The background is described in Samuel and Saul.
King David's life is described in:
- 1 Samuel 16–31
- 2 Samuel
- 1 Kings 1–2
- 1 Chronicles 11–29
Several of the psalms are written by David, with many being prophetic, and many showing his thoughts as he goes through difficult times in his life. David is attributed to 73 of the 150 Psalms, see The Book of Psalms.
King Saul disobeyed God (1 Sam 15:22–23). God therefore regretted that he had made Saul king (1 Sam 15:11, 35). God rejected Saul as king and chose David as king instead (1 Sam 15:28). Samuel anointed David king (1 Sam 16:12–13,
Psalm 78:70–72). Since Saul was still acting as king, it was only after Saul's death about ten years later that David can act as king, first over Judah for 7,5 years and then over the whole Israel for another 33 years.
King Saul disobeyed God (1 Sam 15:22–23). God therefore regretted that he had made Saul king (1 Sam 15:11, 35). God rejected Saul as king and chose David as king instead (1 Sam 15:28). Samuel anointed David king (1 Sam 16:12–13,
Psalm 78:70–72). Since Saul was still acting as king, it was only after Saul's death about ten years later that David can act as king, first over Judah for 7,5 years and then over the whole Israel for another 33 years.
(1 Sam 17:24, 32). David saw God as the Deliverer and trusted him. Therefore, David triumphed over Goliath (1 Sam 17:37). David was a man of great faith in God
(1 Sam 17:45), something Saul didn't have. God was real to David and not just a concept. David prophesied how Goliath would die (1 Sam 17:46–47).
(1 Sam 17:45), something Saul didn't have. God was real to David and not just a concept. David prophesied how Goliath would die (1 Sam 17:46–47).
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mat 6:21). Jonathan, Saul's son, loved David as his own soul (1 Sam 18:1). It was a spiritual love.
Jonathan made a covenant with David (1 Sam 18:3). David became very successful, more successful than Saul (1 Sam 18:7, 14, 16, 30). This made Saul afraid of David and he began to hate him for the rest of his life (1 Sam 18:8–9, 12, 15, 28–29). David was a humble man (1 Sam 18:18), see 3) Blessed are the meek in
The Sermon on the Mount.
The Sermon on the Mount.
It's important to prevent bitterness from growing in life (Heb 12:15). This happened to Saul who wanted to kill David (1 Sam 19:1, 11, 15), mainly because David was more successful than Saul, whose heart became even more jealous and bitter. Saul
became afraid that David would take over the kingdom of Israel (1 Sam 20:30–31).
Jonathan defended David before his father Saul, saying that David's actions had been good for Saul, and trying to kill David was a sin (1 Sam 19:4–5). Giving in to bitterness is a sin. David had done nothing wrong to Saul, see Psalm 59. David had to learn to trust God before he became king.
became afraid that David would take over the kingdom of Israel (1 Sam 20:30–31).
Jonathan defended David before his father Saul, saying that David's actions had been good for Saul, and trying to kill David was a sin (1 Sam 19:4–5). Giving in to bitterness is a sin. David had done nothing wrong to Saul, see Psalm 59. David had to learn to trust God before he became king.
David is now on the run and knows that Saul wants to kill him. His actions must be viewed with that in mind. David lies to the priest Ahimelech to get bread and a sword (1 Sam 21:2–3, 8). However, David doesn't speak bad of Saul, despite the way he is treated. But this lie from David costs 85 priests their lives, and the people of Nob also lose their lives (1 Sam 22:18–19). It's easy to blame David for this, but it's
Saul who orders the killing. Saul doesn't need to kill all these people. When David is faced with doing something wrong, he admits it (1 Sam 22:22). Something Saul
doesn't do. David writes Psalm 52 about this. David lies again when he afterwards flees to Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, and acts like a mad man because of fear (1 Sam 21:12–13). Note that David doesn't trust God in these situations
(Proverbs 3:5–6). This is the same man who had so much faith that he took on Goliath. A similar situation happened to Elijah, who also became afraid even though he didn't lie (1 Kings 18:18–40, 19:1–18). Afterwards, David flees to the Cave of Adullam where he begins commanding 400 men and writes Psalms 57 and 142 (1 Sam 22:1–2).
Saul who orders the killing. Saul doesn't need to kill all these people. When David is faced with doing something wrong, he admits it (1 Sam 22:22). Something Saul
doesn't do. David writes Psalm 52 about this. David lies again when he afterwards flees to Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, and acts like a mad man because of fear (1 Sam 21:12–13). Note that David doesn't trust God in these situations
(Proverbs 3:5–6). This is the same man who had so much faith that he took on Goliath. A similar situation happened to Elijah, who also became afraid even though he didn't lie (1 Kings 18:18–40, 19:1–18). Afterwards, David flees to the Cave of Adullam where he begins commanding 400 men and writes Psalms 57 and 142 (1 Sam 22:1–2).
Later, David many times but not always, goes to the Lord for guidance before acting (1 Sam 23:2, 4, 10–13). He obeys the instructions he receives from God. David is very successful on those occasions. It's when David makes his own decisions without inquiring God for guidance that he gets into trouble.
Saul continues to try to kill David. When David is given the opportunity to kill Saul, he doesn't. His main reason for not killing Saul is that he is anointed by God
(1 Sam 24:6–7, 11 (7–8, 12 in some translations), Psalm 105:15). David can forgive Saul, see Forgive and You will Be Forgiven, although David doesn't trust Saul because he knows him. Saul then later tries to kill David again, and David is then once again given the opportunity to kill Saul. David still doesn't because Saul
is anointed by God (1 Sam 26:8–11). David says that he trusts God to protect him
(1 Sam 26:23–24). God protects David from Saul.
Everyone who is tempted is drawn away by his own desires (James 1:13–15). It happens to David. He lets anger rise in his heart so that he wants to kill all the men in Nabal's household (1 Sam 25:21–22). Man's wrath doesn't produce God's righteousness (James 1:20). David can handle Saul well, but he can't do that with Nabal. David is ready to destroy an entire household because of one evil person. David is a very passionate man. He's on fire for God in a good way, but he's also on fire when he's on the wrong track, like in this case. David is tempted to seek revenge on him. See Jesus' teachings on anger and Love and not revenge in
The Sermon on the Mount. David is stopped by the wise words from Abigail, Nabal's beautiful wife (1 Sam 25:3, 24–35). David marries her when Nabal died at the hand of the Lord (1 Sam 25:38–39). David also marries Ahinom (1 Sam 25:43). Saul has taken his daughter Michal, who is David's wife, from David and given her to another man (1 Sam 25:44). This means that David now has two wives.
Then David makes another wrong decision. Instead of trusting in the Lord, he looks at circumstances that Saul can kill him (1 Sam 27:1). He flees to the Philistines. The short-term effects are that he kills many people and has to lie a lot to king Achish
(1 Sam 27:9–11). The long-term effect is that his family is taken, although it's rescued later (1 Sam 30:1–6, 18–20, 1 Chron 12:20–21). David struggles with trusting the Lord. David finds himself in a situation where he must stand up in a battle for the Philistines against Israel (1 Sam 28:1–2). Fortunately, he doesn't have to (1 Sam 29:8–10, 1 Chron 12:19). Saul and three of his sons die in that battle
(1 Sam 31:6, 1 Chron 10:1–6). Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord by not keeping the commandments of the Lord, he consulted a medium seeking guidance and didn't seek guidance from the Lord (1 Chron 10:13–14).
David mourns and weeps because Saul and Jonathan are dead, even though Saul
has become his enemy (2 Sam 1:12). This is how we should act as Christians. At least we shouldn't rejoice when bad things happen to our enemies
(Proverbs 24:17–18, 17:5b), see The book of Obadiah.
(1 Sam 27:9–11). The long-term effect is that his family is taken, although it's rescued later (1 Sam 30:1–6, 18–20, 1 Chron 12:20–21). David struggles with trusting the Lord. David finds himself in a situation where he must stand up in a battle for the Philistines against Israel (1 Sam 28:1–2). Fortunately, he doesn't have to (1 Sam 29:8–10, 1 Chron 12:19). Saul and three of his sons die in that battle
(1 Sam 31:6, 1 Chron 10:1–6). Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord by not keeping the commandments of the Lord, he consulted a medium seeking guidance and didn't seek guidance from the Lord (1 Chron 10:13–14).
David mourns and weeps because Saul and Jonathan are dead, even though Saul
has become his enemy (2 Sam 1:12). This is how we should act as Christians. At least we shouldn't rejoice when bad things happen to our enemies
(Proverbs 24:17–18, 17:5b), see The book of Obadiah.
David now goes to Hebron with his men, where he is anointed king of Judah
(2 Sam 2:1–4, 11). Saul's son Ish-bosheth becomes king over Israel
(2 Sam 2:8–10). There is a war between Judah and Israel during this time in which David becomes stronger (2 Sam 2:17, 3:1). During his time as king of Judah for 7.5 years, David has six sons by six different women (2 Sam 3:2–5, 1 Chron 3:1–4a). David also demands the return of his first wife Michal, which he also receives
(2 Sam 3:14–16). Later, when David becomes king over the whole Israel, he gets even more wives, concubines, and sons (2 Sam 5:13–14,
1 Chron 3:4b–9, 14:3–7). This isn't a good situation, and it doesn't bear good fruit. It makes for a very anxious household. David is a man after God's own heart
(Acts 13:22b), but he doesn't always make the right decisions. Getting all these wives are examples of wrong decisions he makes (Proverbs 14:12). God has forbidden the kings to take many wives (Deu 17:17a).
In Hebron, David reigns over Judah for 7.5 years. He then reigns in Jerusalem over the whole Israel for 33 years (2 Sam 5:4–5). David grows bigger and bigger, because the Lord is with him (2 Sam 5:10, 1 Chron 11:9). David has a close relationship with God, something that Jesus encourages us to have (John 15:4–5). David worships God a lot (2 Sam 6:5, 14). Most of the time, David makes the right decisions.
When the Philistines hear that David has been anointed king over the whole Israel, they go out in full force to search for him, but David finds out. He inquires the Lord if he should attack the Philistines. The Lord answers him that he will do so and that the Philistines will be delivered into his hands. David does so and defeats them.
The Philistines have abandoned their gods, and David gives the order to burn them in the fire. Once again the Philistines come up to attack him, so David inquires the Lord again. The Lord replies not to go straight up, but to circle behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as he hears the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, he should go quickly, for it means that the Lord has gone out before them to smite the army of the Philistines. David does so and defeats the Philistines. David’s fame spreads throughout all lands, and the Lord makes all peoples fear him. (2 Sam 5:17–25, 1 Chron 14:8–17).
The Philistines have abandoned their gods, and David gives the order to burn them in the fire. Once again the Philistines come up to attack him, so David inquires the Lord again. The Lord replies not to go straight up, but to circle behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as he hears the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, he should go quickly, for it means that the Lord has gone out before them to smite the army of the Philistines. David does so and defeats the Philistines. David’s fame spreads throughout all lands, and the Lord makes all peoples fear him. (2 Sam 5:17–25, 1 Chron 14:8–17).
David has learned a lesson to inquire the Lord before deciding what to do.
Burning their gods is according to the Mosaic Laws (Deu 7:5).
Burning their gods is according to the Mosaic Laws (Deu 7:5).
God tells David through the prophet Nathan, that God will raise up his offspring after him. The seed of David shall build a house for his name, and God shall establish the throne of his kingdom forever. (2 Sam 7:12–13, 1 Chron 17:11–14, Luk 1:30–33,
Psalm 132:11–12 (contains a warning), 89:3–4 (4–5 in some translations)).
The house of David and his kingdom will remain forever before the Lord. The throne of David will stand firm forever. (2 Sam 7:16). David reminds God of this promise in his prayer, telling God that his house will be blessed forever
Psalm 132:11–12 (contains a warning), 89:3–4 (4–5 in some translations)).
The house of David and his kingdom will remain forever before the Lord. The throne of David will stand firm forever. (2 Sam 7:16). David reminds God of this promise in his prayer, telling God that his house will be blessed forever
(2 Sam 7:28–29, 1 Chron 17:23, 26–27, 22:10).
The Lord has promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever (2 Kings 8:19, 2 Chron 21:7). This is finally fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This Davidic covenant, see Whose Son Is Messiah?, is an unconditional covenant in the same way that the Abrahamic covenant is. However, the Mosaic Covenant is a conditional covenant.
David is greatly blessed by the Lord when he becomes king over the whole Israel.
He wins several great battles against his enemies (2 Sam 8:1–18, 10:1–19,
1 Chron 18:1–20:8). The Lord gives David victory wherever he goes
(2 Sam 8:6b, 14b, 1 Chron 18:6b, 13b). David becomes very victorious, rich, and powerful. This can be a temptation. At this time, he still keeps his heart in the right direction towards the Lord. He shows kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of
Jonathan, son of Saul (2 Sam 9:6–7). David is at the height of his power, popularity, and wealth at this time. David acts as a good leader. It's a blessing to a country to have good leaders with wise counsellors (Proverbs 11:14).
Then comes the big failure in David's life when he is at the peak of his career
(Proverbs 16:18, 29:23, James 4:10). He is tempted where he is week, and he falls for it. David sleeps with the married woman Bathsheba, who becomes pregnant
(2 Sam 11:2–5). To cover it up, David murders her husband Uriah the Hittite
(2 Sam 11:14–15, 12:9). Then he takes her to wife (2 Sam 11:27).
This behavior displeases the Lord. God is just and holy, see God is holy in
God's Attributes. David is a man who should know better, he is a man after God's own heart. The consequences will be enormous (2 Sam 12:10–12). The sword will never leave his house. David confesses his sin, see Psalm 51: Coming to God when we fail, but his child with Bathsheba must die (2 Sam 12:13–14). David is forgiven by God, but the consequences of his sin remain.
The shortcomings of Bathsheba result in the following bad events:
- David leaves his son Amnon alone with his beautiful half-sister Tamar, whom Amnon then rapes (2 Sam 13:11–14). David does nothing about it.
Two years later, Tamar's brother Absalom kills Amnon because of it
(2 Sam 13:28–29). Absalom then flees to his grandfather where he stays for three years (2 Sam 13:38). David does nothing about it either. - Absalom rebels against David and tries to become king (2 Sam 18:6–9).
Absalom is killed during the battle (2 Sam 18:14–15). Absalom's relationship with David can't have been so good. David mourns him deeply
(2 Sam 18:33). David writes Psalm 3 at this time that shows his great devotion to the Lord. - David's son Adonijah tries to be king after David, even though it's not God's will. David doesn't try to talk to Adonijah about it (1 Kings 1:5–6). Eventually Salomon kills Adonijah when Salomon has become king.
David isn't a good father to his children. He doesn't care about them.
Later, David has another son with Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:24–25). This son is chosen by God to be king after David as king Solomon. David is a man who truly understands the meaning of God's grace in truth (Col 1:6b, Psalm 32).
(1 Chron 21:1). Note that Satan must have permission from God to do so
(Luk 22:31–32), see God is sovereign in God's Attributes. God can use Satan to accomplish his will (Job 1:9–12). God is dealing with something in David, probably pride. Joab tries to persuade David to not do so, but David doesn't listen to his advice (2 Sam 24:3, 1 Chron 21:3–4). God is displeased with this thing, and
he strikes Israel because of this (2 Sam 24:11–14, 1 Chron 21:9–13). The Lord sends a pestilence upon Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fall (2 Sam 24:15,
he strikes Israel because of this (2 Sam 24:11–14, 1 Chron 21:9–13). The Lord sends a pestilence upon Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fall (2 Sam 24:15,
1 Chron 21:14). This emphasizes the importance of praying for the authorities.
When they make wrong decisions, there are consequences for the people.
When they make wrong decisions, there are consequences for the people.
There is a famine for three years. When David seeks the face of the Lord, he gets the answer that the reason for the famine is because Saul put the Gibeonites to death
(2 Sam 21:1). Saul had pursued the Gibeonites and sought to kill them off, in spite of that the leaders of Israel had sworn to them by the Lord to let them live
(2 Sam 21:2b, 5, Joshua 9:3–27). The Gibeonites wants therefore to get seven males from the house of Saul to hang them, something that David approves
(2 Sam 21:6). Afterwards David gathers the bones of those who are hanged and gives them a proper funeral together with Saul and his son Jonathan
(2 Sam 21:13–14a). After doing that, God responds to the plea for the land
(2 Sam 21:14b).
(2 Sam 21:1). Saul had pursued the Gibeonites and sought to kill them off, in spite of that the leaders of Israel had sworn to them by the Lord to let them live
(2 Sam 21:2b, 5, Joshua 9:3–27). The Gibeonites wants therefore to get seven males from the house of Saul to hang them, something that David approves
(2 Sam 21:6). Afterwards David gathers the bones of those who are hanged and gives them a proper funeral together with Saul and his son Jonathan
(2 Sam 21:13–14a). After doing that, God responds to the plea for the land
(2 Sam 21:14b).
The text doesn't say that it's God's will to hang these seven men. It can be so that David thinks that this is the best for Israel in the long run, and if not doing it, more people can loose their lives because of the famine. He also gives them a proper funeral afterwards. At many times David inquires God what to do, but he doesn't always do it. It's possible that David doesn't inquire God for guidance whether he should hand over these men to the Gibeonites or not to be hanged.
David isn't perfect and makes some serious mistakes in his life. Whenever he is confronted with fault-doings, he doesn't justify himself or makes excuses as Saul did, see Psalm 51: Coming to God when we fail. David is broken from pride. He has a broken and contrite spirit which he knows is important for God, he has a listening heart. He is a man who responds to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. When God confronts him with sin, he immediately acknowledges it. He understands that he needs to repent, and he does. That's why David is lifted up as a person who is walking with God (1 Kings 3:14). Walking with God doesn't mean perfection, it means sincerity. God sees what's in our heart.
David's desire is to make dwell in the house of the Lord forever, to keep his heart in the presence of God. He has a heart for the Lord that makes him to write these beautiful and prophetic psalms, see for example Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd. David himself is a prophet (Acts 2:29–31, Psalm 16:10), see for example
Psalm 22: the Crucifixion Psalm. He has a very close relation to God, see
Body, Soul, and Spirit in The Danger with Gnosticism. He wants to hear the
voice of God, see Psalm 131: I have quieted my soul. Jesus himself is called
Son of David (Mat 21:9–11), see Whose Son Is Messiah?
Psalm 22: the Crucifixion Psalm. He has a very close relation to God, see
Body, Soul, and Spirit in The Danger with Gnosticism. He wants to hear the
voice of God, see Psalm 131: I have quieted my soul. Jesus himself is called
Son of David (Mat 21:9–11), see Whose Son Is Messiah?
See also the end part of David's life in the beginning of king Solomon.
See also The Old Testament of the Bible.
