David Expands His Kingdom – Youth STS Lesson 238

“And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines”

2 Samuel 8:1 (Memory Verse)

Introduction

The Lord finally made all the troubles and unrest in the life of David to end. Now, he is established on the throne of Israel as king. All his fears and worries are now over. This was possible because he walked righteously, faithfully and consistently with God. The Lord was faithful and committed to His promise to enthrone David in accordance with His divine purpose for Israel. This purpose was for Israel’s deliverance and establishment in the land of Canaan as promised. Christian youths should learn that first, all their troubles will end one day. Christian youths should remain calm and courageous while manifesting faith and walking righteously with God. Secondly, God will definitely bring to pass His desires for them.

To David, it was time for the expansion of his kingdom. He pursued it rigorously and had to engage in real warfare. The encouragement received from the expansion recorded by David was that “the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went” (verses 6, 14). As long as Christian youths pursue the accomplishment of their project righteously, God will remove all hindrances and preserve them for His glory.

WARFARE BEFORE KINGDOM EXPANSION

2 Samuel 8:1-6,14; 10:1-8,14-19; Jude 1:3; Psalm 144:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:10-18; Genesis 32:22-28; Luke 18:1-3

“And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive” (verses 1, 2). David, after coming to the throne, did not relax and think it was all over. He knew that he had been established as a king over Israel but still had God’s will to fulfil. He worked towards achieving his purpose for fulfilling God’s will of destroying the natives of Canaan for their sin and planting His people in the land. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22).

Question 1: Why did David proceed to expand his kingdom?

The problem with some saved boys and girls is their inability to know the plan of God for their lives. David would have been contented with occupying the throne, but he knew the plan of God for his life and had to make further efforts to achieve it. Christian youths need to know God’s plans for their lives. David was motivated to expand his kingdom following God’s earlier pronouncement (2 Samuel 7:16). As a Christian youth, read the Scriptures and pray to know God’s plan for yourself.

“David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates. And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots” (verses 3, 4). The expansion of the kingdom by David was through warfare. He and his men engaged in fierce, consistent battle. In this chapter alone, he fought against the Philistines, Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, and the Syrians of Damascus. After defeating these kingdoms, David took over their lands and they became his servants.

Question 2: (a) How did David expand his kingdom? (b) Should Christians still engage in warfare today?

“Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight” (Psalm 144:1). Warfare is part of the Christian youth’s calling. The Bible reveals that “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). It is clearly written that we are to earnestly contend to keep the faith. If we must receive all God has promised us, we must fight through prayer to possess them. This is because there are enemies who would not allow us to have them. Satan and his host cause troubles for believers. Anyone who wants to conquer must engage in spiritual battles. Therefore, believers must “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and with importunity (Luke 18:1-8).

WEALTH THROUGH KINGDOM EXPANSION

2 Samuel 8:7-13; 10:6,7; Numbers 21:33-35; Nehemiah 9:22,33; 2 Chronicles 17:13-17; Isaiah 60:6; 45:3; Genesis 32:22-28; 14:14-17

Warfare by David led him to great wealth. He made a total subjection of the nations he fought. As he conquered them, after every destruction, he took over their treasures. “And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem” (verse 7). God, who chose him, knew he would do all things according to his command. His ministry enjoyed the support and full blessings of the Lord. The blessings of his enemies were given to him to enjoy. Even today, any youth who wholly follows and obeys God’s command will enjoy the promises of God. “And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel… ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves” (Isaiah 45:3; 61:6).

Question 3: What are the benefits of persistence in prayer?

Engaging in warfare through prayer leads to stability in our Christian walk with God. One would receive grace to stand in times of need. It leads also to one’s spiritual growth. It brings recurring victories over the enemies and leads to financial, secular, and material breakthroughs. David was made rich in gold, brass, and silver; he made some of his captives servants and got himself a name and settled kingdom.

There were many other Bible characters who had breakthrough by engaging in spiritual warfare. Abraham had expanded fame after defeating many kings who invaded Sodom and saved Lot and his family (Genesis 14:14-17). Jacob prevailed over Esau (Genesis 32:22-28) and Prophet Samuel prevailed over the Philistines through prayer to God.

Josiah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, and others had victories, spiritual revival and breakthrough through prayer. King Hezekiah had prolonged life and healing from incurable disease through prayer. It is very instructive to note that all the treasures David got from the nations he conquered, he dedicated the most precious and valuable to the Lord. “Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: Which also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued” (verses 10,11). Besides giving one’s life to God as a living sacrifice, believers are expected to give the best of their substances and services to the Lord.

WORKERS AIDING KINGDOM EXPANSION

2 Samuel 8:12-18; 1 Chronicles 12:17,18; Matthew 10:1; 1 Corinthians 3:4-9

God’s mandate to David was to establish the kingdom of Israel and to fulfil His promises made to their fathers centuries ago. In realizing this mandate, there were men who worked with David as strong supporters of the kingdom expansion. They were strong enough to fight against the nations and take their land. Some of the nations Israel was to fight against were strong and experienced in warfare, such as the giants like Goliath, whose terrifying physique sent David’s predecessor and his captains trembling (2 Samuel 21:20).

Question 4: What can we learn from David’s men in helping to expand his kingdom?

When Saul was in pursuit of David to slay him, men who were grieved and oppressed followed him (1 Samuel 22:1,2). “And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band” (1 Chronicles 12:17,18). Those who came to join him due to their depressed state were groomed by David into a formidable force. It was with their aid that he did exploits. This should be a challenge to Christian leaders. Some of these men were of low rank, yet David did not ignore them. He turned ordinary men into extraordinary warriors. Jesus transformed mere fishermen into fishers of men (Matthew 4:19,20; Luke 5:10).

Leaders need to know that there is a deposit of God’s grace and gift in every Christian youth which, if developed, would bring out the best in them. Youth leaders should wake up, harness the available human resources and train them patiently. And they will see what the Lord will use them to accomplish. “And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe; And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief rulers” (verses 16-18).

In addition, Christian youths must be willing to yield themselves for God’s use. Youth leaders should understand that no single leader can do the work alone; therefore, they need the cooperation and support of others. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus followed this principle. The kingdom of God cannot expand if we neglect to work along with our leaders.

Question 5: List some of the available areas Christian youths can function in the youth ministry today.

There are many areas Christian youths can get involved in the expansion of God’s kingdom. Some of these areas are:

1. Leading school fellowships
2. Joining the Youth Home Success Fellowship officers
3. Literature distribution
4. Prayer team
5. Youth choir