What can we learn about humility from David's response in 2 Samuel 15:26?

◄ Lessons on humility from David's response? ►

Setting the Scene

• Absalom’s rebellion forces David to leave Jerusalem.

• Zadok and the Levites want to carry the ark with David for safety.

• David insists the ark return to its rightful place and utters the words of 2 Samuel 15:26.

David’s Words of Humility

“ ‘But if He should say, “I am not pleased with you,” then I am ready; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.’ ” (2 Samuel 15:26)

Key Elements of David’s Humility

• Recognition of God’s absolute sovereignty—David surrenders outcomes to the Lord.

• Willingness to accept discipline—he does not argue, excuse, or defend himself.

• Readiness to suffer loss—kingdom, throne, even life are secondary to God’s will.

• Trust in God’s goodness—“whatever seems good to Him” assumes God’s ways are best.

Lessons for Us

1. Submit rather than strive

– Humility bows to God’s decisions even when they overturn our plans (James 4:13-15).

2. Welcome correction

– “Do not despise the LORD’s discipline” (Proverbs 3:11-12).

3. Hold blessings loosely

– Titles, possessions, and reputations are gifts, not rights (Job 1:21).

4. Trust God’s character

– “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

5. Keep obedience central

– David sends the ark back; worship must remain where God wants it, not where it flatters us (John 4:23-24).

Practical Steps

• Start each day declaring God’s right to redirect your agenda.

• When criticized, ask, “Is God showing me something to change?”

• Regularly inventory blessings and thank God, reminding your heart they are His.

• In trials, repeat David’s conclusion: “Let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.”

Supporting Passages

• 1 Peter 5:6 — “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.”

• Psalm 131:1 — “My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty…”

• Micah 6:8 — “Walk humbly with your God.”