Walking with Jesus
"If the LORD delights in a person's way, He makes their steps firm; though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23,24)
Walking with Jesus

The Grand Narrative: “David’s rare Leadership” (2 Samuel 8 & 9)

“David’s rare Leadership” (2 Samuel 8 & 9)

 

Published 14 Nov. 2025

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching

⚠️ Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Mistakes

  1. 1️⃣ Trusting title instead of character (1 Sam 8:4–5).
  2. 2️⃣ Repeating leadership failures of the past (1 Sam 4:10–11).
  3. 3️⃣ Leading without honoring God first (2 Sam 8:11).
  4. 4️⃣ Ignoring the impact of daily decisions on legacy (Gal 6:7).
  5. 5️⃣ Prioritizing military success over moral strength (Prov 21:31).

💥 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Failures

  1. 1️⃣ Israel’s rejection of God’s rule for a king (1 Sam 8:7).
  2. 2️⃣ Saul’s tragic decline due to pride (1 Sam 15:26).
  3. 3️⃣ Failing to honor spiritual responsibilities (Eli’s sons) (1 Sam 2:12).
  4. 4️⃣ Losing the Ark through recklessness (1 Sam 4:10–11).
  5. 5️⃣ Not recognizing the future in Mephibosheth’s brokenness (2 Sam 9:8).

🚫 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Sins

  1. 1️⃣ Leading for personal gain rather than for God (Ezek 34:2–4).
  2. 2️⃣ Using power without compassion (Matt 23:4).
  3. 3️⃣ Failing to protect the vulnerable (Jas 1:27).
  4. 4️⃣ Treating spiritual roles as status symbols (Mark 10:42–43).
  5. 5️⃣ Forgetting that legacy flows from obedience (Deut 5:10).

🏆 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Successes

  1. 1️⃣ David ruled with justice and righteousness (2 Sam 8:15).
  2. 2️⃣ He dedicated the spoils of war to God (2 Sam 8:11).
  3. 3️⃣ Built a strong, godly leadership team (2 Sam 8:16–18).
  4. 4️⃣ Showed mercy to Mephibosheth out of covenant loyalty (2 Sam 9:7).
  5. 5️⃣ Modeled servant-hearted leadership rooted in worship (Ps 78:72).

🌱 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Spiritual Growth Lessons

  1. 1️⃣ God often trains leaders in obscurity (1 Sam 16:11–13).
  2. 2️⃣ Leadership begins with honoring God in the small things (Luke 16:10).
  3. 3️⃣ True worship includes radical generosity (Prov 3:9).
  4. 4️⃣ God shapes our hearts through mercy and compassion (Mic 6:8).
  5. 5️⃣ Your influence multiplies when your character is rooted in God’s Word (Ps 1:1–3).

🧭 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Leadership Principles

  1. 1️⃣ Great leaders are shaped by private worship, not public applause (Matt 6:6).
  2. 2️⃣ The best leaders give credit and glory back to God (1 Chr 29:11–12).
  3. 3️⃣ Compassion is not weakness—it is Christlikeness (Col 3:12).
  4. 4️⃣ Loyalty to covenant matters in leadership (2 Sam 9:1).
  5. 5️⃣ Let God’s promises define your future, not your past (Jer 29:11).