2 Samuel 18:1-4 Devoted To The King!

 ”And David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. Then David sent out one third of the people under the hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I also will surely go out with you myself.” But the people answered, “You shall not go out! For if we flee away, they will not care about us; nor if half of us die, will they care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us now. For you are now more help to us in the city.” Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.“ ‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

a. David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains: David knew just what to do in organizing his army. He set them into three divisions under the leadership of Joab, Abishai and Ittai the Gittite.

b. I also will surely go out with you: David knew that the commander belonged out in the battle. He didn’t want to repeat his previous mistake of not going to battle when he should have (2 Samuel 11:1).

c. You shall not go out: The people surrounding David would not allow him to go out to battle with the rest of his army. There were three reasons why they insisted on this:

· His life was more valuable (you are worth ten thousand of us).

· He could bring reserves if needed (you are now more help to us in the city).

· They understood that it would be hard for David to fight against his own son, Absalom.

d. Whatever seems best to you I will do: David was not stubborn. He knew how to submit to the good advice of others. He did not give up leadership; he practiced good leadership by listening to the wise advice of the people around him.

e. So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands: They were willing to take on sacrifice and danger for the benefit of their king. Their devotion to David is an example of how the believer should be devoted to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. (Guzik)

Devoted To The King!

The people’s devotion to king David was amazing in his time of need!

Before you walk out the door today and do battle with life may I ask, are you devoted to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ?

Blessings