View source for 2 Samuel 2:1-3:1 We Never Arrive

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'''Theological Proposition/Focus: David had just ascended to the throne, yet he needed to move carefully and methodically at God's pace rather than rushing ahead.'''


'''Homiletical Proposition/Application: This passage encourages Christians to trust in God's timing during transitions in their lives. It reminds us that rushing ahead can lead to chaos, but being patient and seeking God's direction can bring about His divine order even in uncertain times.'''

=Introduction=

==Image: Slow is smooth and smooth is fast==

The phrase "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast" comes up often in U.S. military special operations, particularly special forces, as a training mantra. It emphasizes that methodical and controlled movements, though slower at first, prevent mistakes and ultimately lead to a more efficient and faster outcome than rushing.

I have certainly seen it play out. When I was managing the autoshop in college, I had a guy working for me for a short period who was a hard worker but consistently went too fast and made mistakes. His insistence on doing things fast led to us having to slow down to double-check his work.

==Need: Life is full of "wide-open doors," yet our impatience or fear can lead to missteps.==

==Preview: We will explore three lessons from 2 Samuel 2:1-3:1: Patience, Confidence, and Pace==

==Text: [https://ref.ly/2Sa2.1-3.1 2 Samuel 2:1-3:1] Read with each main point==

==Setting the Stage:==

We have been slowly working our way through the life of David, and now the day has come. We get to see David as king, but that doesn't mean he has arrived and can do whatever he wants! No, the slow and methodical character-building experiences of 1 Samuel have been training for what is needed in David's life as king. David has spent his whole life training for this moment, and so the training matters. Now, as David takes the throne, more than ever, he will need to patiently wait for God's direction and guidance.

You see, the way to the throne is clear, in theory, but the path will demand that God walk alongside David every step of the way.

=Body=

==''Patience'' — Even when the door is wide open, careful intentionality matters (2:1-7).==

===David's inquiry reflects wisdom, not fear (1).===

The opening phrase "in the course of time" is an idiomatic transition. We don't know precisely how long David waited after mourning Saul, only that some time passed before the moment of his public anointing arrived. What we do know is that David had already received a private anointing in [https://ref.ly/1Sa16.13 1 Samuel 16:13]. That anointing marked him as God's chosen king, but it would need to become public before the people could rally to him.

So the question weighing on David was this: ''When is the right time to take the next step?'' Instead of seizing the throne by impulse, David does what we have come to expect of him—he asks the Lord. And when God gives an answer, David presses further, asking ''where'' exactly he should go. David doesn't move without direction.

It's worth noting that many in Israel already knew David was destined to be king. Even Saul himself had declared in [https://ref.ly/1Sa24.20 1 Samuel 24:20] that David would one day sit on the throne. Still, David refused to get ahead of God. He would not push forward on human timing, even when the path looked wide open. His careful questions were not signs of fear but of wisdom. David slowed things down to be certain of God's timing.

This is a lesson for us. Seeking God is not about hesitation or timidity—it's about wise intentionality. To move too quickly is to risk outrunning God. To move prayerfully is to stay aligned with Him.

===He honored his past and remembered where he came from (2-4a).===

Tim Duncan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, offers a fitting modern illustration. Growing up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, his first dream was to be an Olympic swimmer, but when a hurricane destroyed the only Olympic pool on the island, he turned to basketball. Drafted first overall into the NBA, Duncan went on to win five championships with the San Antonio Spurs and earn multiple MVP awards. Yet through it all, he remained humble, grounded, and focused on fundamentals rather than flash. Shaquille O'Neal nicknamed him ''"The Big Fundamental"'' because Duncan never let fame or power change him; he continually just focused on the fundamentals. He remembered his roots and let his game—not ego—speak for him.

David shows a similar humility in these verses. When he moves to Hebron, it is not with spectacle but with quiet intentionality. He brings his wives, his men, and their families with him—signaling permanence, not temporary positioning. This decision also reveals his heart: David does not rush into power leaving others behind; he takes time to bring ''all'' who had been with him.

And then, surrounded by his people, David is publicly anointed king of Judah. This is a critical step toward uniting the kingdom under his reign. Yet what stands out is that David had already been anointed by Samuel—he was already God's chosen king. Strictly speaking, he didn't need another ceremony. But by allowing the people to anoint him, David humbled himself under their affirmation. He remembered the people, remembered his roots, and honored the process. Like Duncan, he didn't let power go to his head.

===He respected history and the importance of relationships in the transition of power (4b-7).===

In these verses, we see David's heart for loyalty and relationships. Saul's reign began with a great victory at Jabesh-Gilead, where he rescued the city from the Ammonites. In gratitude, when Saul and his sons died, the men of Jabesh-Gilead risked their lives to ensure Saul received a proper burial.

David does not overlook this. In both political wisdom and genuine character, he commends the men of Jabesh-Gilead and promises them kindness. This city was beyond Judah's borders, exposed and vulnerable after Saul's death. By offering his protection, David was doing more than securing an alliance—he was honoring Saul and anchoring his kingship in continuity with Israel's past. Rather than erase the legacy of the former king, he built upon it.

Everything about David's actions in this passage is slow, deliberate, and careful. He is not rushing into power with arrogance but moving with intentional patience and relational awareness.

===Image: Slow is smooth and smooth is fast: getting to see the cheetahs hunt in Africa.===

When Emily and I were in Africa, we watched a cheetah hunt wildebeest. Everyone knows cheetahs are fast—the fastest land animal—but what impressed us most wasn't the speed. It was the patience. The long, deliberate stalking. The slow, smooth movements that set up the final burst. The explosion of speed only made sense because of the patience that preceded it.

===MTR: Humbly ask God to direct your steps, even when opportunities seem wide open.===

Let me give a couple of examples of what I mean.

* Relationships: A single person meets someone who seems like the "perfect match." Rather than rushing forward because the door looks wide open, they seek God's wisdom and give time for the relationship to prove itself.

* Church Service or Ministry: Someone gets asked to lead a new ministry role. It feels like an honor and seems obvious to say yes. But instead of immediately committing, they step back, pray, and ask if this is really God's assignment for them in this season.

* Parenting Decisions: Your teenager has an exciting opportunity—sports team, travel, school program. Instead of quickly signing them up, you pray as a family: ''Will this help them grow in the Lord, or just keep us too busy to focus on what matters most?''

* Retirement Choices: A couple finishing their careers is offered a chance to relocate somewhere warm and appealing. Instead of leaping at the dream, they stop and ask: ''God, is this where You want to use us in this next chapter?''

These examples may feel specific, but the point isn't about the details—it's about the principle. Humbly asking God to direct your steps is not just a nice-sounding platitude; it's a real, practical opportunity for you to act on in everyday life.

==''Confidence'' — Open doors still have challenges; confidence comes from God (8-23).==

One of the difficulties in recording history is that far more happens than could ever be written down. Especially in moments of transition, history often glosses over the rough patches, leaving us with the illusion of smoothness. But in [https://ref.ly/2Sa2 2 Samuel 2], we are given the raw details. The transition from Saul to David was not seamless. It was contested, messy, and full of conflict.

This is important for us to remember because even when God opens a door, the path forward may still be marked with resistance. Open doors don't mean easy paths. What they do mean is that God's people can walk with confidence, knowing that He is directing the way.

===Not everyone is ready to follow or support you (8-11).===

In these verses, David faces the reality that not everyone was willing to follow him as king. Abner, the commander of Saul's army and Saul's cousin, elevates Saul's son Ish-Bosheth as king over Israel. But the text makes clear: this is Abner's doing, not Ish-Bosheth's. Ish-Bosheth is a pawn, while Abner is the true power broker.

Notice what is absent here—no mention of God, no prayer, no anointing, no divine involvement. This is man manipulating people and situations for personal power. David is the rightful king, chosen and anointed by God, but Abner has other plans.

This is still the world we live in. You can be walking faithfully with God and yet face opposition. You can be in the right, doing the right thing, and still find people unwilling to follow. Some will resist simply because they want control or because they are blind to God's ways.

And so David finds himself king over Judah, while Abner establishes a rival king over the rest of Israel. It is messy, divided, and complicated—reminding us that even when you are following God, not everyone else will come along easily.

===Even seemingly easy opportunities may involve unforeseen obstacles (12-17).===

One might think that all Israel would naturally rally behind David. After all, Saul's failures were plain, and David had already been marked by God as king. But what should have been simple turns out to be difficult.

The armies of Judah and Israel clash near Gibeon, deep in Benjamin's territory. With battle looming, Abner suggests a contest of champions—twelve men from each side fight on behalf of their armies. Joab agrees, perhaps seeing this as a way to avoid mass bloodshed. But instead of resolving the conflict, the duel ends with twenty-four dead men and no peace.

So the armies erupt into battle anyway. Fierce fighting breaks out, and the text tells us Judah prevails. Yet what stands out is this: even in a situation where David should have been universally recognized, obstacles still arose.

That is often how it works in our lives too. God may open a door for us, but that doesn't mean walking through it will be without hardship. There may be resistance, setbacks, and difficulties that force us to lean even more deeply on God.

===Headstrong pursuit without God's guidance can be destructive (18-23).===

The chapter closes with a tragic episode. Abner flees the battlefield, and Asahel—Joab's brother—pursues him relentlessly. Nothing in the text indicates that Asahel or Joab paused to ask God what to do next. Instead, Asahel charges forward with youthful zeal. Abner even warns him to turn aside, but Asahel refuses. The result is his death at Abner's hand.

This moment halts the battle, but it also plants a seed of vengeance. Joab and his brothers carry this vendetta against Abner for years to come, and it eventually becomes a thorn in David's reign and even Solomon's after him. What began as loyalty to David turned destructive because it was not loyalty to God's leading.

It is a sobering reminder. Zeal without prayer, loyalty without wisdom, action without God's direction—all of these can do real damage. Headstrong pursuit of what seems right in our own eyes often brings pain.

This chapter reminds us that open doors still have challenges. God may call you to step forward, but that doesn't mean the journey will be easy. Opposition may rise up. People may resist. The road may hold unforeseen obstacles. But if God has called you, you can walk with confidence—not in yourself, not in your strategies, but in His wisdom and strength.

We must also remember that confidence is not the same as recklessness. Asahel was bold, but his boldness lacked discernment. True confidence comes from aligning with God's direction, moving at His pace, and refusing to run ahead without Him.

===MTR: If God has told you to go through a door, move forward with confidence, trusting His wisdom and guidance.===

In the last Action Step, I encouraged you to humbly ask God for direction. Now I want to push on the other side of that line and encourage you that once you have direction, you need to act—with confidence!

* Career Opportunities: You may receive a job offer that looks perfect on paper. Don't wait in fear or self-doubt—if God has clearly led you, step forward, trusting Him to guide your success.

* Volunteering or Ministry: You might be asked to lead a new ministry role. It's natural to hesitate, but if God has opened this door, move forward with confidence, knowing He will equip you for the task.

* Relocation or Life Transitions: Moving to a new city, school, or home can feel risky. If God has led you, step boldly into the opportunity, trusting His wisdom for the journey—even when challenges appear.

* Sharing Your Faith: Inviting someone to know Christ or mentoring a younger believer can feel intimidating. Confidence doesn't come from your skill—it comes from the One who called you.

These examples may feel specific, but the principle is clear: ''once God has given you direction, move forward with confidence, trusting His wisdom and guidance.'' Acting on God's direction is not recklessness—it's obedience grounded in faith.

==''Pace'' — God's timing is often different from ours (24-3:1).==

===A well-placed interruption brought an important pause to bloodshed (25-27).===

After Asahel fell, the battle paused temporarily. Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and as the sun began to set, the stage was set for a final bloody confrontation. Abner, in a cry of desperation, asked Joab how long the fighting would continue. Joab wisely responded, recognizing that without Abner's question, the battle might have gone on all night, and countless more lives could have been lost.

Zeal and headstrong pursuit could have led to devastating slaughter, but God's plan for Israel included a pause. Sometimes, God's intervention comes in the form of a well-timed interruption—a moment to slow the pace and redirect what could otherwise become destruction.

===Physical space brought a much-needed slowing of the pace of conflict (28-32).===

With a tentative ceasefire, the two armies separated, and hostilities stopped temporarily. A count revealed David's army was 20 men short, while 360 Benjamites had fallen.

Even in the midst of intense conflict, space and time allowed things to cool. In life, we often feel the pressure to "get things done" and rush ahead of God's timing. Hurry becomes a priority, and the cost of moving too quickly is steep. God's pace, however, is different—often slower, measured, and designed for long-term success rather than short-term victories.

===God slowly but steadily established David as king (3:1).===

Verse 1 reminds us that David was not accepted as king immediately. The text does not record exactly how long it took, only that it required a significant period of time. God's timing frequently differs from ours. We expect quick movement, but God often works steadily, building things in ways that may seem slow to our eyes but are perfectly paced for His plan.

===Image: Slow is smooth and smooth is fast: Teaching people to run long distances—don't run too slow, don't run too fast.===

I love running and have worked with many people on longer distances. One lesson becomes clear over and over: pace matters. If you start too fast, you burn out early. But starting too slowly can also be a problem—your body never settles into an efficient rhythm, and you feel exhausted before the finish.

The same is true with God. We cannot get ahead of Him, rushing to force outcomes, nor can we lag behind, letting fear or hesitation hold us back. Life with God is like running alongside a perfect pacer—finding the rhythm that is steady, sustainable, and aligned with His timing.

===MTR: Put pacers into your life.===

Seek godly wisdom, mentors, and accountability to help you stay aligned with His timing. Let Him set the pace for your decisions, your relationships, and your progress, trusting that steady, intentional movement is more powerful than hurried motion.

* Career Decisions: You may feel pressure to accept a promotion or switch jobs quickly. A godly mentor, a trusted colleague, or even a prayer partner can help you pause and consider God's timing before acting.

* Family and Parenting Choices: Big decisions—like moving your family, enrolling kids in programs, or making education choices—benefit from pacing. Talk with trusted advisors or family members and prayerfully reflect rather than rushing into the first opportunity.

* Financial Decisions: Purchasing a house, investing, or making a major financial move can tempt one to rush. Godly counsel and planning act as pacers, keeping you from acting too fast or too slow.

* Ministry or Volunteering: Taking on a leadership role in church or a new ministry can feel urgent. Mentors and experienced leaders can guide your pace, helping you step forward with confidence but without overextending yourself.

* Personal Growth Goals: Whether it's exercise, spiritual disciplines, or learning a new skill, pacing yourself prevents burnout. Accountability partners or coaches help you stay consistent while moving forward steadily.

Set yourself up to keep pace with God.

===Conclusion===

As we've seen in David's journey, following God's plan is never a straight line. Even when doors are wide open, patience matters—humbly asking God for direction ensures we don't rush ahead. Even when we have God's clear guidance, confidence is needed to step through the doors He opens, trusting His wisdom over our own understanding. And finally, God's timing often differs from ours, so we must pace ourselves carefully, allowing space, counsel, and discernment to guide each step.

David's story reminds us that the path God calls us to is both intentional and measured. It's not about speed or shortcuts; it's about walking steadily with Him, aligned with His plan, and trusting Him in every season.

So, as you leave today, remember: ''ask God for direction, step forward in confidence, and pace yourself according to His timing.'' That is the way to honor God, navigate life's challenges, and experience the fullness of the plans He has for you.