Who was David? The Shepherd Who Became Israel's Greatest King
Who was this King David?
King David is one of the most impactful characters in the bible. A shepherd, a musician, a warrior, a poet, a prophet, a king and a lover of God. There are more chapters dedicated to David's life than to that of any other biblical personage and his journey from the hills of Bethlehem to the throne of Jerusalem is the focus of the narrative.
But, David was not perfect.
He conquered Goliath, but fell into adultery later.
He was a man of unity of Israel but had problems in his own family.
He was a man of music for worship and a man of tears for prayer of repentance.
God doesn't need perfect people, as David's life demonstrates. He calls for an open heart that repents, trusts in, and follows Him.
Quick Facts
Father Jesse
Tribe Judah
Occupation Shepherd, Musician, Warrior, King
Rewarded For Beating Goliath, Composing Psalms, Organizing Israel
Capital Jerusalem
Son Solomon
Reigned About 40 years over Israel
Preferential Bible Books | 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles, Psalms |
David's Life at a Glance
The boy who led the flock of sheep in Bethlehem.The young shepherd from Bethlehem.
He was secretly anointed by Samuel
* Defeated Goliath
* Served King Saul
As a fugitive, they fled.
* Became king over Judah
* United all Israel
* Captured Jerusalem
Took the ark of God with him to Jerusalem
* Received God's covenant
When he sinned with Bathsheba.
* Repented sincerely
* Faced family tragedies
Went to Israel to prepare it for the reign of Solomon
The story of the missing shepherd boy.The tale of a boy who was a shepherd and a boy who wasn't.
The prophet Samuel anointed Israel's next king, and Jesse brought seven of his sons to him.
They didn't even invite David.
He was still in the field keeping the sheep.
To humans, he was an insignificant little creature.
However, God said one of the most significant truths in Scripture,
For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
David reminds us that God will do his greatest work in the world's most overlooked people.
The Hidden Years
David stood in the wilderness, before he stood before kings.
He learned courage when he was keeping sheep from lions and bears.
He learned to worship under the stars.
He had learned dependence, with no audience applauding him.
These years of darkness formed the leader he would become.
Often times, God trains us in private before He calls us to public use.
The Battle with Goliath
David noticed something others had not noticed when Israel trembled before the giant Goliath.
They saw a giant.
David encountered a God bigger than the giant!
He rejected Saul's armor, instead taking:
* His staff
* Five smooth stones
* His sling
* His faith
David's confidence was in God's power, not his skill.
The outcome of history was changed by one stone.
The battle is a reminder of what it means to win—it is the Lord's!
The story of Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent resurrection.The account of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
David served Saul and became a great warrior.
But success brought jealousy.
Several times Saul attempted to kill him.
For years David lived in caves, ran out in the wilderness and was a fugitive.
But he did not strike Saul down, even though he had the chance.
Twice David spared Saul's life.
He felt that only God could have the final say on revenge.
People do not know your character by your treatment of friends, but by your treatment of opposers.
A King After God's Heart
Eventually after Saul's death David reigned over all Israel.
He was the reunifier of the tribes.
He was instrumental in the making of Jerusalem as the capital.
He took the ark of the covenant with rejoicing into the city.
David knew that Israel's strength was not just in the army, but in God's presence.
His government was the golden era of Israel.
God's Promise to David, Chapter 25
God made a covenant with David—the most important event in David's life.
David wanted to build a house for God.
Rather, God vowed to set up David's royal line.
This covenant eventually looked forward to Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, who is also referred to as the "Son of David.
God often provides us with more than we pray for.
David's Greatest Failure
The most important thing that David accomplished was not Goliath.
Neither was his greatest enemy.
His real war was against his heart.
David stayed in Jerusalem, and his army went out to fight.
He was on the roof when he saw Bathsheba.
He committed adultery.
Then made an effort to cover his sin.
Lastly, Bathsheba's husband, Uriah, was deliberately put where he was to be killed in battle.
David's sin had an impact not only on him but on innocent people around him.
Secrecy is always a hallmark of sin.
It will never stay hidden forever.
Nathan's Courage
God sent Nathan the prophet.
Nathan did not immediately accuse David; instead, he told a story about a rich man who took the only lamb from a poor man.
David became angry.
Then Nathan uttered the memorable words:
"Thou art the man."
David might have refused to be corrected.
Instead he confessed.
In Psalm 51, one of the great prayers of sincere repentance in the Bible, his is recorded.
Greatness isn't a matter of never falling, it's a matter of always coming back to God.
The Cost of Sin
God cut off David, but there were still some consequences.
His family experienced:
* Violence
* Division
* Rebellion
* Heartbreak
David has found that forgiving God eliminates the guilt, but there might be consequences on earth.
His life is a warning and testimony of God's mercy.
A Worshipper Above All
Perhaps the most important thing that David gives to us is his worship.
He is the author of numerous psalms that continue to bring consolation to the believers today.
David always turned to God, whether it was during times of joy or sadness.
He was being sincere when he prayed.
His devotion to God was sincere.
He was praising God in triumph.
He looked to God in the midst of pain.
God is pleased with honest hearts, as David found out.
Five deep lessons from David's life
1.God is looking at the heart.God sees the heart.
First impressions are important.
God examines character.
It is the truth at the beginning of David's story and it will never go away.
2.Private Faith builds Public Courage
David was alone with the sheep, and he had learned to trust God; that is why he was able to go on and face Goliath.
Public victories never come before faith grows.
3. Temptation Will Not Go Away When You Are Successful
In the time of David, when he was well inscribed in the kingdom, he fell not while he ran away from Saul, but securely in the kingdom.
Spiritual maturity is a continual reliance upon God.
4. True Repentance Leads to Restoration
The answer to sin was for David to admit his fault, confess his sin, and be humble and repent.
Psalm 51 is a prime example for all believers to pray for his/her forgiveness.
5. God's Grace Is Greater Than Our Failures
David's weaknesses were significant.
But God's covenant was not broken.
He provides an example of a God who forgives the truly repentant and who does not give up on His redemptive plan.
The use of David as a foreshadowing of Christ.
Although David is a flawed king, there are many themes in his life that lead to Jesus.
Born in Bethlehem.
A shepherd taking care of his sheep.
Denied then exalted.
Anointed by God.
Ruler of God's people.
Led to peace as a victor.
The Messiah came from His family line.
Jesus never sinned like David. David's kingdom was temporary, but Christ's kingdom is eternal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made David a man after God's heart?
It is about David's thirst to seek God and to turn to Him in faith and repentance. It doesn't mean that David sinlessly did his duty.
Was it really David who slayed Goliath?
Yes. 1 Samuel 17 tells us that David used a sling and a stone to slay the Philistine giant Goliath, and he then completed the fight with Goliath's sword.
How many psalms did David write?
While not all 150 psalms are attributed to David, many of those that are were.
Why is David important to Christians?
David is at the very heart of God's covenant promises. Jesus Christ was a member of the line of kings of David, who God had promised Him an eternal kingdom.
Reflection
The story of David is not the story of a perfect king.
It's the tale of a shep herd who learned to trust in God.
A warrior of faith.
A king whose rule was at times lacking.
A real repenter who was truly sorry.
A worshipper who continually returned to God.
He reminds us that perfection isn't our job but to have a heart that is ready to be corrected and graced by God.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thanks David for your life and the lessons you've taught. Help me to have a heart that wants You more than anything else! Help me to trust You in secret and openly, stand firm against temptation, and when I fall down be humble. Help me to worship You in a sincere way and to put my trust in Your grace, not in my strength.
I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
