From time to time, we hear politicians, with great fanfare and likely with a bit of bumptiousness – A new word? Webster defines it: “An exaggerated sense of one’s importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims .” – declare a new golden age under their leadership. As often as not, such claims prove empty. With David’s reign, however, it is not exaggeration at all to see a golden age in Israel’s history. But, as so often is the case, there was some rough going before the gold ever began shining: the news of Saul’s death, the execution of the young man who gleefully brought the news, the rivalry of Abner and Ish-bosheth, the continuing war between the house of Saul and the house of David, and the murders of Abner and Ish-bosheth. Not a very hopeful start to say the least. And there would be more troubles, many more, experienced by David and Israel. Yet . . . what’s that proverb, a version of which applies, here? “The wheels of justice turn slowly.” It’s a metaphor signifying that, though it might take a long time, justice will prevail. Here, we might restate thusly: “God’s purposes sometimes seem slow in materializing but materialize they will!” The psalmist counsels, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7). The prophet Isaiah assures us, “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). So, to David we say, “Wait, David, wait. God’s good promises will be fulfilled.”
Sing to the Lord a joyful song,
lift up your hearts, your voices raise;
to us his gracious gifts belong,
to him our songs of love and praise.
For strength to those who on him wait
his truth to prove, his will to do,
sing to our God, for he is great,
trust in his name, for it is true. --John S. B. Monsell (1863)
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