2 Samuel 5:13-19 - David took more concubines and wives

5:13-16

We then get something of a fly in the ointment. Deut 17:17 commanded that kings should not take many wives. David contravened this order. Many of the wives may have been taken for political reasons. However, later we will see that David had a major failing in this area, and his son Solomon really went overboard on this one! David’s major failings (Bathsheba and Uriah, and the census) are well known, but we see a number of lesser failings as well. David was a sinner just like us. Yet at the same time he did many heroic acts. We are all sinners, but by the grace of God, Christ can still achieve things through us. But when God does achieve things through us we should never forget that we are sinners, and we constantly need the blood of Christ.

5:17-19

The Philistines heard about what was happening and decided to take action.  David learnt of their plans and went down into the stronghold. It is not clear where the stronghold was, probably Jerusalem, but some of other suggestions. The enemy went in “full force” to find David. David took sensible action in going to the “stronghold”, he also sought the Lord about how to attack the Philistines. There is a lesson here for us as well. There are times when we need to seek refuge, but we should also remember that ultimately it is we who “win”. So at the same time as seeking refuge, we should also inquire of the Lord about how we are to go on the attack.