David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible, known for his deep faith, military prowess, and complex personal life. His reactions to various pieces of news throughout his life reveal much about his character, his relationship with God, and his leadership style. This entry explores several key instances where David's response to news is recorded in the Scriptures.

1. News of Saul and Jonathan's Death: Upon hearing of the deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan, David's reaction is one of profound grief and lamentation. Despite Saul's pursuit of him, David respects Saul as the Lord's anointed and mourns deeply for Jonathan, his beloved friend. In 2 Samuel 1:11-12 , it is written, "Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." David's lament, known as "The Song of the Bow," is a poignant expression of his sorrow and respect (2 Samuel 1:17-27).

2. News of Absalom's Death: David's reaction to the death of his son Absalom is one of intense personal anguish. Despite Absalom's rebellion against him, David's fatherly love remains strong. In 2 Samuel 18:33 , David's grief is palpable: "The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. As he walked, he cried out, 'O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!'" This reaction underscores David's deep emotional capacity and the personal cost of his kingship.

3. News of Bathsheba's Child's Death: After his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent death of their child, David's response is one of repentance and acceptance of God's judgment. Initially, David fasts and pleads with God for the child's life, but upon the child's death, he worships the Lord and resumes his normal activities. In 2 Samuel 12:20 , it states, "Then David got up from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes. He went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request, they set food before him, and he ate." David's actions demonstrate his submission to God's will and his understanding of divine sovereignty.

4. News of Amnon's Death: When David learns of the murder of his son Amnon by Absalom, his reaction is one of mourning and familial distress. Amnon's death is a consequence of his sin against Tamar, Absalom's sister, and David's response reflects the turmoil within his family. In 2 Samuel 13:31 , it is recorded, "The king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground; and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn." This reaction highlights the tragic consequences of sin and the resulting familial discord.

5. News of the Ark's Return: David's reaction to the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem is one of exuberant joy and worship. He dances before the Lord with all his might, demonstrating his deep reverence and love for God. In 2 Samuel 6:14-15 , it is described, "And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn." This reaction reflects David's heart for worship and his desire to honor God above all.

David's reactions to news throughout his life reveal a man of deep emotion, profound faith, and complex humanity. His responses are marked by a sincere relationship with God, a commitment to justice, and a heart that seeks after God's own heart, as described in 1 Samuel 13:14 , "The LORD has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler of His people."