 
God's King

Lessons From The Life and Times Of King David

Paddick Van Zyl

Published by Paddick Van Zyl at Smashwords

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© Paddick Van Zyl 2020

Disclaimer

This book is designed to provide condensed information. It is not intended to reprint all the information that is otherwise available, but instead to complement, amplify and supplement other texts. You are urged to read all the available material, learn as much as possible and tailor the information to your individual needs.

Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes, both typographical and in content. Therefore, this text should be used only as a general guide and not as the ultimate source of information.

The purpose of this book is to educate. The author shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this book.

No portion of this book may be copied, or used without prior written consent and permission from the author.

Copyright Paddick Van Zyl

ISBN 978-0-620-65928-4 (e-book) (SA) Published: 15 June 2015

Updated : 14 September 2018; 10 March 2020

Acknowledgement

My sincere appreciation and thanks to Graemme Marshall & Peter Eddington (UCG) as well as Chana Weisberg (Chabad.org) and Dorothy Valcàrcel for allowing me to quote from their writings in my book.

All Scripture, unless otherwise indicated, taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Indicated Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group."

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Index

Disclaimer

Prologue

Section I David's Early Life David's Roots And Childhood

Section II David's Adult Life

Section III The Psalm's of David

Epilogue

End Notes

Bibliography

About the Author

Make Contact with the Author the Author

Prologue

What made king David, the king of Israel so great? What was it about him that we can glean from his life and what valuable lesson for life may we gain from studying his life?

His was probably one of the most interesting and controversial reigns in Biblical history and yet he was mightily used of God, so much so that it has never before or after been said of another that he was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), that is a testimony to desire.

My aim with this book is to take a closer look at David the person, the shepherd boy who became David the king. This also inspired the title of this book. His relationships. His worship. His character. He was chosen by God, to be God's king for the nation of Israel, God's own people. He did not choose or appoint himself as others did. I believe these key areas to be important, not that his conquests were not important. The question to ask is: how did David behave in any given situation? Who did he look to as his mentor?

Join me as we look at the life and times of this remarkable boy and man- David.

Christ Greetings

Pastor Paddick Van Zyl

Section 1

David's Early Life

David's Roots & Childhood

What do we know about the early life, especially the childhood of King David? The New King James Bible does not mention anything specific other than that David was a young boy and tending his father, Jesse's sheep, as can be seen in the book of 1 Samuel chapter 16. We find mention of his bloodline the first time in the book of Ruth chapter 4 verse 17: "Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, "There is a son born to Naomi." And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David". From scripture (Ruth 4:19-22) we can see that the blood line looks something like this: Perez, Hezron, Ram, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, who fathered Salmon who fathered Boaz, who fathered Obed, who fathered Jesse, the father of David and his 6 brothers. They are from the tribe of Judah.

Born in the land of Judah, in Beth-Lehem in the year 2854 and only ten generations removed from Judah, on the sons of Jacob. He belonged to the princely family of his tribe as Jewish history reveals:

'David belonged to the princely family of his tribe, which had given Israel princes and leaders. One of David's early ancestors, Nachshon, the son of Aminadav, won fame at the crossing of the Red Sea, after the liberation of Israel from Egypt. He was the first to jump into the sea, whereupon the sea was divided for Israel. Since then, Nachshon was the most honored of all the princes of Israel. (He was the first to bring his offerings to the Mishkan, which was erected in the desert in the following year).' 1

Chana Weisberg, editor of The Jewish Woman Organization, and lecturer on issues relating to woman, shares her insights into the early life of David in an article she published entitled: Nitzeve, Mother of David. As Chana notes:

'David was born into the illustrious family of Yishai (Jesse), who served as the head of the sanhedrin (supreme court of Torah law), and was one of the most distinguished leaders of his generation. Yishai was a man of such greatness that the Talmud (Shabbat 55b) observes that "Yishai was one of only four righteous individuals who died solely due to the instigation of the serpent"—i.e., only because death was decreed upon the human race when Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge at the serpent's instigation, not due to any sin or flaw of his own. David was the youngest in his family, which included seven other illustrious and charismatic brothers.'2

This seems to fit in exactly with the royal setting and backdrop into which baby David should be born into, seeing he is to be anointed the King of Israel, God's chosen king for His people. Since God is always full of surprises, He never changes (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8), since He does not look at the outward appearance of an individual but the heart of the individual (1 Samuel 16:7), we should probably anticipate something out of the ordinary here or not? Rena S. Goldzweig, in her article: Jewish Royalty, paints yet another aspect of David's descendants for us, when she remarks:

'His lineage is shadowed and shameful: his father descended from Moab, a product of incest between Lot and his daughter after Sodom's destruction, down through Ruth, a Moabite convert.

Jacob's grandson Er (Judah's eldest son) died childless. After his brothers failed to father a namesake with Tamar (his widow),3 she resorted to consorting with Judah while in disguise. Upon being sentenced to death for her apparent lack of fidelity, she left her fate, as well as her unborn child's, completely in Judah's hands rather than shame him in public. Judah then publicly accepted responsibility for her pregnancy, saving her life as well as her unborn children (she was carrying twins). He merited Israel's house of royalty for all generations through this noble act, as David is descended from Peretz, one of the products of that union.'3

However it does not end there. Still more shame on this bloodline comes in the form of Jesse declaring himself unfit for a Jewess and his wife disguising herself, to preserve the lineage, which resulted in David being labeled illegitimate by his siblings, as Goldzweig notes:

'According to the Shelah,4 Jesse - the foremost righteous one of his generation and a member of Great Assembly - separated from his wife towards the end of his life due to this controversy, declaring himself unfit for a Jewess. His wife, however, did not accept this decree and, similar to Tamar, secretly disguised herself as his concubine one night. The product of this union was David, who was believed to be a bastard by his father and brothers until the truth came to light 28 years later'

Thus far, we have all the ingredients for a royal mess or a royal miracle. When God is involved, good always triumphs. Next, we are introduced to the family life of David, as well as what actually transpires behind the scenes. Everything does not seem to be as nice and wonderful as the outside world were perhaps made to believe about the Jesse household. As Chana notes:

'Yet, when David was born, this prominent family greeted his birth with utter derision and contempt. David was not permitted to eat with the rest of his family, but was assigned to a separate table in the corner. He was given the task of shepherd because "they hoped that a wild beast would come and kill him while he was performing his duties," and for this reason was sent to pasture in dangerous areas full of lions and bears.'5

How sad? To outsiders, they seemed like the perfect family, perhaps a model family. But hatred fueled by jealousy and envy was building and this over the youngest sibling. How many times does this not seem to happen in modern day households as well? David recalled this time of his life in the well-known Psalm 69 verse 8:

" I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother's children;" The Message Bible translation reads: "My brothers shun me like a bum off the street; my family treats me like an unwanted guest. 9 I love you more than I can say. Because I'm madly in love with you, they blame me for everything they dislike about you." Was David suffering from 'youngest child syndrome', or was it because he was destined to become a great leader of Israel and an instrument in the hands of God to be the bloodline of the Messiah?

Research seem to suggest that the youngest child syndrome is actually very real and not a made-up

philosophy:

'The last born child is often dependent upon siblings. All the pressures he has to face get dissipated; being the youngest in the clan he or she gets all possible help from a large number of people at home. In addition to help that is forthcoming often there are a number of people to meet with his demands and he or she gets a lot of love and affection from siblings. As the youngest child in the family gets love, affection, support and all kinds of help from his parents and elder siblings, his behavior and nature becomes dependent for all the needs. They may always have a feeling of lack of confidence in taking decisions. Actually, these characteristics of behavior are commonly known as youngest child syndrome.'6

That David suffered rejection and scorn from his siblings is a fact that cannot be denied. Yet, he has God and his mother on his side. We are introduced to his mother, never mentioned by name in the New King James Bible, by Chana. Nitzevet bat Adael. She was the one who carried him in her womb and delivered him to this, often, cruel and harsh world- to be a type and shadow of the coming Messiah. She must have had many sleepless nights over her young child, treated so unsympathetically, perhaps even ignored mostly. As Chana remarks

'Only one individual throughout David's youth was pained by his unjustified plight, and felt a deep and unconditional bond of love for the child whom she alone knew was undoubtedly pure. This was King David's mother, Nitzevet bat Adael, who felt the intensity of her youngest child's pain and rejection as her own. Torn and anguished by David's unwarranted degradation, yet powerless to stop it, Nitzevet stood by the sidelines, in solidarity with him, shunned herself, as she too cried rivers of tears, awaiting the time when justice would be served. It would take twenty-eight long years of assault and rejection, suffering and degradation until that justice would finally begin to materialize.'7

Yet, God knew what He was doing by assigning Nitzevet as the mother and caretaker of young David. She looked out for him, prayed over him, like any loving and caring mother would do. It is also perhaps for this very reason that David would rather be in the field tending to the sheep than be around his brothers, since this is where he would begin to sense the presence and pulling of God on his life for his mission and task ahead of him. It is here that he would fellowship with God, play on his harp and perhaps even get the early inspiration for the many Psalms that would come from his heart later on in life.

That his mother played a pivotal role in his life, not just a caregiver and nurturer but also as mentor, is very important to remember. As Chana remarks:

'But it was undoubtedly from his mother that the young David absorbed the fortitude and courage to face his adversaries. From the moment he was born, and during his most tender years, it was Nitzevet who, by example, taught him the essential lesson of valuing every individual's dignity and refraining from embarrassing another, regardless of the personal consequences. It was she who displayed a silent but stoic bravery and dignity in the face of the gravest hardship.'8

Having had to stand up for himself from an early age, having no one but his mother and God to turn to, David learned valuable lessons as he was growing up. Lessons of boldness, risk and love. To forgive in the face of blatant hate and ridicule. To look to God and not to circumstances. Nitzevet left a true and lasting legacy in her son, the king:

'She demonstrated to him, as well, the necessity of boldness while pursuing the right path. When the situation would call for it, personal risks must be taken. Without her bold action in taking the place of her maidservant that fateful night, the great soul of her youngest child, David, the forebear of Moshiach, would never have descended to this world.'9

Praise be unto God for all mothers, who, although faced with daily difficulties and hardships, never give up on their young. Those who preserve. Those who pray for their young. They are the true heroes.

As A Shepherd

Before Moses was a deliverer, he was first a shepherd of his father in law's sheep. Before David took on Goliath and led the children of Israel, he was a shepherd. It's as if God uses shepherding to instil valuable leadership skills of humility into us, when He calls us. The furthest thing from the mind of Moses was being the leader of Israel in the dessert. Likewise David. He probably did not have sleepless nights about the state of affairs of Israel or Judah. He was content playing his harp, fellowshipping with God and watching the sheep graze. Of course he did on occasion venture into battle with a bear or two, protecting the herd. This was probably his training arena for Goliath.

Whenever God calls us into ministry, He will always test us for suitability and train us accordingly. Looking at the lives of Joseph who was wealthy but through slavery became God's spokesperson in the form of Prime Minister of Egypt to deliver God's people from hunger. Young Daniel, the exile, was tested and by faith persevered to become the First Minister in Babylon. David was no different. To most people, looking after the sheep was probably the lowest and least important job title around. They probably looked down on him since he was not an 'executive' with an important title and resume. Yet, his 'job', his calling was extremely important. The family's main income and security was grounded on the sheep industry. Trading sheep. David and his brothers probably got some income by sheep shearing for neighboring farmers. In essence, David was protecting the Jesse household's most important asset- sheep. If he did a poor job, if he was lax in protecting and seeing to it that the sheep got fed properly, they would have lost their assets. They would have become bankrupt slowly but surely. He played a very important role in the family.

David, as a shepherd boy, protected his father's sheep from lions and bears by striking the wild beasts down with the power of the Lord (1 Samuel 17: 24-37), since he cared for the sheep. He was compassionate. Later on his compassion would shine through to the people of God when he was prepared to lay down his life for the people Psalm 78:70), a foreshadow of Christ on Calvary (John10:14-15, Matthew 20:28).

We find in Psalm 78 verses 70 through 72 the following confirmation:

'He also chose David His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; 71 from following the ewes that had young He brought him, to shepherd Jacob His people, and Isreal His inheritance. 72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.'

Shepherding, successfully, takes skill. Knowing how to drive and manage sheep, pasture and water resources was a trade that had to be learned. And David learned his trade well. His shepherding skills were really an anointing from the Lord for his kingship and leadership later in life. He had to contend with real lions and bears, ferocious beasts of the field, which he did by the power of the Lord, before he met with the enemy of God's people, Goliath- the uncircumcised giant of Israel but to David, the bear that had to be slain to protect God's sheep. As Larry L. Lichtenwalter says it so aptly: 'The only giant in David's life was God. To the shepherd-musician, Goliath was a mere dwarf- in league with the wild beasts he had already encountered.'10

""If we are to trust God, we must learn to see that He is continuously at work in every aspect and every moment of our lives."11

David learned essential lessons in the shepherding years. Two of these lessons, which would prove invaluable later in his life, were: trusting God completely in all circumstances and worshiping God ensures victory. Had he not been a lowly shepherd, he would not have been an anointed king.

The Anointing

The question that may come to mind: why a king for Israel? History reveals that the nation of Israel had failed to drive out the Canaanites, under the leadership of among others, Joshua, and as instructed by God, and they settled instead among them, which caused them to not maintain their faith in God and drift away from God in seeking other gods to worship and learning the traditions and ways of the pagans (Philistines, Moabites, Canaanites, Ammonites). They did not occupy the land and thus military conflict ensued with the Philistines and this eventually led to the Israelites asking God for a king of their own:

"4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead[b] us, such as all the other nations have."6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you." (1 Samuel 8:4-8 NIV)

But God had already made provision. On the greatest day of his life, of course, unknown to him, we find David in the meadow, caring for the sheep. With God close by and the sheep as his companions, he must have been having an enjoyable time. No interference. No fighting. Simply, pure bliss. Then God sends the prophet to their home. This must have been something to observe. The prophet does not do house calls every day. Only special occasions. Usually when summoned by God Himself. And this day, the prophet Samuel knocks on the door of David's residence. But he is not there. All the other brothers are, yet not the one for whom Samuel has actually come.

It would seem that the prophet had to go and anoint the future king David, in clandestine mode:

'The prophet went to Beth-Lehem on the pretext of holding Divine services there, for he feared lest Saul detect his true purpose. Once in Beth-Lehem, Samuel imparted his secret to Jesse. Jesse presented to the prophet each of his seven sons in turn. David was absent, tending the sheep.'12

One can just imagine what went through the minds of his brothers and even his mother and father upon hearing that David had to be called from the field to come and present himself to the prophet. Who called him from the field? Did this brother know that he was calling the future king? His mother must have been elated, secretly, since she knew in her heart that he was destined for greatness, amidst the awful scorn and ridicule from the rest of his siblings and community.

History reveals that the position of heir to the throne was not guaranteed to be filled by the eldest son, as would generally be the rule today, also bearing in mind the fact that because of Polygamy that was rife at the time of David, it made choosing the rightful heir, rather problematic, hence God chose David and not Absalom or Amnon;

'The heir to the throne was not necessarily the first-born, though such an one would generally be selected. Polygamy would, of course, here create much difficulty. So it did in the case of David's sons, Absalom and Adonijah, both of whom found it hard that a younger brother, son of a mother of inferior rank, should have been made heir instead of them.'13

David comes from the field, smelling like sheep and wild flowers, and stands before Samuel. There must have jubilation in heaven. Unbeknown to anyone but God and Samuel, the future deliverer and king but more than this, the future blood line of the Messiah of mankind, was getting ready to be anointed. 1st Samuel chapter 16 verse 1 declares that God provided for Himself a king, David. As Samuel pours the oil over David's head anointing3 him, something happens in the spiritual realm. David does not become king yet. Saul still reigns. However, a distressing spirit comes upon Saul. This is significant mainly because this episode heralds the 'changing of kingdom rulers' as it were. David, still the shepherd and Saul still the king would change places in the future as David the king and Saul the dethroned,

'Almost simultaneously with the anointment of David, Saul was stricken with an evil spirit which threw him into a deep melancholy. The king's friends and courtiers noticed this sudden change and advised him to seek a good musician to ease his mind with the strains of sweet music. David, the future Psalmist, had already become known for his wonderful music as well as for his divine poetry. David was summoned to the king's court, where his sweet music on the harp helped to set the king's troubled mind at ease. Little did Saul know that the young lad who was playing before him was destined to be his successor.'14

That this was indeed a notable day in the spiritual and physical realm is a fact not to be forgotten. Not only did Saul loose the kingdom and his kingship with the anointing (1 Samuel 16:14) and gain a tormenting spirit to harass him, but David's mother, Nitzevet was consoled and his brothers were reminded that in their midst and all these past years, they have indeed had a king to which they never paid homage, as Chana notes:

'As Samuel anointed David, the sound of weeping could be heard from outside the great hall. It was the voice of Nitzevet, David's lone supporter and solitary source of comfort. Her twenty-eight long years of silence in the face of humiliation were finally coming to a close. At last, all would see that the lineage of her youngest son was pure, undefiled by any blemish. Finally, the anguish and humiliation that she and her son had borne would come to an end. Facing her other sons, Nitzevet exclaimed, "The stone that was reviled by the builders has now become the cornerstone!" (Psalms 118:22)'15

With David's anointing came a new sphere of challenges that he had yet to prepare for. Hardships, difficulties and perseverance were but some of the aspects that he would need the anointing for. Dr. Dave Miller shares the following insights with regards to the type and shadow of David facing Saul as a foreshadow of Christ facing the enemy when he notes:

'It is particularly interesting to note how the Bible links the frequent attempts at subversion by Satan with the redemptive scheme of God to provide atonement through the Christ.

David, an ancestor of Christ, had to face Satan in the form of this "evil spirit" that sought to harm him through Saul, even as Jesus Himself had to face Satan's attempts to subvert Him (Genesis 3:15; Matthew 4:1-11; cf. Matthew 2:16; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 12:4).'16

This anointing had a two sided dimension to it: it made David, the unnoticed, stand out and increase while it made Saul, the noticed and influential, decrease. It almost reminds us of John the Baptist

who declared in John chapter 3 verse 30: 'He must increase, but I must decrease.' David did not go looking for the anointing or title while Saul did everything to protect his title and office. As Charles

J. Ellicott notes, in his commentary:

'The effect of this descent of the Spirit of the Lord upon David was that the shepherd boy grew up into a hero, a statesman, a scholar, and a wise, far-sighted king. The effect of the departure of the Spirit from Saul was that from that hour the once generous king became a prey to a groomy melancholy, and a victim to a torturing jealousy of others, which increased as time went on, and which goaded him now and again to madness, ruining his life, and marring utterly the fair promise of his early years.'17

Ellicott also remarks that David probably spent time in Samuel's company being trained in many aspects for which he would later become renowned; poetry and music being two of the most important. Instead of shepherd, he now became the pupil of the prophet. Instead of being looked down upon and frowned at, he now becomes noticed and looked upon as important:

'From this time forward much of David's time was doubtless spent in Samuel's company. From him he received his training in poetry and music, for which he subsequently became distinguished; from the wise seer, too, the future king derived those early lessons of wisdom and learning which enabled him later to fill so nobly the great position for which he was thus early marked out. David was, before everything, Samuel's pupil, and the last years of that long and memorable career of the prophet were spent in moulding the life of Israel's greatest king.'18

Elizabeth Fletcher, author of the Bible Archaeology website, affirms this fact that Samuel, the prophet had more to do with David's training and guiding, in the early years, than what we are led to believe or what the bible reveals;

'Samuel's role in the rise of David is also entirely plausible.'19

That music played a very pivotal role in biblical times is of great importance since it was used not only in worship but also in national events and as an aid for when group work was performed. It is believed that under the administration and reign of both King David and Solomon's monarchy, professional musician guilds started forming, as Fletcher remarks:

'Music had an important place in the life of ancient times - in religious liturgy, to provide a rhythmic beat for group activities and work groups to make work in unison more pleasant, as an accompaniment to all important individual and national events. Israel's music owed a debt to the Canaanites. The organization of guilds of professional musicians, begun in the early stages of the monarchy under David and Solom, was probably copied from Canaanite practice.'20

It is interesting to note that, even today, those who would yield themselves to the Spirit of God, for His plan and purpose and call, will find that God moves them in certain directions and anoints and empowers them for a work that is far above their own ability and strength and wisdom. When God calls, He also equips and empowers and leads. However, it is only for those who will yield and submit, like David. Humility is of the utmost importance when it comes to the things of God. Both David and Saul can attest to this fact.

Having gained the anointing on his life, David gets prepared, unbeknown to him, for greater things in the kingdom of God while on the other side, having lost the anointing, king Saul finds himself battling and struggling like never before. His life is riddled with horror and his thoughts are plaguing him. He changes overnight and becomes more and more suspicious and jealous and shows less and less remorse and pity. It is indeed a sad change of events as Ellicott describes:

'The solemn declaration of God through his prophet Samuel, that the kingdom was taken away from him and his house, weighed upon his naturally nervous and excitable mind. He became gloomy, and suspicious of his dearest friends, and, as we know, at times sought to take their lives; at times would command terrible massacres, such as that of the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22:17-19). As the sad life advanced, we see the nobler traits in his character growing fainter, and the evil becoming more and more obvious. It was a species of insanity, fatal alike to the poor victim of the malady and to the prosperity of the kingdom over which he ruled. History gives us not a few similar instances of monarchs given up to the "evil spirit from God," and who, in consequence, became a prey to insanity in one form or other.'21

What is often missed is the fact that after David was anointed by Samuel he did not ascend to the throne immediately. He went back to the sheep he so loved (1 Samuel 16:19). He did not dress in kingly robes or changed his speech or anything. In fact nothing changed. He was simply anointed. Time elapsed. The Bible does not mention how long it took for David to stand before King Saul to play music for him to calm him down. Grant draws our attention to another thought provoking truth- the ephod used by David to inquire of the Lord (1 Samuel 30), could not rightly be used by Saul since he loved not Israel but himself, whereas David had a love for God and the people of God, and not himself:

'David asks Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod. This was the garment the high priest wore over his robe. In the ephod was the breastplate containing the urim and thummin. It was used for enquiring from God. The twelve stones emphasize the vital truth that God will only answer on the basis of his love and care for ALL Israel, not from any sectarian viewpoint, as though favoring one person or another. Saul could not rightly use it for it was not Israel that he loved, but himself.'22

The anointing or God's power on an individual's life, for service, is directly related to the individual's specific calling as well as his or her obedience to God and His Word, not leaving behind the heart condition and relationship between the individual and the Holy Spirit.

King Saul's anointing, like that of David, was the same. No different. What made the difference was the fact that Saul did not care for the anointing of the Lord while David did. And very much so. He knew who His God was. He knew wherein laid his power and authority, Saul not. Saul kept bringing disaster to those around him while David brought about blessing to those around him. Saul failed to be true to his own and God's ethics. Not only did Saul fail to admit failure, he failed to consult God, whereas David inquired of the Lord and was quick to repent and admit failure before his God. Saul failed in the improper handling of authority, David knew that God appointed him and was humble with his authority. Saul did not live a life of accountability, David did and it made the difference. Saul was religious, David a regenerated believer in the power and anointing of God. Saul lived his life with a crown (pride, honor) and in the end he lost it, while David lived his life without a crown (humble, clinging to God) and in the end he gained it.

Rabbi Ken Spiro notes that from the bloodline of David all future kings will proceed, since he is the anointed king and foreshadow of the true King, Jesus Christ, Messiah who is to come;

'From David will come all the future kings of Judah and ultimately, at the end of history, the Messiah. This idea of a God-ordained monarchy will be copied by many other nations throughout history and will serve as the basis for the concept of "the divine right of kings" in Medieval and Renaissance Europe.'23

Even though he never saw God at any time, he never heard His voice audibly, yet David had a relationship with God unlike any other. A union that was so close. God chose him to be the bearer of all future anointed kings and Christ the King of all kings.

Section 2

David's Adult Life

As A Deliverer and Warrior

David's first real feat of victory of the enemy probably came in the form of the giant, Goliath. While he was technically still a young lad or teenager, he conquered Israel's enemy and was promoted by God, using King Saul. Up until this time, he was still looked down upon. He was still the lowest in his family and order of importance. He was still the messenger boy. It was while on an errand from his father to take provisions to his three elder bothers, on the war zone, that he came to hear about the threats hurled at God's people. No one ever told him what was going on where the 'big men' were fighting to protect the nation. The young boy Joseph had a similar life changing experience, by God's design, when he went to his brothers on an errand from his father and ended up in an Egyptian jail as a slave (Genesis 37:13). Both were of course led by God's Spirit to go and deliver His people from oppression. Dr. Thomas Constable, in his commentary on 1 Samuel 17, notes about David;

'The exciting story of David and Goliath illustrates what it was that God saw in David's heart that led Him to choose David for the position of king. It also shows how and why others in Israel began to notice David. David fought the Lord's battles, as Samuel did (ch. 7). He also did so as Saul, God's previously anointed king, had done (chs. 10-11, 14-15).

Saul's defeat of the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1-11) followed Saul's anointing (1 Samuel 10:1). Similarly David's defeat of the Philistines (ch. 17) follows the record of his anointing (1 Samuel 16:13). Both victories demonstrate God's blessing on His newly anointed leaders.'1

The Goliath battle had been a deadlock of 40 days (1 Samuel 17:16), the same amount of days Jesus was fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and the same amount of years the Israelites camped in the dessert. Forty is associated with testing in Scripture. And Goliath was Israel's and Saul's test;

'This was another test for Israel. Would the nation trust in the arm of the flesh or in God?' 2

Like Moses was sent to deliver God's people from the enemy, so did David. Delivering God's people from the Philistine enemy and in the same manner Jesus Christ delivered us. The child like faith of David in His God, Yahweh, coupled with the promise from God that if the children of Israel would attack their enemies, He would deliver then and give them victory, was enough for David to go to battle against his enemy, as Constable remarks:

'He had apparently heard about God's promises to Moses and Joshua, that if the Israelites would attack their enemies, God would defeat them (Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Joshua 1:1-9). Faith in God always rests on a word from God in Scripture. Most of the Israelites took Goliath's challenge as defying Israel (1 Samuel 17:25), but David interpreted it as defying the living God, the only true God (1 Samuel 17:26). Here David's heart for God begins to manifest itself (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7).'3

What is of interest in this battle is that Saul, the leader and the one to whom the nation looks up to for guidance and leadership, is himself afraid of the giant, the enemy. He is hiding in his tent. He did not even attempt to slay Goliath. He was afraid of the enemy. His fear naturally, by association spilled over to his troops and also to the rest of the nation. David, on the other hand is not afraid of the giant simply because of his size and stature. He has the fear of the Lord, not man (Proverbs 29:25). Goliath's defiance of Yahweh, David's God, is what inspired and moved him by faith to slay the serpent. It is obvious to see where Saul's faith and power was anchored in: his weapons (swords, spears and the like). He tried to get David to also trust in natural armor. Yet David, who gives glory and praise to God for helping him in time past to slay bears and lions, gives God glory once again before he slays Goliath. David used what he had: praise, worship, faith and the five smooth stones that were merely a catalyst of his faith. The Philistines had their 'physical' champion, Goliath, Israel had their 'invisible' champion, God, but because they chose not to trust Him, they were petrified and intimidated by what they could see: the enemy. The One that created Goliath was on the side of Israel yet they did not acknowledge or trust in Him to deliver them from the uncircumcised threat. David was used, because of his simple faith in His Creator, to open Israel's eyes.

The way we see and experience God in our daily lives is of great importance in our Christian walk. Saul and David are prime examples of this. It is their different viewpoints that Saul and David held firmly embedded in their soul, which ultimately led to their failure and success, respectively, Constable explains;

'He (David) viewed Yahweh as the commander of Israel's armies, a view of God that Saul never accepted but which made the difference between Saul's failure and David's success as the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 17:45). He also saw God as the real deliverer of Israel (1 Samuel 17:46). Furthermore, David was jealous for the reputation of God (1 Samuel 17:47), not his own glory, which so preoccupied Saul. His faith must have rested on God's promises concerning victory against the enemies of God's people for their confidence in Him and their obedience to His word (Genesis 12:3; Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Joshua 1:1-9).'4

In David's conflict with the Amalekites as described in the book of 1st Samuel chapter 30, we see the mighty warrior and hero inquiring of the Lord for a battle plan. We also see the grace of God in that, previously, David did not seek the Lord when he wanted to annihilate Nabal (1 Samuel 25) for

not wanting to give David and his warriors food. In this incident, God's grace was working through Nabal's wise wife in preserving David's life. David again shows mercy to a stranger, a type and shadow of God, in the feeding of the Egyptian informant, while they are pursuing the enemy, as

L.M. Grant comments:

'It is good to see David so inquiring. He did not do so in the case of Nabal (ch.25:12-13), and was preserved from acting rashly only by God's grace in working in Abigail's heart. This time God answers his inquiry as to pursuing the Amalekites by assuring him that he would not only overtake them, but would recover all that had been taken. They could therefore go with full confidence in the living God. The other four hundred, in pursuing, found an Egyptian man in an exhausted condition, and brought him to David. They first gave him bread and water, a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins, then found out that he had been without food and water for three days (vs.11-12). The man was welcomed and fed before they questioned him. This is a refreshing picture of the grace of God. The fact of one's need is enough to entitle him to a free salvation. Abundance of grace is waiting for those who know themselves to be in real need'5

A great leader and fearless warrior was David, no doubt. He was always up to the challenge set before him. As far as David's character goes, there were many flaws. One of these flaws, according to Prof. Smith (JBL) was lying. He knew how to manipulate through lying and pretending so as to save himself and manoeuvre out of difficult situations facing him;

'Lying was one of David's foremost devices in getting himself out of difficulties'6 Evidence of his lying may be found in the following passages:

*1 Samuel 20 - David conspires with Jonathan to lie to Saul

*1 Samuel 21 - David through false pretenses lies to obtain food and weapons from Ahimelech

*1 Samuel 10 to 13 - David lies to Achish, king of Gath by pretending to be a mad man to save himself

*1 Samuel 27 - David deceived Achish by making Achish believe David was making himself abhorrent to the people of Israel and could be dependent upon to fight for the Philistines

In the Bathsheba incident as found in 2nd Samuel chapter 11, another one of David's flaws is revealed. He is not only an adulterer, disregarding of God, but is also disloyal toward his soldiers who are out on the battlefield fighting while he is staying at the palace desiring the wife of one of his choice and faithful soldiers- Uriah. Uriah, in his discourse with the King, would rather sleep at the King's gate than go to his own house to sleep in his warm bed while the rest of the army are endangering their lives for the King and the people of God. This is loyalty. Unlike David who is supposed to be with his troops. It is also his loyalty that costs Uriah his life. We find in Uriah a type and shadow of Christ the Messiah who was loyal to His Father, and laid down His life for humanity.

God is ever faithful no matter what sin we may get involved in, if true repentance is forthcoming, His promises to us will be established as was the case in David's life. God had promised David in 2nd Samuel chapter 7 verse 16:

'And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you.[a] Your throne

shall be established forever."'"

And God kept His promise, despite David's many flaws and sins, he repented and acknowledged that God is in control of his destiny and life. As Finkelstein & Silberman notes:

'What greater assurance could there be for any people that despite their rulers' human error and weakness, the nation's well-being remained secure?'7

The lessons we may take from David during his adult phase and as a warrior and deliverer is certainly this: be ever quick to acknowledge your faults and repent of your sin immediately. Never take your eyes of the living God. Keep your focus, in and out of the storms of life, on God. Trust in Him no matter what, and the victory will be yours. David demonstrated this more often than not.

As A King and Leader

In the book of Exodus chapter 19 verses 5 to 7, we find the discourse between God and His servant Moses at Mount Sinai where in effect God told Moses that if the children of Israel would serve God faithfully and wholeheartedly, that He would be their King, their God and that they would have no need of an earthly king. While Moses was their leader and God's servant, he was not a king. At the death of Moses, his successor Joshua took over leadership.

'Originally, the Jewish nation had no kings. Thus for most of its early history, the Nation of Israel was led by judges and prophets.'8

God appointed the prophets to be His 'public relations officers' in relaying His Word to the people with the judges appointed as counsellors in peace times and in times of war they led the people in battle. In the book of Deuteronomy chapter 17 verses 14 to 20 we find the requirements and guidelines for a future Jewish monarch, which will be ruled by a king, as Rabbi Posner notes:

'Although the Jews did not require a king in their ideal state, Moses foresaw that the need for one would arise. In the Book of Deuteronomy, he actually commands Israel to appoint a king (at an unspecified time in the future), and lays down the guidelines for a Jewish monarch.'9

The children of Israel were not content with mere prophets and judges. One may speculate whether this was mere sinful human nature and an early sign of rebellion or was it perhaps the fathers of the previous generations that did not properly relay to their families and their offspring the promise that God made to the nation in Deuteronomy chapter 17. Ellicott makes the following observation about God being their invisible King, which they either did not realize or they were seeking a flesh and blood 'ruler' instead of a loving and compassionate God who understood them, as their creator:

'When they forgot the invisible King, who for His own great purposes had chosen them, their fortunes at once declined; they fell to the level, and often below the level, of the surrounding nations.'10

The year is 2881 (880 BCE) and it has been 400 years of leadership by prophets and judges for the children of Israel (Rabbi Posner) when Samuel the prophet is approached by the nation requesting a king to be placed over them (1 Samuel 8:6). With this turn of events, something significant happens. A closer look at verses 6 through 9 of 1 Samuel 8 reveals the following: the nation rejected both God and His prophets who were appointed to lead them and they are warned by God Himself of the consequences of their request and rebellion;

'God answered Samuel, "Go ahead and do what they're asking. They are not rejecting

you. They've rejected me as their King. From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they've been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods. And now they're doing it to you. So let them have their own way. But warn them of what they're in for. Tell them the way kings operate, just what they're likely to get from a king."' MSG

Their request for a king was heeded and answered by God in the form of Saul (1 Samuel 10): 'Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: "Is it

not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?' NKJV 'God has anointed you prince over his people.' MSG

'Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?' KJV

What is of interest is the fact that in the above translations, the word 'king' does not appear, but commander, prince11 and captain. Was David to be the first real, God appointed and anointed king? The man after God's own heart? L.M. Grant observes something noteworthy of this anointing of Saul in contrast with that of David:

'No one else was present when Samuel anointed Saul. This contrasts with David's anointing in Chapter 16:3, "in the midst of his brethren," then by "the men of Judah" in 2 Samuel 2:4; and later by the elders of Israel in 2 Samuel 5:3. For God could have David publicly anointed because he was God's specific choice, being a type of Christ. On the other hand, Saul was really the people's preference for king, yet behind the scenes God anointed him (by His servant) so that the people could not depose him as they pleased. Democracy is not to be allowed in Israel. This reminds us that "the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1),' 12

This is amazing. The wisdom of God, His hand in the affairs of His people. God gives us free choice, always with a price tag; He warns us but allows us to experience for ourselves what the consequences of our actions will be. As Grant rightly notes:

'Did Saul discern in this that he could be enabled only by God? Samuel also kisses him, an indication that God's kindness and love was fully available to Saul if he would receive it.'13

When the life and reign of King Saul is compared to that of King David, something interesting takes place. One sees the hand of God upon David because of his heart attitude and Saul's attitude that was his downfall;

*Saul can be seen as a bad shepherd caring not for the sheep but his own desires while David is the good shepherd protecting and caring for the sheep entrusted to him

*Saul is the type of king that the people wanted while David is the king after the heart of God

*Saul disobeys God several times during his life and reign while David only once disobeyed God and repented swiftly

*Saul confesses his sin not from a willing and repentant heart as does David, who knew that he was nothing and could do nothing without God, unlike Saul who was full of pride

In all of Scripture, God always has a built in 'condition-to-promise' solution or application for life. Even the monarchy, provided that the rules of obedience to God's Word and ordinances are kept, would be passed down from generation to generation. Saul was not faithful to the conditions set out by God and lost the throne for his family to follow while David was obedient and always had someone of his family to represent the throne of Israel;

'Monarchy was to be hereditary, on the condition of obedience to the Divine ordinances (Deuternonomy 17:20). By this law the rights of both king and subject were equally guarded, and the succession secured to those only who proved themselves worthy of ruling. That this actually was the case appears from the history of both Judah and Israel. Saul having proved unfit to reign, the kingdom was after his death, by Divine appointment, and with the glad assent of the tribes, taken from his family, and given to David and his descendants.'14

The kingdom rule was taken from Saul and given to David as a result of disobedience from the side of Saul. This is another important lesson from the lives of these two men. Disobedience and unbelief will cause the anointing of God to wane and be lost. We find the following passage in the book of 1st Chronicles chapter 10 verses 13 through 14 that confirms this truth:

'So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. 14 But he did not inquire of the LORD; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.'

Jerusalem, the sacred city15, played an important role in biblical history and archeology, since this is where David ruled from and it was also referred to as the 'City of David', as Fletcher notes:

' Jerusalem became the personal territory of the king, held by right of conquest by David and his personal army. It was outside the general political organization of the country and was, quite literally, "the City of David", an urban city-state, in direct succession to the Jebusite regime. As such, it was not identified with the southern tribes like Hebron, nor with the northern state of Israel. Instead it was neutral ground from which David could reign over a united 'People of Israel'.'16

It is interesting to note that a Jewish king differs from any other gentile autocratic worldly king in that he serves as a living example to the nation (and the world at large) of total commitment to the service of God and total subservience and self-nullification to God's will (Rena S. Goldzweig). A Jewish king, in biblical epochs, was a very powerful person by virtue of his office and title. It was he who decided on declaring war, peace and punishment;

'The king united in his own person all the powers of the state. He alone could declare war, or make peace. Being permanent and hereditary ruler, he could be of far more service to the state than the Judge, who, being only raised up for extraordinary needs, could but appeal for help to his fellow-countrymen, not demand it. Next, the king had full command over the country by means of his standing army. Beyond this, he was the supreme judge, the arbitrator of difficult questions, and the appointer of punishment.'17

As ruler of God's people, David stood out from the crowd. God chose him because He could see in his heart: David's unwavering faith, David's courage, David's love for God and his love for the people. God could see the compassion that He had instilled in David as a young boy. David had the same heart as his brothers before he was anointed by God through Samuel. God gave David a new heart, after his own, Acts 13:22. David's leadership skills and understanding of authority clearly comes into focus in the light of the following incidents:

*David refused and forbade his troops to take the life of the king (Saul) (1 Samuel 24)

*Even after David was sentenced to death by Saul, he still called him "my master", "the Lord's anointed", "father" and "king" (1 Samuel 24 & 26)

*David swore by an oath to not cut of Saul's family line, a promise which he duly kept (1 Samuel 24)

*David was so protective over his king, who wanted to kill him, since he was his leader and the one in authority over David, that David ordered the servant to be executed who assisted Saul in his death wish (2 Samuel 1)

*David, publically, lamented the deaths of Saul his king and Jonathan his best friend while referring to them as the "glory of Israel" (2 Samuel 1)

*David honoured his king by returning all the family's land to Saul's grandson, Mephibosheth, and also showed kindness to Saul's family by permitting Mephibosheth to live and eat at the royal table of David for the rest of his life, even though he dealt treacherously toward David he was permitted to live (2 Samuel 9 & 19)

David was loved by all of Israel and Judah, because he was an anointed leader and had a heart of compassion and love for people (1 Samuel 18:15). The anointing brings with it the favour and blessing of God.

King Saul started out on the right path but soon lost the favour and ultimately the anointing of God on his life through disobedience of God's command to annihilate all traces of Amalek, Israel's enemy. David also used wisdom, undoubtedly received with the anointing from God, since he not only appointed judges to help with the administering of justice but he also wanted to have a safeguard in place for the abuse of justice as happened with Absalom who raised an insurrection (2 Samuel 15:2-6) against David his father as a result of abuse of the justice system earlier by Saul with the destruction of Nob (1 Samuel 22:11-19). David, as king, still had final say in condemning and acquitting of course;

'This King David seems to have perceived and felt, for he afterwards appointed regular judges, though still reserving to himself the final power of condemning and acquitting'18

It is required of any king that rules a nation to be of sound and outstanding character as well as be in possession of courage but also wisdom to lead the people he is appointed over, with strength and honour. The same is true for the Jewish royalty and leadership.

Jewish royalty must have moral courage and strength and nobility of character. The ability both to be judgmental as well as compassionate (Rena S. Goldzweig). David's character as leader of God's people shines through all the pages of the Psalms when we find him in battle, in judging the cause of the poor and with his own family. As Goldzweig notes:

'King David, the father of the Jewish house of royalty, when engrossed in the study

of Torah was described by the Sages as: "adino haetzni" - "delicate as a worm" ["adin" is Hebrew for delicate]. When he fought in battle, he was "tough as wood" ["etz" is Hebrew for

wood]. The same David who was a psalmist also declared, "I will pursue my foes and not return until they are totally vanquished." (Moed Katan 16b)'19

It should be borne in mind that the king of Israel was never the father of the nation but rather one of the people, a brother, since they had One God and One Father;

'Nowhere is the Israelitish King termed, or in any way regarded as "the father of his people." Rather was he their "brother;" and in accordance with this view of the relationship of sovereign to subject, King David, when receiving the assembly, rose to his feet in -token of respect, and addressed them as "my brethren." (1 Chronicles 17:2) This was in accordance with the Theocratic principle, that One was their Father, even He in heaven, and that all

they on earth were brethren.(Matthew 23:9)'20

One such incident may be found in the episode of the wise woman of Tekoah (2 Samuel 14). So much may be gleaned from this chapter. The main point to me would probably be that it shows to Christ the Messiah as the One who forgives. David was a foreshadow of Christ, the compassionate and forgiving King and Savior of those who would dare throw themselves at His mercy and love.

Dorothy Valcàrcel, author of When A Woman Meets Jesus, draws a beautiful parallel between the woman of Tekoah who goes out on a limb to address the king of Israel and the woman caught in adultery and brought to Jesus for justice and punishment. As she notes:

'But when King David responded, what a marvelous lesson is depicted for you and me. As the "wise" woman of Tekoah informed David that the guilt of this act of murder should be, "on my father's house, not yours," King David responded by telling her that if anyone tried to condemn her, they would have to go through him first. I'm drawing from the story of the "wise" woman of Tekoah, I'd like to compare this example with an incident in the life of Jesus found in John 8: 3-5. A woman was brought to Jesus by the Scribes and Pharisees whom we are told was " caught in adultery." The Bible says she was guilty, according to these religious leaders. The fault was hers. She had done wrong and was ready and prepared to die by stoning, for this was what the law of Moses required. But something so wonderful...so breathtakingly generous happened in her moment of extremity. Her "King" stepped in and like King David did for the woman of Tekoah, this King said, "If you want to get to her, you have to go through Me first." '21

God placed people in authority over countries, cities and communities to keep justice and peace and be His representatives on earth. Sadly, many in authority abuse and neglect their calling and allow themselves to yield to the addiction of power, extortion and many other vices. This is the downfall of any community and ultimately the land. As a king, David's first priority was to serve God and listen to the guidance and direction of God, either on his own or through the voice of the prophets and then to lead God's people according to God's instructions. God is our protector and through the hands of the king who lay down the law and rules for godly living, He protects us while the king enforces the protection. The king, the prophet and each one of us are the hands, feet and voice of God down here on earth. Valcàrcel notes:

'You see, when we come to the King, when we accept the fact that we are responsible for our behavior, that we are to blame, that the fault is on us, our King tells us, "Anyone who speaks out against you, anyone who accuses you, anyone who wants to destroy you, will not succeed. They must go through Me first for I am your protector, I am your shield, I am your saviour." All I can say is, "Thank You," to my Redeemer and my King. And this is what a "wise" woman does when she comes into the presence of the King who says, "Bring whatever and whoever is harassing you, and I'll see they bother you no more." (The Message Bible) '22

King David, amidst all the scandals and treachery during his administration of Israel, was indeed a noble leader. He was truly anointed to have been able to manage the kingdom the way he did;

'David. David was to his people not merely a king of unsurpassed valor, but the spiritual leader as well. He had surrounded himself with the greatest and wisest spiritual leaders of his time, namely, Mephibosheth, Ahitophel, Ira the Jairite, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the prophet Nathan, and the seer Gad. They formed the Highest Court of Israel (Sanhedrin) under the presidency of King David.'23

David was instrumental in dividing the country into organized districts, much like we have today, and managing through officials placed over different areas and departments of the kingdom. He implemented much of the leadership strategies and principles we use today;

'The transfer of the religious centre to Jerusalem enhanced the prestige of the monarch, at the expense of the priesthood. Yahwism became the official state religion in a way which gave a different emphasis to a situation which had, of course, also been true before. One effect of this institution of an official religion within a united state was that the priesthood was organized under the Chief Priest, Abiathar. He, Zadok and the other leading priests were made royal officials, members of David's court in Jerusalem (II Sam. 8:17-18).

David also laid the foundations for the division of the country into districts and its administration through a sequence of officials'24

Not only did David display great leadership skills he also introduced the people to new civilizations and opened up trade and the rest of the world to Israel. This may very well be the first stepping stones that would later lead to Jesus Christ to minister in Jerusalem and to Paul and the apostles to take the Word of God to the gentile nations. David introduced, as it were, the world to Israel and Israel to the world;

'Under David, the Israelites came into contact with the major powers and currents of civilization, particularly with the Phoenicians of Tyre and Sidon (II Sam. 5:11; I Ch. 14:1). They were a far more sophisticated people, the leading traders of the Mediterranean, with a highly developed art, architecture and literature and theirs became the predominant influence on Israel's cultural development. Archaeological research has since demonstrated just how strong was the influence of the Phoenicians in the process of civilizing Israel which David began.'25

David's administration was vast and shows to the fact that he was wealthy, given the revenue he received for the kingdom and his own household. Once again, God's favor and wisdom was at work resulting in David being blessed and provided for;

'The royal revenues were considerable, and derived from various sources, chiefly no doubt from royal domains (mostly, probably, confiscated property).(Ezekiel 46:18) Another great source of income would be the herds, the camels, the asses, and the flocks, for which they had a right to a portion of the pasture in the wildernesses.(1 Chronicles 27:29;31) Beyond this, there were King's tithes;(1 Samuel 8:15) free gifts;(1 Samuel 10:27) a certain fixed proportion of booty taken in war;(2 Samuel 8:7) dues and tribute from dependent states,

(2 Kings 3:4) and trade in special articles of foreign luxury.(2 Kings 9:20,28) Part of these revenues, of course, went to pay the royal officers, who were very numerous, and often persons of wealth and position.'26

A good leader knows how to lead and guide others but also knows when to take the blame or responsibility for actions initiated by him or her. Leadership is all about responsibility. And King David knew this all too well. An excellent example of this leadership quality shines through in the census of Israel and Juda incident, recorded in 1 Chronicles 21:

7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Israel. 8 So David said to God, "I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing; but now, I pray, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly."

9 Then the LORD spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying, 10 "Go and tell David, saying, 'Thus says the LORD: "I offer you three things; choose one of them for yourself, that I may do it to you."'"

11 So Gad came to David and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: 'Choose for yourself,

12 either three years of famine, or three months to be defeated by your foes with the sword of your enemies overtaking you, or else for three days the sword of the LORD—the plague in the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.' Now consider what answer I should take back to Him who sent me."

13 And David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Please let me fall into the hand of the

LORD, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man."

14 So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell.

17 And David said to God, "Was it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? I am the one who has sinned and done evil indeed; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, O LORD my God, be against me and my father's house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued." KNJV

David counts the people, against God's wishes, and does so in pride which causes him to sin against God. What is remarkable of David is that in verses 8, 13 and 17 he takes the blame since he was the cause of the plague that came upon the people. He acknowledged that he counted the people against God's instruction and the punishment should be for him alone and not the people. They were innocent.

This is a rare quality not often found in leaders today. David did not pass the buck. He did not go into hiding. He did not blame his commander in chief or the prophet or anyone else. He blamed himself. He was responsible. He did not argue with God or Gad, the seer. Instead he did something amazing in this predicament he found himself and the nation of Israel. He requested to 'Please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man." (v.13).

David knew that God was merciful unlike man. He knew that God was compassionate unlike man. He knew that God would not destroy him because of His great love and promise to David unlike man. Mankind has little mercy. We would rather shift the blame, point a finger, find a fault in another or relent to show mercy upon our fellow man. David, being fully aware of his sin and what was about to happen (he gets to choose his punishment but is unable to) repents immediately (v. 8) and asks God to show him mercy. David never heard God's voice, audibly, and he never saw God at any time, yet he had this trust in and love for God. This came about because of his relationship with God. David knew, by experience, how to 'love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength' (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).

The very heart of compassion as a shepherd of the people of God comes to light in David's response to God in verse 17 when he makes mention of the people of God as sheep. The shepherd always cares for his sheep (John 10:11-12) and is willing to lay down his life if needed. He would rather have his family destroyed than the sheep, they were innocent.

"17 David prayed, "Please! I'm the one who sinned; I'm the one at fault. But these sheep, what did they do wrong? Punish me, not them, me and my family; don't take it out on them." MSG

That is a true leader. And this is why he was referred to as a 'man after God's own heart'. God is a God of mercy, forgiveness and grace. David was too. Did God make a mistake in appointing David as King? Jerry Bridges notes:

"Our lives are also cluttered with a lot of "if onlys." "If only I had done this," or "if only that had not happened." But again, God has no "if onlys." God never makes a mistake; God has no regrets. "As for God, his way is perfect" (Psalm 18:30). We can trust God. He is trustworthy." 27

As A Husband and Father

Even though David was anointed of God, and a man after God's own heart, yet he made mistakes. He was not perfect. The anointing of God on his life did not make him 'faultless' or pure. He struggled with the same family issues we have today. As a father he was concerned about Absalom his son, who fled to Geshur for the killing of Amnon (2 Samuel 1328-29). He longed to have fellowship restored with his son, just like God the Father did, and ultimately any dad would:

'The king, being informed by Joab of Absalom's demand, yielded to this pressure, though we may be sure it must have been with uneasy thoughts. Joab called for Absalom to come to David, and "the king kissed Absalom" (v.33). This is all that is said. There is no mention of any pleasant conversation between them. How different the case of the prodigal son when he returned in genuine repentance. His father "ran and fell on his neck and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). But David sought to show love while compromising righteousness. This could not possibly bring good results, as the following history proves.'28

He mourned over the death of his sons: Amnon 2 Samuel 13:37, the unnamed child he had with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 12:16-19 and Absalom 2 Samuel 18:33.

His daughter, the only one mentioned in the KJV and other versions, was raped by her half-brother, Amnon 2 Samuel 13.

'King David was sometimes lax, or absent as a father, not disciplining his children when they needed it.'29

David's own son, Solomon, will later pen these words in one of his many Proverbs of wisdom: Proverbs 13:24, 'He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.' David did not disciple his son Amnon (2 Samuel 13:21) for the rape of Tamar, he did not discipline Saul for killing Amnon. He merely did not allow him to see his face when he came back home. Is this considered discipline? Was David's lack of discipline toward his children as a result of his own upbringing? Was he ever disciplined correctly as a child? Marshall remarks:

' From the sparse biblical record, he seemed unable to discipline his grown children. Is it evidence of a lack of early child training? (Proverbs 22:6)'30

The royal life was one of splendor for David and his many wives and children. They never lacked and were always honored while enjoying the best of everything, as befits royalty. Could this perhaps have been the reason that David was not satisfied with just one wife? Did he get bored at home thus committing adultery with Bathsheba? Was kingdom life just not as satisfying as watching the sheep back in his shepherd boy days? One can only speculate as to the reason that he was absent from family life;

'To the Jewish King due respect and obedience were paid. Before him the Israelite dismounted, or fell on his face in token of homage.(2 Samuel 9:6) As he passed through the streets, or along the city walls, he was entreated for audience, or to rectify some injustice.(2 King 6:26) He dwelt in a splendid palace, and was waited upon by young men of good position, who received their education together with the princes (1 Kings 12:8). To sit at the King's right hand was an honor only conferred on his especial favorites, a mark of the greatest esteem and regard (Psalm 2:19). The pleasure-gardens and summer-palaces of royalty are often referred to,(Jeremiah 39:4) as well as the court musicians, whose duty it was to be in attendance while the King was at table, or at night to sooth his restless hours.

Sumptuous was the provision made for the royal household,(1 Kings 4:22) and splendid the King's table, at which it was an honor to be a regular guest (2 Samuel 9:7-8).'31

On the home front things were not always easy with David having more than one wife and more than 15 children to give attention to, to teach them how to behave as real men, to instil in them the Word of God. He had the kingdom to manage, the army, he was judge and husband and on top of this a dad too. He may have been 'emotionally absent' from the lives of his family, who needed him, no doubt. We find David as a dad, not involved in the life of his son Adonijah (1 Kings 1:6) who ultimately ended up conspiring to take the kingdom from his brother Solomon, but did not succeed, God's plan and purpose ultimately in control of everything.

One could speculate as to the reasons that he had so many wives, since it was never God's will for Polygamy to become the norm in Israel (Deuteronomy 17:14-17) and he had seen the effect of Polygamy in the life of king Saul, yet he did not heed the warning signs, as Marshall notes:

'But as a father who had a least eight wives plus "more" and some 20 children plus "other sons," he could not, as one man, emotionally supply what they all independently needed. Polygamy was not God's intent. The lesson could have been learned from the patriarchs or the recent example of Saul and his harem. Sadly, culture played its hand with David

who, following Saul's precedent, took on the tragic chain of events leading to the breakup

of his family.'32

On the subject of Polygamy, it is noteworthy that because David lived this lifestyle, his wise son Solomon, learned by example from his dad and did the same. One would think that he would know better, since he was given such wisdom from God and having seen his dad not able to spend quality, individual time with each of his children, that he would change the course of events in his life.

Sadly he did not. He actually went one better and had more wives and concubines than his dad ever did, which resulted in him having his heart turned away from God, slowly but surely;

'1 Kings 11:3 says Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines violating the principle of monogamy that he was given through the law of Moses. Consider that Solomon at one time was the wisest man in the world. In I Kings 11:4: "For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father." Notice Solomon became a polytheist because he was influenced in polygamy. In his case many wives, became many gods. Scripture has always commanded monogamy (Ps.128:3; Prov. 5:18; 18:22; 19:14; 31:10-29; Eccl. 9:9). The fact is that God never commanded polygamy or divorce.

Scripture says (Bible) He only permitted it because of the hardness of their hearts (Deut. 24:1; Matt. 19:8). Matt. 5:31-32: "Furthermore it has been said, "Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce. But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery." God hates divorce as well as polygamy, since it destroys the family (Mal. 2:16).'32

It would seem that David had his favourite among his many children- Absalom. While he loved Absalom and Absalom probably spend more time with his dad than perhaps any of the other siblings, yet David's character did not rub off on Absalom;

' Busy with expanding the kingdom, he may have had little time for children except his favorites, like Absalom. Regrettably, David's inner character did not rub off on the son he loved most.'33

David's favourite son turned against him in the form of a rebellious revolt against the king. He did not show the same love for his father that David showed towards him. Love without disciple is not real love, as this incident clearly portrays;

'David appeared unaware or unable to prevent this son's ambition that led to a successful

palace coup against him. Here a much-loved son would not return that love to his father.

(Is this a type of the Heavenly Father's love for a sinful, uncaring world?) When David later gave orders before engaging Absalom's rebel army he said, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom" (2 Samuel 18:5). But David's commanders knew a rebellion could not be successfully crushed if its leader wasn't executed.'34

The Rev. William Taylor makes a very interesting observation about the way we discipline our children and the lack of discipline, when he compares it to the instruments of a great ship at sea. If the navigating instruments are not accurate, it may in the course of the journey lead to the ship never reaching its destination;

'In a report of the Liverpool Observatory I once read this statement, as a reason why ship- masters ought to have their chronometers daily compared with the true time, and their variations rated: "The error of a second a day may in the course of a voyage sink the ship." so it is here: the variation of our conduct from the sacred standard, if statedly preserved in by us before our children, may not only be the means of our own destruction, but may ruin them eternally.'35

Gracious is our God. The words to Psalm 103: 8; "The LORD is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger, and abounding in mercy," and Psalm 116:5; "Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful", has never been more true than in the life of David. After all, he penned these words. He knew about the depth, the bottomless and amazing grace of his God. Ever forgiving, ever merciful, ever loving. David also knew about God's discipline in our lives. He was well acquainted with the consequences of sin, disobedience and not being the head of the home as far as discipline and setting an example goes;

'Lovingly, God forgives sin, as He did David's. But there is a price to pay—the law of cause and effect. To wayward but repentant children, God converts the effect of our sin into needy purifying. As He dealt with David, so He'll deal with us. He will forgive, but He may also use the rod (paddle). He will restore us to favor, yet require us to drink the bitterness our sin brings. We learn through David's family tragedies that, when we choose an action, we also choose its consequences.'36

God's plan and purpose will ultimately be fulfilled and come to pass, even in the life of David, the bloodline of the Messiah to come. The lesson to learn from this is namely: no matter how badly we have missed God or how awful our sin, when we repent and turn back to Him and trust Him and accept His forgiveness, He restores us, He loves us, He will fulfil His plan and purpose in and for our lives. Simple and humble repentance and trust is what is required and God will do the rest as can be seen in David and Bathsheba's lives and their marriage:

'God was not going to allow David's pagan enemies to conclude His King could have an

heir through murder and adultery. All was fulfilled. The "stripes of the children of men"

(2 Samuel 7:14), King James Version) was God as Father disciplining His children for sin. God was chastening David, his chosen one, while David's own children are yet to face future repentance. For David, paying the price unfolded in his inability as a father to lovingly guide a polygamous household.'37

David's life is example enough of what it is to live in a broken world. He experienced the clashing of private grief and public duty. He knew deceit and turmoil, heartache, struggle. But he also knew how to cling to God, how to trust in God and how to worship God. There is nothing that ever catches God by surprise since He knows everything (omniscient) and sees everything. Our entire life is laid open bare before God, as was David's. God already knows about the 'mess-ups' and shortcomings that will cause us to stumble. It is our repentant attitude that makes all the difference.

Section 3

The Psalms of David

The life of King David was a set apart and consecrated one, dedicated to God which is clearly evident in the Psalms that he penned. As Weisberg notes;

'It was not so much by his valor and courage that he won the hearts of his people, as by the saintliness of his character, so touchingly expressed in his Book of Psalms, which is perhaps the most popular of all the books of the Bible. For simple poetic genius, for pathos, sweetness, and heartfelt piety, the Book of Psalms is unique.'1

David is known as the 'hero of Israel's songs' (2 Samuel 23:1). Only 74 of the 150 Psalms, depicts David as the author2. The book of Psalms tells a story, a biography of the shepherd, the warrior and the king. It shows the many phases or seasons, the joys and struggles of a normal human being that trusted in his God, no matter what came his way;

'The Psalms of David comprise every phase of his life. In the history of David, his exile, persecution, struggles, and eventual triumph, the Jewish people, collectively and individually, find a faithful prototype of their own life. No wonder the Book of Psalms had throughout the ages served as a boundless source of inspiration, courage, and hope.' 3

According to the Holman Bible Dictionary4, the Psalms is the most complete collection of Hebrew poetry and worship material in the Hebrew Bible. The Psalms, as found in the third division of the Hebrew canon, known as the 'writings' (Heb. ketubim), may be grouped or categorized in the following manner, as David M. Fleming5 notes:

'In its present canonical form, the Psalter has five divisions in the current Hebrew text. These divisions have been compared with the division of the Pentateuch into five books. Each book concludes with a doxology or closing formula.'6

*Psalm 1-41

*Psalm 42-71

*Psalm 73-89

*Psalm 90-106

*Psalm 107-150

There are also other divisions noted of the Psalms, namely:

*The elohistic Psalter: Psalm 42-83

*The Songs of Ascent or Pilgrimage Psalms: Psalm 120-134

*Guild collection: The Psalms of the sons of Korah: Psalm 42-49

*Guild collection: The Psalms of Asaph: Psalm 73-83

The following Psalms correspond to specific events in David's life:

*Psalm 3: David flees from Absalom (2 Samuel 15)

*Psalm 18: David spares the life of King Saul (1 Samuel 24)

*Psalm 32: David receives forgiveness for the sin he committed with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12)

*Psalm 34: David pretends to be insane (1 Samuel 21)

*Psalm 51: David confesses his sin committed with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12)

*Psalm 52: The Edomite, Doeg, reveals to Saul where David is (1 Samuel 22:9)

*Psalm 54: David is betrayed to Saul by the Ziphites (1 Samuel 23)

*Psalm 56: David flees to Gath (1 Samuel 21)

*Psalm 57: David hides from Saul, in the cave (1 Samuel 24)

*Psalm 59: When David's house was being watched by men sent from Saul to kill David (1 Samuel 19)

*Psalm 63: David and his men are refreshed by Ziba (2 Samuel 16)

*Psalm 142: David escapes to the cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22)

Perhaps the most well-known and most read Psalm of all, Psalm 23. Written by David and also referred to as his 'heavenly pastoral'7. What is so interesting about this Psalm is its position. Psalm 22 is the 'Cross Psalm' while Psalm 23 is the 'Grace Psalm' both referring to the Shepherd of the flock, Christ, as Spurgeon notes;

' The position of this psalm is worthy of notice. It follows the twenty-second, which is peculiarly the Psalm of the Cross. There are no green pastures, no still waters on the other side of the twenty-second psalm. It is only after we have read, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" that we come to "The Lord is my Shepherd." We must by experience know the value of blood shedding, and see the sword awakened against the Shepherd, before we shall be able truly to know the Sweetness of the good Shepherd's care.'8

In the book of 2nd Samuel chapter 15, we read about the encounter where David's own son rebelled against David and ousted him from his own throne. With his family and servants, David was forced to flee in to the Judean wilderness and was there, for a period of time, unable to reclaim his throne. For a couple of months, David was hounded and hunted down. His life was a shambles. He spent many days, in this same dessert, as a young shepherd boy, with only God and his father's sheep.

Contend and happy. Now he was back but under different circumstances. David was inspired to write Psalm 23 at this time of upheaval in his life and he intended it for many who would later read this very Psalm and who is also experiencing trouble, heartache and stress in their own life.

David experienced God, personally, as his shepherd first hand as the youth shepherd and now again as an adult with a family and a kingdom to which God appointed him. He knew that as long as he kept his eyes and his hope and his faith on God, that he will not lack anything. David had full confidence in God's ability to lead him, his household and His kingdom.

Renowned Bible expositor, Arno C. Gaebelein, suggests that one reads this Psalm by asking a very important question, namely: "what shall I not want?"

'I shall not want-- Rest--for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. Drink--for He leadeth me beside the still waters. Forgiveness--for He restoreth my soul. Guidance--for He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness. Companionship--for Thou art with me. Comfort-- for Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me. Food--for Thou preparest a table before me. Victory-

-in the presence of mine enemies. Joy--Thou anointest my head with oil. Overrunning joy-- for my cup runneth over. Everything in time--for goodness and mercy shall follow me.

Everything in eternity--for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.'9

Here he was, as leader of Israel, with no food, not royal robes, seemingly no authority (or he would not have allowed this to happen), with subjects and family looking to him for leading and guidance. And he does what is in his heart. He praises God. He prays. He trusts Gods. He declares outright that God is his provider, protector and guide. That he, David, and his household will not lack any good thing. In fact, he declares that God will spread out a feast for him in the presence of those who are trying to end his life. And then he utters these faith inspiring words in verse 6: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life".

David knew for a fact that God did not bring him thus far to simply let his enemies have the victory. To slay him in the dessert. To have the throne taken over by another, not anointed. He knew that God was with him in the shepherding years, God had called him to the throne through anointing and that God was not done with Him. God had promised and when He makes a promise He does not go back on His word, like man does. Through David's life and Psalm 23 we may learn to trust wholehearted in God our creator and Christ our savior who will never leave us nor forsake us but has our best interests at heart.

David also knew that God cared for his double wounds which he so often experienced. A double wound can be described as: having an issue in your life and while struggling with this issue, people will come around and kick you while you are down. David experienced this double wound in Psalm 18. Yet, he knew God would deliver him. God rescued him. God delights in those who love Him. God scares those who scare you. Read Psalm 18 carefully and you will find that God knows how to scare those who scare us, His children.

David's Old Age

Looking Back

It is David's spiritual greatness and his desire and drive to know God that makes him such a great figure inn history. His heart's cry was for his Creator and God, even though he was human and had many faults and sin was not lacking in his life. David's life was a colorful tapestry of events. A painting I am sure would have sold for millions. His was a life of glory and intrigue, loss and love. One can agree with the words of Jack Zavada, when he notes:

'David was engaged in almost constant warfare to defend the kingdom. King David was a great military conqueror, but he could not conquer himself.'10

His life was filled with emotional ups, downs and regrets yet he was the author of some of the most amazing Psalms, poetry and songs, which reflect his love and trust in His God. He had two children that were total opposites of one another: Solomon was humble and wise and respected while Absalom was full of himself, arrogant and brought about grief and bloodshed as a result of his rebellion,

'King David's life was a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows. He left us an example of passionate love of God and dozens of psalms, some of the most touching, beautiful poetry ever written.'11

Even though he was pursued by a mentally ill person in the form of King Saul and he had many opportunities to kill him, as some people expected him to, yet he refrained from doing so simply because Saul was God's anointed servant. David was promised, by Saul, Merab, Saul's daughter as wife for David but before David could make her his wife, Saul withdraws his offer (1st Samuel 18). What a disappointing situation to go through – rejection of another type. But David is humble. He does not stand up for what is his. No entitlement.

David is made another offer for a wife in the person of Michal, Saul's other daughter, but Saul has ulterior motives since Michal comes at a prize to David – a hundred Philistine foreskins. Saul wanted to get rid of David. But God, is with David and gives him success in that David personally delivers to Saul two hundred foreskins. David finally gets his bride, Michal but yet again he suffers misery. Her father is out to kill David, her husband, and before his marriage has had any time to develop, he has to flee for his life and leave his young bride alone (1st Samuel 19). However, David loves Saul. David submitted to him and would even protect Saul. He would not touch or harm God's anointed. This must have been a difficult situation for David since he was best friends with Saul's son, Jonathan. They were like one man. As Zavada writes:

' He became friends, like brothers, with Saul's son Jonathan, setting a model of friendship that everyone can learn from.'12

We find David in a stressful situation in his life, one of many, in the book of 1st Samuel chapter 30 verse 6:

'And suddenly David was in even worse trouble. There was talk among the men, bitter over the loss of their families, of stoning him. David strengthened himself with trust in his God.' MSG

Here we find the leader of Israel, the one to whom all the people look for guidance and direction, in such anguish over what has was done to his own city, that Scripture tells us he, together with his men of valor, wept until they had no more tears left (1 Samuel 30:4). Totally distraught. Broken. L.

M. Grant notes about this episode in David's life:

' David had not been caring for his own city, but was on an ill-advised trip with Achish. This is a spiritually important lesson for us. When we are not properly on guard and in communion with the Lord, the lusts of the flesh (of which Amalek speaks) will almost certainly take advantage of us. This will not result in the total destruction of a believer, but will rob away from him much of that with God has entrusted him.'13

What a situation. In distress. Overcome with grief and top of this, the people want to stone him. Yet David, does not go in hiding. He does one of the most important things any Christian can and should do in distress: he strengthened himself in God. In other words- he went to the Word of God, he sought God in prayer, he worshiped God, and he looked away from the threats and problems and looked up to God for help and encouragement. This is a very important lesson for us.

We find David included in the Hall of Fame for valiant and faith inspiring men and woman of the Bible. (Hebrews 11)

Following is a brief timeline14 of the life of David listing the main events and time span, as provided by Total History com;

1043 BC : Samuel the prophet anoints Saul as the first king of Israel. – 1 Samuel 10:1

1035 BC : Believed to be the approximate period that David is born in the town of Bethlehem. 1025 BC : Samuel goes to the town of Bethlehem and anoints the shepherd David as the future king

of Israel. He is between the age of 10-12 years old. – 1 Samuel 16:13

1023 BC : David serves as a minstrel in Saul's court after he is learned to be a talented musician. –

1 Samuel 16:21-22 Israel, led by King Saul, is at war with the Philistines.

1020 BC : The Philistines send their champion warrior Goliath against the shepherd boy David.

David kills Goliath with a single shot from his sling. – 1 Samuel 17

1010 BC : King Saul fires David from his court but makes him a commander in his army. –

1 Samuel 18:13. David is successful as a warrior in Saul's army that the king offers his daughter in marriage to David. – 1 Samuel 18:21. Jonathan, a son of King Saul, and David become the best friends and make an oath to one another regarding future generations. – 1 Samuel 20

1008 BC : David is threatened with bodily harm by Saul because of jealousy. He goes to Nob and receives the sword of Goliath from Ahimelech, a priest. – 1 Samuel 21. He then hides in the city of Gath, hometown of Goliath and pretends to be a crazy man. – 1 Samuel 21:10

1005 BC : With a chance to kill Saul, David spares the life of the man who had been trying to hunt him down in order to kill him. – 1 Samuel 24

1000 BC : Samuel the prophet dies. David meets Abigail and her husband Nabal. Nabal refuses to help David and his men. Abigail intervenes as David intends to do harm to Nabal. Nabal dies of natural causes, David marries Abigail. – 1 Samuel 25. After the death of Samuel, Saul consults a witch to call Samuel from the dead. Instead, Samuel predicts Saul's death the following day. Saul, along with three of his sons die in a battle with the Philistines. – 1 Samuel 28:3-7. The Amalekites are destroyed by David and his men. –

1 Samuel 30

993 BC : David is anointed king of Judah with the help of his allies and he makes Hebron as the capital of his new "administration." – 2 Samuel 2:7. A nation still divided between Israel and Judah, a civil war rages on between the kingdoms. The northern kingdom, Israel is led by Ishbosheth, one of the surviving sons of Saul. He is helped by Abner, a general loyal to Saul. – 2 Samuel 2:9-12. David and his kingdom is strengthened by expansion and alliances. Joab, one of David's generals, kills Abner. – 2 Samuel 3. David finally reigns over all Israel and Judah. – 2 Samuel 5, 1 Chronicles 11

992 BC : David plans to build a temple for God. – 2 Samuel 7

982 BC : The Philistines, Moab, and Syrians are defeated by David and his army. – 2 Samuel 8 While taking a break from fighting Israel's enemies, David sees the wife of Uriah, one of his soldiers, bathing out in the open from the rooftop of his palace. The woman was beautiful, her name was Bathsheba. – 2 Samuel 11

980 BC : David desired to have Bathsheba for himself and has an adulterous relationship with her.

He eventually had Uriah killed. He is confronted by Nathan, a prophet of God, for his actions. – 2 Samuel 12 . The wife of Uriah gives birth to a son by David, his name is Solomon. – 2 Samuel 12:24

978 BC : Amnon, one of David's sons lust for his half-sister Tamar. Amnon forces himself on her, and is eventually killed by Absalom, Tamar's brother. – 2 Samuel 13. David orders one his generals, Joab, to take a census to count the people of Israel. He later learns that he had ordered was not according to what God wanted and had consequences. –

1 Chronicles 21. A son of David, Absalom, conspires against his father by trying to draw the loyalties of the people from David. – 2 Samuel 14 & 15

976 BC : David leaves Jerusalem when he learns of his son Absalom's intent to overthrow him. –

2 Samuel 15:13

974 BC : During a battle against David's men, Absalom get himself caught on tree, he is then

killed by Joab. – 2 Samuel 18

972 BC : David comes back to Jerusalem after his mourning of Absalom's death. – 2 Samuel 19:14. The Philistines once again engage in battle against David and the Israelites. David is nearly killed by a giant, however, four giants were killed in the battle. The four were believed to have been brothers of Goliath. – 2 Samuel 21:15-22

963 BC : David gives Solomon and his other sons the responsibility of building God's temple as he had originally hoped he would. – 1 Chronicles 22:6-19. Adonijah, David's fourth son attempts to take over the kingdom of Israel when he learns that the health of David was failing. – 1 Kings 1:5. Nathan has Bathsheba ask David to name Solomon king after they learn of Adonijah's plan. – 1 Kings 1:11. David gives the orders to Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, one of his faithful and trusted men to crown Solomon as king over Israel. – 1 Kings 1:32-35

961 BC : David calls the people of Israel and Judah and formally hands over the plans for the temple to be built along with final instructions regarding his enemies. – 1 Chronicles 29:1-25, 1 Kings 2:1-9. David dies. Solomon becomes king of Israel. – 1 Kings 2:10-12

That David and later his son Solomon built a great kingdom and strong rule is no doubt remarkable. However, with all the victories and the accolades there seemed to be no true rest in site since old conflicts were still there, never seeming to be put to rest, as Fletcher notes;

'Through military victories, diplomacy and matrimonial alliances with neighbouring royal houses and the leading families of his own kingdom, David had forged a mighty kingdom. It seems, however, that in spite of his overwhelming prestige, the old rivalries between the southern and northern parts of his kingdom continued.'15

King David was indeed a heroic figure and powerful leader. His ability to command a small or vast group of people on the battle field or the palace courts shines through the pages of the bible. He also possessed a certain charismatic charm, especially among the ladies, and was never denied what he wished for, an attribute his son, Solomon, inherited. Yet David was a murderer, a polygamist, an adulterer and misused his power as a king. But he also knew how to wait on God to take revenge on his enemies, when he would rather humiliate himself and flee rather than kill his own son. He clung to the character of God in waiting on God's timing and power to avenge him.

In our own life, this is what it is supposed to be like – we have to trust and wait on God for His timing to avenge us. But we, usually, take things into our own hands rather than wait for God to act.

I want to echo the words of Jerry Bridges when he notes:

""In the arena of adversity, the Scriptures teach us three essential truths about God—truths we must believe if we are to trust Him in adversity. They are:

• God is completely sovereign.

• God is infinite in wisdom.

• God is perfect in love.

Someone has expressed these three truths as they relate to us in this way: "God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about." 16

We find that this was in the life and times of David. We often think we know what is best for us and then we plan and order our lives from this knowledge. God, however, knows the end from the beginning, He is the all-wise One and He alone knows the future. We can spare ourselves so much sorrow and heartache, often, by going to God first and waiting on Him in prayer and waiting for His timing and plan to unfold, giving Him glory because He has a good plan for all of us.

Regrets

Like many parents and leaders, David too had many regrets. Many 'could' have, 'should' have and 'wish I have's' was part of his life. The two that stand out among the many regrets would probably be the Bathsheba & Uriah debacle of shedding innocent blood and causing his child to die as a result of his sin and the death of his sons Amnon and Absalom. When the Bathsheba incident took place, David was at the height of his career. One can only muse over what made him think that he needed another wife, or why he was not satisfied with what he had accomplished;

'He ruled over a vast empire, and his capital was enriched with the spoils of many lands. But in the midst of all this success he fell, and his character became stained with the sin of adultery (2 Sam. 11:2-27). It has been noted as characteristic of the Bible that while his military triumphs are recorded in a few verses, the sad story of his fall is given in detail, a story full of warning, and therefore recorded.'17

The regret coupled with the feeling of loss must have been astronomical as is the case when losing a child, of any age, for David with Absalom. It seems that he was more heartbroken over Absalom's death than the death of the child he never came to know (2 Samuel 11). He never disciplined his son but rather alienated Absalom from himself and paid the price for his decision;

'On learning of the death of Absalom, David uttered his heartbroken cry of mourning and grief, perhaps mixed with self-reproach for his tragic inability to influence as a father: "O my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33). This depth of emotion is expressed later with Christ weeping over Jerusalem and in Paul's wish to be accursed for his brethren's sake. And is it not also true of us? If only we had the power to effect a change of course of errant children or people!'18

David had many conflicts to deal with both personally and nationally as a leader. Jerusalem, or the City of David, was never renovated by David even though he had the means and resources to do so. He was ever busy with intrigue or battles being fought, some physical and some inwardly; and one can only speculate whether, near the end or even earlier in his life, he lost his enthusiasm and fighting spirit which he had as a young boy, afraid of no challenge presented to him;

'At David's death, the city was still quite small. David had been too busy with court intrigue and hard-fought battles to think about renovations. His son was more ambitious. Solomon used Phoenician craftsmen and enforced labor to carry out the great construction program that resulted in the building of the First Temple and the palace in Jerusalem (1 Kings 7.52, 5.27). For both Temple and palace, Solomon would have nothing but the best. Less was definitely not more. In fact, both palace and Temple were political statements: look at how wealthy we are, what resources we can muster, how clever and creative we are.'19

On the other hand, did David's lack of disciplining his children have anything to do with Solomon's 'pride' or did Solomon, with all the wisdom he received from God, have trouble with a poor self- image as may be detected from the book of Ecclesiastes?

The grace of God still wins the day, even in David's hectic life. His heart was right with God and that is what made the difference amidst the chaos, as Ron Edmondson remarks:

'Bottom line: Your actions don't determine your standing with God; your heart does. Actions indicate a heart's direction, so if there is repetitive, unrepentant sin in your life, one would have to question your heart, but if your heart desires to be like Christ and give Him glory with your life, don't beat yourself up for your exceptions. Keep in mind, people can say about you whatever they choose to, but no one knows your heart (other than God) like you do.'20

Another painful regret for David must have been the fact that he never got to build or see the temple that he so longed to build for God (2 Samuel 7). He planned it but his son Solomon got to construct it. In the book of 1st Chronicles chapter 22 verses 14-16 David explains to his son Solomon the great pain and dedication he undertook to provide for the temple of his own resources. Why was David not to build the temple? Was it as a result of sin? Perhaps not so much sin as presumption and a deluded godliness. Presumption in that he thought he knew what to do and how to act towards God and in showing God how godly he was in building Him a temple and deceived in that he depended like Nathan not upon God's guidance but his own. As Grant remarks;

' David's godliness deceived him. Of course his godliness was commendable, but it is not to be depended on for guidance. A godly man, out of genuine desire for the glory of God, may do the wrong thing, just because he has not first sought God's direction. We must be constantly reminded that God's Word alone can be trusted. David had forgotten this in the way in which he first sought to bring up the ark to Jerusalem: now he forgets it in reference to having a permanent building prepared for the ark."21

David planned in the natural with limited vision and knowledge while God plans in eternity with all knowledge and wisdom. David looks to the natural while God sees and exists in the supernatural. For David, the outward splendor of the temple was important while for God the inward condition of the human heart is what is of importance;

'While David had desired to build a house for God, God made it clear that a mere material building was nothing in comparison to what God had planned. The house of David refers to people redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, a house in which God's name would receive the highest honor through "a manner of man" infinitely greater than David, but the Son of David. God would build this house, requiring much more time than the building of a material temple.'22

It is evident from 2nd Samuel chapter 7 that David comes to realize the plan God has with the temple and the fact that life on earth is very temporal and that our eternal home is with God in Heaven and not on this earth. He worships and praises God knowing that the temple he wanted to construct would be even better when his son takes over the responsibility for it.

Death

On his death bed, King David chooses Solomon, the wise one, to instruct concerning his last will and wishes (1 Kings 2:2-9);

'As David was about to die, his words to Solomon have serious significance. Just as Paul (2 Timothy 4:1-6) and Peter (2 Peter 1:12-15) were concerned about the testimony of the Lord after their decease, so was David, for they were not moved by selfish motives, but by concern for God's glory among His people.' 23

By the time David died, Solomon was already reigning (1 Kings 1). Sadly, David's sons did not share his concern or love for God's glory the way he had. Even though Solomon started with the right motives, heeding the instructions of David given him, he did not fully comply with or see to it that these instructions were carried out, as Grant notes:

'David's sons did not fulfill the conditions. Solomon began well, but very soon departed from the truth of scripture, and his sons departed farther still (1 Kings 11:1-9; 1 Kings 1 2:1-15).'24

King David passed away on the festival of Shavuot, in the year 2924 or 837 BCE25. His reign started when he was 30 years of age and lasted for 40 years (2 Samuel 5:4). He had reached the age of 70 when he died. For some this was a very sad day. Their leader and king was no more. Who was going to take the tough role of their leader and advisor? For some, this day was not a sad occasion at all since personal ambition and a kingdom was a stake.

David's son Adonijah, the eldest and natural heir to the throne, does not waste any time after his father's death and starts planning his crowing ceremony.

'The account of David's dying doesn't illustrate a loving devoted family hovering around his bedside. Instead, cold-hearted political forces were at work. Adonijah, David's oldest son, is more concerned about being the next king than about his dying father. He initiates a crowning of himself supported by Joab, the military commander, and Abiathar, the priest.

How could a son be so uncaring, so openly ambitious? Perhaps it's not too unlike family squabbles today over inheritance before on has even died!'26

Adonijah gets executed along with all the other self-seeking, rebellious people that would try to have their own way and destroy the kingdom of God (1 Kings 2: 13-45). As Grant remarks;

'Thus, when the evil was fully judged, "the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon." There was a transitional period of three years before the kingdom is said to be fully established, just as there is a transitional period between Israel's being set aside and the Church fully established in the book of Acts.' 27

To the Jewish nation, King David lives on. As Weisberg notes;

'To the Jewish people, King David is not dead. His memory lives on forever in his Book of Psalms and in the Messianic hope of Israel. For, as our Prophets have promised us, Messiah will be a descendant of David, King of Israel.'28
Epilogue

Judaism says true greatness of the individual is not measured by outward appearance; true greatness resides in the soul. This is so true. In today's standards David would have measured up as probably the best statesman, politician, poet, warrior, army chief of staff, strategist and mostly an excellent leader of leaders. He would no doubt be on the cover of Forbes 500 list and be labeled extremely wealthy and successful. But if David were to return back from Heaven and give a 20 minute talk on success and leadership what would he say now, looking back over his life of mistakes and accomplishments? What is important in life?

I am convinced that he would have an entirely different view on life and what is important and what not. Seeking pleasure and material things together with fame and fortune will probably be last on his list. Having one wife and showing love to his children through proper discipline would rank close to the top. Seeing people as broken vessels that have such huge potential within them and salvation would probably rank second. Living for God one hundred percent, I think would make the first prize on his list. David was always a person that praised and worshiped God; however I am sure he would dedicate more of his time and energy in praising and giving glory to God.

If we read Psalm 51, written by David himself, carefully, we will find that David knew all about God's mercy and grace, in fact David remarks – 'Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man." (1st Chronicles 21:13 ESV)'. Psalm 51 reveals David's knowledge that he was born into sin, his sinful nature and his utter need of a Savior, a Redeemer and for God to cleanse him from iniquity. He made no secret of his sin and wrongdoings. He knew he needed God's forgiveness, grace and help. David also pleads with God – 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me (Psalm 51:10-11 NKJV), for a clean and pure heart, and that he would not lose the Anointing from his life. He knew and understood the importance of God's anointing and power. He would not live without it. He was dependent upon God. And this is what made David a man after God's own heart. How do I measure up?

Jerry Bridges remarks about God's glory when he writes:

""God never pursues His glory at the expense of the good of His people, nor does He ever seek our good at the expense of His glory. He has designed His eternal purpose so that His glory and our good are inextricably bound together. What comfort and encouragement this should be to us." 29

What are the life lessons that we may take away from the life and times of King David, leader of Israel? There are many lessons but if we had to narrow them down to a couple they would probably be the following:

* Never take your eyes of the living God. Keeping your focus on God, no matter what the circumstances, will ensure victory

*Praise and worship always brings God's presence and peace into any situation and dispels fear and worry

*Discipline of one's own life and those of one's children are extremely important

*Disobedience to God and His Word and instructions will cause the anointing to wane and be taken from our lives

*Honest self-examination is necessary to recognize our own sin, then we must repent of it. We may try to fool ourselves or others, but we cannot hide our sin from God (Jack Zavada)

*God always offers forgiveness for our sins, but we cannot escape the consequences (Jack Zavada)

*God highly values our faith in him. Despite life's ups and downs, God is ever-present to give us comfort and help (Jack Zavada)

*God always has our best interests at heart even though it may seem that nothing is going right in our lives. He is still in control.

*Live a life of transparency before God and man, like David did. Hide nothing, since hidden secrets always has a way of making their presence known when least expected.

Jerry Bridges notes:

"God does not willingly bring affliction or grief to us. He does not delight in causing us to experience pain or heartache. He always has a purpose for the grief He brings or allows to come into our lives. Most often we do not know what that purpose is, but it is enough to know that His infinite wisdom and perfect love have determined that the particular sorrow is best for us. God never wastes pain. He always uses is to accomplish His purpose. And His purpose is for His glory and our good. Therefore, we can trust Him when our hearts are aching or our bodies are racked with pain." 30

The Bible is God inspired and was given to us for instruction and the characters within its pages as examples for us to either refrain from similar behavior or to follow the behavior of some, namely Jesus Christ. David's life was remarkable and amazing and God has many more David's planned for the future, I am sure. If we will but seek God's face and ask for His direction and instruction in everything we do and dedicate our lives to Him, then we will be blessed and mightily used of Him. It is God and God alone who holds the today and tomorrows of our life. Trust Him with your future and your entire life. He never fails anyone who calls to Him and trusts in Him.

My closing prayer to you:

'Lord God Almighty. It is my prayer that everyone who reads this book will be inspired to greater heights and to make use of their full potential that You have placed within each of them. Please bless, guide and keep safe all those who place their trust and hope and faith in You alone. To the glory of God the Father, The son and The Holy Spirit. Amen'

Greetings in Christ Pastor Paddick Van Zyl

How to Receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour

Please read the following scriptures: John 3:3, John 3:36, John 14:6, Acts 4:12

Prayer: "Heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus name. Your Word says in Romans 10:9, 10 "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation." I believe in my heart Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe that He died on the cross for the salvation of the world. I believe that He was raised from the dead. I receive and confess Jesus now as my Lord and Saviour. I thank you that I am forgiven from all past sin and that I now have become a Christian – a child of God. I am saved and have received eternal life." Amen.

End Notes

Section 1

1 Chabad.org. Library: David The Shepherd : http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/463958/jewish/David-the- Shepherd.htm

2 Chana Weisberg, Nitzeve, Mother of David, Article used with permission from author & publisher, The Jewish Woman, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/thejewishwoman/article_cdo/aid/280331/

3 Rena S. Goldsweig, Jewish Royalty, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380286/

4 Shelah : acronym for Shnei Luchot HaBrit, a major halachic, ethical and mystical work by Rabbi Yeshayahu Horowitz (c. 1565-1630); also used to refer to the author himself: http://www.chabad.org/search/keyword_cdo/kid/11159/jewish/Shelah.htm

5 Ibid, Chana Weisberg, Nitzeve, Mother of David , My Child Health, Youngest Child Syndrome & Personality, Author unknown: http://www.mychildhealth.net/youngest-child-syndrome-and-personality.html

6 Chana Weisberg, Nitzeve, Mother of David, Article used with permission from author & publisher, The Jewish Woman, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/thejewishwoman/article_cdo/aid/280331/

7 Chana Weisberg, Nitzeve, Mother of David, Article used with permission from author & publisher, The Jewish Woman, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/thejewishwoman/article_cdo/aid/280331/

8 Ibid, Chana wesiberg, Nitzeve, Mother of David

9 Bridges, Jerry – Trusting God – Even when Life Hurts , Goodreads Quotes https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/123695-trusting-god-even-when-life-hurts

10 Larry Lichtenwalter, David: The Shepherd Years, Review And Herald Publishing Assco., Chapter 7- How To Carry A Giants Head, accessed via www.books.google.co.za/preview

11 Chabad.org. Library: David The Shepherd : http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/463958/jewish/David-the- Shepherd.htm

12 The Jewish King, Source: The Old Testament Student, Vol. 3, No. 10 (Jun., 1884), pp. 396-398, Published by: The

University of Chicago Press: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3156996 Accessed: 05-05-2015 08:52 UTC

13 Anointing, Hebrew Moshach which is where the word Moshiach or Messiah comes from : David: The Shepherd & The Warrior : www.simpletoremember.com/articles/a/david_the_shepherd3_the_warrior/

14 Ibid, Chabad.org Library: David The Shepherd

15 Chana Weisberg, Nitzeve, Mother of David, Article used with permission from author & publisher, The Jewish Woman, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/thejewishwoman/article_cdo/aid/280331/

16 Dave Miller, Ph.D., Did God Send An Evil Spirit Upon Saul?, Copyright 2003, Apologetics Press, Inc. All Rights Resevered, : http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=6&article=1278

17 Charles John Ellicott, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, 1 Samuel 16, Study Light Organization, : www.studylight.org/commentaries/ebc/view.cgi?bk=8&ch=16

18 Ibid, Charles John Ellicott, Ellicott's Commentary

19 Fletcher, Elizabeth; Bible Archeology - David; Bible-Archeology.info: http://www.bible-archaeology.info/david.htm

20 Ibid, Fletcher, Elizabeth; Bible Archeology – David

21 Ibid, Charles John Ellicott, Ellicott's Commentary

22 Grant, L.M.; L.M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 30; Study Light. 1897-1910, org: http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/view.cgi?bk=8&ch=30

23 Spiro, Ken Rabbi; History Crash Course #18, David:The King; Aish.com; March, 24,2007: http://www.aish.com/jl/h/cc/48936837.html
Section 2

1 Constable, Thomas. DD. Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1, Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable, 2012 : http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/view.cgi?bk=8&ch=17

2 Ibid, Constable, Thomas

3 Ibid, Constable, Thomas

4 Constable, Thomas. DD. Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1, Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable, 2012 : http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/view.cgi?bk=8&ch=17

5 Grant, L.M.; L.M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 30; Study Light. 1897-1910, org: http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/view.cgi?bk=8&ch=30

6 Smith J.M.P, The Character of King David, Publisher - Society of Biblical Literature, Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol.52, No.1, Apr 1933, pp.1-11, p.2: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3259476 Septuagint reads Me, New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

7 Finkelstein Israel & Silberman Neil Asher, David and Solomon: In Search of the Bible's Sacred Kings and the Roots of the Western Tradition, copyright 2006, Free Press NY, p.9

8 Rabbi Menachem Posner, Staff Editor: Chabad.org, A History Of The Jewish Monarchy : http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1935026/jewish/A-History-of-the-Jewish-Monarchy.htm

9 Ibid, Rabbi Menachem Posner, A History Of The Jewish Monarchy

10 Ellicott, Charles John. Commentary on 1 Samuel 30:1, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, 1905 http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ebc/view.cgi?bk=8&ch=30

11 nāghı̄ dh , leader by Divine appointment: of Saul (1 Samuel 9:16 , "captain," the King James Version, "prince" the Revised Version (British and American) 1 Samuel 10:1 ); of David (2 Samuel 5:2 ); of Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:5 ); with a charge in connection with the temple (2 Chronicles 31:13 ). It is the word used of Messiah "the prince" (Daniel 9:25 ), who is also Prince of the Covenant (Daniel 11:22 ).International Standard Bible Encyclopedia : Captain h*ttp://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/isb/

12 Grant, L. M. ,Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:1, L.M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible. 1897-1910 :http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/view.cgi?bk=1sa&ch=10&vs=1

13 Ibid, Grant L.M

14 The Jewish King, Source: The Old Testament Student, Vol. 3, No. 10 (Jun., 1884), pp. 396-398, Published by: The University of Chicago Press: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3156996 Accessed: 05-05-2015 08:52 UTC

15 Fletcher, Elizabeth; Bible Archeology - Jerusalem; Bible-Archeology.info: http://www.bible- archaeology.info/jerusalem

16 Fletcher, Elizabeth; Bible Archeology - David; Bible-Archeology.info: http://www.bible-archaeology.info/david.htm 3 The Jewish King, Source: The Old Testament Student, Vol. 3, No. 10 (Jun., 1884), pp. 396-398, Published by: The University of Chicago Press: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3156996 Accessed: 05-05-2015 08:52 UTC

17 Ibid, The Jewsih King, p. 396, Chicago Journals www.jstor.org/

18 Rena S. Goldzweig, Jewsih Royalty, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380286/jewish/Jewish-Royalty.htm 22 Ibid, The Jewsih King, p. 397, Chicago Journals www.jstor.org/

19 Rena S. Goldzweig, Jewsih Royalty, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380286/jewish/Jewish-Royalty.htm 22 Ibid, The Jewsih King, p. 397, Chicago Journals www.jstor.org/

20 Ibid, Rena S. Goldzweig

21 Dorothy Valcàrcel, author - When A Woman Meets Jesus, Transformation Garden.com, accessed via http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/transformgarden/transformation-garden-june-14-2011.html

22 Ibid, Dorothy Valcàrcel, Transformation Garden

23 Chana Weisberg, Nitzeve, Mother of David, Article used with permission from author & publisher, The Jewish Woman, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/thejewishwoman/article_cdo/aid/280331/

24 Fletcher, Elizabeth; Bible Archeology - David; Bible-Archeology.info: http://www.bible-archaeology.info/david.htm

25 Ibid, Fletcher, Elizabeth, Bible Archeology - David

26 Ibid, The Jewsih King, p. 397, Chicago Journals www.jstor.org/ Bridges, Jerry – Trusting God – Even when Life Hurts , Goodreads Quotes https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/123695-trusting-god-even-when-life-hurts

27 Grant, L. M. Commentary on 2 Samuel 14, L.M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible. 1897-1910: Study Light.org: http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/view.cgi?bk=9&ch=14

28 Zavada, Jack: Christianity Expert, King David – A Man After God's Own Heart : Profile of King David, Father of

Solomon: Christianity About.com : http://christianity.about.com/od/oldtestamentpeople/a/King-David.htm

29 Marshall, Graemme; Lessons Learned From King David's Family, Feb 02, 2008, Copyright UCG.org, Beyond Today, : http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/lessons-learned-from-king-davids-family

30 Ibid, Marshall, Graemme

31 Let Us Reason Ministries, Copyright 2009, What does Scripture say about Polygamy?, Used with permission: http://www.letusreason.org/Biblexp75.htm

32 ibid, Marshall, Graemme; Lessons Learned From King David's Family

33 Ibid, Marshall, Graemme

34 Taylor, William, M, Rev.; David, King of Israel, His Life and it's Lessons, Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1875 , p.335

35 Ibid, Marshall Graemme

36 Ibid, Marshall Graemme

37 Ibid, Marshall Graemme
Section 3

1 Chana Weisberg, Nitzeve, Mother of David, Article used with permission from author & publisher, The Jewish Woman, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/thejewishwoman/article_cdo/aid/280331/

2 International Fellowship of Christian and Jews (IFCJ), David, The Psalms of David, pdf: http://www.ifcj.org/fch302/David_Lesson_1_pdf

3 Ibid, Chana Weisberg

4 Fleming, David, M.; Butler, Trent C., editor, entry for Psalms, book of, Holmes Bible Dictionary; 1991: Study Light.org: http://studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/view.cgi?=5135

5 Ibid, Fleming, David, M.

6 Ibid, Fleming, David M.

7 Spurgeon, Charles H.; The Treasury of David, Bible study Tools.com; http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/treasury-of-david/psalm-23-1.html

8 Ibid, Spurgeon, Charles H.

9 Gaebelein, Arno Clemens, Commentary on Psalms 23:1, Gaebelein's Annotated Bible, 1913-1922: http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/gab/view.cgi?bk=18&ch=23

10 Zavada, Jack: Christianity Expert, King David – A Man After God's Own Heart : Profile of King David, Father of

Solomon: Christianity About.com : http://christianity.about.com/od/oldtestamentpeople/a/King-David.htm

11 Ibid, Zavada Jack

12 Ibid, Zavada Jack

13 Grant, L.M.; L.M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 30; Study Light. 1897-1910, org: http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/view.cgi?bk=8&ch=30

14 King David Timeline In Biblical History, Copyright; Total History com : http://totallyhistory.com/biblical-

history/king-david/

15 Fletcher, Elizabeth; Bible Archeology - David; Bible-Archeology.info: http://www.bible-archaeology.info/david

16 Bridges, Jerry – Trusting God – Evern when life hurts, Goodreads Quotes - https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/123695-trusting-god-even-when-life-hurts

17 Christian Answers WebBible Encyclopedia, David: http://christiananswers.net/dictionary/david.html

18 Marshall, Graemme: Used with permission, Lessons Learned from King David's Family, Feb 02, 2008, published by United Church of God, an International Association. © 2015 United Church of God. http://www.ucg.org/christian- living/lessons-learned-king-davids-family

19 Fletcher, Elizabeth; Bible Archeology - Jerusalem; Bible-Archeology.info: http://www.bible- archaeology.info/jerusalem

20 Edmondson, Ron; May 16, 2010, David Remained a Man After God's Own Heart (Except that time...), May 16, 2010, Blog Post; Ron Edmondson.com: http://www.ronedmondson.com/2010/05/david-remained-a-man-after-gods-own- heart-except-that-time.html

21 Grant, L. M. ,Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:1, L.M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible. 1897-1910 : http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/view.cgi?bk=9&ch=7

22 Ibid, Grant L.M. Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:1

23 Grant, L. M. Commentary on 1 Kings 2:1, L.M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible. 1897-1910, http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/view.cgi?bk=10&ch=2

24 Ibid, Grant L.M.

25 The Shepherd who Became King, Excerpted from The Complete Story of Shavuot, published and copyright by Kehot Publication society, Brooklyn NY, accessed via: www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2049/jewish/The-shepher- Who-Became-King.html

26 Marshall, Graemme; Lessons Learned From King David's Family, Feb 02, 2008, Copyright UCG.org, Beyond Today, : http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/lessons-learned-from-king-davids-family

27 Grant, L. M. Commentary on 1 Kings 2:1, L.M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible. 1897-1910, http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/view.cgi?bk=10&ch=2

28 Chana Weisberg, Nitzeve, Mother of David, Article used with permission from author & publisher, The Jewish

Woman, Chabad.org: http://www.chabad.org/thejewishwoman/article_cdo/aid/280331/

29 Bridges, Jerry – Trusting God – Even when Life Hurts , Goodreads Quotes https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/123695-trusting-god-even-when-life-hurts

30 Bridges, Jerry – Trusting God – Even when Life Hurts , Goodreads Quotes https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/123695-trusting-god-even-when-life-hurts

Bibliography & Research

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Butler, Trent C., editor, entry for Psalms, book of, Holmes Bible Dictionary; 1991: David M. Fleming: Study Light.org: http://studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/view.cgi?=5135

Chabad.org: The Shepherd who Became King, Excerpted from The Complete Story of Shavuot, published and copyright by Kehot Publication society, Brooklyn NY, accessed on 20 Apr 15 via: www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2049/jewish/The-shepher-Who-Became-King.html

Chicago Journals; The Jewish King, Source: The Old Testament Student, Vol. 3, No. 10 (Jun., 1884), pp. 396-398, Published by: The University of Chicago Press: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3156996 Accessed: 05-05-2015 08:52 UTC

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Edmondson, Ron; May 16, 2010, David Remained a Man After God's Own Heart (Except that time...), May 16, 2010, Blog Post; Ron Edmondson.com: http://www.ronedmondson.com/2010/05/david-remained-a-man-after-gods-own-heart-except-that- time.html

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Grant, L. M.: Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:1, L.M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible. These files are public domain. Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. 1897-1910 http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/view.cgi?bk=1sa&ch=10&vs=1

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About The Author

Pastor Paddick Van Zyl is co-founder and Senior Pastor together with his wife, Pastor Roelien of Laus Deo Ministries Int., a ministry that is dedicated to Biblical counseling and seeing marriages and families restored back to God's original plan and His Word. He holds a M.Th and B.Th from Team Impact Christian University USA and is an ordained minister of the gospel. His passion is to help see God's people healed and resorted emotionally and spiritually and to minister the precepts of God's Word so others may grow thereby.

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