King David Research Paper

The life of David in the Bible is an extraordinary example of what God can do when someone’s heart is devoted to Him. God called David to be king of Israel, and David fulfilled his call achieving great success in his kingdom. David also erred, committing grievous sins resulting in David and his people suffering severe consequences. David’s life, both his successes and failures, offers valuable lessons for those desiring to walk with God.

David’s rise to power began with Samuel, as instructed by God, anointing him to be king of Israel. “From that day on”, writes the author of 1 Samuel, “the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power” (1 Samuel 16:13, New International Version). David, however, did not immediately assume the throne. David recognized

God, however, wanted a man of peace to build the temple so denied David the privilege of constructing it. Nevertheless, God so appreciated David’s heart for building Him a temple that He promised David that his royal line would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:13, 16, cf. 1 Chronicles 17). God further promised David that Israel would have a place dwell forever (2 Samuel 7:10-11), that David’s son would build the temple (2 Samuel 7:12-13), that He would maintain His relationship David’s descendants (2 Samuel 7:14), and that He would not depart from David or his descendants as he had from Saul (2 Samuel 7:14-15). The remarkable promises God made to David are fulfilled in an even more amazing way: through the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom on earth! Although David did not know Jesus, his heart was indeed after God’s own (Acts

Against the clear directive of the Lord, David counted the number of fighting men in Israel (1 Chronicles 21). Consequently, God “sent a plaque on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead” (1 Chronicles 21:14). Other sins included adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband (2 Samuel 11-12). The consequences of these actions surrounding Bathsheba resulted in their child dying, and strife within the kingdom. David’s first son, Amnon, would rape Tamar who was Amnon’s half-sister (2 Samuel 13:1-22). Absalom, Tamar’s brother, later killed Amnon (2 Samuel 13:23-39) and was himself killed trying to overthrow David (2 Samuel 15-18). Following his sins, however, and unlike Saul, David repented and returned to God. Although David suffered grave consequences for his sins, he received forgiveness and continued blessing. David was imperfect, and although he committed evil acts, he repented of those acts and continued to walk with God.

Two broad lessons may be garnered from David’s sin: First, as detailed above, sin has consequences. Second, God’s forgiveness is available to all who ask. For the Christian, no benefit results from living in sin as it only leads to death (Romans 6:21). Through Christ’s provision, forgiveness of sin and restoration are possible (John 3:16). Clowney (2013) eloquently