Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 109, 2 Samuel 8

Reading 2 Samuel 8, we see that David is having great victory over his enemies! The Philistines are finally being subdued. Many Moabites are defeated, but some are spared. Side note: I wonder if that’s because of David’s Moabite heritage (Ruth) or because they helped care for his parents (1 Samuel 22:3-4). King Hadadezer and his army are defeated all the way to the north at the Euphrates River, and 22,000 Syrians were struck down. And the list continues.

“And David made a name for himself…” “David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people.” (2 Samuel 22:13a, 15)

But, then, the chapter ends with verses 16-18, a list of his team, who was over his army, who was his recorder, who were his priests, who was his secretary. Even David’s sons were helping him. Another side note: the ESV refers to David’s sons as priests, but many other translations say they were his chief rulers or officials, and 1 Chronicles 18:17 ESV reads, “David’s sons were the chief officials in the service of the king.”

We mustn’t forget the importance of having a team to serve alongside us. Yes, we need God! Yes, God was working these great things through David. But David had a whole team of people working with him, helping him to achieve these incredible feats.

Sometimes it takes more work to involve a team. Sometimes it’s easier to just “do it all yourself.” But we need to remember that in the long term, we can achieve more, with longer lasting effects, when we involve others in the process.

Where do you need to ask for help? Who do you need to thank for the help they’re giving? How can you expand your reach by bringing in more people to serve with you?

Heavenly Father, and thank you for the body of Christ. Thank you for making different people with different gifts, some to be heads and some to be hands and some to be feet, some to be mouths or eyes or ears. Please help me to recognize the many people who have helped me to get to where I am today. Help me to be truly thankful for them and to welcome in even more. Protect Your kingdom from the devil’s schemes of division and pride and envy. In the name of Jesus Christ, our great high priest and Savior. Amen.