Day 104&105: 2 Samuel 8-10, 1 Chronicles 18-19, Psalms 20, 53, 60, 75

David seems to be at the height of his power. He is defeating all his enemies because...

The LORD gave David victory wherever he went. (2 Samuel 18:6)

Not only did God give him have military power over his enemies he also was ruled his people well:

David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. (2 Samuel 8:15)

It seems he went looking for good things to do for people...even, and especially, those who were descendants of Saul.

David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)

There was a man named Mephibosheth who was Jonathan's son, Saul's grandson. Because of his deep friendship with Jonathan David had Mephibosheth brought to him and said:

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” (2 Samuel 9:7)

I'm starting to consider another characteristic of David...it seems he never did anything half-way. When he was in battle he was no match for his enemies...and, by today's standards, was ruthless and barbaric. Check this out:

David also defeated the Moabites. He made them lie down on the ground and measured them off with a length of cord. Every two lengths of them were put to death, and the third length was allowed to live. (2 Samuel 8:2)

But, on the other hand, he went out of his way looking for ways to show kindness to a crippled grandson of his former enemy. Everything he did was with all his heart, soul, mind and strength...and it was done for the glory of God, not himself.

King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued: Edom and Moab, the Ammonites and the Philistines, and Amalek. He also dedicated the plunder taken from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. (2 Samuel 8:11-12)

 That's why David could write a psalm like Psalm 20:

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
   but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)

In reading today's psalms I noticed something I hadn't really ever paid attention to before. Some of the psalms have a little heading, or title, or description at the top. I've read those before and noted whether it was a psalm of David or someone else but there are some that also have a note about the tune that is to be used to sing them. Like this:

To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” (Psalm 60 heading)

Or this:

To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” (Psalm 75 heading)

It seems the idea of writing new words to existing melodies is as old as scripture itself. I find this interesting.

I also thought this bit of Psalm 75 was noteworthy:

No one from the east or the west
   or from the desert can exalt themselves.
It is God who judges:
   He brings one down, he exalts another. (Psalm 75:6-7)

I'm reminded that I always need to be examining my motives...are the things I say and do for the purpose of exalting myself? I should let God take care of any exalting...or bringing down...that's going to take place.