“The back forty” is an old expression going back to the 1800’s in America when land was divided up in forty acre sections. Typically it stood for the last part of one’s land that was the hardest to get to, and got the least use, because it backed up to the woods and, quite often, was still covered with woods. Figuratively it can refer to the latter years of life as our bodies slow down with age. Some men just withdraw into themselves, others shed responsibility and societal bounds in a “mid-life crisis”, but others keep plugging along and working to the very end.

Today we’re going to begin looking at “the back forty” of King David. We spent several weeks looking at the front forty as we saw him go from tending sheep into the presence of King Saul as a singer and soldier. We also saw him spend about a dozen years running for his life in the deepest of the back forty; hiding on mountains, in deserts and caves, and finally in the towns of the enemy Philistines. Then, at the age of thirty with the death of Saul he settled in Hebron as king over the tribe of Judah fighting a semi-cold war against the other tribes. Seven years later, with the death of Saul’s last son, David, at the age of 37, was raised up as King of all Israel when the nation was reunited and Jerusalem became his capital.

With the establishment of his kingdom David entered the back forty of his life – literally and figuratively. However, the back forty years of David were anything but boring, partially due to his seizing some of the opportunities presented by his position and power as king. Having spent so many years fighting, and running, and hiding from Saul and the Philistines it seemed David was intent on creating his own stress in a time of life when he was stepping away from leading men into battle. Despite being a man after God’s own heart, David wasn't a perfect man. His failure to stay away from the back forty mentality had severe consequences for his family and the nation of Israel.

The first excursion is mentioned right after the unification of Israel and the capture of Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 5:12 highlights this phase by recording David’s recognition that God had established his kingdom and exalted the nation of Israel. But then verse 13 tells us he took more wives and concubines. “Meanwhile David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron; and more sons and daughters were born to David.” Notice how the NASV starts with “meanwhile”. The translators are indicating this was happening over a period of years that coincided with the period of time spent establishing the kingdom as discussed in verses 10-12.

While God was busy establishing David’s kingdom David was busy accumulating wives (despite the prohibition in Deuteronomy 17:17). Verses 14-16 list an additional eleven sons born in Jerusalem to add to the six born in Hebron. This excursion into the back forty came at a great price for David, his family, and Israel. We’re not told how many wives or concubines he accumulated. Nor does the Bible reveal any of the intrigue and infighting among his wives, but it was there because we see it unfold among the sons. But that’s for later studies.

What’s the lesson for us today in the 21st century? It’s simple – stay focused on serving God in every stage of life, especially in our later years. Don’t develop a back forty mentality that thinks serving God is for the young and energetic so we can retire and kick back and relax. Don’t let a lax attitude creep in to distract and draw us away from honoring God to the very end of life.