Settling in...

Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’” So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David's soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him. And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also carpenters and masons who built David a house. And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David. And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet. (2 Samuel 5:1-16 ESV)

Finally, David arrives where he has been waiting to get: as King over all of Israel, just like God had promised. Here he settles into his new position, into a new town, into a new home, and into an old habit - accumulating women. It was a culturally-accepted practice in Canaan. Leaders would have multiple women to demonstrate the reach of their power: marriages for political alliances and treaties; beautiful concubines to say "look at me," and to develop lots of sons who would have your back, and be possible heirs to the throne. He had lots of them, which would also bring lots of problems in the future. When we arrive where we have long waited to be, it is easy for us to settle back, make compromises, and establish relationships and practices that actually violate the convictions we rested upon to get where we are. We stop thinking: "What does God want next?" What have you recently achieved that you have waited to receive? Be thankful, but don't get slack. Don't "retire" into a pattern of life that leaves hope and vision out of it.