David had him brought before him and he bestowed great kindness upon him by giving him all of the lands that belonged to his grandfather Saul; and he also insisted that he eat at the king’s table with him.  Mephibosheth was very humble and replied, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”  So from that time on, Mephibosheth sat at David’s table as one of his sons.

2 Samuel 9:7-13 ESV And David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always."  (8)  And he paid homage and said, "What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?"  (9)  Then the king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's grandson.  (10)  And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master's grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master's grandson shall always eat at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.  (11)  Then Ziba said to the king, "According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table, like one of the king's sons.  (12)  And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba's house became Mephibosheth's servants.  (13)  So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet.

As Christians, we are called out of this world to prepare for the world to come.  We are called to a life of transformation in Christ.

Romans 12:2 KJV And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are also called to overcome the world and to overcome sin.  If we do, there is a promise from Jesus Christ to sit on His throne with Him.

Revelation 3:21 KJV To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, thank you for your marvelous promises and the glory that will be revealed in those who overcome.  Thank you for my calling, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright © 2006, 2011  Thomas C. Blake

The Essentials Of The Bible: Part 80 -- God Judges And Restores The People – Victory Over Philistia And The Ark Brought Back

The LORD Gives The Victory To A Yielding And Humble King

After conquering Jerusalem, the Philistines heard that David was now king over all of Israel and they mobilized all of their forces to capture him.  They knew his ferocity for battle and that he was a charismatic leader who could touch the hearts of his army.  It was clear that David had the absolute confidence of the people solidly united behind him and with the power of the LORD and heaven’s host, he would be unstoppable.  So David, as it was his custom to do; he yielded to God and inquired of the LORD if he should do battle with the Philistines and the LORD said yes.  At Baal-perazim, David defeated the Philistines and he gave the LORD all of the credit.  In fact the city was named after this battle where; “The LORD burst through the enemy like a flood.”  The Philistines fled; leaving behind their wooden idols.  David said, “Burn them and eradicate paganism from Israel!”

2 Samuel 5:17-20 ESV When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold.  (18)  Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.  (19)  And David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?" And the LORD said to David, "Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand."  (20)  And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, "The LORD has burst through my enemies before me like a bursting flood." Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.

When the Philistines regrouped for another battle, David inquired of the LORD if he should attack; and the LORD said; “No; do not attack straight on; but circle behind the Philistines near the balsam trees.  When you hear marching in the tops of the trees, know that it is the Hosts of Heaven that are moving forward to give you the victory.” 

2 Samuel 5:23-25 ESV And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, "You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.  (24)  And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines."  (25)  And David did as the LORD commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.

The Beginning Of An Eternal Kingdom Established Through David

Putting the Philistines down was a mighty victory for David and all of Israel.  Remember when the Philistines had stolen the Ark of the Covenant, The LORD sent plagues until they finally put the Ark on a cart and directed the oxen in the direction of Israel.  They wanted no part of the Ark and the plagues of the LORD.  They knew the power of the God of Israel.  They knew David had that power with him; so they gave it their all to try to capture David and keep Israel under their control; but the LORD had other plans for David and all of Israel.  The time had come to establish the nation of God’s people and establish the kingdom and the lineage through whom God himself would come to the people of the world in the flesh; Emanuel, God with us.  That is why David was chosen.  The LORD was looking for a king who had a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart and who loved worship and praise; who would lead the people spiritually.  The LORD was also looking for a strong and courageous man who could lead the people in battle against the infidel, the pagans that lived at the borders of Israel.  The LORD needed a man after God’s own heart; and He found him in David.

A Jeweled City For A Righteous King And The LORD Of Israel

The first thing David desired to do to establish his kingdom was to capture the stronghold of Zion, that is Jerusalem; and make it fit for the real king; the King of kings, the Eternal.  Once captured, David imported architects and builders to make the City of David, the crown jewel of the Kingdom of the LORD. 

Uzzah Stuck Down Dead By The LORD

Once the Philistines were destroyed and removed from the land, David wanted the Ark of the Covenant brought into; “The Jeweled City of David.”  A large procession of musicians and singers celebrated with musical instruments as the Ark was brought forth; with David leading in the rejoicing.  The two sons of Abinadab, Uzzah and Ahio; were commissioned to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem on a new ox cart.  This was not the way the LORD instructed.  The Ark was always to be carried on poles by Levites.  When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out for the Ark and touched it to steady it.  This was also a violation; no one was ever to touch the Ark and the LORD struck Uzzah dead on the spot.  Imagine the horror of seeing a man struck down in the middle of this festive event!  David was mortified, angry and afraid.  So the Ark was taken to Obed-edom’s house, where is stayed for three months.  Those three months were a time of great blessings for Obed-edom.

2 Samuel 6:4-7 KJV And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.  (5)  And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.  (6)  And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.  (7)  And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

David Brings The Ark To Jerusalem With Great Rejoicing In Worship And Praise

When David saw that the LORD was blessing Obed-edom, he felt reassured to bring the Ark to Jerusalem; and so he did.  When the men carrying the Ark had gone only six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fatted calf.  There was great rejoicing, worship and praise.  David danced before the LORD in the Spirit, giving total abandon to his inhibitions.  He was the LORD’s servant and he was going to pour out his heart into worship and praise; which he did.  He was girded with only a linen ephod.  The people rejoiced with their humble king. 

2 Samuel 6:12-15 KJV And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.  (13)  And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.  (14)  And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.  (15)  So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

David’s Wife Pronounces A Curse On Herself

When they got to Jerusalem, David’s wife, Michal saw him and despised him for his public display of worship.  She cursed him with distain in her heart and openly chastised him when he came home.  David rebuked her and said that he didn’t care what she thought; he was going to worship the LORD as the Spirit led him!  God withheld the blessing of children for Michal and she remained childless until the day she died.

2 Samuel 6:16 KJV And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

2 Samuel 6:20-23 KJV Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!  (21)  And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.  (22)  And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.  (23)  Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

We have seen in this story how David consulted with the LORD with every move into battle; yet he didn’t do that with bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem.  The result was the death of Uzzah.  David was a man after God’s own heart.  When he brought the Ark back properly, there was great blessings and rejoicing.  David showed the world for generations to come; how to worship and praise the LORD.  Those who despise public expressions of reverence and love to the LORD will only bring a curse upon themselves as Michal did.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, my LORD, all praise, honor and glory is to be given to you and you alone.  Thank you for your servant David who set us the example of how to worship with our whole heart, with singing, dancing and playing musical instruments.  Bless my worship LORD, in Jesus’ name, Amen.




Copyright © 2006, 2011  Thomas C. Blake

The Essentials Of The Bible: Part 80 -- God Judges And Restores The People – Victory Over Philistia And The Ark Brought Back

The LORD Gives The Victory To A Yielding And Humble King

After conquering Jerusalem, the Philistines heard that David was now king over all of Israel and they mobilized all of their forces to capture him.  They knew his ferocity for battle and that he was a charismatic leader who could touch the hearts of his army.  It was clear that David had the absolute confidence of the people solidly united behind him and with the power of the LORD and heaven’s host, he would be unstoppable.  So David, as it was his custom to do; he yielded to God and inquired of the LORD if he should do battle with the Philistines and the LORD said yes.  At Baal-perazim, David defeated the Philistines and he gave the LORD all of the credit.  In fact the city was named after this battle where; “The LORD burst through the enemy like a flood.”  The Philistines fled; leaving behind their wooden idols.  David said, “Burn them and eradicate paganism from Israel!”

2 Samuel 5:17-20 ESV When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold.  (18)  Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.  (19)  And David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?" And the LORD said to David, "Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand."  (20)  And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, "The LORD has burst through my enemies before me like a bursting flood." Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.

When the Philistines regrouped for another battle, David inquired of the LORD if he should attack; and the LORD said; “No; do not attack straight on; but circle behind the Philistines near the balsam trees.  When you hear marching in the tops of the trees, know that it is the Hosts of Heaven that are moving forward to give you the victory.” 

2 Samuel 5:23-25 ESV And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, "You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.  (24)  And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines."  (25)  And David did as the LORD commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.

The Beginning Of An Eternal Kingdom Established Through David

Putting the Philistines down was a mighty victory for David and all of Israel.  Remember when the Philistines had stolen the Ark of the Covenant, The LORD sent plagues until they finally put the Ark on a cart and directed the oxen in the direction of Israel.  They wanted no part of the Ark and the plagues of the LORD.  They knew the power of the God of Israel.  They knew David had that power with him; so they gave it their all to try to capture David and keep Israel under their control; but the LORD had other plans for David and all of Israel.  The time had come to establish the nation of God’s people and establish the kingdom and the lineage through whom God himself would come to the people of the world in the flesh; Emanuel, God with us.  That is why David was chosen.  The LORD was looking for a king who had a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart and who loved worship and praise; who would lead the people spiritually.  The LORD was also looking for a strong and courageous man who could lead the people in battle against the infidel, the pagans that lived at the borders of Israel.  The LORD needed a man after God’s own heart; and He found him in David.

A Jeweled City For A Righteous King And The LORD Of Israel

The first thing David desired to do to establish his kingdom was to capture the stronghold of Zion, that is Jerusalem; and make it fit for the real king; the King of kings, the Eternal.  Once captured, David imported architects and builders to make the City of David, the crown jewel of the Kingdom of the LORD. 

Uzzah Stuck Down Dead By The LORD

Once the Philistines were destroyed and removed from the land, David wanted the Ark of the Covenant brought into; “The Jeweled City of David.”  A large procession of musicians and singers celebrated with musical instruments as the Ark was brought forth; with David leading in the rejoicing.  The two sons of Abinadab, Uzzah and Ahio; were commissioned to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem on a new ox cart.  This was not the way the LORD instructed.  The Ark was always to be carried on poles by Levites.  When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out for the Ark and touched it to steady it.  This was also a violation; no one was ever to touch the Ark and the LORD struck Uzzah dead on the spot.  Imagine the horror of seeing a man struck down in the middle of this festive event!  David was mortified, angry and afraid.  So the Ark was taken to Obed-edom’s house, where is stayed for three months.  Those three months were a time of great blessings for Obed-edom.

2 Samuel 6:4-7 KJV And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.  (5)  And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.  (6)  And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.  (7)  And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

David Brings The Ark To Jerusalem With Great Rejoicing In Worship And Praise

When David saw that the LORD was blessing Obed-edom, he felt reassured to bring the Ark to Jerusalem; and so he did.  When the men carrying the Ark had gone only six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fatted calf.  There was great rejoicing, worship and praise.  David danced before the LORD in the Spirit, giving total abandon to his inhibitions.  He was the LORD’s servant and he was going to pour out his heart into worship and praise; which he did.  He was girded with only a linen ephod.  The people rejoiced with their humble king. 

2 Samuel 6:12-15 KJV And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.  (13)  And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.  (14)  And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.  (15)  So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

David’s Wife Pronounces A Curse On Herself

When they got to Jerusalem, David’s wife, Michal saw him and despised him for his public display of worship.  She cursed him with distain in her heart and openly chastised him when he came home.  David rebuked her and said that he didn’t care what she thought; he was going to worship the LORD as the Spirit led him!  God withheld the blessing of children for Michal and she remained childless until the day she died.

2 Samuel 6:16 KJV And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

2 Samuel 6:20-23 KJV Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!  (21)  And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.  (22)  And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.  (23)  Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

We have seen in this story how David consulted with the LORD with every move into battle; yet he didn’t do that with bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem.  The result was the death of Uzzah.  David was a man after God’s own heart.  When he brought the Ark back properly, there was great blessings and rejoicing.  David showed the world for generations to come; how to worship and praise the LORD.  Those who despise public expressions of reverence and love to the LORD will only bring a curse upon themselves as Michal did.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, my LORD, all praise, honor and glory is to be given to you and you alone.  Thank you for your servant David who set us the example of how to worship with our whole heart, with singing, dancing and playing musical instruments.  Bless my worship LORD, in Jesus’ name, Amen.