Because of Saul’s disobedience, God guided the Prophet Samuel to choose another king over Israel. After the Canaanites killed Saul, David became the king of Israel. He was a young man of faith, musical skill, strength, wisdom, and bravery. Most of all, he was a man with a heart like God’s heart. It was this prophet-king David who wrote the Psalms (Zabur). Through many adventures and victories, David was faithful to God and became a good leader for the nation of Israel. He guided God’s people for 40 years as king and prophet. He wrote of God’s faithfulness and of the glory of God’s love. Here are some of Prophet David’s writings:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake… Psalm 23.1-3
God cared for David like David cared for his own sheep
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18.1-3
David was saved by Almighty God many times, and he was truly thankful.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.… You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51.1-2, 16-17
David knew both his own sin and the forgiveness of God.
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100.1-5
David praised God with all his heart, because he knew what God is like!
David had deep faith in God and a strong desire to please God. Therefore, David was able to defeat all of his enemies and rule in peace for many years. David was a great man, but the Bible does not hide the fact that David sinned. At one time, he even took the wife of another man. David wanted the wife of that man, so he gave orders to the army that would get her husband killed in battle. David then took the woman as his wife. The Lord was not happy with David’s actions and told him this him through the prophet Nathan. David was forgiven by the Lord, but there were terrible results of this sin. It caused jealousy, revenge and conflict in the house of David for many years. We can learn much by David’s repentance and God’s mercy and judgment.