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Daily Devotionals
Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening"
Devotional: May 7th

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Morning

“Wait on the Lord.”

2 Samuel 5:1-3

David waited seven years and more before he came to the throne of Israel. He reigned meanwhile with great wisdom and justice over that portion of the land which owned his sway, and by his conduct commended himself to general esteem. It was far better to be preparing for the crown than to be plotting to obtain it.

2 Samuel 5:1-3

Thus without David’s having made a single violent grasp at the crown it came to him by general consent. When providence has ripened a blessing for us, it will drop into our lap; but we must not put forth an unholy hand to seize it before the. time. David’s past conduct, and the fact that he was chosen of the Lord could not always be overlooked. Men have bad memories, but in due time they must and shall remember the deservings of those who have done valiantly. The united tribes were right glad to crown the man who was so worthy to wear the diadem.

1 Chronicles 12:39 , 1 Chronicles 12:40

1 Chronicles 12:39 , 1 Chronicles 12:40

Those who were nearest to Hebron had not to bear the expense of a long journey, and therefore they provided the feast. Those who can best afford it should do the most for the honour of our Lord’s kingdom.

2 Samuel 5:4-9

2 Samuel 5:4-5

Being anointed, David was now eager to prove himself a king by clearing his country of lurking enemies; and therefore he determined to expel the Jebusites from their citadel upon mount Zion.

2 Samuel 5:6

The probable meaning is that David had called their gods both blind and lame, and now they retorted that their blind and lame gods were quite sufficient to keep him out of their stronghold.

2 Samuel 5:8

Joab led the van in this fearful fight fort after fort was captured: the gigantic battlements were scaled, and Israel’s warriors climbed over the walls, and smote their enemies in hand to hand encounter.

2 Samuel 5:8

That is to say, it became a proverb that Israel would not look to lame and blind deities, and set them up in their houses as a shelter, for they were proved to be worthless defenders.

2 Samuel 5:9

Thus the sacred mount of Zion was wrested out of the hands of enemies, and became the site of David’s palace, and this the church, saved from all her adversaries is the abode cf Jesus her King.

Are there no foes for me to face?

Must I not stem the flood?

Is this vile world a friend to grace,

To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight if I would reign;

Increase my courage, Lord!

I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,

Supported by Thy word.

Evening

“Fight the good fight of faith.”

2 Samuel 5:17-25

David soon found that the honours of royalty brought with them toils and conflicts. It was true of him, as it is also of all believers, that he who would reign must fight.

2 Samuel 5:17 , 2 Samuel 5:18

Their success against Saul made them bold to attack David, for they knew not the essential difference between the two men. Saul, forsaken of God, was easily overcome; but David, upheld and strengthened by the Lord of Hosts, was a very different antagonist. It is vain to contend against a man who has God for his ally.

2 Samuel 5:19

David’s path was plain, but he desired to see God going before him in every step he took. No one ever lost his. way by enquiring too often. To seek the Lord’s guidance is never superfluous. Every member of our family should follow David’s example, and if we do so we shall walk in ways of peace all our days.

2 Samuel 5:20

David smote them, but he gave all the glory to the Lord. Grace is active and fights, but it is also humble and renders praise to him who gives the victory.

2 Samuel 5:20

Or “the master of the breaches,” because the Lord had broken the ranks of the enemy, and made a way for David to scatter them.

2 Samuel 5:21

As the Philistines had once captured the ark, so now the Israelites seized upon the idols of Philistia, and utterly destroyed them, both to show their detestation, and to prevent their becoming a snare to Israel.

2 Samuel 5:24

When the wind rustled among the leaves of the trees, David was to regard it as a sign for battle. God gives to his waiting people hints as to when to bestir themselves more than usual; and surely, whenever we hear that the Spirit of God is moving like the wind through the churches it is time for us to arouse ourselves for sevenfold activity.

2 Samuel 5:25

If we do as the Lord commands us, he will command success to attend us.

Psalms 101

Thus, by successfully defeating the invading foe, David was firmly seated on his throne. How he resolved to act in his eminent position he tells us in Psalms 101.

If thou see thy foe in need,

Haste with cheerful hand to feed;

House him, clothe him, grant him rest,

Bless him as thou wouldst be blest.

If thy foe be in thy hand,

Every vengeful thought withstand;

Let not anger’s sword be bared,

Spare him as thou wouldst be spared,

Oh praise ye the Lord

With heart and with voice;

His mercies record,

And round him rejoice.

Ye children of Zion,

Your Saviour adore!

And learn to rely on

His grace evermore.

Repose on his arm,

Ye sheep of his fold!

What terror can harm

With him to uphold?

His saints are his treasure,

Their peace will he seek;

And pour without measure

His gifts on the meek.

Go on in his might,

Ye men of the Lord:

His word be your light,

His promise your sword.

The king of salvation

Your foes will subdue;

And their degradation

Bring glory to you.

No, I shall envy them no more

Who grow profanely great,

Though they increase their golden store,

And rise to wondrous height.

Yes, you must bow your stately head,

Away your spirit flies,

And no kind angel near your bed,

To bear it to the skies.

Go now, and boast of all your stores,

And tell how bright they shine;

Your heaps of glittering dust are yours,

And my Redeemer’s mine.

If I must die, oh! let me die

With hope in Jesus’ blood

The blood that saves from sin and guilt,

And reconciles to God.

If I must die, then let me die

In peace with all mankind,

And change these fleeting joys below

For pleasures all refined.

If I must die and die I shall

Let some kind seraph come,

And bear me on his friendly wing,

To my celestial home!

Lord, when I lift my voice to Thee,

To whom all praise belongs,

Thy justice and Thy love shall be

The subject of my songs.

All sinful ways I will abhor,

All wicked men forsake;

And only those who love Thy law

For my companions take.

Lord! that I may not go astray,

Thy constant grace impart;

When wilt Thou come to point my way.

And fix my roving heart?

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