David Is Anointed King and Takes Jerusalem

Text: 2 Samuel 5:1-12

Reflection and Question: Here is the account of the people of Israel pledging allegiance to David and anointing him king over them, and of David conquering the city of Jerusalem and claiming it as his city. God is not mentioned in these human endeavors until the writer comments, “David steadily grew stronger, for the Lord the God of Hosts was with him.” God was with David but God did not do his work for him. David gained the trust of the people through his hard work as Saul’s military commander, and won Jerusalem through assault and victory. How do we know God is with us?

Prayer: God of all life, we look to David and see both his hard work and Your strong Hand upon him. As You did with David, crown our work with Your blessing. Strengthen us as You strengthened David that we may rejoice in doing Your will. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).