STRONGER AND STRONGER IN DESTINY

“Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew STRONGER and STRONGER, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker” – 2 Samuel 3:1

In Christ, we go from Strength to Strength – we grow STRONGER and STRONGER IN DESTINY: “Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew STRONGER and STRONGER, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker” (2Sam.3:1). This is God’s pattern:  “And He increased His people greatly, and made them STRONGER than their enemies” (Psa.105:24). There was a long state of hostility between Saul’s house and David’s house. Ishbosheth and David each claimed the allegiance of the whole nation, and this continued until Ishbosheth’s death. With defections and increasing transference of strength to David, Saul’s house became weaker and weaker (1Chr.12:18-22). Even Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth, defected to David (vv.12-13).

The length of this hostility tried David’s faith and patience, making his settlement at last the more welcome. From a New Testament perspective, this warfare represents the contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers. There is a long war between the flesh and the spirit: “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Gal.5:17). As the work of holiness progresses, fleshly corruption, like the household of Saul, grows weaker and weaker; while grace by the Spirit, like the household of David, grows stronger and stronger.

The house of Saul – representing the flesh or carnal nature – is intrisicly problematic. Ishbosheth accused Abner of a serious crime – impropriety with the royal concubine (vv.6-7). Going in to the late monarch’s concubine was regarded not only as sexual immorality but also as high treason. To take the wife or concubine of the late king was to appropriate his property and to make a bid for the throne. Abner was obviously trying to strengthen his hold on the house of Saul. It seemed that he supported a weak man like Ishbosheth in power so he could be the power behind the throne. Over time, Abner increased in strength and influence on the house of Saul, thereby drastically eroding the strength of that house. The house of Saul ultimately imploded!

David, though growing stronger and stronger, never forgot how he was anointed King as a teenager and where he was coming from. When Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse, he called out those who were strong and qualified in the eyes of men to take the place of Saul as king of Israel. He might have been aided by Jesse himself who had sent David out into the wilderness with the flock. Jesse might have viewed David as too young and inexperienced to man the affairs of Israel. But while men considered David weak and unqualified, God made him stronger, such that all, including Samuel, had wait for his arrival before sacrifice was offered. It is not surprising to find David, years after, still waxing stronger and stronger.

In the face of Saul’s enmity against David, God made David stronger because he was a man after His heart (Acts 13:22). We as God’s children can learn from David’s life. We are often considered weak by others, by our families, by society and even by our own selves. David faced the same or even a worse situation. His sole reassurance was that he had God. In the midst of all the troubles we face in life, as long as God is involved, we’ll wax stronger like David against all odds. But David was a man of praises. We also should live lives that will bring praises to God’s Name.

God has not promised us a life that is free from trials, but to be with us and make us grow stronger even in the face of these challenges. The secret is to journey with Him always. His Presence makes the difference: “Yet the righteous will hold to his way, and he who has clean hands will be STRONGER and STRONGER” (Job 17:9).