Many are the godly men and women whose names are to be found in the Word of God, but few are so often referred to as David, the son of Jesse. The first mention of him is in the book of Ruth (4.17) and the last in the book of Revelation (22.16). He had seven brothers and two sisters.1 He was a shepherd, an accomplished musician (a harpist), the writer of psalms, of which seventy-five bear his name (others may have been written by him), a skilled fighter in the defence of his sheep, the conqueror of Goliath, a leader of men, a military commander of great ability, and the king of Israel. In addition to this he was a prophet (see Acts 2.29,30). As can be seen from the chart, he is described as "the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Sam 23.1). He was the man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13.14). It is written of him that God chose him "to feed Jacob, his (God’s) people, and Israel his inheritance" (Ps 78.71). He did so "according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands" (Ps 78.72)
Mount Zion became the "city of David" (2 Sam 5.7)2 and Bethlehem also bears this title in the New Testament (Lk 2.4,11). The throne of Israel is known as "the throne of David", even after others sat on it (see for example 1 Kings 2.12). The kindness, grace and goodness of God towards Israel is called "the sure mercies of David" (Is 55.3; Acts 13.34). One of the titles of the Lord Jesus is "the Son of David" (Mt 1.1; 9.27). In the letter to the church at Philadelphia, the Lord refers to "the key of David" (Rev 3.7), and one of the elders seen in heaven refers to the Lord as "the Root of David" (Rev 5.5). "The root and the offspring of David" is another title of the Lord (Rev 22.16).
It can be seen, therefore, that his name is written large over the Word of God, and little wonder that, when referring to the Lord, the hymn writer called Him "great David’s greater son".
His early years
As a youth his ambitions were correct. Psalm 132 reveals his early desire to find the Ark at a time when the King Saul had no interest in it. His attitude was also correct because, although obviously little regarded by his father who did not present him before Samuel when he came to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king (1 Sam 16.11), speaking of him merely as the keeper of the sheep, he did not show resentment. His actions revealed his faithfulness when he slew a lion and a bear which were endangering the flock, putting his own life at risk in doing so (1 Sam 17.34-37).
The climax of his youth was the victory over Goliath (1 Sam 17). He proved that he could accomplish what the armies of Israel failed to do because he came before the enemy "in the name of the Lord of hosts" (1 Sam 17.45).
These early years teach us the importance of those who are young showing an interest in spiritual things. Most, but not all, set their course in life at that time, and the exceptions to that do not justify any wasting of the young years when the mind is sharp and the body strong.
The unrecognised king
After David was anointed king by Samuel the prophet a number of years would elapse before he was recognised as the ruler, first of Judah and then seven years later, of all Israel. His victory over Goliath caused Saul to be envious of him, seeking to take his life. He understood that it was not given to him to be rid of Saul. That was in the hands of the Lord. He, as a result, learned that patience and endurance had to be taught him. These are necessary lessons for any who would be leaders amongst the saints today. The man who would have others submit to his rule, must know what it is to submit to the rule of others. Saul’s rule was not spiritual, but he was the anointed of the Lord and David would not put him to death, even although on two occasions he had opportunity to do so. The lesson we must take to heart is that we must wait God’s time and not run before Him or seek to force a faster pace when He is causing us to wait. Waiting periods are not merely delays. They are times of being taught in the school of God so that we will be fitted to serve acceptably.
The rule of the shepherd king
After the death of Saul, David was king over Judah (2 Sam 2.4) for a period of seven years. Ishbosheth, a son of Saul, was declared king over the other tribes and "there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David" (2 Sam 3.1). Abner, the commander of Ishbosheth’s forces went over to David, and, although Joab slew him, this led to the defeat of the house of Saul and the acknowledgement of David as king of Israel.
Times of triumph (2 Sam 1-10)
These were years of triumph for David. He saw his position consolidated and he achieved one of his great ambitions in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. A salutary lesson had to be learned at the time when Uzzah died because he touched the Ark in stabilising it when it was in danger in falling from the cart on which it was being carried. The Word of God must be obeyed, and holy things handled as He commands.
Victories are won over the Philistines, the Moabites, the king of Zobah, the Syrians, and garrisons are placed in Edom. Now at peace, with his enemies subdued, he brings Mephibosheth, Saul’s son, back to Jerusalem and restores to him his lands. Kindness is offered to Hanun, king of Ammon, but this is refused and David’s messengers humiliated (2 Sam 8-10). As a result of this Ammon is defeated. These years were the high point of David’s reign. Never again would his kingdom be as secure as it was at this time.
Times of tragedy (2 Sam 11-12)
The grievous matter of Bathsheba was to cast a shadow over the rest of his reign. He was guilty of adultery, lies, and murder by proxy. This was the evil day! Little did David realise as he walked on the roof of his palace (2 Sam 11.2) that this was the beginning of a tragedy that would affect him, his faithful servant Uriah, his family, and his kingdom. Let us beware, for the Devil can steal up on us so quickly that it is possible to be overwhelmed. Read these chapters thoughtfully and then look at what David has to say in Psalm 32 after he repents. In what follows, observe that what David sowed he reaped, and so do we. Read the account of the visit to David of Nathan the prophet and you will see that David’s repentance is real. Psalm 32 also declares how much he had suffered when he attempted to hide the sin.
Times of trouble (2 Sam 13-20)
David, who had destroyed the family of Uriah, now found that trouble and sin was to affect his family. This led to the revolt of Absalom, with all the sorrow and pain that came with that. The death of Absalom was a grievous blow to David, for which Joab was responsible.
Praise and problems (2 Sam 21-24)
The remainder of David life still saw the error of numbering the people which led to a great plague. But there was also his psalm of thanksgiving and his appreciation of his mighty men. It is good to see a man who had been through so much, but towards the end of his life could still sing in gratitude for God’s goodness and also show appreciation of those who have served him faithfully. The lesson to us is always to be thankful to the Lord for all His goodness and grace, but also to appreciate the work of God in others and to value their worth in the service of the Lord.
1 1 Sam 16.10 states that prior to David coming before Samuel seven other brothers had done so. In the genealogy of 1 Chronicles only seven brothers are stated to be in the family. It is probable that one brother died without having any posterity. His sister Zeruiah had three sons. Abishai, Joab and Asahel. His sister Abigail had one son, Amasa. Each of these nephews of David played a part in the drama of his life.
2 David took from the Jebusites the fortress of Mount Zion. He "dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David" (1 Chr 11.7). This was the name afterwards given to the castle and royal palace on Mount Zion, as distinguished from Jerusalem…opposite the temple mount, with which it was connected by a bridge over the Tyropoeon valley (Easton).
