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Part of God’s covenant with David included the promise that the Israelite’s enemies would be defeated and would no longer oppress them. David wanted to complete the conquest of Canaan begun by Joshua. He defeated the Jebusites in Jerusalem and the Philistines near Gath. The Ammonites, Arameans, and Moabites became his subjects. He put garrisons in Edom and levied a tax upon them. 

I’m thinking back to the two spies, Joshua and Caleb, who first stepped foot in this promised land a few centuries earlier (Numbers 13). Upon entering the land, they put aside their fears and trusted God’s promises. Their thought was that “God brought us this far and won’t let us down now. We can continue trusting God, remembering all He has done for us.” Through David’s victories, these two looked down from heaven, elated with David’s obedience and success. David finished what they had started.

Though David desired to build the temple for God in Jerusalem, God had other plans. Not only is David faithful and obedient to God’s direction, but he also praises God and continues in the goodness of God. With David’s faithfulness, God’s covenant is about to be fulfilled.

Final thought:  Can you remember a time when God redirected your plans? I pray the next time this happens to me, I will respond with faithfulness, obedience, and praise. How about you?

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