I Chronicles 12:33
“From Zebulun, there were fifty thousand who went out in the army, who could draw up in battle formation with all kinds of weapons of war and helped David with an undivided heart”.
More blessings on David. As far as I can tell, this fulfillment of God’s promise has taken 15 years. That’s twice his lifetime. Also, I can’t recall a single time he has complained. He’s done more than wait. He’s been on the run for his life. Finally Saul gets killed and the throne is now his.
Saul was delivered into David’s hands twice, but he spared him. We’re not sure where God is in that decision. David would not be the one to kill Israel’s king. His thinking is, “God will make me king in His time. I will not engineer it myself. Particularly something as forceful as taking the life of the king.”
God’s protection has been on him. While difficult, these were learning years. He was a good pupil. In God’s time it happens. Now God is assembling an army for him. These are skillful fighters. He needs this.
Today’s verse shares another aspect of these men. A very desired trait in any that work for him. That is loyalty. It says they have undivided hearts. They are with David whole heartedly and enthusiastically.
All throughout history there are stories of betrayal. Loyalty, particularly in the military, is very helpful. If at war, a troop could hold back while the king gets surrounded and killed.
These men admire David and are glad to be where they are. They are mighty warriors in a role where they may be busy. Fighting for a king who is a warrior himself. He killed the famed giant when a youth. As a military officer, he conducted several successful campaigns. But Saul began to get jealous and sought to kill him.
David had a difficult job. He was the ceo of Israel. It’s a big plus if people supported and loved him. These undivided hearts make the job of a leader much more pleasant.
God wants to give us favor. Few of us will be ceo’s. We could be “the least of these”, but God still gives us favor. When we come to Christ and receive His forgiveness. He sees us as perfect. The process of sanctification works that out. While perfect in Christ, our outward behavior may be a bit rough. However, God works on that.
Philippians 2:12 describes sanctification this way, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” We are perfect in spirit before God, the Spirit works that perfection from the inside out.
God gives us favor as we walk in obedience in every stage of life, but especially as we are mature in the faith. Like David. He’s had decades of following God. Those around him have much to gain from him.
Our individual worlds could be quite small, but He still gives us favor. It’s another way that He says we are loved. Psalm 23 has some great comments about God’s blessings on His children. The first is, “My cup runneth over”. God wants His children running over with joy and contentment. These undivided hearts assist in that.
Another blessing of Psalm 23 is “He prepareth a table for me in the presence of my enemies”. He gives us favor, even from those who don’t like us. They give a nod of respect. It’s quite the blessing.
Thank You for this, God. You give us so much. As we follow You, You not only make a way, but give us favor. Thank You.