Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Chosen of God

◄ David: King of Israel: Chosen of God ►

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David, the second king of Israel, is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, known for his deep faith, military prowess, and complex personal life. He is often remembered as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), chosen by God to lead His people and establish a dynasty that would ultimately culminate in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Early Life and Anointing

David was the youngest son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite, and belonged to the tribe of Judah. His early life was spent as a shepherd, a role that prepared him for his future leadership. The prophet Samuel anointed David as king while Saul was still reigning, following God's rejection of Saul due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 16:1-13). This anointing signified God's choice and blessing upon David, setting him apart for a divine purpose.

David and Goliath

David's faith and courage were first publicly demonstrated in his encounter with Goliath, the Philistine giant. Armed only with a sling and five smooth stones, David declared, "The battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47). His victory over Goliath not only delivered Israel from the Philistines but also established David as a national hero.

Rise to Kingship

David's rise to power was marked by a tumultuous relationship with King Saul, who became increasingly jealous of David's success and favor with the people. Despite Saul's attempts to kill him, David consistently showed respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed, refusing to harm him (1 Samuel 24:6). After Saul's death, David was anointed king over Judah and later over all Israel (2 Samuel 2:4, 5:3).

Reign as King

David's reign was characterized by military conquests, the unification of Israel, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation. He brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, signifying God's presence among His people (2 Samuel 6:12-15). David's desire to build a temple for the Lord was met with God's promise of an everlasting dynasty, known as the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Personal Life and Challenges

David's personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. His sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah brought severe consequences, including turmoil within his own family (2 Samuel 11-12). Despite these failings, David's genuine repentance and reliance on God's mercy are evident in his psalms, which express deep contrition and a longing for God's presence (Psalm 51).

Legacy

David's legacy is profound, as he is remembered not only as a warrior and king but also as a poet and musician. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to him, continue to inspire and comfort believers. His lineage is of paramount importance in the biblical narrative, as it leads to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, fulfilling God's promise of an eternal kingdom (Matthew 1:1).

David's life exemplifies the complexities of human nature and the grace of God, serving as a testament to the power of faith, repentance, and divine purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 78:70
He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

David's Charge to Solomon
... The speech next declares emphatically that the throne belongs to David and his ... the
rule of Solomon, making him but the viceroy of the true king of Israel. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... taken away from the peace-offering, so was David chosen out of ... of kings, and a throne
of glory in Israel.""Ecclus. ... for them, but cried out for a king to keep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

David's Cry for Purity
... David stands high among the highest of these. ... or the raptures of devotion, has found
no words of his own more natural than those of the poet-king of Israel. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... "Here, surely, is the chosen king.". ... And David did so, taking off his bright kerchief,
little knowing what ... had chosen this young man to be a prince in Israel. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Shepherd-King
... Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel! ... were many worse schools
for the future king than a ... expectation with which we look for David's coming ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... three hundred years under the fifteen Judges, Israel now had ... anointing to mean that
David was to be the king. Perhaps they thought that David was chosen to be ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

The Story of David
... of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou ... years went by Samuel's
promise was at last fulfilled, and David was made king over God's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

Hezekiah
... sin offerings "to make an atonement for all Israel." "And when ... had made an end of
offering, the king and all ... The songs of David and of Asaph were sung with joy ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel ... that God would maintain
the cause of king and nation ... God's choice of Israel was not meant for the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

First and Second Samuel.
... experiences that were necessary as a representative of Jehovah on the throne of
Israel. ... 1. Chosen as King, Chs.8-10. ... 1. While David is at his court, Chs.16-20. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter viii first and second.htm