Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

This Chapter relates the circumstances of David's war with the Philistines, and Moabites. He smiteth Hadarezer.

The blessed effects of David's interest with God, are manifested in his success in all that he put his hand unto. The Lord preserved David whithersoever he went. Sweet thought to the souls of the gracious. But we must look beyond David in this history, to eye him of whom David in many instances was but the type. All that oppose the Son of David shall perish. Jesus must go on conquering and to conquer. His dominions shall be from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. Psalms 72:8.

The conduct of the filing of Hamath was political enough, in sending his son to congratulate David. But Reader! pass over the congratulations made by the king of Hamath, to attend to an infinitely higher subject: and behold God our Father sending his only begotten Son, that we may be at peace with him. 2 Corinthians 5:20.

I admire the piety and gratitude of David; in dedicating his spoils to the Lord. How ought believers in Jesus to glorify God in the body, and in their spirits, which are God's?

The equity and righteous reign of David serves to remind us of Jesus, of whom it is said, Behold a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. Isaiah 32:1.

REFLECTIONS

READER! while reading the wars of David, do not overlook the spiritual wars in which David's Lord engaged for the salvation of his people. Jesus hath indeed spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. And as the great Captain of our salvation hath gone before in the holy war, so his people follow him with conflict and in armour. Who shall say, what Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, and a troop of foes both within and without, are unceasingly making war with the people of God. Blessed Jesus! where is our strength but in thee? Where shall we find might, or power, or strength, against the host of our enemies, unless thou wilt fight our battles for us, and in us, that we may be more than conquerors through thy grace helping us? Oh! how precious the thought. The battle is not doubtful, nor the conflict uncertain. Thou hast conquered all our foes for us, and we overcome them also by the blood of the Lamb. Lord Jesus, in all my spiritual conflicts let me set thee continually before me; for thou art on my right hand, therefore shall I not be moved. Behold, God is my salvation, I will not fear what men can do unto me.