Topical Bible: Deceit: David

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David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible, known for his deep faith and leadership. However, his life also includes episodes of deceit, which serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance.

Deceit with Achish

One of the early instances of deceit in David's life occurs during his flight from King Saul. In 1 Samuel 21:10-15, David flees to Gath, seeking refuge with Achish, the king of the Philistines. Fearing for his life, David pretends to be insane to avoid being recognized and harmed. This act of deceit allows him to escape unharmed, but it also highlights his vulnerability and the lengths to which he is willing to go to preserve his life.

Deceit with Uriah

Perhaps the most infamous act of deceit in David's life is his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent attempt to cover it up. In 2 Samuel 11, David commits adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. When Bathsheba becomes pregnant, David tries to conceal his sin by summoning Uriah from the battlefield, hoping he will sleep with his wife and believe the child is his. When Uriah refuses to go home, David resorts to a more sinister plan, instructing Joab, his military commander, to place Uriah at the front lines where the fighting is fiercest, ensuring his death. This deceitful act leads to severe consequences for David and his household, as the prophet Nathan confronts him with his sin, declaring, "Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own" (2 Samuel 12:10).

Deceit with the Census

Another significant episode of deceit involves David's decision to conduct a census of Israel and Judah, as recorded in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. Despite Joab's protests, David insists on numbering the people, an act that is seen as a lack of trust in God's provision and protection. The deceit here lies in David's reliance on human strength rather than divine guidance. This act incurs God's wrath, resulting in a devastating plague upon Israel. David's subsequent repentance and offering of sacrifices demonstrate his recognition of his sin and his return to reliance on God.

Lessons from David's Deceit

David's life, marked by moments of deceit, serves as a powerful reminder of the human propensity to sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness. Despite his failings, David is remembered as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14) because of his willingness to repent and turn back to God. His account underscores the themes of divine mercy, justice, and the transformative power of genuine repentance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 21:13
And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down on his beard.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

David's Sorrow.
... Then it came to the ears of David that his people had been led away by deceit to
follow Absalom, and David, who had been fearless before Goliath and before ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxv davids sorrow.htm

Psalm 12:1. LM The Saint's Safety and Hope in Evil Times; Or, Sins ...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre ... 2 The whole discourse, when neighbours meet, Is
fill'd with trifles loose and vain; Their lips are flattery and deceit, And their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 12 1 l m the.htm

We are Warned not Only in Civil Law, but Also in the Holy ...
... Everywhere, then, does regard for what is virtuous take the lead; it shuts out deceit,
it expels fraud. Wherefore the prophet David has rightly stated his ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x we are warned.htm

Those Persons who do not Believe in God, but who are Disobedient ...
... 4442] Speaking of Herod, too, He says, "Go ye and tell that fox," [4443] aiming
at his wicked cunning and deceit. Wherefore the prophet David says, "Man, being ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xli those persons who do.htm

What is Seemly is Often Found in the Sacred Writings Long Before ...
... David, therefore, was not always silent, but only for a time; not perpetually nor
to ... were deaf he heard not them that speak vanity and imagine deceit: and as ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x what is seemly.htm

Psalm LIII. (LIV. ).
... there can be no doubt that everything in the Psalm is uttered by David as His ...
confidently desire this Who did no sin, in Whose mouth was no deceit, Who gave ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm liii liv.htm

Having Adduced Examples of Certain Frauds Found in a Few Passages ...
... David also says: "Thou hast used deceit as a sharp razor," [675] pointing out by
this the treacherous man, just as an implement of this kind is used to help ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi having adduced examples.htm

Proofs from the Apostolic Writings, that Jesus Christ was one and ...
... The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son ... the corrupters
[of the truth], and guarding by anticipation against their deceit, says by ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi proofs from the apostolic.htm

On Heresies.
... to be under David's government, of whom God spake: "I have found David the son ... with
fire; and so, as to those ringleaders of this schismatical deceit which said ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on heresies.htm

Psalm XXIV.
... 1. A Psalm of David himself, touching the glorifying and resurrection of the Lord,
which took place early in the morning on ... And hath not sworn in deceit to his ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxiv.htm