Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's favor is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and the life of David, the second king of Israel, serves as a profound illustration of this divine favor. David, a shepherd boy who rose to become a king, is often described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His life is marked by God's favor, which is evident in various aspects of his journey.Anointing and Early Life David's experience of God's favor begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel. Despite being the youngest of Jesse's sons and seemingly insignificant in the eyes of his family, God chose David to be king over Israel. The Lord instructed Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This divine selection underscores the favor of God, which is not based on human standards but on God's sovereign will. Victory Over Goliath One of the most iconic demonstrations of God's favor in David's life is his victory over Goliath. As a young shepherd, David faced the Philistine giant with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones. His confidence was rooted in his faith in God, declaring, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). David's triumph over Goliath was not merely a personal victory but a testament to the favor and power of God working through him. David's Kingship David's ascent to the throne was fraught with challenges, including the jealousy and pursuit by King Saul. Despite these trials, God's favor remained with David, guiding and protecting him. When David finally became king, he united the tribes of Israel and established Jerusalem as the nation's capital. The Lord's favor was evident in David's military successes and the expansion of his kingdom. Scripture records, "And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him" (2 Samuel 5:10). Covenant with David God's favor is further manifested in the covenant He made with David. The Davidic Covenant, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7, promises that David's lineage would endure forever and that his throne would be established eternally. The Lord declared, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). This covenant not only highlights God's favor towards David but also points to the future coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Son of David. Repentance and Restoration David's life was not without sin, most notably his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. However, even in his failures, David experienced God's favor through forgiveness and restoration. His heartfelt repentance is captured in Psalm 51, where he pleads, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). God's favor is evident in His willingness to forgive and restore David, reaffirming the enduring nature of His covenant. Legacy David's legacy as a favored servant of God is reflected in the Psalms, many of which he authored, expressing his deep relationship with the Lord. His life serves as a testament to the transformative power of God's favor, which can elevate the humble, empower the faithful, and restore the repentant. David's account continues to inspire believers, illustrating that God's favor is not contingent upon human perfection but upon a heart aligned with His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 7:46Who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth ... That Christ was to be Born of the Seed of David, According to the ... God's Sovereignty Defined To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. The 112Th Psalm of David. David's Charge to Solomon The First Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary. Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus. In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God... Resources What does it mean to be saved by grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of charis in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Favour of God is the Source of Mercy The Favour of God is the Source of Spiritual Life The Favour of God: Christ the Special Object of The Favour of God: Disappointment of Enemies an Assured Evidence of The Favour of God: Domestic Blessings Traced To The Favour of God: Given in Answer to Prayer The Favour of God: Mercy and Truth Lead To The Favour of God: Plead, in Prayer The Favour of God: Saints: Encompassed By The Favour of God: Saints: Exalted In The Favour of God: Saints: Obtain The Favour of God: Saints: Preserved Through The Favour of God: Saints: Sometimes Tempted to Doubt The Favour of God: Saints: Strengthened By The Favour of God: Saints: Victorious Through The Favour of God: Spiritual Wisdom Leads To The Favour of God: The Virgin Mary The Favour of God: The Wicked: do not Obtain The Favour of God: The Wicked: Uninfluenced By The Favour of God: To be Acknowledged Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |