After the re-establishment of worship by returning the ark back to Jerusalem (chapter 16), God’s renewed His Covenant with David (chapter 17). David found favour with God, and God blessed David and established his throne forever. In the reading of chapter 18 today, we see a great example of God’s blessing upon a man who is after His heart. God expanded the kingdom by giving David success in the battles against his enemies. The Philistines had been a powerful force that had troubled Israel since they entered into the promise land during the time of Joshua, but David defeated the Philistines and subdued them. He took the city of Gath, which was also well known for producing a race of giants. Goliath was from the city (1 Samuel 17:4). Later in David’s life, he struck down another four giants who lived in Gath, of which one was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants (2 Samuel 21:20).

David also defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah-Hamath, and his territory expanded to the Euphrates river. This was a fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham, when God promised Abraham that his offspring will receive the land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates (Genesis 15:18). However, not every neighbouring land was hostile to Israel. The King of Hamath, Tou who was constantly at war with Hadadezer was pleased to know that David had defeated his enemy. He sought peace by paying tributes to David.

David took the land from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistines, and from Amalek. If we look at the location of these people group, we can see how God used David to lead Israel to victory over enemies from all direction. The whole land of Canaan which God promised to Abraham (Genesis 17:8) was now under the reign of David.

The reason for David’s success was because the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. The author highlighted this in verse 6 and repeated himself in verse 13. Now, we might be thinking, “yeah, yeah, no need to repeat again and again, I get the point, God gave David the victory, let’s move on to the next point.” Look, there is no next point, this IS the point. The only reason for any form of victory in our lives is because the Lord granted it. It is not that we are good, capable or strong that victory is bestowed upon us, it is because God had grace us with it.

David understood that and in all his ways, he acknowledged God. David took the precious metals from the land of conquest and made preparation for the future building of the temple in the worship of God. He also dedicated the collection of the tributes from all the lands to God. David knew that it was the Lord who gave him victory wherever he went. David was also careful to leave only enough for himself when he hamstrung all the chariot horses, only leaving 100 chariots (v4). This was to remind himself not rely too on his own military might.

His heart was that this nation would humble themselves and returned back to the worship of God. It is very easy to be swept by accomplishments. We like to put a hero on the pedestal and think it was “I” who have got it right. We must return to acknowledge God for the victories in our lives and turn all these successes into worship. In our daily worship, we must be able and willing to say as Paul says in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Prayer : God, would you help us turn all our successes to point people to worship you. If we are materially rich, we offer it to you as worship. If we are successful in our career or studies, may we tell others of your goodness which led to that success. May our testimonies reflect your glory so that people will know your name. In Jesus name we pray, amen.