KING DAVID WAS ORGANIZED

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No one would ever dispute the fact that King David was multi-talented. Indeed, YHVH truly blessed him with many great skills and talents. One often overlooked skill was his ability to organize. Clearly, we could all take lessons on organization while looking at the reign of David in Israel. Definitely, King David was organized in every area of his rulership.

Obviously, this good King knew his priorities for the nation. YHVH was always first. Everything else fell in place once this fact was established. All of David’s main priorities related directly or indirectly to YHWH and His ways.

THE PRIORITY OF WORSHIP

Moreover, the very first priority was always worship. Worship was the first thing David tended to. It should be noted that any time he had to go to battle with an enemy, King David first consulted God. Additionally, should there be an issue with his staff, David knew YHVH would give him answers. If the nation was in a time of peace and prospterity, the first thing out of King David’s lips was praise and thanksgiving to God Almighty.

With worhsip in mind, David brought the Ark to Jerusalem. He set it right in the middle of his governmental compound. Then David established an elaborate and continual pattern of organized worship for the Kingdom. Whenever the King had a problem, he walked over to The Tabernacle of David and consulted with The King of All Kings. The Highest King of All had an honored and elevated throne right next to the palace of The King of Israel. The Throne of God on earth was established at Jerusalem at King David’s humbly requested invitation.

The first order of that organization involved the details of setting up The Tabernacle of David as a place for the establishment of God’s Throne on Earth. God’s throne on earth has always been The Ark of the Covenant. This established a constant reminder for all of Israel of God’s presence among them. It established the fact that Israel would keep their covenant with God.

MUSIC

This Tabernacle containing The Ark of God was busy. It was alive and running 24/7. There was constant prayer around the Ark. A very organized group of priest had to maintain this place of worship. There were very careful choices of music arranged. People were designated to sing praises night and day. David employed 288 musicians in order to keep the best music flowing in constant praise to God.

MILITARY

The next order of the kingdom was its military. The military was just as organized, if not more so, as The Tabernacle of David. If that sounds strange think about the fact that the Tabernacle of David could not worship peacefully without the protection of a well trained and consistently working military. The military protected The Tabernacle of David within The City of David, within The Nation of Israel. It was all intrigated and connected.

The commander of Israel’s army reported directly to David. He was over all of Israel’s army but final decisions rested with King David. These multitudes of troops were well-trained and highly-equipped. They knew the latest and best stratigies against all of their enemies.

ACCURATE RECORDS

David kept detailed and accurate records. All events of his kingdom were well chronicled giving names, dates, times and details. There was a need for someone to coordinate efforts spent on feeding the people, the priests and the military. Good accounting was very necessary. Someone needed to be sure the proper crops were grown and harvested each year. Others needed to plan ahead to feed and water the militray on many long journeys. The details of taking care of the routine needs of the palace required knowledgable accounting and planning. Meeting with other nations for special events needed to be expensed and coordinated.

FINANCE AND TREASURY

The job maintaining the treasury was extremely organized with accurate records. The wealth of the nation became very abundant. Each and every treasure gained was documented and cared for properly. All gold and silver had to be meticulously counted and recorded in the books.

DAVID MAINTAINS CONSISTENT ORDER OVER ISRAEL

To maintain this consistent order over Israel, David appointed his main officials and military leaders. Many were under their leadership. The specific leaders mentioned were as noted in 2 Samuel 8:15-18; David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelek son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.

PEACE, JUSTICE, ORDER

The scriptures point out that these leaders were appointed to maintain peace, justice and order in Israel. The scriptures do not define whether David’s cabinet was “good” or “bad.” It only says David appointed them to certain tasks for the good of the kingdom. It is much easier to look back on the history today and note who performed as David desired, and who failed at some of their tasks.

JOAB

Joab, Commander of David’s army, was the son of David’s sister, Zeruiah. Also, Joab was the brother to Abishai and Asahel who were two of David’s strongest warriors. Joab was the commander of the army who helped David to take over the city of Jerusalem, which became known in those days as The City of David.

As great as Joab was in battle, he also had personal problems which caused him trouble from time to time. You could define this problem as being a lack of self-control. One example we previously studied was when Asahel was killed by Abner. Abner was the commander of Ish-Bosheth’s armies. In his fury, Joab sought to kill Abner. Abner escaped. Later Abner moved sides and joined David’s army. During this time Joab did manage to kill Abner.

It saddened David that this happened. He pronounced a curse against Joab saying “May his blood (Abner’s) fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family. May Joab’s family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food” (2 Samuel 3:29).

HOW DAVID FELT ABOUT JOAB IN THE END

Joab’s good points narrowed down to the fact that he was a great leader in battle. For forty years he had shown a loyalty to David, before he let his lack of self-control interfere with their relationship. There was a time when Joab counseled David not to take a census. Because David did not follow his advice, a plague came to Israel.

There are more terrible traits of Joab coming up in future lessons. What a shame that in the end a dying David made Solomon promise to execute Joab. Solomon carried out this last request from his Father.

JEHOSHAPHAT

Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud became King David’s recorder. The recorder was a historian and a chronicler. The scriptures we now read in the books of Samuel and the books of Kings are the direct results of his life work. He also served under Solomon after David.

He was very good at recording Israel’s history and the fact that they maintained a covenant with YHVH. He did an excellent job of documenting royal decrees, military campaigns, and significant events in the kingdom. Jehoshaphat was key to the recording of Israel’s legacy. His records provided insight into the kingdom’s culture, its political, social, and religious life.

ZADOK

Zadok, Son of Ahitub was one of two High Priest appointed by David. This office was shared with Ahimelek, Son of Abiathar. Zadok was known for his loyalty to David. He was a Levite and a descendant of Aaron. In him, the line of Phinehas resumed dignity, which held till the fall of Jerusalem. Zadok was succeeded in his sacred office by his son Azariah.

AHIMELEK

Ahimelek son of Abiathar was also a Co-High-Priest during David’s reign, serving along side of Zadok. His most notable biblical account is found in 1 Samuel 21, and here are some links from previous studies on that subject, https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/nob-and-gath/, https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/life-in-the-stronghold/, https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/david-spares-sauls-life-again/.

During the time when David was fleeing from King Saul, he arrived at Nob and approached Ahimelech. In doing this David was seeking provisions and weapons. Ahimelech, unaware of the full extent of David’s situation, provided him with the consecrated bread. This bread was also known as the “bread of the Presence,” which was typically reserved for priests. This act of kindness is later referenced by Jesus in the New Testament as an example of mercy over ritual (Matthew 12: 3-4, Mark 2:25-26, Luke 6:3-4).

SERAIAH

As a scribe, Seraiah’s duties would have included the documentation of legal matters. He would have kept and issued royal decrees. The position of a scribe was one of great trust and responsibility. It required literacy, attention to detail, and loyalty to the king. Seraiah’s inclusion in the lists of David’s officials underscores his importance in the administration and governance of Israel during David’s reign.

BENAIAH

Benaiah is described as “a valiant warrior from Kabzeel.” He was known for his many heroic deeds. These deeds included killing two champions of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it. Once, armed only with a club, he killed an imposing Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it.

These deeds made Benaiah famous. David did not fail to notice these feats. He made Benaiah captain of his bodyguard which was made up of two people groups called The Kerethites and Pelethites.

The Pelethites and Kerethites were a well-organized, cohesive fighting force. These men remained loyal to David at all times. They stood by King David during his many military campaigns. Their loyal service protected David’s throne against rebellious uprisings.

KERETHITES AND PELETHITES

The Kerethites and Pelethites are depicted as crucial components of the military and administrative structure of David’s kingdom. They served as protectors and enforcers of royal authority. Benaiah was commander in charge of these royal body-guards of the King. Historians describe these men as excellent “bowmen and slingers.” I’m assuming this means they were great archers and excellent with the slingshot.

My first thoughts want to believe these were the men who fought with David back in the days before he was King. Though many references refer to them as knowing David from his days at Ziklag, it seems I am wrong. These warriors must NOT be confused with David’s Mighty Men, though they might have fought side-by-side with them at times. Historical scholars lean toward the fact that David may have earned the allegiance of the Pelethites during his time living among the Philistines and serving under their king at Gath.

The presence of these loyal foreign warriors in the biblical narrative of David underscores the importance of loyalty and divine providence in the unfolding of Israel’s history. He included them, trusted them, and kept them very close. After David’s death, the royal guardsmen of “Pelethites and Kerethites” eventually lost their ethnic appellation and became known simply as “the captains and the guard”

DAVID’S SONS’ SERVICE

The scripture above says “and David’s sons were priests.” They all contributed to the functioning and activities of the kingdom. Here is a summary of the different aspects of their contributions, both good and bad.

Absalom served as a charismatic leader, gaining popular support among the people.
Adonijah attempted to claim the throne, showcasing the rivalry among David’s sons.
Solomon, chosen by David, became a wise ruler and built the Temple in Jerusalem.
Amnon’s actions led to family strife, highlighting the challenges within David’s household.
Chileab, though less prominent, represented the continuity of David’s lineage.
Each son’s actions significantly impacted the political landscape of David’s reign.

THE KING’S CORE LEADERS

A great King always surrounds himself with great leaders whom he feels can be trusted. If these are loyal and true, they will always have the King’s back. Their service will not be for their own gain but for the best benefit of the Kingdom.

One of the greatest traits of kingship is the ability to remain humble in the midst of all of the royal attention. David possessed this quality. He knew that if his humanity failed and he let himself down, these great men who backed him up would come to his rescue and provide a way to readjust his thinking. At least that was the hope.

SIMILAR TO THE CHURCH

It is interesting to note that this organization of The Kingdom of David reflects The Body of Yeshua, Messiah at work among the true church. If each and everyone of these positions were working well, David could relax and enjoy his kingship to the fullest. They had to work together in unity for this to be achieved. It is a battle every important king faces.

However, only the righteous perspective of YHVH could pull all things off perfectly. David knew this. Though he loved and trusted his servants, David placed YHVH at the very top of the list for consulting on kingdom matters.

GOD TURNS EVIL FOR GOOD

Occasionally, YHVH let David make human mistakes. Likewise, some of the above men were not as loyal or dedicated as they should have been. Even when this occurred, David trusted that YHVH would turn all evil for good.

Those serving under David knew his main priority was to serve God and protect Israel. That Solomon became the next appointed king from David’s House was important. This is the first line of establishment of a long lineage of The House of David from which Messiah will eventually appear.

PRAYER: Father, help us to be humble and able servants of your Kingdom. Help us to understand you are a God of order. Teach us your ways of organization through the many stories and adventures of King David. May we be like David’s most loyal servants; always focused on the glory of Your Kingdom and the rule of Yeshua, Messiah in the coming Kingdom of God.

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KING DAVID WAS ORGANIZED