Meekness: David
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Meekness is a virtue that is often misunderstood as weakness, yet it is a profound strength characterized by humility, patience, and a gentle spirit. In the biblical narrative, King David exemplifies meekness in various aspects of his life, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's will despite his royal status and military prowess.

David's Anointing and Humility

David's journey to kingship begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel. Despite being the youngest son of Jesse and overlooked by his family, David is chosen by God for his heart, not his outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). This selection underscores David's humility, as he does not seek power or recognition but is content tending his father's sheep. His meekness is evident in his willingness to wait for God's timing to ascend to the throne, even after being anointed.

David and Saul

David's relationship with King Saul further illustrates his meekness. Although Saul becomes envious and seeks to kill David, David consistently responds with respect and restraint. In 1 Samuel 24, David spares Saul's life in the cave at En Gedi, cutting only a corner of Saul's robe to prove his loyalty and innocence. David declares, "May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand will never be against you" (1 Samuel 24:12). This act of mercy and trust in God's justice highlights David's meekness, as he refrains from taking vengeance into his own hands.

David's Response to Rebellion

David's meekness is also evident during Absalom's rebellion. When his son Absalom conspires against him, David chooses to flee Jerusalem rather than engage in a destructive conflict (2 Samuel 15:14). His decision to leave the city demonstrates a willingness to suffer personal loss for the sake of his people and the kingdom. David's trust in God's sovereignty is further revealed when he instructs Zadok the priest to return the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, saying, "If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again" (2 Samuel 15:25).

David's Repentance

David's meekness is perhaps most profoundly displayed in his response to personal sin. After his transgression with Bathsheba and the subsequent confrontation by the prophet Nathan, David humbly acknowledges his sin and seeks God's forgiveness (2 Samuel 12:13). His penitential psalm, Psalm 51, reveals a contrite heart and a deep desire for spiritual renewal: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). David's willingness to repent and submit to God's discipline reflects a meek spirit that values righteousness over pride.

Legacy of Meekness

David's life, marked by moments of triumph and failure, consistently points to a heart that seeks after God. His meekness is not a sign of weakness but a testament to his reliance on God's strength and guidance. As a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), David's example of meekness serves as a model for believers, illustrating the power of humility and trust in the Lord.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Samuel 17:29
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
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2 Samuel 16:9-14
Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray you, and take off his head.
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Psalm 38:13,14
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that opens not his mouth.
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Psalm 120:5-7
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
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Library

Christian Meekness
... Some would have put on scarlet; David put on sackcloth. This is the rarity or rather
miracle of meekness. ... Another eminent pattern of meekness was David. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

Psalm LIII. (LIV. ).
... After the same pattern, David, whose actual sufferings prophetically foretold the
future ... render evil for evil, in imitation of his Master's meekness, in his ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm liii liv.htm

David's Lord
... throne, and to demand, Whose Son is He Who shares it, and Whom David in Spirit ... And
yet we may learn from it that mere softness is not the meekness He demands ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 12 35-40 davids lord.htm

And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
... But certainly, as concerning David, it is no wise right to say that he ... which are
spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 22 and to holy.htm

Song to David
... O bless??d Bridegroom, bid'st! For Adoration, David's Psalms. Lift ... Of Him that
brought salvation down,. By meekness call'd Thy Son; Thou ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cciv song to david.htm

David's Weakness
... Look not at David, but at David's greater Son; and consider Christ upon his ... thine
honour; ride on, because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon i davids weakness.htm

The Life of Mr. David Dickson.
... speeches, full of gall and bitterness, and turning to Mr. David, he said, "These
men will speak of humility and meekness, and talk of the Spirit of God, &c. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr david 3.htm

Psalm CXXXII.
... to use his power), he rather turned towards mercy what God gave him....The humility
of David is therefore commended, the meekness of David is commended; and it ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxii.htm

The Seventh Season,
... nature indeed upon which meekness and forgiveness will not operate; that must be
a flinty heart which this fire will not melt. Thus David gained such a victory ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vii the seventh season.htm

The Image of Self.
... My brethren! I wish that you would see yourselves in the way in which David did. ...
I know what Christ is. "I am meek and lowly of heart." Where is your meekness? ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lx the image of self.htm

Resources
Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? | GotQuestions.org

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is gentleness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people? | GotQuestions.org

Meekness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Meekness

Meekness of Jesus

Meekness: A Characteristic of Wisdom

Meekness: A Fruit of the Spirit

Meekness: Abraham

Meekness: Blessedness of

Meekness: Christ Set an Example of

Meekness: David

Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning

Meekness: Gideon

Meekness: Hannah

Meekness: His Teaching

Meekness: Isaac

Meekness: Job

Meekness: Ministers should Follow After

Meekness: Ministers should Instruct Opposers With

Meekness: Ministers should Urge, on Their People

Meekness: Moses

Meekness: Necessary to a Christian Walk

Meekness: Paul

Meekness: Precious in the Sight of God

Meekness: Saints should Answer for Their Hope With

Meekness: Saints should Exhibit, in Conduct

Meekness: Saints should Put On

Meekness: Saints should Receive the Word of God With

Meekness: Saints should Restore the Erring With

Meekness: Saints should Seek

Meekness: Saints should Show to all Men

Meekness: Saul

Meekness: The Angel

Meekness: The Gospel to be Preached to Those Who Possess

Meekness: The Thessalonians

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Beautified With Salvation

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Exalted

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Guided and Taught

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Preserved

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Richly Provided For

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With: Increase Their Joy

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With: Shall Inherit the Earth

Related Terms

Lamb (124 Occurrences)

Long-suffering (23 Occurrences)

Meek (23 Occurrences)

Longsuffering (17 Occurrences)

Zephaniah (11 Occurrences)

Humbleness (1 Occurrence)

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)

Quiet (167 Occurrences)

Quarrelsome (9 Occurrences)

Naughtiness (3 Occurrences)

Opposition (22 Occurrences)

Opposing (13 Occurrences)

Overtaken (36 Occurrences)

Gentleness (17 Occurrences)

Intelligent (47 Occurrences)

Ingrafted (5 Occurrences)

Instructing (14 Occurrences)

Instruct (34 Occurrences)

Forbearing (10 Occurrences)

Tremendous (9 Occurrences)

Tender-heartedness (2 Occurrences)

Endurance (31 Occurrences)

Endued (7 Occurrences)

Engrafted (1 Occurrence)

Defense (49 Occurrences)

Deportment (12 Occurrences)

Detected (4 Occurrences)

Misconduct (4 Occurrences)

Mercies (62 Occurrences)

Meekly (1 Occurrence)

Mild (2 Occurrences)

Piety (21 Occurrences)

Prosperously (5 Occurrences)

Peradventure (35 Occurrences)

Peaceable (9 Occurrences)

Pursue (104 Occurrences)

Bowels (40 Occurrences)

Behavior (20 Occurrences)

Bold (21 Occurrences)

Brawlers (2 Occurrences)

Clothe (52 Occurrences)

Considering (10 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Anybody (12 Occurrences)

Abounding (28 Occurrences)

Asketh (40 Occurrences)

Acknowledgment (6 Occurrences)

Symbol (8 Occurrences)

Submission (10 Occurrences)

Sometime (5 Occurrences)

Superabundance (4 Occurrences)

Shewing (23 Occurrences)

Showeth (20 Occurrences)

Splendour (32 Occurrences)

Self-restraint (2 Occurrences)

Temperance (3 Occurrences)

Appearance (126 Occurrences)

Dearly (30 Occurrences)

Beseech (85 Occurrences)

Evil (1503 Occurrences)

Setting (82 Occurrences)

Conversation (30 Occurrences)

Elect (32 Occurrences)

Josiah (51 Occurrences)

Behaviour (115 Occurrences)

Fearful (73 Occurrences)

Base (127 Occurrences)

Accept (106 Occurrences)

Executed (39 Occurrences)

Pastoral

Prepared (246 Occurrences)

Terrible (90 Occurrences)

James (40 Occurrences)

Moses (9295 Occurrences)

Receiving (72 Occurrences)

Thyself (352 Occurrences)

Prosper (91 Occurrences)

Aside (416 Occurrences)

Meekness: Christ Set an Example of
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