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1 Chronicles Chapter 18 (ESV)
5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. 6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. 7 And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a large amount of bronze. With it Solomon made the bronze sea and the pillars and the vessels of bronze.
9 When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, 10 he sent his son Hadoram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him; for Hadadezer had often been at war with Tou. And he sent all sorts of articles of gold, of silver, and of bronze. 11 These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he had carried off from all the nations, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek.
12 And Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, killed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 13 Then he put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.
14 So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people.
REFLECTION:
- David was a victorious and righteous king. We could have a glimpse of the glory when Jesus becomes king by looking at David’s brilliant achievement – total victory and righteousness. If David’s glory is great, how much greater will Jesus’ glory be! The Bible tells us the good news that we can have a close connection with Jesus Christ through faith. Reflect that in the future we will be kings together with Jesus and He will give us glory far greater than that of David’s.
- When Tou king of Hamath sent a lot of gifts to David, David dedicated the gifts to the Lord. People easily attribute the blessing of wealth and materials to their own talent and hardworking, while ignoring that it is a gift from the loving God (cf. James 1:17). Today God will guide you as how He guided David so that you can make good use of what you have. However, you first have to willing dedicate yourself to God. Reflect what God has given you? Are you willing to dedicate your gift, talent and even your whole life to God for His service.
PRAYER:
Praise the total victory and righteousness of Jesus Christ, and give all glory to Him. Ask God to walk with you daily as He walked with David so that you will enjoy His blessing and not to fear. Dedicate your life to God and fight the good fight for Him.
