David does something very different from modern day leaders.
Read 2 Samuel 1-4
I don’t mean to slander, or stereotype all contemporary leaders with the statement, but it seems that in the modern era treachery is acceptable when ascending to power. Then again, treachery as a means of advance has probably always been with us. In any case, this is one way that David is different from the other leaders. He doesn’t resort to treachery, in fact he puts to death anyone who uses it on his behalf. Joab has killed Abner in a treacherous way…and before the story is over David will see that he is put to death. No one gets away with it.
David clearly draws a line between treachery and deception. He has used deception many times, killing off whole towns and then lying about it. I can’t explain how that is okay when this is not. Clearly, I don’t understand something. Maybe it matters who benefits from the action…maybe David wouldn’t kill someone for personal advancement, but felt it was okay to kill people that weren’t Israelites “on God’s behalf” when he didn’t receive a promotion or recognition for it. I don’t know…honestly, it’s a little fuzzy to me.
I choose to adopt the attitude that deception and slight of hand are no way to advance through the ranks. Perhaps that means I will never advance…I don’t care. Maybe I will have to serve under those who have employed such measures…I don’t care. I remember the phrase from Psalm 127:1-2 “unless the Lord builds the house, the work of the builders is wasted”. David knew that he was meant to be king, and he knew that God would advance him in due time, he didn’t need to force it. That’s what makes him special, and loved by the people. I think David truly cared about others, even those who opposed him.
Case in point: why would anyone say in their grief upon hearing about Saul and Jonathan that Saul was “beloved and gracious”? There must have been some good remaining in Saul since David says this about him. Maybe what we see in the Bible is only the bad things that help us understand that Saul has fallen from favor, he may still have had some bright spots in his leadership. I want to keep this in mind when considering others who lead. Even those who are not operating under God’s grace or authority can make good decisions and bring success at times.
In the end, David has ascended to power without doing it on his own. That doesn’t mean he is without enemies, there are still some who consider him unworthy. What it does mean is that he remains open to God’s blessing because of his obedience. David stays true to God, which earns him God’s favor, via victory in battle, success in politics and the favor of the people. We never need to resort to treachery or deception or “back room dealing”, especially true when operating in our role as leaders in the church.
Faithfully,
PR