The first four chapters of 2 Samuel tell of David’s rise to king of all of Israel. In our chapter today David is made king and establishes his capitol in Jerusalem. He is also able to defeat the Philistines, reversing Saul’s defeat. What God had long ago determined he would do is now a reality. David has restored Israel politically, militarily and spiritually. However, we do get a hint of coming trouble. David also suffers from a weakness for women. We are told he married many women. This had been forbidden in Deuteronomy 17:17. He also fails to follow the law in how he moves the Ark of God. According to Numbers 4:15, the objects of Israel’s worship were supposed to be carried by the priests and never touched.
David has spent years struggling to receive what God promised, but he never lost faith. Now the reward comes. We are all waiting for God’s promise. Regardless of your current level of hardship, we are promised forgiveness of sin and eternity with God.