Three Times Anointed

One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Wednesday, May 22, 2013:  II Samuel 1:1-2:11

Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah....  II Samuel 2:4 (NKJV)

Three times David was anointed as king.  The first time was private.  It took place when Samuel the prophet found him as a boy at the home of his father Jesse (I Sam. 16:1-13).  The second time was shortly after King Saul's death when the tribe of Judah anointed him king (II Sam. 2:4).  The third and final time was when all Israel came to Hebron and pledged loyalty to him (II Sam. 5:3).

The First Anointing as King

The first time David was anointed king, he was still very young.  Most commentators believe that he was around the age of bar-mitzvah (which is 12).  This explains why his father hesitated to even bring him before the prophet for review.  David could barely even have been considered a man at that time.  He was between 10 and 13 years of age.  That also means that David killed Goliath when he was about 13 to 15 years of age.

Samuel had arrived at Jesse's home unannounced and proceded to conduct a covert interview process.  No one knew why Samuel had come, least of all Jesse and his sons.  A private conversation appears to be taking place between God and Samuel as the boys pass by.  Then, when Samuel sees David, the Lord tells him "Arise and anoint him; for this is the one!" (I Sam. 16:13).  Again, no one knows what is going on except Samuel.  So, the prophet takes a horn of oil and pours it on David's head "in the midst of his brothers" (I Sam. 16:13).  No announcement is made.  No proclamation of kingship.  Jewish tradition says only this:  at that point, Samuel leaned down and whispered in David's ear, "You shall be king."  The Bible only says that "the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward."

We find no indication that anyone knew what Samuel had done -- except Samuel and perhaps David himself.  This anointing was certainly not known throughout the land.  His brothers did not know about it.  If Saul had known what Samuel did to David, he would have certainly gotten rid of David early. 

The Second Anointing as King

David deals with false starts and dashed hopes for between 15 to 20 years!  The Bible says that David was 30 years old when Judah anointed him king over that particular tribe (II Sam. 5:4).  David knew his destiny, but he had to wait for it.  He had to endure.  When Saul died, it was the perfect opportunity for him to grab the throne.  But, he still waited for God's timing. 

The Third Anointing as King

It was 7 years later before David stepped fully into his promised destiny (II Sam. 5:1-5).  At the age of 37, he was anointed as king over all of God's people.  He did not receive the throne because he fought for it like carnal, ambitious men would.  He did not murder and betray.  David did it the right way.  He waited for God to bring it about.  David let God raise him up.

Where Are You?

If find the story of David's rise to be an example of how God leads you and me.  He starts by making a promise to you early on.  He whispers in your ear what He has for you.  No one else really hears it -- only you.  Then you pray over it and grow in grace.  You seek to take the steps that will lead to fulfillment of your dream.

Then, moderate success comes.  God confirms that you are on the right track.  But, you know this is just the beginning, not the fullness.  It is tempting to promote yourself rather than wait on God.  In our impatience, we can rush forward in fleshly zeal for that which we know God has promised.  Another major temptation is frustration.  When it takes a long time, we grow impatient and develop a restless, unbelieving attitude. 

If we, however, keep our heart right, and stay submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the day will come that God's promises to us will be fulfilled.  It may take a lifetime, but the wait is well worth it.  David saw fulfillment of the promise God spoke to him as a young boy. 

The words of Habakkuk speak to us about this. 

I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart.
And watch to see what He will say to me.
And what I will answer when I am corrected.

Then the Lord answered me and said:
"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets.
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come, it will not tarry."  (Habakkuk 2:1-3 (NKJV)

Nearly everyone who has ever served God will tell of how God spoke to them at some point early on.  He comes to you in a time of worship or prayer.  He may speak to you through a friend.  He plants a promise in your heart. 

Then that promise gets tested.  Here's an interesting question I would love for you to consider:  Why do you think most good things God gives us take TIME to unfold?  Why doesn't he just shower us with all of it at once?  I would love to hear your thoughts on this.  Since this is a blog and not a book, you can enter your comments below or on Facebook. 

God bless!