As soon as they heard about me, they obeyed me. the sons of foreigners submitted to me with flattery.
The fame of David’s victory had spread so widely that foreign peoples submitted even without direct war. Yet the phrase “they submitted to me with flattery” shows that this submission was not from the heart. Outward submission can be born from fear, not from true loyalty. This is an important distinction in the spiritual life as well. God is not satisfied with outward religious forms alone. A person may show submission with the lips while the heart is far away. David’s historical royal situation makes this principle visible. The believer must ask not only, “Am I fulfilling outward duties?” but also, “Does my heart truly belong to the Lord?” False submission may temporarily preserve outward peace, but it does not have the depth of a true relationship. God desires a sincere heart and obedience that flows from love.