Topical Encyclopedia David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure whose life exemplifies the virtue of humility in various ways. Despite his significant achievements and status, David consistently demonstrated a humble heart before God and others.Anointed Yet Humble David's journey to kingship began with his anointing by the prophet Samuel. God chose David, the youngest son of Jesse, over his older brothers, highlighting the divine preference for inner qualities over outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). Despite this divine selection, David did not immediately ascend to the throne. Instead, he returned to tending his father's sheep, displaying patience and humility in waiting for God's timing. Service to Saul David's humility is further illustrated in his service to King Saul. After being anointed, David entered Saul's service as a musician to soothe the king's troubled spirit (1 Samuel 16:21-23). Even when David became a successful warrior and gained popularity among the people, he continued to serve Saul faithfully, respecting him as the Lord's anointed despite Saul's growing jealousy and hostility (1 Samuel 18:5-9). Sparing Saul's Life David's humility is profoundly evident in his encounters with Saul in the wilderness. On two occasions, David had the opportunity to kill Saul, who was pursuing him to take his life. However, David refrained, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed" (1 Samuel 24:6). David's respect for God's anointed king, despite Saul's unjust actions, underscores his humility and reverence for God's authority. Repentance and Submission David's humility is also apparent in his response to personal sin. When confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba, David did not justify or hide his wrongdoing. Instead, he confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). His heartfelt repentance is captured in Psalm 51, where he pleads for God's mercy and cleansing, demonstrating a contrite and humble spirit. Dancing Before the Lord Another instance of David's humility is seen when he brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod, an act that some, including his wife Michal, considered undignified for a king (2 Samuel 6:14-16). David's willingness to humble himself in worship, prioritizing his devotion to God over royal dignity, reflects his deep humility. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty Throughout his life, David consistently acknowledged God's sovereignty and guidance. In his psalms, he often expressed his dependence on God, recognizing that his victories and successes were due to divine intervention rather than his own strength (Psalm 18:1-3). David's reliance on God and his acknowledgment of God's hand in his life further illustrate his humble disposition. David's life, marked by humility in service, repentance, worship, and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, serves as a model of humility for believers. His account reminds us of the importance of a humble heart before God and others, regardless of one's position or achievements. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 18:18-23And David said to Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 24:14 1 Samuel 26:20 2 Samuel 7:18-29 1 Chronicles 17:16-27 Library David as an Example of Humility. David as an Example of Humility. In this Matter we must Imitate David's Silence and Humility... Psalm 131. Humility and Submission. Preface by David Lewis. Psalm 131 Humility and Submission. How David Prevailed. Instances from the Life of the Blessed David in which Anger was ... Exhortations to Prayer, Humility, Etc. Song to David Resources What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about conceit / being conceited? | GotQuestions.org Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |