Sunday School Lesson. July 16, 2017:Topic: David’s Successes As King.

            Sunday School Lesson.  July 16, 2017

            

Topic:  David’s Successes As King.

MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 78:72. He (David) fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands (kjv)

Lesson Text: 2 Samuel 5:1-12; 6:12-23; 7:1-17; 1Chronicles 13:1-4

CENTRAL TRUTH: Obeying God is essential for success.

FOCUS: To observe that David recognized God as the source of his successes and glorify God by our living.

OutLine:

1.     King David Captures Jerusalem

A.    Israel Looks to David.

B.     David proves Himself.

2.     Ark of The Covenant Returned.

A.    David Puts God First

B.     David Celebrates Before The Lord.

3.     David Seeks To Honor God.

A.    A place of Dwelling

B.     God Responds

Learning objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1.Recognise that God is the source  for the believer’s success.

2. Perceive the central role of obedience to God in experiencing  a vital, growing Christian life.

3. Glorify God as Lord of their lives. 

Introducing The Lesson.

 The Westminster Larger Catechism, which is a collection of questions and answers used to teach people about Christianity, states “ Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully enjoy Him forever”. In other to bring  glory to their Creator.   As they do this, they will know joy both in this life and in life to come.

  Glorifying God and the eternal joy are forever linked. It seems clear that David understood this truth. As you go through this lesson, take time to apply it to your own heart, even as you are challenged to examine how you can glorify God in even greater ways.

Commentary and Application.

 

1.     King David Captures Jerusalem

A.    Israel Looks to David. 2Samuel 5:1-5

           Following the death of Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth, who had reigned over the eleven northern tribes of Israel, all Israel looked to David as the nation’s new king. Prior to Ish-Bosheth’s death, David reigned as king over Judah for seven and half years (2 Sameul 5:3-5; note 2 Samuel 2:10, which indicates that Judah recognized  David’s reign rather than that of Ish-Bosheth). Elders representing all the tribes met David at Hebron and anointed Him to be their king (5:1-3).

          At the time they choose David as ruler, Israel was facing serious Challenges. The Philistines remained a serious threat. It was only a few year early that the nation was routed by the philistines in the battle that took the lives of Samuel and Jonathan ( see 1 Samuel 31). In addition, a conflict that erupted between the followers of Ish- Bosheth and David had weakened the nation even more.

      As God anointed choice, David was well prepared and equipped to be Israel’s King. He has proven his valour and military leadership to the people numerous times. They had confidence in his ability to be a strong leader in the future based on his past accomplishments. Israel needed David’s leadership.

Question: Why is the Confidence of People so vital to Effective Leadership?

        It is said that you are not a leader unless people are following. Successful leadership is dependant upon the confidence of those who are being led. People often place their hopes and dreams in the hands of leaders. Leaders must proven themselves worthy of that confidence.

B.     David Proves Himself. 2 Samuel 5:6-12.

   Soon after He assumed the position of King, David set his sights on Jerusalem to be the new capital of the kingdom. This city was under the control of the Jebusites, but it seemed to be perfect choice for a number of reasons. It was situated in the centre of the tribal lands, so it wouldn’t be especially identified with the northern or the southern tribes. It was also a fortress city, one that was located on a high elevation and relatively easy to defend.

   Jerusalem’s elevation also meant that it would be difficult for David to conquer. The Jebusites had long been able defend the city against the numerous attempts to assault it. Its people were overwhelming confident in their ability to withstand David and his men, boasting that even the blind and the lame could ward them off (2 Samuel 5:6).

     Their confidence proved to be misplaced, however. David attacked the city. Perhaps in a surreptitious manner, and prevailed (verse 7-8). He then set up his residence in Jerusalem, calling it the city, the king build up the areas surrounding it, making it even stronger ( verses 9-10). David became more and more obvious to  friends and foes alike.

     Verses 11 -12 report an exchange with the king of Tyre, an important port city on the Mediterranean sea that was known for its craftsmen and fine building materials. He reached out in friendship to David, sending men to construct David’s palace. This recognition by a foreign power was an important development in David’s reign, a strong indication of the new king’s power and reputation. The reason: David was faithful to the Lord, and God honoured that faithfulness.

Question: How would you describe the connection between obedience, faithfulness, and success in the Christian life?

     While Jesus Christ maintains the prerogative when we make Him Lord over  lives, there is an unbreakable relationship between our faithfulness to Him and our ultimate success. David was a successful King and leader because he was firmly committed to the Lord. We must commit to remain close to the Lord as well.

2.      Ark of Covenant Returned.

A.    David Puts God First. 1 Chronicles 13:1-4

           The ark of the covenant was considered the dwelling place of God’s presence. After David captured Jerusalem and made it Israel’s capital, he called the commanders together and told them of his desire to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:1-2). To do this, the ark would have to be transported from the house of Obed-Edom ( see 2Samuel 6:10-11), a distance of approximately seven miles.

      Scholars note that these events followed military victories over the Philistine (see 1 Chronicles 14), and possibly even the construction David’s palace. They also note that Ezra (thought to be the writer of 1 Chronicles) saw the ark as taken precedence over these other matters, and the military victories.

Question: Why did the ark holds such a prominent and vital place in the life of God’s people during Old Testament Times?

  The presence of the ark would indicate the presence of God and mark the centerpiece of worship. It was central to the people’s worship of God, the holist object within their entire religions practice. It contained, among other things, the stone tablets of the Ten commandments inscribed by God. The significance and holiness of the ark is perhaps best illustrated in the familiar and tragic story of Uzzah, which took place during the transportation of the ark ( see verses 5-10;Numbers 4:1-15).

      First Chronicles 13:3 contains an intriguing note  concerning the ark’s return, as David commented that it had been overlooked during the reign of Saul-a sign of the spiritual insensitivity that characterized his rule. But now all the people will greet its arrival in the new holy city of Jerusalem( verse 4). In doing so, they  would celebrate the glorious Lord.

B.    David Celebrates Before The Lord. 2 Samuel 6:12-23.

This passage with an interesting side note regarding the ark. For in a period of about three months it has resided in the house of Obed-Edom. During that time, yhose the house enjoyed a great blessing from God, which was recognized by God people ( 2Samuel 6:12; see verse 10-11). His blessing would soon rest on the city of David.

      The entrance of the ark into Jerusalem was met with Jubilation. The people joined David in worship through the journey to the capital city (verse 13-15). The description of David’s dance seems to indicate a whirling ritual dance that involves great enthusiansm and shouting. He wore an ephod, an adorned, linen article of clothing that possibly covered him from his chest to his thighs. It  was one of the garments worn by the high priests. As the king of a kingdom, such a garment will be appropriate attire.

    The king’s unreserved manner of worship indicate his humility and before the Lord and the people. David desired to express his love and devotion to the Lord for all to see. The people embraced their leader’s expression of worship. It was a time of great jubilation among all the people.

     There was one exception, however. David’s wife Micheal, saul’s daughter despaired David’s action(verse 16). She feel He was not acting in a way  befitting a king.The heart of her criticism is seen in verse 20;the reference to David having  ‘’uncovered himself’’ is likely a reference to her disgust at him removing his kingly garment. He was not acting as a brave warrior who killed the Philistine, but instead as a greatly humbled man.

     David’s blunt response reflected a soft heart towards God – unlike Michal’s ungodly father (verse 21-22). And, in the end, God blessed David for his faithful devotion, but Michal was left childless ( verse 23).

    

of worship and if so, what would be considered inappropriate?

  After David and the people with him entered the city, the ark was placed in the tent David had prepared for it. Burnt offerings were presented in continues worship. Following the sacred festivities, the king gave each person a loaf of bread , a cake of dates, and a cake of raisin. David had further endeared himself to the people( 2 Samuel 6:17-19).

3.     David Seeks To Honour God

A.    A Place Of Dwelling. 2 Samuel 7: 1-3

       David was determined to establish Isreal as a kingdom devoted to the Lord. David has taken up residence in the royal palace, indicating there is relative pace and prosperity in the land. God had given David rest from military conflict (2 Samuel 7:1-2).

       David, however, knew that something was wrong. The ark should have a permanent dwelling, worth of its glory and importance. He told Nathan the prophet about his desire to build a dwelling place for his Lord. Nathan instructed David to proceed because the Lord was clearly with him. It seems Nathan was pleased with the King’s heartfelt passion to bring honour to God. David’s determination spoke well of his character. David consistently saw his own position as one that was meant to exalt God’s role as the nation’s true Leader.

Question: What can we learn from David’s commitment to the Lord??

B.    God Responds. 2 Samuel 7:4-17

 Following Nathan’s words of support for David’s plan to build the Lord a place of dwelling, the Lord  told Nathan that David’s son would be the one to accomplish this feat. Nevertheless, the Lord will bless David during his reign and establish  David’s linage  through the generation to come.

      Note that the central emphasis of God’s message to Nathan is not that the king was forbidden of building a house for Him. Rather, it is the promised blessing of David’s house. Unlike the house of Saul, David’s descendants would forever experience the favour of the Lord. Even though David was not allowed to do that which was in his heart, the Lord treasured David’s desire to honour Him ( 2Samuel 7:4-17).

       David did not take God’s response to his plan to build a house for him as a rebuke ( see 2Samuel 7:18-29). He lifted his voice to praise the Lord. He expresses his gratitude for God’s promise to grant blessing to his descendants for many generations to come.   

Question: Why is the Lord pleased when we seek to honour Him???

  We are created to worship and glorify the Lord, our Heavenly father. When we desire to bring honour and glory to the Lord, He will bless us as well. God honours those who seek to honour Him. We can trust His promises and rely on His character. When our hope is firmly placed in the Lord, He will bring true success and Joy into our lives.

DISCIPLESHIP IN ACTION.

David’s successes as king were not matters of coincidence. He was not merely a lucky recipient of favourable circumstances. Indeed, “luck” has nothing to do with the success and blessings enjoyed by God’s people. David’s successes came as direct result of his faithfulness to the Lord. David deeply revered the Lord in his heart and his actions were the natural outflow of his devotion. As a result, God helped him success in those things He had for David to do.

   Like David we must recognize that God alone is the source of everything that is good – everything that can be classified as success for children of God. Are you looking to Him for provision, direction, and hope? Do you trust His definition of success and blessing for your life? When you trust Him in this way, you will never be disappointed.

MINISTRY IN ACTION.

   As you conclude this week’s lesson, challenge students to make the glory of God their highest priority. Note that doing so will bring the greatest of true, godly blessings. Close the class session with a time of worship and praise. Give thanks to the Lord for His many blessings, both spiritual and temporal.