Ep 647 – 2 Samuel 8:15-9:13

You can crown a man and call him a king, but that doesn't guarantee that he'll rule with integrity, wisdom or righteousness. In fact, far too often, men who are placed in positions of power end up proving true the old adage: Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely. Yet, in 2 Samuel 8:15-9:13, we are shown a side of David that reflects his shepherd's heart and his approach towards leadership. As king, David enjoyed absolute power, but he did not allow himself to be corrupted by it. He was a man of integrity who refused to let his power go to his head and would not dream of using his God-given position in an ungodly manner. David was a man of his word, as we will see in his treatment of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. David was a gracious, merciful and compassionate king who, in spite of his faults, greatly desired to love and lead well.