Surprising Conquests of Life

In the Service of the King

(1 Chronicles 18, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 28, 2018)

[1] After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Gath and its villages out of the hand of the Philistines.

[2] And he defeated Moab, and the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute.

[3] David also defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah-Hamath, as he went to set up his monument at the river Euphrates. [4] And David took from him 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but left enough for 100 chariots. [5] And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. [6] Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went. [7] And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. [8] And from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a large amount of bronze. With it Solomon made the bronze sea and the pillars and the vessels of bronze.

[9] When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, [10] he sent his son Hadoram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him; for Hadadezer had often been at war with Tou. And he sent all sorts of articles of gold, of silver, and of bronze. [11] These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he had carried off from all the nations, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek.

[12] And Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, killed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. [13] Then he put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.

[14] So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people. [15] And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; [16] and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests; and Shavsha was secretary; [17] and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were the chief officials in the service of the king.

The Lord gave victory to David

God promised David in the previous chapter that He would “subdue” all David's “enemies.” When we looked at that passage, we concluded that the Lord's promise was bigger than David or Solomon. God's covenant through a coming “Son” would touch “future generations” in a way that would be remarkable among “the great ones of the earth.” God's “kingdom” would be “established forever” through our Messiah.

Nonetheless, David began to taste the breadth of the Lord's assurance in his own life. He had victory over the Philistines to the west, the Moabites to the east, the Syrians and Zobah-Hamath to the northeast, and the Edomites to the southeast. Each of these other groups had their own gods and religious systems as well as their own civil authorities. Yahweh was victorious over all of them. As the Chronicler puts it, “The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.”

We are also told that these military conquests were useful for the future worship of God. “David took a large amount of bronze. With it Solomon made the bronze sea and the pillars and the vessels of bronze.” David captured the spoils of war and received gifts from other neighboring peoples, and “these also King David dedicated to the Lord.”

David reigned over all Israel

Under God Himself, David was the head of Israel, but under David, there were others who had the privilege of serving in his administration. They worked for “justice and equity to all” of Israel according to God's Law.

Three functions are briefly highlighted at the end of 1 Chronicles 18 with more amplification in other chapters of this book. The three that are listed here are the military assembly, the civil governing assembly, and the religious worship assembly. David was over it all, but he had Joab in a leadership role in the “army,” Jehoshaphat as “recorder” for matters of civil order, and Zadok and Ahimelech as “priests.” There were other subordinates that served as assistants in these three areas who were to follow the King's orders in protecting Israel from outside enemies, in maintaining order and peace among Israelites, and in guarding the king and the lawful worship of Jehovah. (Note the structure in 14-17: David, fighters, scribes, priests at the center, scribes, fighters, sons.)

All of those who were listed here and in other places in this book spent their lives in the service of the king as he served God. They were the one nation on earth that the Lord had raised up to be His chosen people. What a responsibility and privilege for the king and his subjects! They were people who testified to heavenly life in a world full of death, and the Lord used them all according to the gifts and duties that He gave them.

God is able to do far beyond anything we could ask for or imagine. Through David the Lord routed foreign powers, maintained decency in civil affairs, and kept the worship of God in order. All of these achievements were great for their day, but we have so much more in the church! Through Jesus, the Almighty has conquered death—all His and our enemies, seen and unseen. He has plans for the administration of a resurrection world of decency and devotion that will bring Him and us great joy. (Note Heb. 11:32-40 as a description of New Testament victories that may seem weak and foolish to the world.)

Through the reigning Jesus, our God has “delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope.” (2 Corinthians 1:10) As Paul wrote to Timothy, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:18)

By faith and prayer, God is pleased to give us a taste of heavenly victory, but only in our connection with our King. In Him we have deliverance, good order, and heavenly praise!

Regarding our deliverance from hostile foes: (missiles, drugs, marital autonomy)

In David's day, Israel's comfort zone was enlarged with their victories over neighboring powers. In a world of death, how can we be safe? Our security is still in God and not in military power, administrative excellence, or even just the right worship. God gives us present temporal achievements as a taste of a greater day, and we are thankful for good news as we look to Jesus, His cross, and His present resurrection aid, not only for our lives and missions now, but for unending ages to come. What a joy to serve the King!

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 41 – Out with malice and in with grace

Gospel Reading—Matthew 11:25-30

[25] At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; [26] yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. [27] All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. [28] Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”