a.  The monarchy, and specifically David's offspring, became the custodian of the generational Promise of God. The blessings upon Abraham were affirmed, and will be fulfilled through David's heir.
          b.  Philistia and Moab were not only enemies, but also provided refuge for David and his family.
          c.  God gave Israel power over the surrounding nations.  Yet David had foreign allies as well as enemies (Hiram of Tyre).
          d.  A few foreigners, even from enemy nations, were part of David's inner circle. Uriah's conduct showed that he honored the presence of God in the Ark of the Covenant  -- possibly he and the others were converts. 
          e.  Bands of foreigners, probably mercenaries, were loyal to David personally.  No doubt they were not converts, yet maintained alliance with Israel.
          f.  Traditional racial categories and divisions remained largely in force.  David annihilated some enemies, enslaved others.
         g.  There was no note of reconciliation or peaceful co-existence with nearby nations, no "open door" to Gentiles to be part of God's purpose.
         h.  But Israel, too, was subject to the obligations of the covenants it made with its enemies:  God even upheld the civil rights of the Gibeonites against Israel.
         i.  A new understanding of God's criteria for approval was given through the prophet Samuel: 

​

         "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam 16:7).

​

          The racial implications of this teaching were not understood at this time.