NOTES for Ch1 11:1-47

The account of David's accession to the throne, one of the turning points in Israel's history, is extremely brief; it contains only the most essential details of the events that took place. Equally concise is the account of one of David's military victories, his capture of Jerusalem and transformation of it into the capital. Yet the names of David's companions—those whom the Lord gave him as helpers and comrades-in-arms—are listed in detail. David was brave, but those who fought beside him were his equals. David could probably have endured his own trials and accomplished his many exploits even without them. But alone, he would hardly have become victorious.

The words “It is not good for man to be alone,” spoken at the dawn of humanity, are usually applied to family life. But that is not their only meaning, for the Lord constantly teaches us to love our neighbor and does not allow us to shut ourselves within our own boundaries. Then we continue in those who are dear to us, and they in turn continue in us.