Wednesday, June 5
Read 1 Chronicles 12
Think About It:
David’s reputation attracted brave and skilled warriors to him, and over time grew into a great army. What type of people are drawn to you? God will cause like-minded friends to cross your path as you seek Him first. Those who surround you will help you become stronger in the LORD. We must be careful who we let into our inner circle of friends. David says in verse 9, “If you have come to me in peace, to help me, I am ready to have you unite with me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” He made sure he was surrounded by trustworthy men. Ask God to help you discern who you share your heart with and He will give you wisdom, a good reputation and faithful friends.
Family Time:
Becoming King over Israel and Judah meant that David would need a very large army to protect all of Israel from their neighboring enemies. David trusted Yahweh Jireh – the God who provides – to provide this army. David’s initial, small band of 600 fierce and loyal warriors, grew into an army of 120,000 men.
- From which tribe was the group of men who swam the overflowing, flooding Jordan River and who were able to handle both shield and spear? (verse 14)
- From which tribe was the group of men who were with David at Ziklag? (verse 20)
NOTE: Ziklag is where all the families of these 600 men were kidnapped and the city burned. David and his group of men retrieved all those kidnapped and returned them to their families and shared the plunder.
- Why did Israelite men come from all over to join David’s army? (verse 38)
