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DAVID REIGNED OVER ALL OF ISRAEL (1 CHRONICLES 18:9-17)

The theme for our reflection is “David reigned over all Israel” To reign means to rule over a group of people. We shall reflect on David’s understanding of leadership as he reigned over all of Israel.

Firstly, David reigned over all Israel because he understood leadership as a divine calling from God therefore a leader must always demonstrate reverence and gratitude to God for elevating Him to that position. It is for this reason, “King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold he had taken from all these nations: Edom and Moab, the Ammonites and the Philistines, and Amalek.” (1 Chronicles 18:11) Unlike many leaders who make themselves mini or demigods, David acknowledged the sovereignty of God in his leadership or Kingship over Israel. David agrees with Daniel when “Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: “Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.” (Daniel 2:19-21). God is the elevator or promoter of men and women, therefore, we must honour Him all the days of our lives with our lives and substances.

Secondly, David reigned over all Israel with goodwill and proper order. We are told that David did “…what was just and right for all his people.” (1 Chronicles 18:14) In other words, David was not only a King with power or authority to rule over Israel but he was also a steward and beacon of hope to his people. Using power arbitrarily does not win the trust and support of subordinates or subjects but responsible use of power to do what is just and right for all the people will let the people trust and owe unflinching allegiance to the leader. It is rather unfortunate that many people especially in our dispensation seek political power for personal gains. Some people use their power or position to perpetuate injustice and violate or abuse the human dignity of the less privileged or vulnerable in society. David has taught us that godly leadership has the trait of selflessness and the desire to always do what is just and right before the people we lead.

Thirdly, during David’s reign over Israel, he ensured that there was proper governance and orderliness. It is reported in Chronicles that “Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; 16 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelek son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was secretary; 17 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side.” (1 Chronicles 18:15-17). Competent people were appointed or assigned to specific roles for the efficiency and proper management of the affairs of the Kingdom. Leadership thrives on teamwork. A good leader must identify competent people and appoint them to lesson his burdens of single-handedly doing so much. In some organizations, we have the leader playing the role of the secretary, treasurer and organizer. This is a recipe for inefficiency and burnout. Division of labour or teamwork and orderliness in an organisation does not rob a leader of his identity or position but rather inure to his or her benefit since much can be achieved within his or her tenure as a leader.

In summary, David’s reign over all of Israel has proven to us that as leaders we need to honour God no matter the level of our position. Again, leadership must focus on the people, not the leaders, more importantly, a leader must do what is just and right before the people as stewards. Last but not least, division of labour and orderliness is the hallmark of good leadership. Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear God, may You raise for our generation godly leaders with integrity. Give us leaders who will govern with justice, integrity and righteousness even as competent men and women are positioned for accelerated development. Amen.