Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 18:14 (New Living Translation)

So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people.

This is part of the (hi)story of King David as he began to reign over God’s people. The preceding paragraphs describe how David conquered this and that group of people and took the spoils of war, e.g., “the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers.” Wow, enabled by God, David was something.

Then we come to the first description of David in his reign. More conquering? More spoils of war? Building great public works?

Nope. David did what was just and right for all his people.

There has to be something else, right? Nope. Just and right for all his people. And what else would we like a leader or ruler to do? I guess that sums it up. Sometimes I long for the ancient days.