Topical Encyclopedia David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure known for his deep faith and his role as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Despite his significant accomplishments and favor with God, David's life was marked by numerous afflictions and trials, which serve as profound examples of the struggles faced by the faithful.Early Life and Anointing David's journey began in humble circumstances as the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy in Bethlehem. His anointing by the prophet Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:13, set him on a path toward kingship, yet it also marked the beginning of his trials. Despite being chosen by God, David faced the jealousy and wrath of King Saul, who sought to kill him. This period of David's life was characterized by constant danger and the need to flee for his life, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:1-2: "Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David." Persecution by Saul David's afflictions under Saul's reign were severe. He became a fugitive, living in caves and wilderness areas to escape Saul's relentless pursuit. During this time, David's faith was tested, yet he consistently sought God's guidance and protection. In Psalm 57:1, David cries out, "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed." Personal Failures and Family Strife David's life was also marked by personal failures and family turmoil. His sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11) brought severe consequences, including the death of their child and ongoing strife within his household. Nathan the prophet confronted David, leading to his heartfelt repentance, as expressed in Psalm 51:1-2: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." David's family life was fraught with conflict, including the rebellion of his son Absalom. This rebellion caused David deep anguish, as he fled Jerusalem to escape Absalom's forces. Despite the betrayal, David's heart remained tender, as evidenced by his lament over Absalom's death in 2 Samuel 18:33: "The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. As he walked, he cried out, 'O my son Absalom, O my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!'" Enduring Faith and Legacy Throughout his life, David's afflictions were met with a steadfast faith in God. His psalms reflect a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even amidst suffering. In Psalm 23:4, David declares, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." David's legacy as an afflicted saint is one of resilience and unwavering devotion to God. His life serves as a testament to the reality that even those chosen by God are not exempt from suffering. Yet, through his trials, David's relationship with God deepened, leaving a lasting impact on the faith of generations to come. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 12:15-23And Nathan departed to his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and it was very sick. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Perseverance of Saints. The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. In the Second Place, Repentance and Grace are Obscured. ... The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. Here, by Way of Objection, Several Questions are Raised. ... A Cloud of Witnesses. Letter x. --For 338. Coss. Ursus and Polemius; Pr??f. The Same ... The Second Book Concerning the Martyrs. Resources How should Christian parents respond if a child has a learning disability? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is Jesus referred to as a man of sorrows in Isaiah 53:3? | GotQuestions.org Why did Isa/Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.org Afflicted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Afflicted Saints: Christ Comforts Afflicted Saints: Christ Delivers Afflicted Saints: Christ is With Afflicted Saints: Christ Preserves Afflicted Saints: Christ Supports Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Apostles Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: David Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Eli Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Job Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Joseph Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Moses Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Nehemiah Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Paul Afflicted Saints: God Comforts Afflicted Saints: God Delivers Afflicted Saints: God is a Refuge and Strength To Afflicted Saints: God Preserves Afflicted Saints: should Acknowledge the Justice of Their Chastisements Afflicted Saints: should Avoid Sin Afflicted Saints: should be Frequent in Prayer Afflicted Saints: should be Patient Afflicted Saints: should be Resigned Afflicted Saints: should Imitate Christ Afflicted Saints: should Imitate the Prophets Afflicted Saints: should Keep the Pious Resolutions Made During Afflictions Afflicted Saints: should not Despise Chastening Afflicted Saints: should Praise God Afflicted Saints: should Take Encouragement from Former Mercies Afflicted Saints: should Trust in the Goodness of God Afflicted Saints: should Turn and Devote Themselves to God Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Bear Them in Mind Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Comfort Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Pity Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Pray for Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Protect Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Relieve Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Sympathise With Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Visit Them Related Terms |
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