Ever since that day when the prophet Samuel visited Bethlehem, anointing the youngest son of Jesse, it was a foregone conclusion that David would be the eventual king of Israel. His rise to power was not quick or without many setbacks, but the details of that drama are not important to the Chronicler. As a master of words, he simply summarizes the whole book of 1 Samuel by quoting the people who had gathered to make David king: “In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD your God said to you, “You shall be shepherd of My people Israel, and you shall be prince over My people Israel” (v 2). God had chosen David to be king, and God had brought it to pass. This is more than an idle observation from history; it is the basis of hope for the future. Whatever God promises, He will do. And so, when David’s Greater Son comes to rule over His kingdom, He will come like David—established by the mighty hand of God: “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:7). Some might have attributed David’s new position to political, economic, or social conditions of the day. But the real cause of his anointing was a powerful and faithful God. It’s encouraging to know that God is sovereign over history, for all this happened “according to the word of the LORD by Samuel” (v 3). David’s capture of Jerusalem was successful despite the proud boasting of the Canaanite occupants of the city. With this victory, the kingdom had a centrally located capital with the best natural defenses in the area. Here David lived in “the stronghold” of Mount Zion, which became a citadel symbolizing God’s eternal care and protection of His people (Ps 48:1-3). Brave and resourceful men like Joab helped David win battles, but the bottom line was that “David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him” (v 4-9). The mighty men who surrounded David and helped establish his kingship are listed by name, along with some of their exploits. The point is to show that David was a leader who had gained the full confidence and support of the best men in Israel. Three of these men once broke through enemy lines just to draw water from a well for David. But he would not drink it! Showing remarkable sensitivity to the dangers his men faced, David poured the water out as an offering to the LORD. Many leaders use people for their own selfish gain. But David sincerely cared for those entrusted to his care, and they served him faithfully, creatively, and valiantly (v 10-47). For further meditation: