David: A man after God
The faith and courage of King David are the stuff of legends. Image: Pawel Furman|Unsplash
Everybody loves David for his courage. He is well known as a humble young shepherd who defeated the giant Goliath with just a slingshot. God destined him to become the greatest king of Israel. Most importantly, our Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come from David’s lineage.
David exemplified true faith, courage, and leadership. But his life was also mired in sin, unrighteousness, and repentance.
By looking closely at his life story, we can gain valuable insights that clarify God’s laws and teachings.
David: an epitome of courage, leadership, and greatness
“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:37
David’s victory over the giant Goliath is the most famous story of his life and an archetype of bravery in the Scriptures.
He was also a great king who cared for his people and made decisions based on justice and righteousness. David knew how to lead with wisdom and compassion, a valuable lesson for anyone in a position of kingship.
The Old Testament reveals that King David fought eight to nine significant battles and did not lose any of them.
After the rule of Saul, David is credited with uniting the various tribes of Israel into a single nation. David also established Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel. Moreover, he organized bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the city, which contained the Ten Commandments handed down by God.
David’s story is a shining example of what it means to have courage and faith in God. He faced seemingly insurmountable odds and emerged victorious, not through his strength but through the power of God.
David commits adultery and murder
“After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.” – 2 Samuel 11:27
David was not without his faults. Despite his wisdom, courage, and godly faith, David was also human and weak. His frail manhood and bad decisions resulted in grievous sins that would have terrible consequences for his life, his family, and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
One of David’s most well-known sins was his affair with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Despite knowing she was married, David saw Bathsheba bathing on a rooftop and sent for her.
Bathsheba became pregnant, and David tried to cover up his sin by bringing Uriah back from battle and encouraging him to sleep with his wife. When Uriah refused, David had him killed in action to hide his shame.
David’s actions displeased God, which made Him send the prophet Nathan to confront David. Nathan told David a parable about a rich man who stole a poor man’s beloved lamb, causing David to realize the gravity of his sin. David repented, but the consequences of his actions remained.
The consequences of David’s sins
“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.” – Psalm 51:4
While King David’s sins were heinous, he is also remembered for his repentance and willingness to take responsibility for his actions. Despite his flaws, God unleashed justice and dire consequences for his actions.:
The death of his son
As punishment for his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah, God caused the demise of their child. This tragedy was a painful consequence for David to bear, and it brought him great sorrow.
The rebellion of his son Absalom
David’s son, Absalom, eventually rebelled against him and tried to overthrow him as king. This event resulted from David’s failure to discipline his children and maintain order in his family.
The sending of a plague
David ordered a census of Israel, seen as an act of pride and a lack of trust in God. As a result, God punished David by sending a plague that killed thousands of people.
Family strife and troubles
King David’s neglect of his parental responsibilities led to a number of his children committing severe sins. His son, Amnon, raped his half-sister, Tamar. God’s justice caused the violent, successive deaths of two of his sons, Amnon and Absalom.
The loss of respect from his people
David’s sins brought shame and dishonor upon himself and his family. As a result, he lost the respect of many of his subjects, which contributed to the instability and unrest in his kingdom.
The division of the kingdom
After David’s death, his son Solomon inherited the throne, but his other son, Adonijah, also tried to claim the throne. This tragedy led to a power struggle that divided the kingdom into two separate nations.
Sin, forgiveness, and consequences
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” – Galatians 6:7-8
We sometimes hear a story about a mother who deeply cried in grief because her baby died during childbirth or survived with abject deformities in the body. Despite accepting Christ as Lord and Savior during pregnancy, she suffered the consequences of her previous wayward state of sin. She was heavily addicted to crack cocaine, and the drugs caused the tragedy that befell the baby.
The Bible contains stories that reveal a just God who unleashes discipline and punishment even on His most beloved people.
The Israelites often suffered severe calamities and tragedies because of their idolatry. David was a particular epitome of God’s love, courage, justice, and righteousness.
Today, the biblical principle of sowing and reaping remains.
Forgiveness from God brings a sense of relief and peace to those who have sinned, helping them move forward positively in life. However, forgiveness does not always cancel the penalties of our sins. God is righteous, but God is also just.
Like David, we may suffer consequences from intentional or unintentional mistakes. A desperate person may rob a corner store because of the need to feed his family. He could have asked forgiveness from God and the store owner. But, he may also face prison and rejection from his family and society.
We are all sinners and imperfect in many ways, just like David. But, thank the Lord for His goodness. His mercy and grace allow us to confess our sins, gain pardon from Him, and move on as righteous children of God.
