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King David, in my opinion, is the most significant figure in Biblical history. The Old Testament stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and the Patriarchs all coalesce upon King David.
As Acts 13:22 (ESV) describes. . .
He [God] raised up David to be their king, of whom he [God] testified and said, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”
And a man after God’s heart was needed to fulfill God’s will for human history, as we read in Acts 13:23. . .
Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.
My wife and I have been watching Prime Video’s House of David, and these words (white on black) begin each episode. . .
Some of the events depicted in this series may not accurately represent all historical and biblical facts or figures.
What accurate information do we know about David in the Bible?
From reading 1 & 2 Samuel we find (again, my opinion) three major periods of time in David’s life. First: events caused by the sin of another; second: events caused by David’s faithfulness; and third, events caused by David’s sin.
First: Sins of others
David’s early life focused on shepherding his father’s sheep, until Samuel the prophet appeared one day and anointed him King of Israel. We then find David playing music for an emotionally disturbed King Saul, killing Goliath, leading military victories with the ensuing jealousy of Saul, David running for his life, and even seeking refuge from Saul in the territory of the Philistines.
Psalm 13:1-2 reflects David’s darkest moments during this time. . .
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
Second: David’s faithfulness
With Saul and his son killed in a battle with Philistines, David, at age 30, became King of Judah, and seven years later became King of all Israel. He then reigned for another 33 years over the twelve tribes. He conquered Jerusalem calling it the City of David and for many of these 33 years led Israel in prosperity.
My favorite episode during the period of David’s faithfulness shows David dancing (almost naked) when the Ark of the Covenant arrives in Jerusalem. . .
As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:16).
Third: David’s sins
About year 19 of David’s reign, David stayed home from war, saw Bathsheba bathing on a roof next to his palace, committed adultery, and had her husband killed in a cover-up.
Though David repented, the peace of his reign ended — his son Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar, with Tamar’s brother Absalom murdering Amon, then Absalom rebelled against King David forcing David to flee Jerusalem.Then add famine, other conspiracies, and family intrigue over who would succeed him as king.
Yet David repented and took responsibility for his sins.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! (Psalm 51:1-2)
David’s life — framed early by the sin of another and later by his own sin, gives us comfort today. God forgave King David, continuing through David, His messianic purposes.
Jesus was called the Son of David! (Matthew 9:27)
Amen! By God’s grace we live and serve.