Notice that David is just busy doing his 'king thing', responding to the dishonor shown his delegation - and the amassing of Ammonite and hired gun Aramean troops - by preparing for battle. But what is missing? Remember 1 Samuel 22, 23, 30 as well as 2 Samuel 2 and 5: over and over again we are told that "David inquired of the LORD" before making leadership decisions. Here, there is no indication that David sought the LORD; instead, the text just says that David heard about the gathering troops and sent the army out. David - blessed with success in whatever he does - apparently defaults to his common sense instead of remaining dependent on the LORD's leading.
And since the results are good, there is no immediate indication that in this act of warfare - and the decision David makes in chapter 11 to let others continue this battle without him - that temptation will soon strike at his weakest area and lay his kingdom low. See, temptation doesn't announce it's on the way. More likely, we're just busy doing our thing... maybe even enjoying some success... and living off of our past walk with the LORD rather than in a vibrant, daily relationship with Him. And like David, we are getting ready to be blindsided.
Questions: 1) Are you enjoying a fresh connectedness with the LORD every day... or are you living off of the 'fumes' of previous experiences with Him? Stop right now and reaffirm your desire to "inquire of Him" always.
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