Chapter 17 parallels what we read in 2 Samuel chapter 7. God reveals to David that he is not the person to build the temple, but that his son will build it. And God promises to establish the throne of David forever. This is an incredible promise. Obviously, the meaning is much deeper than what David understood. It is not only about the earthly kings and kingdoms, but we know that Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, the line of David, and that Jesus became prophet, priest, AND king over all. It is in Jesus that the “throne of David” is established forever. And it is in Jesus that the “house of God” is established through the kingdom of God that is not made with hands. Hebrews chapter 9 describes this reality clearly. And the purpose is clear in the Old and New Testament records–the purpose was to make the glory of the Lord known to all the earth.
The key to David’s success is found in 18:6 and14-17. The Lord was with David wherever he went and David did what was just and right for all his people. In the previous verses we also learn that he dedicated all that he gained in battle to the Lord. He did not keep it for himself, but gave it to its rightful owner and conqueror–the Lord. In this way, David demonstrated to the people that the conquest was the Lord’s and not his own. David was true to the purpose of God in giving him victory over his enemies. It was for the glory of God, not the glory of David.
Chapter nine is an interesting story. David attempts to reciprocate a kindness and the act is misinterpreted by poor counsel and it results in great bloodshed and conquest of the Ammonites.
In all the goings on of Israel the Lord continues to show favor on them through the reign of David. This is still true today regarding the source of our blessings. It is the favor of the Lord that gives us all good things. James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father. All that we have is from his hand. Our victories are from him and our ability to handle defeat also comes from the Lord. It is his favor that is most important in life. Like David we need to seek to do what is just and right and to follow all that we know the Lord has commanded. The rest is up to the Lord!