Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Are you ready for a song?  In Second Samuel in the twenty-second chapter, David sings to us.  He describes Jehovah as his rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, salvation, stronghold, and savior.  Stop and meditate on these descriptions for a few minutes.  Just a few thoughts about our rock who can be a stepping stone or stumbling block and corner or capstone.

The King’s description of Yahweh is full of terrifying and powerful words.  He can do anything that He desires.  Our safety and survival are dependent on Him.  When David speaks of his righteousness and following God’s laws, we may be skeptical. He like all of us had his failures.  The Lord’s forgiveness is what we all need.

His faithfulness lasts and David accredits all his success to Him.  After a long life if trials, defeats, and victories his majesty knows who is majestic.

King David’s last words are given in 2 Samuel 23.  He tells how Jehovah spoke through him and ruled the people by his hand.  Was his house righteous and did God give him salvation because of his actions? No, like all of us it was his relationship with the Lord that that secured his eternal home.

The chapter ends with a list of the names of the mighty men that enabled the King to defeat his enemies and serve Israel as a mighty monarch. Note that Bathsheba’s first husband, Uriah is one of the thirty-seven men named. The exploits recounted here may be rerun from earlier in the books of Samuel. Reading the stories for the second time gives us the opportunity to reflect on the graciousness of Yahweh.

David is again Thanking Yahweh for saving him from Saul in Chapter 57. His praise is extended to his Lord for making the King appear as a fool. God is given the glory for his rescue. The young Psalmist sings praises to Jehovah after acknowledging the predicament he is in.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger