Promise Fulfilled

By Alessandra Velsor

“All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, ‘We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, “You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.”’ When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, ‘You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.’ They thought, ‘David cannot get in here.’ Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David. On that day David had said, ‘Anyone who conquers the Jebusites will have to use the water shaft to reach those ‘lame and blind’ who are David’s enemies.’ That is why they say, ‘The ‘blind and lame’ will not enter the palace. David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the terraces inward. And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.”—2 Samuel 5:1–10 (NIV)

“All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king.”—1 Chronicles 12:38b (NIV, emphasis added)

I often like to envision the young shepherd boy before his anointing. What did he want to do when he grew up? And most importantly, who did he want to be? A question I ask my children often is, “WHO do you want to be when you grow up?” when the rest of the world is asking them what do you want to do? Our culture is obsessed with titles and careers—what one does for a living—but cares very little about nurturing character.

According to Scripture, David will forever be known as the one “after God’s own heart.”When we see anything related to the heart, we think emotions and fluffy feelings, but this term refers to David placing the love he has for God into action—it has less to do with feelings and more to do with accomplishing His will.

In today’s passage, we finally see the promise of God come to fruition as David finally ascends to the throne of ALL Israel. He’s now being recognized by all 12 tribes. Before the death of Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth in the previous chapter, David’s only reign was over one tribe: Hebron. Sadly, David was chosen to be king after his opponent died, but this should remind us that it’s only God’s thoughts about us that matter.

People’s opinions change like the wind, and their preferences are based on popularity or whatever benefits them at the moment. David didn’t take it personally because his confidence was rooted in God’s promise for His life. Nothing about WHO David was changed; only his title had changed. Before this day, David was already serving God and protecting his people from their enemies.

Promises can take a long time to be fulfilled (Hebrews 11—aka the hall of faith). David had to endure a mad king and his son until his crown was fully realized. He was only fifteen years old when the Lord anointed him, and here he’s thirty years old, but we’re told he reigns for a total of forty years (seven and a half over Judah alone). Now, seeing it written down, fifteen years of preparation for 40 years of reign is nothing compared to how long it took God to send His Son to us. And David is part of the lineage of Jesus—but how long did His people have to wait for their Messiah?

God was with David, and David knew it. When it was time to take over the city of Jerusalem, which was still in Canaanite hands despite God claiming it 400 years prior, the Jebusites were an overconfident clan and didn’t want to let go of the land. Not only did David claim it by calling it the City of David, but it also becomes the capital of Israel—a wise choice for a unified nation without tribe alliance. What gives David power isn’t the people or the perks of royalty and all the status that he may have gained; it’s established that God’s the one who supplies David with what he needs because He remains with him.

When you feel weary in waiting for God’s promise, always remember that the source of your strength is found in Jesus. No promise is greater than the promise of your salvation.

Pause: Read 1 Chronicles 12:23–40—it paints the picture of David’s ascendance to the throne of Israel.

Practice: What are you waiting for? What has God promised you? Spend time in prayer to align your desire with God’s will.

Pray: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Every promise You’ve given me, You’ve followed through. And in time of waiting, You’ve always been close to me, reminding me to simply abide in You. Lord, I pray that above my desires to see miracles unfold all around me, Your will be done. If Your answer is yes, then praise You; if it’s a no, I will praise You anyway. If there’s no answer, I will praise You while I wait. In You, I find the strength and confidence to go through today. I invite You to walk with me and guide me, Holy Spirit, to follow Your path and the way You want me to go. Amen.