David’s Mighty Men (9)—Keeping Rank with One Heart - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king.
1 Chronicles 12:38

David's Mighty Men (9)—Keeping Rank with One Heart
Many joined David publicly and came to Hebron from every tribe. They did so according to the word of the Lord (v. 23) and with undivided heart (v. 33) or with a loyal, perfect heart. We sometimes say, "the matter of the heart is the heart of the matter." Those who came had "one heart" and were of one mind, with a "right heart" (v. 38). Their hearts were in tune with God and with each other, as they had one and the same objective. Their hearts' condition illustrates how the Lord would like us to be.

"They were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them" (v. 39). This fellowship and unity were beautifully expressed in a common meal as they were with David three days eating and drinking. "Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys and camels, on mules and oxen—provisions of flour and cakes of figs and cakes of raisins, wine and oil and oxen and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in Israel" (v. 40). This lovely picture of unity, harmony, and fellowship teaches us many lessons. They had joined David in his afflictions, now they enjoyed with him abundance and joy.

When we are satisfied with the Lord Jesus, we have everything and are filled with joy. In this context, David (whose name means "beloved") reminds us of our Lord Jesus, "crowned with glory and honor" (Heb. 2:9). He is our Beloved, the true Center and Object of fellowship while we are in a world opposed to Him. Joy indicates true satisfaction, as we abide in Him: for without Him we can do nothing (Jn. 15:4-5).

Alfred E. Bouter