“So David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people.”  2 Sam 5:12

There are many qualities about David that contribute to him being one of my heroes. I love that he was a worshiper. I love that he was quick to humble himself. When confronted for wrongdoing, he didn’t try to justify himself but confessed and quickly turned from his sin. He was loyal to his friends. There was also this unwavering sense of security that he exhibited in the face of enemies, turmoil, and uncertainty. 

At this time of his life, David had been anointed to be Israel’s king many years previously and had already reigned over the tribe of Judah for seven years. But as he begins to rule over the whole house of Israel, a dramatic shift takes place in his mindset. From this time onward, he operates from a place of strength. He exudes confidence. He is not perturbed or made fearful by things that had once seemed overwhelming. What happened?

For insight, there are two words used to describe David’s state of mind that I would like to hone in on. The first, translated “knew”, is from the Hebrew word yada which means intimate knowledge; a knowing that comes by one’s senses, or by experience. It is the word used in Gen 4:1, “Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived.” The combination of three events that took place in 2 Samuel 5:1-11 had frankly raised him to another level in the Spirit. They were:

1. The leaders of all twelve tribes of Israel gathered and pledged their allegiance to David. They quoted prophecy that had been spoken over him, “You shall shepherd my people”, and anointed him afresh. 
2. David took the stronghold of Zion. Though it had resisted incursion for more than 400 years and had been seemingly impregnable, he took it decisively. 
3. Hiram, the pagan King of Tyre, sent the highest quality provisions and professionals to build a beautiful palace for David to live in. 

The second operative word is “established” from the Hebrew kun. It means: to be made steadfast and secure(d); to be fully furnished and provided for; made firm and ready. David illustrates the meaning of this word in one of his famous Psalms when he says that God had brought him out of a horrible pit and out of miry clay, setting his feet on a rock and establishing his steps (Ps 40:2). David has received a deep assurance that God Himself had been behind all of these miraculous and substantial interventions. Leaders had “established” him. Conquest had “established” him. Peer regents had “established” him. Taken by themselves, David would certainly have felt strengthened. But, in combination, he became supernaturally impregnated with the knowledge that God Himself was the One who was orchestrating it all, working to fully furnish and provide for him–yes, to establish him. As it had been for Eve carrying Cain, the “baby” of this truth had been conceived in the  womb of his spirit. 

Bible school diplomas cannot give you this. Ministry success cannot give you this. Public recognition cannot give you this. Prophesies that “read your mail” cannot give you this. All these things are meant to contribute to your knowledge (yada) that God Himself has established (kun) you in your unique calling. Don’t let the craziness of this world drive you crazy; let it drive you to press in to God to obtain the access keys to this download. Whatever it takes! You will most certainly look back and say, “Wow, was that worth it!”. 

I believe God wants us to experience a shift in our mindsets. He wants to take us to another level in the Spirit. He wants us to operate from a place of strength. This means that God wants us to follow David’s example and become pregnant with confidence. A reeling world needs us to show them there is a Rock to stand on. Shaking peoples—neighbors, colleagues, people in our communities–are looking for a shelter to run to. In this hour, as You again exalt Your kingdom before Your return, do it again Lord—for the sake of Your people!

Sure, there may be hordes of “Philistines” deploying in the valley around the next bend in the road (v.17-18); but we’ll face them knowing they will “doubtless” be delivered into our hand (v.19). Let us enter the fray knowing the Lord has gone out before us to strike down our foes (v.24). Join me in crying out to the Father: Establish us, O God!