David: Waiting on God and Submitting to His Timing (2 Samuel 5)
Big Idea:
Waiting well is an active spiritual discipline that involves faith, obedience, and trust in a God who is always at work, even when we cannot see it.
David is one of the most iconic figures in the Bible. We often hear him described as “a man after God’s own heart.” But what does that really mean? How did David demonstrate this in his life and leadership?
2 Samuel 5 offers a powerful glimpse into David’s character — especially his patience, submission, and faith during a time of waiting. At 37 years old, David was finally anointed king over all Israel, but it was the fruit of 22 years of waiting on God’s timing. His story challenges us today about how we wait, submit, and seek first the kingdom of God in our own lives.
David: A Man After God’s Own Heart
When people think of David, they often remember the shepherd boy who defeated Goliath, the mighty king of Israel, or the passionate psalmist who poured his soul out to God. But the phrase “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) points to something deeper — David’s inner orientation toward God.
In 2 Samuel 5, the author paints a clear picture of David’s submission and obedience to God’s commands even after years of hardship and preparation. Three aspects of David’s submission stand out:
1. Submission to Israel
David didn’t take the kingship by force or demand it. Instead, after Saul’s death and years of ruling only Judah from Hebron, all the tribes of Israel came to David and invited him to be their king. They said:
“Indeed we are your bone and your flesh. Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in.” (2 Sam 5:1)
David accepted their invitation humbly. This covenant between David and Israel wasn’t simply political but a sacred agreement before the Lord. David submitted himself to the unity of Israel and the people’s request rather than seizing power through manipulation or violence.
2. Submission to the Torah (God’s Law)
David’s first act as king was to capture Jerusalem — a Jebusite stronghold — despite the city’s formidable defenses and taunts that “the blind and lame” could repel him. This city lay in the territory of Benjamin, a tribe God had commanded Israel to dispossess.
Yet David understood that taking Jerusalem was not just a military move but a step of obedience to God’s commands. His strategic plan to take the city by climbing the water shaft shows his military genius, but his motivation was rooted in submission to God’s law, not personal ambition.
3. Submission to God’s Command
After being anointed king over all Israel, David faced threats from the Philistines. Instead of rushing into battle, David sought God’s guidance:
“Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” (2 Sam 5:19)
God gave clear instructions, and David obeyed them, resulting in decisive victories. David’s consistent practice of seeking God before action reveals a heart aligned with God’s will and timing.
Waiting on God’s Timing
David’s coronation as king over all Israel at age 37 was the culmination of a 22-year wait since he was first anointed as a youth. This long season of waiting wasn’t idle time. It was a period of preparation, growth, and reliance on God’s promises.
What can we learn from David’s example of waiting?
1. God’s Waiting Room is Founded on Promises and Faith
David knew God had promised him kingship. The prophet Samuel had anointed him, but the timing was uncertain. For over two decades, David lived in faith, holding onto God’s promises even when circumstances seemed unfavorable.
Waiting on God doesn’t mean passive wishing or hoping. It means active trust, grounded in the faithfulness of God’s Word. Like David, believers today often find themselves in “God’s waiting room” — a season of patience grounded in promises, not uncertainty.
2. God’s Actions May Seem Slow, But Are Purposeful
God’s timing can feel slow—like watching a snail move. But God is purposeful. The 22 years David waited prepared him for the complex task of ruling a united Israel. God used those years to shape David’s character, leadership skills, and heart.
We tend to want quick results and can grow impatient, but God’s focus is on the heart. Seasons of waiting refine us, deepen our faith, and equip us for what’s ahead.
3. God’s Timing is Always Perfect
God’s timing is sovereign and perfect. David could have taken the throne by force earlier, but God’s plan prevailed. The unity of Israel under David’s leadership was a divine orchestration.
Trusting God’s timing requires faith, especially when it seems delayed. The right timing often produces better outcomes than rushing ahead.
4. Embrace Submission to God Each Day
David’s waiting wasn’t passive resignation but daily submission to God’s will. He embraced each day as a gift and an opportunity to honor God, trusting Him for the next step.
Embracing submission daily keeps us focused on what’s in front of us rather than being anxious about the future. It reminds us of God’s promises and keeps our hearts tuned to Him.
What This Means for Us Today
David’s story challenges us personally and spiritually:
Are we patient in seasons of waiting, trusting God’s promises and timing?
Do we submit daily to God’s commands, even when the path is unclear?
Do we seek God’s guidance before taking action, like David did against the Philistines?
Are we willing to embrace God’s timing instead of forcing our own agendas?
Waiting well is an active spiritual discipline. It involves faith, obedience, and trust in a God who is always at work—even when we cannot see it.
Practical Steps to Embrace God’s Waiting Room
Remind Yourself of God’s Promises
Keep God’s Word close. Meditate on His faithfulness to His promises (Lamentations 3:22-23).Practice Daily Submission
Begin each day asking God, “What is Your will for me today?” and commit to obey.Seek God’s Guidance Constantly
Like David, ask God for direction before major decisions (James 1:5).Cultivate Patience and Endurance
Develop habits that build spiritual endurance, such as prayer, fasting, and fellowship.Avoid Rushing Ahead
Resist the urge to take shortcuts or force outcomes. Trust God’s perfect plan.Celebrate Small Victories
Acknowledge God’s hand in daily blessings to build confidence in His timing.Support One Another
Encourage others in their seasons of waiting with prayer and fellowship.
The Warning: When Submission Slips
David’s life wasn’t perfect. In a few chapters after 2 Samuel 5, he would falter by not embracing submission fully—leading to serious consequences (2 Samuel 11). This underscores how vital it is to keep submitting to God daily, especially during waiting seasons.
Conclusion
David’s journey to the throne of Israel is not just history; it is a living lesson. Waiting on God’s timing and submitting to His commands define what it means to be “a man after God’s own heart.”
Whether you are waiting for a new job, a ministry opportunity, healing, or any breakthrough, remember David’s example:
Trust God’s promises.
Submit daily to His will.
Seek His guidance.
Wait patiently for His perfect timing.
God is shaping you, just like He did David, for His purposes and glory.
Study Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
What does it mean to you to be “a man (or woman) after God’s own heart”? How does David’s example help define this?
How does David’s submission to Israel and the Torah in 2 Samuel 5 challenge the way we view leadership and authority?
Why is waiting on God’s timing difficult? How can faith in God’s promises help us endure waiting seasons?
In what ways can we practice daily submission to God’s will, especially when the future is uncertain?
How did David’s approach to seeking God’s guidance before battle demonstrate a heart aligned with God?
Can you identify a current situation in your life where you need to embrace God’s waiting room? What practical steps can you take?
What lessons can we learn from David’s failure later in his life about the importance of continual submission to God?
If you want to learn more about trusting God’s timing, Shepherd Thoughts exists to help you live out your faith. If you or a friend needs support or resources to love God and love others more, please reach out to us today. We’d love to help.
