The Unity of the Kingdom

2 Samuel 2; 1 Chronicles 11; Psalms 142; Matthew 14


“The length of time David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.”

2 Samuel 2:11


“…‘Let’s have some of the young men get up and fight hand to hand in front of us’…The battle that day was very fierce…”

12 Samuel 2:14, 17


What began as a ‘friendly’ wrestling match between two groups of young men one day, ended in significant casualties and fierce fighting. Why?


 The house of Saul and the house of David represented different tribes in Israel aligned with two different leaders, and these two houses could not yet agree on a single leader. Without clarity on who our leader is, there will be conflict within the ranks. David knew that the house of Saul must voluntarily make him king, or his authority would not be legitimate. David was willing to wait while the tribes of Israel discerned and sometimes struggled, to decide who they would follow. Leadership in God’s kingdom is a sacred trust that is given, not a right that is demanded or seized.


“Lord Jesus, you are my leader and I choose again today to submit to your authority. May I promote the unity of your kingdom in all things.”