Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Meekness of

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David, the second king of Israel, is renowned not only for his military prowess and leadership but also for his profound meekness, a quality that is intricately woven into the narrative of his life as depicted in the Scriptures. Meekness, often understood as strength under control, is a defining characteristic of David's relationship with God and his interactions with others.

One of the most striking examples of David's meekness is found in his dealings with King Saul. Despite being anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13), David consistently demonstrated restraint and humility in his interactions with Saul, who was intent on taking his life. In 1 Samuel 24, David spares Saul's life in the cave at En Gedi, cutting off a corner of Saul's robe instead of taking vengeance. David's words to Saul reflect his meekness: "May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand will never be against you" (1 Samuel 24:12).

David's meekness is further exemplified in his response to the rebellion of his son Absalom. When Shimei, a member of Saul's family, cursed David and threw stones at him, David's reaction was one of remarkable restraint. He instructed his men, "Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him so" (2 Samuel 16:11). David's acceptance of this humiliation, trusting in God's sovereignty, underscores his meekness.

Moreover, David's penitence and humility before God are evident in his response to personal sin. After his transgression with Bathsheba and the subsequent confrontation by the prophet Nathan, David's immediate repentance is recorded in Psalm 51, a poignant expression of his contrite heart: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). This psalm reveals David's meekness in acknowledging his sin and seeking God's mercy.

David's meekness is also apparent in his leadership style. He often sought God's guidance before making decisions, as seen in his inquiries of the LORD before battles (1 Samuel 23:2, 2 Samuel 5:19). His reliance on divine direction rather than his own strength or wisdom highlights his humble submission to God's will.

In summary, David's life is a testament to the virtue of meekness, characterized by his restraint in the face of provocation, his humility in acknowledging sin, and his reliance on God's guidance. His example serves as a model of meekness for believers, demonstrating that true strength lies in submission to God's will and the exercise of humility in relationships with others.

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1 Samuel 24:7
So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.
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1 Samuel 26:11
The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed: but, I pray you, take you now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
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2 Samuel 16:11
And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeks my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has bidden him.
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2 Samuel 19:22,23
And David said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be adversaries to me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?
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Library

Christian Meekness
... And Saul lift up his voice and wept, and he said to David, Thou art more righteous
than I, for thou hast rewarded me good ... When the king of Israel feasted the ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

The King in his Beauty
... Every Jewish king, by virtue of his descent and of his office, was a living prophecy
of the greatest of the sons of David, the future King of Israel. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the king in his beauty.htm

The Image of Self.
... This is David anointed King over all Israel. ... Let no man call me a good king, I gave
over the innocent ... you would see yourselves in the way in which David did. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lx the image of self.htm

The Dove of God
... begins dwells with emphasis on His royal descent from David. ... of terror which drapes
the old hope of Israel as it ... He believes that the King is coming, that His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dove of god.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... going to visit his uncle Jehoram, of Israel, he was ... her hands; but as the House of
David was never to ... were armed, and the people were shown their little king. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

Ephesians iv. 3-Jan
... his secrets, and not suffering the king of Israel to fall ... The king's soldiers arrived
at the spot, as intending to bind ... This is what the prophet David tells us ...
/.../homily ix ephesians iv 3-jan.htm

The God who Dwells with Men
... And it is very beautiful to see how David lays hold ... The devout hearts in Israel felt
that there was something more ... shall need to ask, 'Who is this King of Glory ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the god who dwells with.htm

Crumbs and the Bread
... She does not now invoke Him as the Son of David, nor tell her sorrow over again ... side,
teach the same truth, that the King of men is first the King of Israel. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/crumbs and the bread.htm

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
... find Its full realization in the person of one king. ... Instead of Judah, it mentions
Israel; and instead of ... from the temporary submission to David"but, from ...
/.../christology of the old testament/balaams prophecy numb xxiv 17-19.htm

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel
... burst of such praise flowed out from David's thankful heart ... Long before the shepherd
king, who had been taken from the sheepcotes to rule over Israel, sang his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the shepherd the stone of.htm