Topical Bible: Love: David's Subjects

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In the biblical narrative, the relationship between King David and his subjects is a profound illustration of love, loyalty, and leadership. David, the second king of Israel, is depicted as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and his interactions with his subjects reflect a deep, covenantal love that is both reciprocal and divinely inspired.

David's Anointing and Early Leadership

David's journey to kingship begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel, as God chooses him to lead Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). From the outset, David's leadership is marked by a reliance on God's guidance and a commitment to serving his people. His love for his subjects is evident in his willingness to face Goliath, the Philistine giant, to protect Israel (1 Samuel 17:45-47). This act of bravery not only demonstrates his faith in God but also his dedication to the welfare of his people.

David's Covenant with Jonathan

A significant aspect of David's relationships is his covenant with Jonathan, the son of King Saul. This covenant is a testament to the deep love and mutual respect between the two men. "Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself" (1 Samuel 18:3). This bond exemplifies the biblical ideal of love that transcends personal ambition and political rivalry, as Jonathan supports David's future kingship despite being the heir to Saul's throne.

David's Reign and Justice

As king, David's love for his subjects is reflected in his pursuit of justice and righteousness. He seeks to unify the tribes of Israel and establish Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation (2 Samuel 5:6-10). David's administration is characterized by a commitment to God's law and a desire to lead his people in accordance with divine principles. His love for his subjects is further demonstrated in his efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence among His people (2 Samuel 6:12-15).

David's Compassion and Mercy

David's love is also evident in his acts of compassion and mercy. One notable example is his treatment of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. Despite the potential threat to his throne, David honors his covenant with Jonathan by showing kindness to Mephibosheth, restoring his family's land, and inviting him to eat at the king's table (2 Samuel 9:7). This act of grace reflects David's understanding of love as a commitment to kindness and loyalty, even to those who might be considered rivals.

David's Repentance and Restoration

David's love for his subjects is not without its challenges. His sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent consequences (2 Samuel 11-12) reveal his human frailty. However, David's repentance and plea for God's mercy (Psalm 51) demonstrate his deep love for God and his desire to lead his people with integrity. His willingness to accept responsibility and seek restoration underscores the biblical theme of love as a transformative force that seeks reconciliation and renewal.

David's Legacy of Love

David's legacy is one of a king who, despite his imperfections, sought to lead his people with a heart of love and devotion to God. His psalms, many of which express his love for God and his people, continue to inspire believers to pursue a life of love, justice, and faithfulness. David's relationship with his subjects serves as a model of godly leadership, characterized by a love that is sacrificial, covenantal, and rooted in a deep commitment to God's purposes.

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2 Samuel 15:30
And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.
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2 Samuel 17:27-29
And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
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Library

Love and Remorse
... it was with sorrow and pitying love, not altogether ... foredoomed to failure, and that
David 'shall surely ... tyrannical, careless of his subjects' lives, intolerant ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

David's Hymn of victory
... far have been from among his own subjects, but in ... Love is sometimes silent, but
gratitude must speak ... liturgical addition, on the ground that, if David were the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/davids hymn of victory.htm

David's Cry for Pardon
... light which they throw upon the solemn subjects of guilt ... generations with His tender
mercies"these were David's pleas ... for us who have the perfect love of God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for pardon.htm

Mother's Love
... of Israel, the Royal Prince of David's line; and ... King, to the basest and meanest
of His subjects. ... nothing?"the perfect disinterestedness of her mother's love. ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon viii mothers love.htm

David and Jonathan's Son
... that they have injured their objects and disappointed their subjects! We may note,
too, in David's kindliness, that it ... has not loved us with a love which cost ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

David's Cry for Purity
... David stands high among the highest of these. ... purity, lowly trust in God, the
aspirations of love, or the ... The king is a traitor to his subjects, the soldier ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

David's Dying Song
... We love not an evil beast abroad, but we hate ... his country"he would have said, "David's
government is ... rightly ordered, that few of his subjects could murmur ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/davids dying song.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... they attain them; but those who love and fear ... A person of David's character, especially
circumstanced as he was ... nor regards man, may view, his subjects as made ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm

Sermons on Various Important Subjects
... <. Sermons on Various Important Subjects Andrew Lee et al. ... SERMON X. David's
Sin in the Matter of Uriah. ... The Trial of Peter's love to Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lee/sermons on various important subjects/

Index of Subjects.
... INDEX OF SUBJECTS. ... David, his virtues and his faults, [203]297 sq.; and Saul,
[204]298 ... Church teaches about, [316]45, [317]46; the one object of love, [318]46 ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm