Story of King David Article

 

DAVID and GOLIATH

STORY OF KING DAVID

Introduction

King David's story in the Bible is one of triumphs, failures, and deep faith. He was the youngest son of Jesse from Bethlehem and became a shepherd. Anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel, David gained fame by defeating the giant Goliath with a slingshot and a stone, showcasing his bravery and reliance on God's strength (1 Samuel 17).

Context: The Philistine legions had assembled, their formidable champion, Goliath of Gath, towering at an astonishing height of over nine feet. With a thunderous challenge echoing across the battlefield, Goliath demanded a solitary warrior from the Israelites to step forward and engage him in a duel. This daunting challenge struck fear into the heart of King Saul and cast a shadow of dread over the entire Israelite army.

David's Arrival: David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons and a humble shepherd, was tasked with delivering provisions to his elder brothers stationed in King Saul’s army. Upon arriving at the battlefield, he was struck by the audacity of Goliath’s challenge. Witnessing the giant’s defiant boasts and the fearful silence of his fellow Israelites, David's righteous anger flared. He could not fathom why no one was stepping up to confront the formidable Philistine champion.

David's Confidence in God: David expressed his willingness to fight Goliath to King Saul, who initially doubted David's ability due to his youth and lack of experience in combat. However, David recounted his experiences protecting his father's sheep from lions and bears, trusting in God's deliverance. Impressed by David's unwavering faith and resolve, Saul hesitantly consented to allow him to face Goliath.

The Battle: David, refusing Saul's armor, approached Goliath with only his staff, a sling, and five smooth stones from the brook. Goliath mocked David, but David declared that he came in the name of the Lord Almighty. With a single stone hurled from his sling, David struck Goliath in the forehead, causing him to fall face down. David then took Goliath's own sword and killed him, showing that God's power was with him.

Victory and Aftermath: The Philistines, seeing their champion defeated, fled in fear, and the Israelites pursued them, achieving a great victory. David's courage and faith in God made him a hero in Israel, and he eventually became a prominent figure in Saul's court and in Israelite history.

This story vividly demonstrates how divine empowerment transcends personal stature or experience, showing that anyone can achieve remarkable feats when they place their complete trust in God. It also showcases David’s rapid ascent as a formidable leader and warrior in Israel, illustrating how faith can propel individuals to extraordinary heights.

David’s ascent to power was a testament to his unwavering loyalty to King Saul and his exceptional military skill, traits that, paradoxically, fueled Saul’s envy and drove him to seek David’s life. Throughout this perilous pursuit, David’s steadfast faith in God never wavered. He steadfastly refused to harm Saul, upholding his reverence for the king as the Lord’s chosen. (1 Samuel 24).

After Saul's death, David became king over Judah, and later over all Israel. He united the tribes, established Jerusalem as his capital, and brought the Ark of the Covenant there, making Jerusalem the religious center of Israel (2 Samuel 5).

David's journey took a dark turn when he succumbed to moral failures, notably through his affair with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, and his orchestration of Uriah's death on the battlefield. The prophet Nathan did not shy away from confronting David, leading the king to a profound moment of self-reflection. Overcome with remorse, David openly admitted his transgressions and earnestly sought God's forgiveness. (2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51).

Adultery with Bathsheba: At a period when monarchs were typically off to battle, King David chose to stay behind in Jerusalem. One tranquil evening, while lounging on his palace rooftop, he glimpsed Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, indulging in a bath. Captivated by her beauty, David dispatched messengers to summon her to his presence. They slept together, and Bathsheba became pregnant.

Attempts to Cover Up: Upon learning of Bathsheba's pregnancy, David attempted to cover up his sin. He called Uriah back from the front lines, hoping to engineer a scenario where he would spend the night with his wife and think the child was his own. However, Uriah, out of loyalty to his fellow soldiers still in battle, refused to go to his wife's bed.

Murder of Uriah: Fearing exposure, David instructed his general, Joab, to place Uriah in the forefront of the battle where fighting was fiercest, ensuring his death. Joab followed David's orders, and Uriah was killed in battle.

Nathan's Confrontation: When God grew dismayed by David's actions, He dispatched the prophet Nathan to deliver a crucial message. Nathan spun a compelling tale of a wealthy man who seized a poor man's cherished lone lamb, evoking a storm of fury from David. The story, however, concealed a deeper truth: Nathan exposed David as the transgressor, condemning his deeds and foretelling dire repercussions for his lineage.

David's Repentance: David immediately confessed his sin to God, pleading for forgiveness and acknowledging his wrongdoing. He crafted Psalm 51, a poignant and soulful plea for forgiveness and divine compassion.

Consequences: Even though David received divine forgiveness for his transgression, the repercussions were severe: the infant born to Bathsheba fell gravely ill and passed away soon after entering the world. David's family experienced turmoil and strife, including betrayal and violence among his children.

This episode in David's life serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin, even for a man described as "a man after God's own heart." It underscores the importance of repentance, God's mercy, and the need for genuine humility and obedience before Him.

During his rule, David distinguished himself not only with his divine musical gifts as a psalmist but also with his profound wisdom in leadership and unwavering devotion to God. God promised that David's dynasty would endure forever, culminating in the Messiah, Jesus Christ (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

David as a Skilled Musician: Renowned for his extraordinary musical prowess, David dazzled audiences with his harp performances. His delicate, harmonious melodies were not just a testament to his skill but also a source of deep solace. When King Saul of Israel was besieged by a malevolent spirit, David’s enchanting harp playing was summoned to soothe the troubled monarch. The gentle strains of David’s music had a transformative effect, calming Saul’s tormented mind and offering him much-needed respite. (1 Samuel 16:14-23).

Composer of Psalms: David is often hailed as the author behind a significant portion of the Psalms in the Bible, a collection rich in diverse themes and emotional depth. His poetic contributions span a broad spectrum—from jubilant praise and heartfelt lament to profound thanksgiving and sincere confession. Among his notable works are Psalm 23, famously beginning with "The Lord is my shepherd," Psalm 51, a poignant plea for forgiveness, and Psalm 139, a meditation on the boundless knowledge and presence of God.

Music in Worship: David was instrumental in embedding music as a cornerstone of worship in Israel's religious traditions. He appointed Levites to lead music and worship before the ark of the covenant (1 Chronicles 16:4-7). He also organized musicians and singers to minister in the tent where the ark was housed (1 Chronicles 16:37-43).

Instrumentation: In addition to the harp (or lyre), David and the Levites used a variety of musical instruments in their worship, including tambourines, cymbals, trumpets, and stringed instruments (1 Chronicles 15:16-24; 2 Samuel 6:5).

Legacy: David's contributions to music and worship had a lasting impact on Israel's spiritual life. The Psalms continue to be sung and recited in worship around the world, providing a rich source of spiritual expression and connection with God.

In summary, David's musical abilities, his composition of Psalms, and his establishment of musical worship were integral to his role as a leader and worshiper in Israel. His music not only soothed troubled souls but also played a pivotal role in the nation's worship of God.

David's life demonstrates the complexities of faith, human weakness, and God's enduring mercy and grace. His enduring legacy as a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14) still ignites inspiration in the hearts of believers today.

The reason God denied King David the honor of building the temple is detailed in 1 Chronicles 22:7-10. Here’s a summary of the essential points:

David's Desire to Build the Temple: David felt a profound calling to construct an eternal sanctuary for God, deeply troubled by the contrast between his opulent cedar palace and the ark of God's humble tent dwelling.

God's Response to David through Nathan the Prophet: "God revealed to the prophet Nathan, guiding him to convey to King David that He cherished David’s heartfelt ambition and dedication to erect a temple in His honor." However, God revealed that David would not be the one to build it.

Reasons Given by God:

David's Role as a Warrior: God pointed out that David had been a man of war and had shed much blood. Constructing the temple demanded a soul of tranquility.

Solomon's Role: God had chosen Solomon, David's son, to be king after him and to build the temple. Solomon's name, meaning "peaceful," was a prophetic reflection of his destiny as the overseer of the divine temple's creation.

God's Promise to David: Despite not allowing David to build the temple himself, God promised to establish a dynasty after him and ensure that his son Solomon would build the temple. God also promised to establish Solomon's throne forever if he remained faithful and obedient.

Fundamentally, God’s choice hinged on David’s role as a warrior and the necessity of an era of tranquility before the construction of the temple could commence. It also aligned with God's specific plan for Solomon to carry out this monumental task, thereby fulfilling the divine purpose in His own time and through His chosen vessel.