David, though he failed, and sinned most grievously (and reaped as he had sowed), habitually turned to God, and it is in this attitude that he is seen in this chapter. It is well for the believer always to take his circumstances from God, as did David in verse 2; and to God, as we see him doing in verses 10 and 14.
Whether it be in receiving blessing in natural things, or in passing through trials and dangers, we may well emulate David as thus exhibited to us. That his life was not perfect we know, and though God may (and He does) cover sin, as in this book, never to mention David's dreadful deeds in connection with Uriah the Hittite and his wife, He lets us see from almost every example in the Bible, that none but the Son of His love lived sinlessly. Already David had three wives,— Ahinoam, Abigail and Michal, but he was now rich and powerful and could afford to do as he pleased, so he adds to the number of his wives. And what of the children born to these later wives ? Scripture is solemnly silent as to all of them but Solomon, though we find in Joseph, husband of Mary the mother of the Lord, the descent of Nathan (Luke 3:3131Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, (Luke 3:31)).
Enemies there yet are, and the Philistines went up to seek David when they heard that he was now king in Saul's stead. They came quite near to Jerusalem, to the valley of Rephaim, a few miles southwest of the city, and there twice suffered defeat, the second time being pursued to Gazer or Gezer, about two-thirds of the distance from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean Sea.
It is not surprising that these victories were David's, since it was his habit to look to God at all times as we see from his life as recorded for us in the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, and from the Psalms which he wrote.
David had asked of God at the first appearance of the enemy, and had been directed to victory; but he remains dependent, and at the second coming of the Philistine hosts, he inquired again of Him. We may observe too, that the directions upon this second exhibition of a subject will, are not only fuller, the guidance more plainly given, but "God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines."
Thus does our God answer those whose hearts are directed toward Himself. The believers of this dispensation do not meet the enemies with military preparations, but unseen foes in the wiles of the devil, and the rulers of the darkness of this world (Eph. 6:10-1810Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:10‑18)).