Lets talk about David...

[Carl Emerson]

To grasp the sense of much of the OT requires a full knowledge of scripture and the themes that emerge. This can take years of devotionally reading Scripture and nothing else.

It seems that while David is a favourite role model taught to believers at a young age for killing Goliath, his performance as King was rather wanting. Yet Jesus will take His place on the Throne of David like no earthly King could including David himself.

This indicates that Kingship was meant to be a spiritual role and leadership is meant to be a service rather than to be served.

Saul was the peoples King and human kingship was never the Father's plan A.

Those who read 2 Samuel are unlikely to read it to their children, what ensued under David reign was utter debauchery and grieved God deeply.

David was unable to take the responsibility of building the temple because of the blood on his hands.

Yet in all this David had a genuinely sensitive relationship with God - reflected in the Psalms and is one of God's favourites.

This causes us to think again about how we judge people.

Your pondering on this matter and sharing thoughts greatly appreciated.

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

Under Israel the roles for King, Priests and Prophets were strictly separate .. only Yeshua Himself combined those roles being Israel's King, a Prophet and even High Priest (see Hebrews) all in one human being combined.

Earthly Kings have to deal with all kind of practical matters: defence (warfare against enemies), justice (e.g. Solomon with the two prostitutes), infrastructure (e.g. the Siloam water tunnel of Hezekiah), enforcement of Torah/abolition of idolatry, etc. So human kingship IMHO was a reasonable thing to do - God didn't judge that AFAIK.

David's failures were shocking and deeply tragic, yet also provide consolation to all those who have struggled likewise. Although God's treatment of David is primarily descriptive and not necessarily a principle/rule for all (the text doesn't say so), it does show God in certain situations and with certain people, is able and willing to forgive and allow someone to move on even after a serious mess-up. Personally I think God's dealing with David in this matter is dependent on the very unique history and position of David with God. There's no guarantee He deals similarly with everyone.

 

[tturt]

Samuel is speaking and the king is Saul. "Now see the king whom you have chosen and for whom you have asked; behold, the Lord has set a king over you. If you will revere and fear the Lord and serve Him and hearken to His voice and not rebel against His commandment, and if both you and your king will follow the Lord your God, it will be good!" I Sam 12:13-14

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (Psa 111:10, 34:7; Job 28:28, Pro 1:7, 9:10, 15:33, Isa 33:6). This fear of the Lord is not being terrified but it is reverence, awe, and respect for The Lord - godly fear Psa 34:9).

Instead of having the fear of the Lord, King Saul developed the fear of man. It's shown in Scripture "...And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, ..." and "...I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice." I Sam 13 and 15. Even when Samuel plainly explained why God was rejecting him, "Saul said, I have sinned; yet honor me now, I pray you, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the Lord your God."

This contrasted with David who was a man after God's own heart and who had the fear of The Lord (I Sam 13:14; Acrs 13:22). It guided him in most of his decisions Here's a few examples. As an adolescent, he said of Goliath "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God? (I Sam 17:26). There was conflict between Saul and David for 10 or more years sparked by women saying "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." (I Sam 18:7). But David wouldnt harm him because Saul was God's anonted (I Sam 26:9). When King Saul's sins were pointed out, he made excuses. When King David's sins were brought up, he repented (II Sam 12:13). Also, his fear of The Lord was shown in how he handled the Ark of the Covenant (II Sam 6).