Learning to Listen to God

Fresh off the disaster with Uzzah touching the Ark, David must have felt like a failure. After all, it was his idea to go get the Ark and bring it home. By 1 Chronicles 14, I would have been ready to listen to God more closely than ever as a result of such a horrific tragedy. This chapter sends a clear message that David learned his lesson.

As soon as David is established as King of Israel, the Philistines attack not once but twice. In spite of their defeat at his hands, they keep attacking. David is diligent in NOT doing what made the mess in 1 Chronicles 13 that cost Uzzah his life. He isn't seeking anyone's approval or advice. He is seeking clear direction from the Lord. 

In the first attack, David seeks God for whether or not he should fight at all. 

1 Chronicles 14:9–11 (ESV) Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. 10 And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.” 11 And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.

It is not a coincidence that scripture records how David perceives the results of the battle. David uses the same language that was used in the matter of Uzzah's death. Where God broke out against Israel in that moment (1 Chronicles 13:11). Here David declares that God has broken through his enemies. We are meant to see these stories together as they inform us the personal growth David experiences. He's learning to listen to God instead of man.

In the second attack, we get a better picture of David's changed heart. The same enemy is attacking, the same David is being attacked, but this time the Lord has a different direction for him to take in the battle:

1 Chronicles 14:14–17 (ESV) And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 15 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

Interesting that God did not just give David the same instruction twice. He had a different plan for David. And notice the sign given to David! He will hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees. God has gone out before him! The picture has come full circle. David is to be so intently listening for God he is to wait for his footsteps. 

I don't know if you have ever tried to listen for someone's footsteps but sometimes these can be the quietest noises a person can make. Footsteps can be hardly audible. God is drawing David in here, teaching him to listen to even the faintest movement of God. 

Why is this important? Because we need a King who will listen to God completely in everything. This king is Jesus. He came only to do what He heard from the Father. Jesus said, 

John 5:19 (ESV) “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.

David gives us a life lesson. The opinion of man can bring death, the opinion (voice) of God brings victory and peace. In Christ we have that peace when we listen to His Word, surrender and obey. 

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