King David (Part II)

After King Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was murdered by his own men, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and anointed him king over both Israel and Judah. David then went up and captured Jerusalem, a city located between Judah and Israel, named it the “City of David,” and established it as the capital of the kingdom. David reigned there for 33 years (2 Samuel 4-5).

David was gracious to the people of Jabesh-Gilead for burying Saul and remembered his friendship with Jonathan (Saul’s eldest son) by showing kindness to his son Mephibosheth, who ate at the king’s table regularly. Because of his obedience to God’s leading, David was victorious in his battles against foreign nations. As David dwelled in his palace of cedar, he was troubled that the Ark of God was housed in a tent. His reverence for God moved him to want to build a temple for the Lord, but God instructed him that this task would be completed by one of his descendants who would succeed him as king. In response, David worked diligently to prepare materials for the Temple and gathered the people to share his vision, encouraging them to give wholeheartedly and joyfully.

However, the security of his position led to sin. David slept with Bathsheba and arranged for her loyal husband, his general Uriah, to be murdered. This sin brought God’s discipline, which in turn revealed David’s genuine repentance (Psalm 51). David’s failure to discipline his sons led to a family feud, culminating in his third son, Absalom, rebelling and being killed. In the end, David exhorted Solomon to be strong and courageous, to build the Temple according to God’s will, and to keep His commandments. He also instructed Solomon to deal wisely with Joab and Shimei and to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai.

David was not perfect, but his life of sincere trust and repentance earned him the title of a “man after God’s own heart.”