What qualities made David "a man after My own heart"? The Scriptural Statement “But now your kingdom shall not endure; the LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” “…He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after My own heart; he will carry out My every will.’” Qualities Evident in David’s Life • Steadfast Faith – 1 Samuel 17:37, 45-47: David faced Goliath convinced “the battle belongs to the LORD.” – Psalm 23:4: Confidence in God’s presence “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” • Wholehearted Obedience – 2 Samuel 5:19: He “inquired of the LORD” before acting. – Psalm 40:8: “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” • Quick, Humble Repentance – 2 Samuel 12:13: “I have sinned against the LORD.” – Psalm 51:10, 17: Plea for a clean heart and the broken spirit God will not despise. • Passionate Worship – 2 Samuel 6:14-15: Dancing “with all his strength before the LORD.” – Psalm 63:1-4; 27:4: Thirsting for God’s presence and beauty. • Reverence for God’s Name and Word – 1 Samuel 24:6: Refused to harm Saul, “the LORD’s anointed.” – Psalm 19:7-11; 119:47-48: Treasured and delighted in God’s statutes. • Courage Rooted in God’s Faithfulness – Psalm 18:29-34: “With my God I can leap over a wall.” • Loyalty and Respect for Authority – 1 Samuel 26:9-11: Spared Saul’s life again, trusting God’s timing. • Compassionate Justice – 2 Samuel 9:1-3: Kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake. – Psalm 72:4, 12-13: Commitment to defend the poor and needy. • Integrity in Leadership – Psalm 78:70-72: Shepherded Israel “with integrity of heart” and “skillful hands.” Key Themes Summarized – A tender conscience that responds instantly to God’s correction – A will bent toward carrying out every command God reveals – A life saturated with worship, prayer, and dependence on the Word – Courage and compassion expressed through servant-leadership These qualities, consistently demonstrated, explain why God could say of David, “a man after My own heart.” |
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