David Expands His Kingdom – Children’s Search the Scripture Lesson 30

“And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David’s servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went”

2 Samuel 8:14 (Memory Verse)

After the death of Saul, the first king of Israel, David became the king. He first reigned over the tribe of Judah for seven years and six months, and later reigned over all the tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 5:4-5).

Immediately David settled down on the throne as the king of Israel, the first thing he did was to bring the ark of God back to Jerusalem, the city of the king. After that, David wanted to build a house for God where the ark of God would be kept, but God said he should not. God told David that Solomon, his son, would build the house.

Our study here focuses on how David expanded his kingdom. To expand means to increase, to enlarge or make something bigger. It is to make progress and refuse to stay in the same position.

As a child gets promoted from Level 1 to Level 2, to Level 3, until he/she finishes elementary and high school, that child keeps on expanding and increasing his/her knowledge. Later, such a child can become a doctor, an engineer, a banker, a pastor, a missionary or any other successful personality in life.

A child who does not expand in daily life endeavours will remain in the same position. David was not so. After becoming king, he decided to expand his kingdom and to make progress.

1. DAVID’S VICTORY OVER HIS ENEMIES

2 Samuel 8:1-14; 10:1-19; Joshua 1:1-5; 1 Timothy 6:12; Ephesians 6:12

God had earlier promised Abraham that his children would possess the gate of their enemies and that no man would be able to stand before them (Genesis 22:17; Joshua 1:3-5).

The Philistines, the Moabites, the King of Zobah and the Syrians were all defeated by King David in battle. They were strong nations who were enemies of the children of Israel. These nations worshipped idols and did not know the true God.

David fought and defeated them and possessed their lands. According to the promise of God, David had dominion over his enemies and ruled over them.

He showed courage by attacking the enemies first. He did not wait for them to attack him. That was how he was able to defeat Goliath in the past.

God does not want you to remain on the same level or in the same position in your spiritual life, academics and service to Him. Also, He does not want His children to be defeated or ruled by their enemies.

However, our own battle today is not physical like that of David. We do not fight flesh and blood (human beings). Our battle is spiritual. The battle that friends of Jesus fight is a spiritual one against sin, Satan and his agents, false doctrine, failure, sickness, laziness, etc.

Whatever challenge you are facing today in your studies, family, health and in any area of your life, God wants you to overcome them all and be victorious.

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called…” (1 Timothy 6:12).

2. DAVID’S FAITHFUL WORKERS

2 Samuel 8:15-18

No king can go to battle against the enemies by himself. Every king needs workers and other warriors to support him.

David had some faithful warriors who joined him to fight against the enemies and to rule the nation. These workers include:

• Joab: He was the captain over the army.
• Jehoshaphat: He was the recorder, writing and keeping records and reports.
• Zadok and Ahimelech: They were the priests.
• Seraiah: He was the scribe who usually wrote for the king.
• Benaiah and David’s sons: They were chief rulers.

All these people were faithful and committed to their work. They did not do eye service. They were serious with their work (Romans 12:11). David’s sons supported their father David to do the work of God.

For you to be successful in life, you need to be committed and serious in whatever work you do. More importantly, you must be faithful in various spiritual assignments given to you, such as:

• Daily Bible reading.
• Learning memory verses.
• Doing your homework.
• Reading the Sincere Milk for your devotion and quiet time.
• Preaching the gospel.
• Visiting other children.

Also, you must be faithful and serious in your school subjects and in doing your assignments and homework.

At home, you must help your parents in doing house chores and be obedient in every other area. This is the way to expand and make progress in life.

Do not be a lazy or an unfaithful child. Be hardworking like the servants of David.

3. DIVINE CALL TO EXPAND GOD’S KINGDOM

2 Samuel 8:13-15; Matthew 4:17-23; 28:18-20; Mark 3:13-15; 16:15-20; Luke 24:46-48

David fought many battles in order to expand his kingdom. However, after some years, all the lands that he acquired and reigned over were no more. They had been destroyed and completely overthrown.

The kingdom of this world is temporary and will soon end. This is why Jesus came into the world to save sinners from perishing with the worldly kingdom.

To carry out this unique assignment, He chose men and women to work with Him and to continue until His kingdom comes.

Are you saved from sin? If no, repent now, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Ask for pardon and cleansing of your heart with the blood of Jesus, then you will be qualified to win others for Jesus.

Jesus calls His friends to go into all the world, preach the gospel, expand God’s kingdom and make disciples in every nation.

Be a part of this great army by making a commitment to:

• Preach the gospel to sinners in your school, communities and everywhere you go.
• Share gospel tracts and materials.
• Contribute to mission work in your local church.
• Pray for open doors and progress of the missionary efforts of the church.

There are lots of blessings for those who obey. God will enlarge your coast, give you all-round victory and at last, you will make it to heaven and enjoy eternal rewards.

QUESTIONS

1. Mention two things David did immediately he became king, before he began to expand his kingdom.
2. Mention the nations that David defeated in battles as he fought to expand his kingdom.
3. (a) Mention three of David’s servants who helped him to fight to expand his kingdom.
   (b) Mention the qualities in the life of David’s servants that made them to succeed.
4. To succeed in life, mention various areas you are expected to show faithfulness.
5. (a) Who are those called to expand God’s kingdom?
   (b) What should believers do to expand God’s kingdom?

DAILY BIBLE READING

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:

1. Expansion
2. Enlarge
3. Focus
4. Pursuit
5. Progress