400 Important lesson from David King

Important lessons to learn from David king of all Israel.

Most of us remember King David as the shepherd boy who slew Goliath the Philistine giant and later became king over the united nation of Israel. But do we remember David ‘as a man after Elohim’s own heart’ who will once again rule over the restored kingdom of Judah and Israel during the world to come, as prophesied in Jeremiah 30: 4 – 9, in this way: ‘Now these are the words which YHVH spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah. (5) “For thus says YHVH, ‘I have heard a sound of terror, of dread, and there is no peace. (6) Ask now, and see, if a male can give birth. Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale? (7) Alas! For that day is great, there is none like it; and it is a time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved from it. (8) And it shall come about on that day,’ declares YHVH of hosts, ‘that I will break his yoke from off their neck, and will tear off their bonds; and strangers shall no longer make them their slaves. (9)But they shall serve YHVH their Elohim, and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.’” ’This is talking about the end-time great tribulation that Yahshua warned us about in Matthew 24 and Luke 21.

Israel’s first king was Saul, a man whom Elohim eventually rejected as king, because of his disobedience to specific instructions. At that point in time Elohim told Samuel to anoint David as the king over Israel. But David did not become the ruler of Israel immediately, as Elohim needed to test him to make sure that he will remain loyal and obedient during his reign over Elohim’s chosen people. Because David respected the office of the king and since he realized that Elohim is the one who removes disobedient rulers from office and gives such positions of authority to others, he did no try to remove King Saul himself. In fact David spared Saul’s life twice; the first time when Saul pursued David and his men, with 3,000 soldiers, as we read from 1 Samuel 24: 2 – 4, as follows: ‘Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. (3) And he came to the sheepfolds on the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the inner recesses of the cave. (4)And the men of David said to him, “Behold, this is the day of which YHVH said to you, ‘Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’” Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe secretly.’ Saul not aware of what happened went out of the cave and joined his soldiers to continue their search for David and his men.

Afterwards David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. We read accordinglyfrom verses 6 & 7 of 1 Samuel 24:‘So he said to his men, “Far be it from me because of YHVH that I should do this thing to my lord, (YHVH)’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is (YHVH)’s anointed.” (7) And David persuaded his men with these words and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul arose, left the cave, and went on his way.’ David went out of the cave and confronted King Saul telling him that he could take his life if he wanted to, but it was never his intention to harm the king in any way. We read David’s concluding statement and Saul’s response in verses 15 – 21 of 1 Samuel 24, in this way: ‘“YHVH therefore be judge and decide between you and me; and may He see and plead my cause, and deliver me from your hand.” (16) Now it came about when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” Then Saul lifted up his voice and wept. (17) And he said to David, ‘You are more righteous than I; for you have dealt well with me, while I have dealt wickedly with you. (18) And you have declared today that you have done good to me, that YHVH delivered me into your hand and yet you did not kill me. (19) For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safely? May YHVH therefore reward you with good in return for what you have done to me this day. (20) And now, behold I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. (21) So now swear to me by YHVH that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s household.”’ David swore to Saul and Saul went home.

Saul’s promise did not last very long and he pursued David again with three thousand men, as we read from 1 Samuel 26: 1 & 2, as follows: ‘Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?” (2) So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having with him three thousand chosen men of Israel to search for David in the wilderness of Ziph.’ To summarize the events that followed: While Saul camped in the hill of Hachilah with his 3,000 men, David and Abishai, Joab’s brother crept up to Saul’s camp by night. Saul was fast asleep in the center of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head. We pick up the account in verse 8 – 11 of 1 Samuel 26, in this way: ‘Then Abishai said to David, “Today Elohim has delivered your enemy into your hand; now therefore, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him a second time.” (9) But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against (YHVH)’s anointed and be without guilt?” (10) David also said, ‘As YHVH lives, surely YHVH will strike him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down into battle and perish. (11) YHVH forbid that I should stretch out my hand against (YHVH)’s anointed; but now please take the spear that is at his head and the jug of water, and let us go.”’David then went to the top of the mountain and called back to Saul, telling him how easily he could have killed him, if he so wished. A second time, Saul confessed to sinning against David and blessed him, as recorded in verses 21 and 25 of 1 Samuel 26: ‘Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will not harm you again because my life was precious in your sight this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have committed a serious error.” (25) Then Saul said to David, “Blessed are you, my son David; you will both accomplish much and surely will prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.’

Later Saul died with three of his sons in battle, as we read from 1 Samuel 31: 1 - 6, in this way: ‘Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. (2) And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua the sons of Saul. (3) And the battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers. (4) Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword and pierce me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and pierce me through and make sport of me.” But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it. (5) And when his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. (6) Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together.’

David did not rejoice over the downfall of Saul, instead we read in 2 Samuel 1: 11 & 12 that David was heartbroken when he heard the news about the death of Saul and his three sons, as follows: ‘Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so also did all the men who were with him. (12) And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of YHVH and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.’ In fact David composed a special psalm to show his respect for Saul and his love for his friend Jonathan in verse 17 – 27 of 2 Samuel 1. Afterwards David enquired of YHVH, if he should go back to the cities of Judah, and YHVH told him to go up to Hebron. David took his two wives and immediately left for Hebron, where he was anointed as king over the house of Judah. David ruled Judah for 7 and a half years, but the cities of the house of Israel did not accept him as king yet, because Abner, Saul’s commander appointed Ishbosheth another of Saul’s sons as king over the house of Israel.

Jealousy soon arose between the supporters of the two kings and Abner the son of Ner and Joab the son of Zeruiah, a servant of David went out and met by the pool of Gibeon. Abner and Joab decided to have a contest where 12 of Ishbosheth’s men came against twelve of David’s servants. We pick up the account in 2Samuel 2: 16 & 17, in this way: ‘And each one of them seized his opponent by the head, and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-Hazzurim (meaning, the field of sword-edges), which is at Gibeon.’ This resulted in a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David and in the ensuing battle Abner killed Asahel, Joab’s brother.

Eventually Joab and Abishai his other brother, caught up with Abner and killed him, as we read from verses 30 - 32 of 2 Samuel 3, ‘So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle of Gibeon. (31) Then David said to Joab and the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and gird on sackcloth and lament before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier. (32) Thus they buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.’ A short while after this two of Ishbosheth’s commanders killed Ishbosheth whilst he was lying on his bed. They beheaded him and took his head to King David at Hebron. This angered David and he commanded that his servants kill them, cut off their hands and feet, and hang them beside the pool in Hebron. They also took Ishbosheth’s head and buried it in Abner’s grave. Having thoroughly tested David’s attitude and ability to rule His people, YHVH allowed all the tribes of Israel to accept David as their king and he reigned a further thirty three years over Judah.

King David’s first undertaking after he became king over all Israel, was to capture the Jebusite city of Jerusalem, and because Jerusalem was located in the central part of Israel, it became the nation’s capital. King David’s kingdom thrived and David succeeded militarily, administratively, as well as spiritually. The Philistines heard about King David’s fame and prepared to fight against his army in the valley of Rephaim near Jerusalem. We read David’s response to this in 2 Samuel 5: 19, as follows:‘ Then David inquired of YHVH, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Wilt Thou give them into my hand?” And YHVH said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.”’ David did as YHVH told him and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer. After defeating the Philistines, David thought it an ideal time to bring the ark of Elohim to Jerusalem. He assembled 30,000 chosen men from Israel, including soldiers, priests and musicians and went to Abinadab’s house, where they put the ark on a cart to bring it to Jerusalem.

Uzzah and Ahio the sons of Abinadab were leading the cart and on the way to Jerusalem, the procession went singing and dancing before the ark. Then suddenly the oxen stumbled and the cart tilted to the one side and Uzzah reached out towards the ark of Elohim and took hold of it, and the anger of YHVH burned against Uzzah and He struck him down; and he died by the ark of Elohim. Now this must be shocking to most of us – here Uzzah was trying to prevent the ark from possibly falling and is killed for his action. But, no matter how innocently his actions appear, we know that touching the ark of Elohim was a direct violation of a Torah command, which will result in death, as may be read in the first part of Numbers 4: 15, as follows: ‘And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the set-apart objects and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is to set out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them, so that they may not touch the set-apart objects and die.’

We read further from 2 Samuel 6: 8, ‘And David became angry because of (YHVH)’s outburst against Uzzah, and that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day.’ It is important to understand that David’s anger was directed at himself, in the knowledge that this calamity was as a result of his carelessness. We see from verse 9 that David became afraid of YHVH that day, and decided not to continue with the transportation of the ark to Jerusalem. In verse 10, we see that David takes the ark to the house of Obed-edom the Gettite: The reason for so doing was that Obed-edom was a Levite as may be read from 1 Chronicles 15: 17 & 18. The ark of Elohim remained in Obed-edom’s house for three months, during which time Elohim blessed Obed-edom and his household. When David noticed how Elohim blessed them, he decided to bring the ark into Jerusalem with gladness. David’s second attempt to transport the ark to Jerusalem was more successful, because he ensured that it was transported in the way prescribed in the Torah. David was wearing a linen ephod (a sleeveless outer garment in the shape of a long vest, usually worm by priests for service in the temple) and was dancing before YHVH with all his might. This was a physical expression of religious joy praising YHVH. One lesson we can learn from this incident is that YHVH expects those whom he has called to know and obey His commandments – if we break them, we will suffer a penalty for doing so. In addition, we need to know that Elohim loves us, and will forgive us if we repent before Him.

However, from the next few verses we see that David’s wife Michal the daughter of Saul despised him, as may be seen from her remark in verse 20 of 2 Samuel 6, as follows: ‘But when David returned to bless his household, Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncovered Himself today in the eyes of his servant’s maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!”’ David explained that his actions were for the delight of YHVH and not for the ladies. We read in verse 23 that Michal had no children to the day of her death. We are not told if this was because David ceased to have marital relations with her, or if YHVH withdrew His blessing from her because of her disrespect for David the king of Israel.

We read about the covenant promise that YHVH made with David in 2 Samuel 7: 1 - 17,telling David that He will raise-up a descendant after him and will establish his throne forever. We know that this will ultimately happen when Yahshua returns to rule the world from Jerusalem for a thousand years and onto eternity. The covenant that YHVH made with David is the fourth of 5 irrevocable covenants that YHVH made with mankind. The first being the Noahic Covenant in Genesis 9: 8 – 17; the second the Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 15: 18 – 21; the third the Levitical Covenant in Numbers 3: 1 -18; the fifth or New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 31: 31 was accomplished through Messiah, and even though it was accomplished by His death and resurrection, it will only be fully realized in the kingdom of Elohim. At this time YHVH also tells David that he will not build a house for Himduring his lifetime, but that his son Solomon will, as we read from verses 12 to 16 of 2 Samuel 7, as follows: “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers (note: this does not say that David was going to heaven, after his death), I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. (13) He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. (This is not saying that King Solomon will live eternally, but that his throne will be established forever – this is the very same throne which Yahshua will occupy at His return one day) (14) I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, (15) but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. (16) And your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever. ”We read in Luke 1: 32 and 33 where Elohim spoke to Miriam about Yahshua using virtually the same words that He spoke to David through Nathan, saying: “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and YHVH Elohim will give Him the throne of His father David; (33) and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end.”

The reason that YHVH did not allow David to build the temple was that David was a man of war as witnessed in 1 Chronicles 28: 3, in this way: “But Elohim said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.’”. But it was as a result of David’s attitude of humility and meekness that YHVH called him a man after his own heart, as we read from Acts 13: 21&22, in this way: “And then they (Israel)asked for a king, and Elohim gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. (22) And after He removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.’” The victories that Elohim continued to give Israel caused David to be feared and respected by his enemies. David collected a considerable amount of gold, silver and other valuable items to be added to the treasury for later use by Solomon, in the building of the Temple.

Even so, David was only human and was prone to stumble. Early one evening David walked on the roof of the palace when he saw a woman in a distance taking a bath. Instead of forgetting about her, he started thinking about her more and more and eventually his thoughts turned to lust. David found out that she was Bathsheba the daughter of Elam, the wife of Uriah. David immediately sent for her and when she arrived he lay with her, and after purifying herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. A few months later she informed David that she was pregnant. David was shocked when she told him and instead of repenting, he tried to cover up his sin. He immediately sent for Bathsheba’s husband Uriah, who was a brave soldier fighting in Israel’s army. David thought if only he could get Uriah to stay with his wife for a few days, Uriah will think the baby is his. However, David’s plan failed, as Uriah refused to sleep with his wife, whilst his fellow soldiers were out in the field fighting. David feeling trapped, plotted to cover up his adultery. He sent Uriah back to battle informing Joab, as we read from 2 Samuel 11: 15, ‘And he had written in the letter, saying, “Place Uriah in the front line of the fiercest battle and withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and die.”’As a result Uriah was killed by the enemy.

We read from 2 Samuel 11: 27, that Elohim was not pleased with what happened, in this way: ‘When the time of mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house and she became his wife; then she bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of YHVH.’ Then YHVH sent Nathan to David and when he came to David he said (as is recorded in verses 1 – 4 of 2 Samuel 12): “There were two men in one city, the one rich and the other poor. (2) The rich man had a great many flocks and herds. (3) But the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb which he bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and his children. It would eat of his bread and drink of his cup and lie in his bosom, and was like a daughter to him. (4) Now a traveler came to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take from his own flock or his herd, to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him; rather he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” This story angered David and he demanded to know who the wicked man was; since he was of the opinion that such a man should be put to death. Nathan’s answer stunned David, when he told him that he (David) is the man. YHVH punished David in different ways; the first was to cause the child born to Bathsheba to die. David was grief-stricken when the prophet Nathan informed him that Elohim was going to take the life of his child. He prayed and fasted for seven days, hoping that YHVH would change His mind and let the child live, but the child died.

Nathan also told David that YHVH will punish him in other ways as well, as we read from 2 Samuel 12: 10 – 12, as follows: “Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. (11) Thus says YHVH, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household: I will even take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your companion, and he shall lie with your wives in broad daylight. (12) Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’”This was the turning point in David’s life. Elohim’s punishment of David for his adultery and murder was the start of David’s problems. David immediately repented, taking the full blame for what he had done. His repentance as recorded in Psalm 51 is an inspiring example of not blaming others for his personal sins.

Another major event in David’s life involved two of his sons, Ammon and Absalom. Ammon dishonored his sister by raping her and in retribution Absalom killed Ammon and fled. After Absalom was brought back to his father they were not reconciled. Absalom then started a campaign, rebelling against David his father. As the years went by the nation began to admire Absalom, since he was a very handsome man. He eventually won the hearts of the people to his side and once his conspiracy gained momentum, he gathered his followers and planned to attack Jerusalem. David and his household had to flee Jerusalem and seek refuge somewhere else. Absalom planned to increase the size of his army, and he confided in Hushai, a trusted counselor, sent by David to infiltrate Absalom’s ranks. This provided David additional time to gain support to defend himself. Elohim was on David’s side since Absalom was dishonoring his father in his rebellion. Absalom’s army was soon defeated and he fled before David’s army, but David instructed his men not to harm Absalom. Absalom had beautiful long hair and whilst fleeing from David’s men his hair got caught in the branches of an Oak tree. Joab, who heard that Absalom was hanging from the tree, disregarded David’s request not to harm Absalom and killed him. David was grieved at the death of his son. After Absalom’s death, it took a while for David to be accepted by the nation again. It was only after Amasa was killed by Joab that Judah and Israel were united under King David once more.

If we consider all the problems that David experienced, some might be surprised that YHVH thought so highly of him. The reason for this being that David always sought to do Elohim’s will, and that he never blamed others for his mistakes. David remained faithful to Elohim all his life and his devotion to YHVH could never be questioned, as may be read throughout the many psalms that he wrote. David composed numerous psalms attesting to his faith in YHVH and ascribing greatness to Elohim, one of which is recorded in 2 Samuel 22: 2 – 23: 7. This psalm depicts David’s attitude throughout his life. However, during the next period of relative peace David began to feel powerful and secure. We read from 1 Chronicles 21: 1, ‘Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.’ David called upon Joab and instructed him to count the men fit for military service. Initially Joab and the other captains did not want to number the people, but David compelled them to do it anyway. After the census was taken, Joab informed David that there were 1, 570,000men who drew the sword in both Israel and Judah, We see from verse 7 of 1 Chronicles 21, ‘And Elohim was displeased with this thing, so He struck Israel.” When it came to David that he had done wrong, he realized that in counting his people he was depending on his own arm for the defense of Israel, instead of trusting in YHVH for protection. YHVH was not pleased with him, because he had forgotten that it was YHVH who defeated Israel’s enemies and not the strength of his army. YHVH had to punish King David again, but allowed him to choose between one of three punishments. We read about the three choices that David was given in 2 Samuel 24, namely:

7 years of famine;
Flee from his foes for three months; and
3 days pestilence in the land of Israel.

David chose the 3 days pestilence, as he did not want to fall into the hands of another man, but would rather be punished by YHVH. King David, but also the nation had to learn to put their trust in YHVH, so his choice was most appropriate in this case. When he saw the effect of his choice, he responded as we read from 2 Samuel 24: 17, as follows: ‘Then David spoke to YHVH when he saw the angel who was striking down the people, and said, “Behold, it is I who have sinned, and it is I who have done wrong; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let Thy hand be against me and against my father’s house.”’ David was willing to pay for his own sin and was also prepared to give his life so that others need not die. YHVH heard David’s prayer to Him and stopped killing the people under David’s rule. King David saw the angel over the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, where grain was sorted out. The angel of YHVH said to Gad, King David’s seer that he should buy the threshing floor from the owner and build an altar to YHVH on it. So David bought the threshing floor from Ornan for 600 shekels of gold and sacrificed burnt and peace offerings to YHVH. This is the same location on which the Temple of Elohim was later built.

We conclude with David’s advice to his son Solomon before his death, in 1 Kings 2: 2 – 3, saying: ‘I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man. (3) And keep the charge of YHVH your Elohim, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, his ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn.’