David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure whose life exemplifies the theme of contentment amidst various trials and triumphs. His journey from shepherd boy to king is marked by moments of deep reliance on God, showcasing a heart that often found contentment in God's provision and promises.

Early Life and Anointing

David's early life as a shepherd in Bethlehem is a testament to his humble beginnings and contentment with his role. Despite being the youngest of Jesse's sons, David was chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). This anointing did not immediately elevate David to the throne; instead, he returned to tending sheep, demonstrating patience and satisfaction with God's timing.

Contentment in Adversity

David's contentment is further illustrated during his years of fleeing from King Saul. Despite being anointed as king, David spent a significant period as a fugitive. In these challenging times, David's psalms reflect a heart that sought refuge in God. Psalm 23, attributed to David, beautifully captures his trust and contentment in God's provision: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). This psalm reveals David's confidence in God's care, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.

Reign as King

As king, David experienced both victories and failures. His contentment is evident in his response to God's covenant promise in 2 Samuel 7. When God promised to establish David's throne forever, David responded with humility and gratitude, acknowledging God's greatness and expressing contentment with His divine plan (2 Samuel 7:18-29).

Repentance and Restoration

David's life was not without sin, most notably his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11). However, David's response to his sin demonstrates a return to contentment through repentance. In Psalm 51, David pleads for God's mercy and restoration, showing his desire for a right relationship with God above all else. His contentment is found in God's forgiveness and the joy of salvation (Psalm 51:10-12).

Legacy and Final Years

In his later years, David prepared for the construction of the temple, a task God assigned to his son Solomon. David's contentment is evident in his willingness to accept God's plan and support Solomon's future reign (1 Chronicles 22:6-11). David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19 reflects his gratitude and satisfaction in God's sovereignty and provision for Israel.

Throughout his life, David exemplified contentment by trusting in God's timing, provision, and forgiveness. His psalms continue to inspire believers to find contentment in God's presence and promises, regardless of life's circumstances.Psalm 16:6
The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a goodly heritage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ...
... "Let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, curse David." Thus, also ... promises
which we have been considering, we infer the duty of contentment in every ...
/.../letter xix submission to the.htm

David's Dying Song
... though the poet talks about sweet retirement and blest contentment, there is ... who
is satisfied from himself, satisfied with the covenant, Behold David: he says ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/davids dying song.htm

Paul Gerhardt??s Spiritual Songs
... THE 121ST PSALM OF DAVID. THE 139TH PSALM OF DAVID. Songs of the Cross and Consolation.
UNDER THE TRIALS OF THIS LIFE. THOU ART BUT MAN! CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/

"The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
... II.--- WE SEE A BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATION OF CONTENTMENT."They had come down together
after the great battle, and David said, "Come thou over with me, and I ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/lv the king kissed barzillai.htm

Adonijah
... peace who should erect Jehovah's temple, and partly as a sign to David that his ... This
should give us contentment with our lot, and should emphasise the precept ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

Of the Loving Condolence by which the Complacency of Love is Still ...
... How much did David's soul commiserate the misery of his Absalom! ... In proportion as
a friend is more dear to us we take more pleasure in his contentment, and his ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv of the loving.htm

Continued.
... for ever." We look in vain for another example, even in David's psalms, of ... to him,
and may venture to suppose that it expresses the contentment, undazzled by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iii early dayscontinued.htm

Means to Discover when we Change in the Matter of this Holy Love.
... in it; it is not thou he seeks in his love, but the contentment which he ... Why, Theotimus,
did Amnon the son of David love Thamar so desperately that he even ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x means to discover.htm

Tenth Commandment
... He saw Bathsheba, Uriah's wife, and she was "very beautiful to look upon," and David
became a murderer ... In the next place, cultivate the spirit of contentment. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... Ye have no satisfaction nor contentment. ... that your souls answered, with David, "Thy
face, Lord, I will seek." Peter had sought and found, and thought himself ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm

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