Day 126: David's Victories

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 8, 1 Chronicles 10-11, and Psalm 60.

I. 2 Samuel 8 records King David's military victories and the establishment of his kingdom. It stresses that his many victories were the result of the Lord's favor. His principal officials are listed: Joab, Jehoshaphat the Recorder, Zadok and Ahimelech, Seraiah, Benaiah, and his sons.

II. 1 Chronicles 10 recounts the death of Saul and serves as the transition from Saul's reign to David's. Unlike in 1 Samuel, Chronicles omits much of Saul's earlier life and focuses on why his reign ended.

In the next chapter, tells of the beginning of David's reign over all Israel. It parallels 2 Samuel 5, but the Chronicler gives greater attention to David's mighty warriors.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, has some good commentary on this:

There is a reason the stories of Saul and David are repeated in Chronicles: their author, Ezra, writes of the past to give the people a vision for the future - with a king and Temple worship. Ezra seeks to give Israel a clear sense of God's presence, both in the past and the present. He reminds them of their pedigree, of where they came from. He writes not only about David but of other mighty men of the time... The events described in the Bible are not incidental or arbitrary. They are meant for our direction, our education, and our vision. (p. 14)

III. Psalm 60 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (most verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. Israel appears to have suffered a military defeat, suggesting God was displeased with his people. Hope remained that Israel could rally if it recovered its fear of the Lord and recognized that victory in battle depends on divine and not human strength. An oracle of God, perhaps delivered by a prophet or priest, is quoted by the Psalmist (60:6-8). (p. 880)

That's it for today!