Justice and equity... David rules over all of Israel with justice and equity for all his people. (8:15) After reading about the 10's of thousands killed at the hand of David and his army, I would not expect to read about justice and equity in the next paragraph. But, note that this justice and mercy is administered to David's people. Of course, "David's people" are growing. With every battle, more land, more subjects, more servants...
Ok, I shouldn't be so down on David. I just don't think he's the cute, curly headed, little, shepherd boy that is so often and only taught about in so many Sunday School classrooms. He's the innocent little boy who had slain that awful giant of the Philistines. Let's tell the truth... David for a few years of his life was a shepherd. For most of his life, David was a warrior! A major battlefield strategist! Shepherd, warrior, king, administrator; he was a lot of things and he was good at them. No, it was not really David who was good at these things. He succeeded in them when he listened to the LORD. Without the blessings of God, David would have continued to shepherd sheep all the days of his life. But, with God, he protected and prospered his people. He fed them and cared for them. With God, David led men to victory.
Note: I am also kind of wondering if the Philistines learned anything about letting their enemy hide from their other enemy in their own land. See you all tomorrow - off to the office - still not use to this Daylight Savings Time and sleeping in and rushing - so hope that I'm not making a mess out of the food for thought I offer and you can make some sense out of it.
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