The Although in David's Life
by an Old Disciple
“Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant…for this is all my salvation, and all my desire”~ 2 Sam. 23:5
David was God’s darling. He was a king, a prophet, and a warrior; he had great riches and honor. Yet, there was an “although” in his life. And I think most, if not all us believers, if truthful, would have to admit, along with David, that there is an “although” in our lives also, as pertaining to their our own houses.
I personally think David is making reference to his grown children, who had caused him so much heartache, when he speaks of “my house.” The situation with Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom, were enough to crush the life out of the strongest parent. As one Puritan preacher has said, “Grace doesn't run in the blood.” Godly men had bad children, and vise versa.
He could have left out the part about his house, but he was honest with himself and God till the very end. These were his “last words,” meaning: speaking by inspiration, or, literally last, being on his death bed and nearing heaven. Possibly both are true. The two things closest his heart in the end were his family and his soul.
As to his physical house there was sadness, but there was a solace of soul spiritually. He was standing on God’s Sure Covenant to him, as he lay upon his death bed. His great God had condescended to to bind Himself to the performance of His promise to this, His child.
Yes, my friend, many of us, sad to say, in our closing years, as in David’s, may have to say honestly, “My house is not what it should be with God.” But we can also say with David, “yet He hath made with me an everlasting covenant.” Before God made promise to David, He foresaw all his sins and shortcomings. Just as He saw yours and mine when He promised us everlasting life through Jesus Christ His Son! This, says David, “is all my salvation, and all my desire.”
And it should be ours too. HALLELUJAH!!!
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If you’d like the Biblical insight to the issues of our day my son Andrew’s link is here.