Expanding Influence

Synopsis     2Sam 7:26-8:7     12/3/2018 

David finished reflecting on the goodness that God had shown. And he completed his reflection with a prayer asking God to actually do the things that had been promised.  

After this, David began a time of expansion against the nations around him. In particular, he subjugated the Philistines. And he also defeated the Moabites. After this, David fought against Hadadezer, king of Zobah. 

Expanding Kingdom 

Once David had secured his seat of power in Jerusalem, he began to expand the boundaries and the influence of the Israelite nation.  

Accordingly, he established dominion in the south. First, he subdued the Philistines who lived along the southwest coast.  Next he defeated Moab in the southeast. Both of these nations were perennial adversaries. So, David attacked and defeated them first. And, he made these nations subject to paying annual tribute to Jerusalem.  

After this, David engaged in the north with Hadadezer, king of Zobah. He defeated Zobah’s forces. And he also defeated the Aramean soldiers that came from Damascus to help Hadadezer. In the end, he brought both kingdoms under his dominion.  

For David, it was a question of prioritization. He was able to expand the reach and authority of the kingdom because he had established a solid base.  

Expanding Influence 

If I want to live an impactful life that influences others, then I have to focus on those things that I can best control. It’s only once I have achieved that, thatI can effectively expand to new fields of endeavor.  

Complete your outdoor tasks, and arrange your work in the field; afterward you can build your house.” Prov 24:27