In 2 Samuel, and for that matter throughout David’s life, his reliance and trust in God as his strength is so very clear. Repeatedly we are told that David turned to and trusted in God – for victory, for direction, for strength in challenging times. As a result, He quickly and fervently praised God (not himself), and passed blessing on to others. Let’s track a few verses to see these themes:

2 Samuel 5:12 – “And David knew that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.”

2 Samuel 5:19 – Philistines are attacking and “David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines?'” 5:23, again “David inquired of the Lord….”

2 Samuel 8:6 – In many other battles, with Philistines, with Moab, with Hadadezer, with Edom, Ammon, Amelek, etc., “The Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.” 8:14, again “The Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.”

This is a theme we see running throughout David’s life. Years earlier, before David had been anointed king by all Israel, while he was running for his life as Saul chased him and even his own people at times threatened him, when his home in Ziklag had been attacked and his men’s wives and children were taken captive, he drew strength from the Lord. 1 Samuel 30:6 – “David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”

So when God pronounces His covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7, to make his name great on the earth, to give his people a place on the earth, to give David a “house” that will endure, a throne and kingdom that will be established forever (vv.8-16), David’s response is predictable: “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” “Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” (vv.18,21-22)

We see that David is quick to do two things: 1) He recognizes and admits his own unworthiness of God’s grace and blessing in his life. And 2) He worships God, proclaiming His greatness, His faithfulness, His goodness. This is why Israel (and David) are blessed.

As a recipient of this undeserved blessing, David naturally wants to pass on the blessing to others, so in 2 Samuel 9 we find him seeing out Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son, and demonstrating grace to him.

Brothers and sisters, may we too recognize our unworthiness, and affirm the grace, goodness and working of God in our lives, for every good thing we experience. And may we be conduits for passing that blessing on to others in need around us.