David, a man of communication – 1 Chronicles 13
Everything goes through communication: for the sale of sofas, for studies, for a job, in fact everything! Woe to the timid and self-confident individualists! As far as communication is concerned, it is a very recent discovery and predates that of tyrants who authoritarianly impose their law. But, surprise, men in the Bible knew this quality of communication”; communication is not new: King David (4000 years ago) was a man of dialogue and communication. In many ways, what we experienced in David (and others) was quite revolutionary for and perhaps even in relation to today…
But David’s problem is that it is possible to be an expert in communication, but not in all areas. This episode takes place just after his election; he has just been chosen by Israel. It is a period of great tension, following the conflict with King Saul; instability is everywhere. What attitude will David have to obtain recognized authority? On what principles will he base his kingship?
Communication and consultation with the people about their project: 1 Chronicles 13v1-2.
David is the opposite of an imposing dictator. It shows from the beginning of the year. Comment? He presents his point of view first with the leaders of the people, with his board of directors, and he participates in remarks, advice; he asserts himself… by listening, by dialoguing. Do, often, in any group on the aspiration to be governed by men who know the direction, impose ourselves with firmness (even if it means, quickly, rejecting them because we cannot be crushed in this way) ; and on a difficulty in having the head of a group of people who are not likely to be of themselves Matthew 20v25-28.
The second aspect of communication at David, it is a question of address to all the people; he summons them to an AGM. Not to tell them what has been decided, he and the military and political leaders, but to ask them for this project. “If you think it is good”: = say your opinion! This is the notion of democracy well before its time.
This implied the majority of favorable votes would emerge; This is why David continued his project. He is not the only one to know the will of God, but asks the people to reflect on this subject about this project in relation to God. “All the assembly found this proposition wise and one declared that it should be followed” (1 Chronicles 13v4). This call for active reflection, for a certain discernment on a specific situation, is Paul’s invitation to the Christians of Corinth: in 1 Corinthians 11, he speaks of the sign of submission. Comment, in the culture of 1er century in Greece, this manifests itself? By wearing the veil; and Paul adds: “Judge for yourselves”; is a call for reflection, in a particular context. It does not update the principle (submission) in question, but the way of manifesting it.
In the Churches of the Acts of the Apostles, decisions are made by all Christians ; everyone has their say; no hierarchy of power. But it is very likely that it is a person (or a group) who has power (through speech, through influence over others). This is why Paul teaches that we are being subject to others (and this is a consequence of living a life led by the Holy Spirit; Eph 5v18 and 21); humility, respect and submission to others are attitudes to peace and edification. In Jesus’ teaching as restaurants, we see the importance of humility and mutual submission.
The result, after this consultation with David, is that the people adhere to the project submitted by David. And thecommitment is common thereafter: “So David gathered together all Israel, go up to make the ark of God” (v5).
David and communication with God
This story is about light and shadow.
. The light? His desire to bring back the ark of God (v3): this chest symbolized the divine presence; David must above all and above all be assured of the presence of God and put in first place. He proved that, for him, there was nothing more important than taking care of God’s business and honoring Him, even before solving serious problems in the country. David thus shows his communication with God to exercise his responsibility as king. This is a remarkable example.
