Psalm 18:43-48. First of all, this is the Psalm Father Mike Schmitz read for today on the Bible in a Year podcast. I literally just finished listening to him read it, when I, completely randomly, opened the Bible to this passage! I also had a readng fromthis same Psalm not too long ago. God must really want me to hear this! This is part of David's psalm of praise after Saul has been defeated and has died on his own sword. Here, David is praising God for delivering him from strife and bringing the people together under his leadership. David was the youngest son of his family, and was treated as youngest brothers often are by all of his older brothers (remember Joseph? I'm sensing a pattern!) David never aspired to the throne, nor wanted it. He just did what was right and stayed true to God and God's laws. He twice had the "golden" opportunity to kill Saul, but he did not, because Saul was God's anointed, despite the fact that Saul was always trying to kill David!

David's amazement at God's goodness comes through here. Even though he never wanted the kingship, he now is ruler over all the nations of Israel, and people who he never knew are serving him. "As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me." God has given David vengeance, when David never sought it for himself. God has subdued all the peoples, and delivered David and the people from men of violence. So peace will now come to Israel, because David walked in God's ways; trusted him always; did not seek his own glory; did not take his own vengeance (despite having the chance to, twice!). David did not realize he was achieving all of this - he did not know he would be the greatest king Israel ever had - he just humbly and bravely followed God. Peace and prosperity for all the nations of Israel are going to be the result. It is amazing what happens when we put God first!