2 Samuel 8:9-14 – Honouring God must precede building reputation

Toi, the king of Hamath, was glad to hear that David had defeated Hadadezer and his army because he was at war with the Arameans led by Hadadezer. Naturally, when he learned of his enemy’s defeat, he was delighted. With Hadadezer defeated, David had helped him to smash the power of his enemy. So he sent Joram his son as his ambassador to congratulate David for his victory and also to express his gratitude. So  Joram brought with him articles of silver, gold, and bronze to give to David. He did a wise thing. It is always good to have a friend than make an enemy. And better when that friend you make is capable. So, Toi wisely befriended David.

It is encouraging to see what David did with the gold, silver, and bronze brought to him by Joram. Together with the silver and gold that he had gained from his victories over his other enemies, verse 11 tells us that he dedicated them to the LORD. David’s priority was God. So, he would gladly offer to Him whatever he was given or gained. This very act is worth noting. David was in fact offering these articles for the building of God’s temple. In the same way, whatever resources we have been given or gained in life must also be dedicated to God. We must make it our goal to use all the resources we have to build the community of God. This is the teaching of the New Testament. All of us believers of Christ must use our talents and gifts for the building and edification of the church, the body of Christ. The community grows when everyone contributes.

Notice the phrase “And the Lord helped David wherever he went.” It appears again in verse 14. This is the only reason why it could be said that “David made a name for himself.” With the help of God, he was able to kill 18,000 Arameans in the Valley of Salt. David also subdued Edom and even placed garrisons among them. He also made the Edomites his servants. Like David, we must never forget that without God’s help we will not be able to make a name for ourselves.

Thinking through these verses, one thought comes to mind. Putting God first must always precede the goal of building one’s reputation. When the order is right, we will have the right perspective of our achievements. It will keep us humble to know that everything we have and will ever have, come from God. He is the one who enables us to progress and has a hand in building our reputation. Living for God is the best motivation to give our best to every task. Hence, it is better to be known first as a person who lives for God than one who has the temperament to accomplish. For David living for God precedes building his reputation. This was his order. What about us? We must first dedicate all that we are and have to God before we go about building our reputation. Remember when we put God first, all other things will fall into place.