2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18

II Samuel 8 and I Chronicles 18 are parallels, nearly identical with minimal detailed differences but outline all the victories of King David in the unified land of Israel against the remaining Canaanites along with Edom (sons of Esau), Moab (son of Lot, Abrahams nephew), Amalekites (Esau's grandson) and  Ammonites (son of Lot). The most amazing aspect of David's victories is that all the surrounding kingdoms around Israel subjected themselves to King David through paying him tribute and the accounts of his mighty hand in battle would've struck fear into all enemies outside those territories of subjugation. II Samuel 8:13 says David became famous after striking down 18,000 Edomites, earlier in the chapter we see David systematically defeat and subdue his enemies ruthlessly, but it's important to know what the author of II Samuel and I Chronicles 18 mentions not once but twice in these chapters - therefore appearing 4 times in the recounting of David's victories:

II Samuel 8:6 (NIV) "The LORD gave David victory wherever he went."

II Samuel 8:14 (NIV) "The LORD gave David victory wherever he went."

As men and women of God, His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession - redeemed by the blood of Jesus His Son, we must do what God is blessing. David didn't presumptuously wage violent military conquest against the surrounding nations on his own ambition, God blessed David richly and His mighty hand of promotion, provision, protection, power and purpose rested strongly on David's kingship which was prophesied by Jacob on his deathbed in Egypt (Genesis 49:8-12). Just as God has blessed great and mighty plans for David, God has blessed and mighty plans for us, we must come into alignment with the will of God and do what God is blessing in faithful obedience rather than presumptuously or in selfish ambition demand God to bless what we are doing. 

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