The Inauguration

Reflections on 2 Sam. 5:1-5 [1 Chron. 11:1-3]

THE INAUGURATION
In the United States, inaugural activities begin with the president-elect attending a morning worship service. He then proceeds to the Capitol, where he takes the oath of office required by the Constitution. Following that, there is a luncheon, parade, and finally in the evening, an inaugural ball. The inaugural activities culminate a selection process, they focus both on the president’s promise to uphold and defend the Constitution and on his appointment to preside over the government, and finally they celebrate fresh leadership in fulfilling the hopes and dreams of the nation. Although the times were different, David began his reign over all Israel in a similar way.

SELECTION. For a long time, the leaders of Israel had wanted to make David their king (2 Sam. 3:17) because even while King Saul had been alive, David had been the most successful military commander against their enemies (2 Sam. 5:2). So, the leaders of Israel went to Hebron determined to make him king (1 Chron. 12:38). Nevertheless, they did not select David merely because he was successful. They also chose him according to the guidelines of Mosaic Law:

You may indeed set a king over you whom the LORD your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.
-- Deut. 17:15

When all Israel came to David in Hebron, they affirmed that they were the same “bone and flesh,” that is, they were brothers. Furthermore, they cited evidence that God had chosen David: the Lord had told David that he would be shepherd and prince over Israel (v. 2). Hence, what happened in Hebron was the culmination of a selection process that included both Israel and God. After Solomon, there is no record of the people seeking the Lord’s choice for king. The next king chosen of God was Jesus.

COVENANT. When all Israel came to David in Hebron, he made a compact or covenant with them (2 Sam. 5:3). The exact nature of the covenant is not known, but Samuel wrote the regulations concerning the kingship on a scroll when Saul was anointed (1 Sam. 10:25). Samuel’s regulations were probably based on Deut. 17:14-17 and designed to prevent the abuses Samuel foresaw in a kingship (1 Sam. 8:10-18). The covenant between David and Israel may have included some positive aspects as well because God had designated David to be “shepherd of my people Israel” (v. 2). One positive aspect, related to shepherding, would be that he promised to lead, tend, and defend Israel with compassion. Another positive aspect, related to Israel being God’s people or flock, would be that he agreed to be faithful as a steward of God. No other covenants between the king and the people are mentioned until Joash became king in 2 Kings 11:17. Today, Christ, a descendant of David, reigns as the Good Shepherd over God’s people on the basis of a new covenant.

ANOINTING. David had previously been anointed both privately and again in the presence of the elders of Judah. This third time, he was anointed in the presence of the elders and leaders of all Israel. Anointing signified more than selection. It signified consecration or devotion to serving the Lord with undivided purpose and energy. Today, Jesus is God’s anointed, and Jesus reigns with undivided purpose and energy until God’s will is accomplished on earth.

CELEBRATION. 1 Chron. 12:39-40 tells us that Israel’s leaders remained in Hebron for three days eating and drinking because there was great joy in Israel when David was anointed king. The bounty and joy shared at this three-day feast were a foretaste of God’s blessings that would follow in a faithful Israel ruled by a king who had a heart like God’s.