Topical Encyclopedia David, the son of Jesse, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his unwavering loyalty to God and his people. As the second king of Israel, David's life and reign are chronicled in the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. His loyalty is exemplified in various aspects of his life, from his early days as a shepherd to his time as king.Loyalty to God David's loyalty to God is a central theme in his life. From a young age, he demonstrated a deep faith and trust in the Lord. This is vividly illustrated in the account of David and Goliath, where David, a young shepherd, confronts the Philistine giant with confidence in God's deliverance. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David declares, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." Throughout his life, David sought to honor God, as seen in his desire to build a temple for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:1-2). Although God did not permit David to build the temple, He acknowledged David's intentions and promised to establish his dynasty. David's psalms also reflect his devotion and loyalty to God, expressing both his struggles and his unwavering faith. Loyalty to Saul Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel, David remained loyal to King Saul, the reigning monarch. David's loyalty is evident in his refusal to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David says, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed." David's respect for Saul's position as God's anointed king demonstrates his commitment to God's order and authority. Loyalty to Jonathan David's friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son, is a testament to his loyalty. Despite the potential threat Jonathan posed to David's future kingship, the two shared a deep bond. Their covenant of friendship is described in 1 Samuel 18:3, "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." David honored this covenant even after Jonathan's death, showing kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-7). Loyalty to His People As king, David demonstrated loyalty to the people of Israel. He united the tribes and established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation. David's military campaigns expanded Israel's territory and secured peace for his people. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to justice and righteousness, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:15, "Thus David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people." David's loyalty, however, was not without flaws. His sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent events (2 Samuel 11-12) serve as a reminder of his humanity and the consequences of straying from God's commands. Yet, even in his failures, David's heart remained inclined toward God, as he repented and sought forgiveness, exemplified in Psalm 51. David's life is a profound example of loyalty, both to God and to those around him. His legacy as a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14) continues to inspire believers to live lives of faithfulness and devotion. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 24:6-10And he said to his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 26:6-16 2 Samuel 1:14 Library The Birth of Jesus. The Struggle in America, 1762-1857. The Sower. Introductory Note. Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Hosanna! Sermon at the Opening Services of the General Convention, October ... The Christian State The Parable of the Wedding Feast The Foundations of Good Citizenship. Resources Does the Bible support Communism? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view gun control? | GotQuestions.org Is freedom of speech a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org Citizens: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Citizens: Loyal: David's Soldiers Citizens: Wicked and Treasonable Citizens: Wicked: Bigthan and Teresh Citizens: Wicked: Hadad and Jeroboam Citizens: Wicked: Jozachar and Jozabad Citizens: Wicked: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Citizens: Wicked: Miriam and Aaron Citizens: Wicked: Sons of Sennacherib Citizens: Wicked: Theudas and Four-Hundred Seditious Persons Related Terms Fellow-citizens (1 Occurrence) |
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