Bible Biographies: David

SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 11-29; 1 Samuel 16 - 1 Kings 2:12

BIOGRAPHY:

David was born in the 10th Century BC into the tribe of Judah. He was the youngest of eight brothers (1 Samuel 17:12). His father was Jesse. Unlike his brothers, David was a shepherd, in which capacity he learnt courage which he later used in battle (1 Samuel 17:34,35). He also learned tenderness and care for his flocks, a side of David which was reflected in his writings of God (eg Psalm 23).

Like Joseph before him, his many talents were a cause of jealousy for his brothers (1 Samuel 17:28). When Saul was rejected, Samuel, guided by God, anointed David at Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:1-13). God selected David to minister to Saul (1 Samuel 16:17-21), which he did, utilizing his musical skills. David in his famous contest with Goliath showed himself as a courageous believer. Saul's attitude continued to decline. He became jealous of David, which resulted in David's flight from the King (1 Samuel 22:6-19).

Eventually Saul was killed in the battle of Gilboa in 1056 BC. David mourned his passing (2 Samuel 1:17-27). At 30 years of age (2 Samuel 5:4) David began his reign of 40 years in Hebron as King of Judah. Seven years later he became King of the whole of Israel, reigning from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:5), which he captured from the Jebusites.

David's life, however, was not without sin and anguish. His scheming in conjunction with his taking of Bathsheba and consequent loss of his children is well known. He is nevertheless held up as the prime example of a man after God's heart and the great King from whom the King of Kings was to descend. David died aged 70 and was buried at Jerusalem (1 Kings 2:10,1 1).

SUMMARY:

a) David was not highly regarded by his father (1 Samuel 16:11).

b) Samuel however was able to discern that the youngest son of Jesse was the chosen one of Israel (1 Samuel 16:12,13).

c) He was able to assist Saul in times of stress with his skilful playing of the harp (1 Samuel 16:23).

d) While acting as a shepherd he had killed both a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37).

e) He uses this experience when he faces Goliath of Gath, the Philistine champion (1 Samuel 17:39-51).

f) He selects five smooth stones as there were five giants in the Philistine army, comprising Goliath, Goliath's brother (2 Samuel 21:19), Ishbi-benob (2 Samuel 21:16), Saph (2 Samuel 21:18), and six fingers and six toes (2 Samuel 21:20).

g) In his flight from Saul, David has opportunities to ascend the throne by killing Saul, but does not (1 Samuel 24:4-7; 26:7-12).

h) David showed compassion to Mephibosheth, the crippled descendant of Saul (2 Samuel 9).

i) David's desire for Bathsheba causes him to cause the murder of one of his greatest warriors Uriah (2 Samuel 11).

j) David confessed his sin asking that the Holy Spirit be not taken from him (Psalm 51:11).

LIFE LESSONS:

a) God uses people who may not be of great importance in the world's view (1 Corinthians 1:26-28).

b) Spiritual values are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

c) Music has therapeutic values for some types of disorders.

d) Previous experience and skills can be utilized by God in His service (Acts 22:3).

e) With God nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).

f) The Christian soldier must be adequately prepared for all eventualities (the five stones).

g) Violent revolution never achieve anything as the new regime is almost always worse than that overthrown (Judges 9).

h) The timing for change is in the hand of the Lord. Whether one is promoted or not is dependent on God's plan for your life (Psalm 113:7,8).

i) True nobility is showing generosity and compassion to your enemies (Matthew 5:44).


Study courtesy of the Evangelical Bible College Of Western Australia