A Gruesome Gift…. the Head of a King & Rise of Another._312 Sam. 4:1-12 THE STORY OF DAVID’S RISE AS KING OVER JUDAH: HIS TIRELESS EFFORTS TO UNIFY THE DIVIDED NATION.The Battle of Mahanaim The Murder of King ISHBOSHETH of Northern Israel and the Downfall of Saul’s House:{A Lesson on Murder and the Surety of God’s Judgment.}No greater gift has been given to man than the gift of life. Despite the presence of corruption and evil, there is beauty and grandeur written all over the face of the earth, the beauty of nature and the splendor of its forests, lakes, rivers, mountains, deserts, fields, flowers, and other natural wonders and sights. THE LAST OBSTACLE to the uniting of all Israel under David was ISHBOSHETH the king of the northern tribes. Seeing the two assassins standing before him holding the head of Saul’s son no doubt disturbed David greatly.David is a rebuke to all those people who think they must scheme and manipulate and pull strings in order to get where God wants them to be, to obtain pastorates or other positions or jobs God wants them to have. If God is in it, you will not have to resort to questionable action or other corrupt conduct to obtain the post. You will not have to bribe someone to move ahead. You will not have to lie and cheat in order to prosper. God will take care of your needs in a truthful and righteous manner.