The length of David's reign over Israel was forty years--seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—David's reign is significant in biblical history, marking a period of consolidation and expansion for Israel. The number forty often symbolizes a period of testing or trial in the Bible, as seen in the forty years of Israel's wilderness wanderings ( Numbers 14:33-34) and Jesus' forty days of fasting ( Matthew 4:2). David's forty-year reign can be seen as a time of establishing God's kingdom on earth, setting the stage for the future Messianic kingdom. seven years in Hebron—
Hebron, located in the southern part of Judah, was an ancient city with deep patriarchal roots, being the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 23:19, 25:9, 35:27-29). David's initial reign in Hebron reflects his acceptance by the tribe of Judah, his own tribe, before becoming king over all Israel. This period was marked by civil strife, as David's rule was contested by Saul's remaining supporters, particularly Ish-bosheth, Saul's son (2 Samuel 2:8-11). and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, a Jebusite city, was captured by David and established as the political and spiritual capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). The choice of Jerusalem was strategic, as it was centrally located and not previously dominated by any single tribe, promoting unity among the tribes. David's reign in Jerusalem is characterized by significant developments, including the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to the city (2 Samuel 6:12-17) and the establishment of the Davidic Covenant, promising an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jerusalem's significance is further highlighted in prophecy and typology, as it becomes the focal point of Messianic expectations and the future reign of Christ (Isaiah 2:2-4, Revelation 21:2). Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his heart for God, his military conquests, and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. 2. HebronA city in the southern part of Judah where David first reigned as king over the tribe of Judah for seven years. It holds historical significance as a city of refuge and a patriarchal burial site. 3. JerusalemThe city where David reigned for thirty-three years over all Israel. It became the capital and spiritual center of Israel, housing the Ark of the Covenant and later the Temple built by Solomon. 4. IsraelThe united kingdom under David's rule, consisting of all twelve tribes. David's reign marked a period of consolidation and expansion for the nation. 5. Reign of DavidA significant period in biblical history characterized by military victories, the establishment of Jerusalem, and the preparation for the building of the Temple. Teaching Points The Importance of LeadershipDavid's reign exemplifies the impact of godly leadership. His heart for God and his dedication to justice and righteousness set a standard for future leaders. God's Sovereignty in HistoryThe duration and success of David's reign demonstrate God's sovereign hand in establishing and guiding His chosen leaders. The Significance of PlaceHebron and Jerusalem were not just political centers but also spiritual landmarks. They remind us of the importance of dedicating our spaces to God. Legacy and PreparationDavid's reign was not just about his accomplishments but also about preparing for the future, particularly in setting the stage for Solomon's temple. Our actions today can lay the groundwork for future generations. Faithfulness in Different SeasonsDavid's reign in Hebron and Jerusalem shows that God calls us to be faithful in different seasons and places, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's reign in Hebron and Jerusalem reflect the different seasons of leadership and service in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our "Jerusalem" (places of influence) are dedicated to God's purposes? 3. How does understanding the historical and spiritual significance of places like Hebron and Jerusalem enhance our appreciation of God's work in our lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from David's preparation for the future, particularly in how we prepare for those who will come after us? 5. How can we cultivate a heart like David's, one that seeks after God, in our daily walk and leadership roles? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 5:4-5Provides a parallel account of David's reign, confirming the duration and locations of his rule. 1 Chronicles 29:26-28Offers a summary of David's reign and his death, emphasizing his accomplishments and the transition to Solomon. Acts 13:22Reflects on David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting his significance in God's redemptive plan. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics David, Forty, Hebron, Jerusalem, Reigned, Seven, Thirty, Thirty-threeDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:11 1654 numbers, 11-99 1 Kings 2:1-12 5087 David, reign of 1 Kings 2:10-12 5366 king
7240 Jerusalem, history Library The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father...
11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 2:11 NIV1 Kings 2:11 NLT1 Kings 2:11 ESV1 Kings 2:11 NASB1 Kings 2:11 KJV
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