What does "You have regarded me" teach about God's view of David? Setting the Scene • After hearing God’s covenant promises through Nathan, “King David went in, sat before the LORD” (1 Chronicles 17:16). • Overwhelmed, he marvels at God’s grace: “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? … You have regarded me as a man of great stature, O LORD God.” (1 Chronicles 17:16-17) Zeroing In on the Phrase “You have regarded me” • “Regarded” carries the idea of fixed attention, deliberate esteem, intentional consideration—far more than a passing glance. • God doesn’t merely notice David; He assigns him “great stature.” The Hebrew points to elevation, rank, honor. What God’s Regard Reveals 1. Personal Recognition – 1 Samuel 16:7: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” – God’s view of David is rooted in intimate knowledge of his heart and faith. 2. Gracious Elevation – David was the youngest shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:11-13), yet God lifts him “from following the ewes” to shepherd Israel (Psalm 78:70-71). – This fulfils Psalm 113:7-8: “He raises the poor from the dust … to seat them with princes.” 3. Covenant Commitment – The regard includes promises for David’s lineage (2 Samuel 7:11-16). God’s esteem translates into lasting, concrete blessing. 4. Delight in Relationship – Psalm 18:19: “He rescued me because He delighted in me.” God’s regard is affectionate, not transactional. 5. Assurance of Worth – David’s question, “Who am I?” meets God’s answer of worth bestowed. Psalm 139:17 echoes this: “How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God!” God’s View Summarized • Sees David personally. • Values David highly. • Elevates David publicly. • Commits to David eternally. • Delights in David relationally. Living It Out Today • The same God still “regards” His people (Psalm 34:15; Luke 12:7). • Our identity rests in His deliberate esteem, not in status or achievements. • Humble gratitude, like David’s, is the fitting response to such gracious regard. |
    |