Is David bargaining with God? David’s troubled life remains, so David seems to present an if-then contract to God. Is it wrong to present an accord, that is an exchange agreement with God?
Here and elsewhere it seems that David is presenting a contract to God. David is not the only one. Gideon’s fleece experiment is similar, except his is a proof-contract. (Judges 6:36-40) David’s proposition is also a kin to but quite different than a prosperity-contract. That is why those who followed Jesus after the feeding of the five thousand tried to make him king by force. They were seeking the prosperity that they believed he would give. “We will make you king if you give us free food every day,” was their intent. Jesus’ reproof remains true for that is not faith. (John 6:14-15, 26-28)
David’s presented agreement appears to be that if the Lord rescues him, he will give the Lord thanks in the great assembly. Or perhaps it is the other way around. David will praise God in the great assembly, and then the Lord must rescue him. In other words, David is saying, “Lord, amongst a large crowd I will praise you. When I do so rescue me.”
The latter seems not likely because David is on the run from people chasing as lions chase prey. Therefore, he is unable to appear openly amongst a great crowd. So, here David’s presented contract is rescue me, then I will praise you. Some call this a “trench prayer”.
No matter which the fact remains. David is presenting an if-then contract to God. So the question remains. Is presenting an exchange-contract possible, let alone righteous? Is presenting a compact to God any different than the covenants God presents to man? Can man present a righteous covenant with God?
Problems with presenting contracts to The Almighty God exist. First, what if life circumstances do not change? Will the party presenting the contract refuse to praise the one who is worthy of all praise? Another conitation is, am I in any position to make any covenant with God? The only thing I have to present as collateral to the Lord God who owns all is faithful praise from a sincere heart. Being that God is whole unto himself he does not need anyone’s praise and blessing. The only one who benefits from praise is myself. David’s side of the contract, though not easy to accomplish is a trifle to El Shaddai (God Almighty).
If I present a contract such as David, similar to an ultimatum, does it not indicate that my heart is not righteous? What I mean is will a righteous heart present the possibility that they will withhold praise until God keeps his part of the contract? Is this a form of prosperity gospel? Prosperity gospel practically says God owes me prosperity if I tithe in faith. Is both an if-then contract and prosperity gospel in conflict with sincere praise and love?
