In 1994, archeologists were excavating a wall in Northern Israel from the biblical city of Dan. Since building materials were often recycled, each of the stones within the wall had its own history. Three stone fragments discovered there were covered with writing dating from the mid-800s BC. Apparently these fragments were from a monument, ancient propaganda, proclaiming an Aramaean victory over the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. What makes this discovery particularly important is that Judah is referenced by its dynastic name, the House of David.
This discovery is the first extra-biblical evidence for King David. Although the writing marks a defeat for David’s descendents, the Aramaens would not be gloating over a victory of some local hero from Southern Israel. Likewise, it is telling that the Jewish people were still using the title, the House of David, around 150 years after the king’s death. The fact that after the defeat of Aramaean king, the inhabitants of Dan tore down the monument shows an enduring cultural allegiance to the history and heritage of Israel.
From stones in a wall, we turn to the pages of Scripture, and we discover a story rich in politics, intrigue, and emotion. David, the poet and warrior, is able to unite the tribes of Israel in a way that his predecessors and successors are not. David was a man who struggled to be faithful in a new situation. He was a reformer, holding onto the traditions of the past while charting a new course for Israel. Although he was not their first king, he defined what it meant for each succeeding generation.
Every day we deal with multiple decisions in our lives. There are compromises and shades of gray. There are fights and battles that we must face. God is there in both our victories and our defeats. Life isn’t easy, but being faithful means seeking first the Kingdom of God in a difficult world. The heroes of the faith like David can help us understand that struggle.
Nan Clarke and I will be exploring the life of David in a sermon series this summer. We will meet David, the young and charismatic leader. We will struggle with him as he seeks God’s will for himself and his nation. We will watch him fail as all human institutions are tainted by human sin. More importantly we will learn about the God in covenant with David. We will discover how God used the flawed kingship of David to prepare us for a Messiah. We will proclaim Jesus Christ alone as our king.
If all you know is the story of David and Goliath, then let’s be surprised together.
Grace & Peace,
James
