March 26, 2010 - A Righteous Kingdom To Serve God

Meditation on 2 Samuel 8

God had blessed David and the kingdom of Israel abundantly. The twelve tribes were then united under one ruler appointed by God. David led them to overcome all their enemies in the Promised Land. The kingdom was expanding and the neighboring nations were bringing in tribute to David. He organized the nation according to the Law of Moses. In everything David adhered to pleasing God and obeying the commands of God.

In verse 15, it is recorded that David administered justice and righteousness for all his people. That was the way God wanted and the people would enjoy. In the same passage, David's cabinet was mentioned. Besides the military chief, he had a recorder, a secretary of state, a mighty soldier, who had a priestly status, over the immigrants, two chief priests, and his sons serving as chief ministers. (v. 18 NASB)

The word for chief administers was actually one word, priests, in the original Hebrew language. It was exactly the same word as the word for the priests in verse 17. Some translate that the sons of David were royal advisers or princes of the court. But the new American Commentary gave a very good explanation why the word “priests” was used for the duty of David's sons. David bestowed the title on his sons in recognition of the Torah's assertion that Israel was to be a "kingdom of priests." (Exodus 19:6) David wanted to train and dedicate his sons to faithful service to the covenant between their father and God. They should be serving God all their lives just like their Dad.

Today, all believers are to be a kingdom of priests to our God and Father also. (Revelation 1:6) What a great honor and privilege!