Topical Encyclopedia David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible whose life is marked by a series of significant decisions that reflect his complex character and deep relationship with God. His decisions, both commendable and flawed, offer profound insights into leadership, faith, and repentance.Anointing and Early Decisions David's journey begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:12-13: "So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, 'Arise, anoint him, for this is he.' Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." This divine selection set the stage for David's future decisions as a leader chosen by God. Decision to Face Goliath One of David's most famous decisions was his choice to confront Goliath, the Philistine giant, when no other Israelite dared to do so. In 1 Samuel 17:45-47, David declares his faith-driven decision: "But David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head.'" David's decision to rely on God's strength rather than conventional weaponry exemplifies his deep trust in the Lord. Decisions as King As king, David made numerous decisions that shaped the nation of Israel. His decision to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6) was a pivotal moment in uniting the religious and political life of Israel. David's desire to build a temple for the Lord, though ultimately fulfilled by his son Solomon, demonstrated his commitment to honoring God (2 Samuel 7:1-2). Moral Failures and Repentance David's life was also marked by moral failures, most notably his decision to commit adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrate the death of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11). This decision led to severe consequences for David and his family. However, David's response to the prophet Nathan's confrontation in 2 Samuel 12:13 reveals his heart for repentance: "Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.' And Nathan replied, 'The LORD has taken away your sin; you will not die.'" David's decision to repent and seek God's forgiveness is captured in Psalm 51, a poignant expression of contrition and desire for restoration. Legacy of Decisions David's decisions, both righteous and sinful, left a lasting legacy. His decision to establish Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel laid the foundation for future generations. Moreover, his lineage was chosen by God to bring forth the Messiah, as promised in 2 Samuel 7:16: "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever." David's life, as chronicled in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, provides a rich tapestry of decisions that reflect the complexities of human nature and the profound impact of faith and repentance in the life of a believer. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 17:20-54And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 22:22-24 Psalm 17:3 Psalm 26:6,11 Psalm 40:9,10 Psalm 56:12 Psalm 66:16 Psalm 71:17 Psalm 86:11 Psalm 101:2,3 Psalm 108:1 Psalm 57:7,8 Psalm 116:9,13,14,16 Psalm 119:8,30,31,38,44-46,57,94,106,115,125,145, 146 Psalm 143:12 Library Rash Decisions. One Fold and one Shepherd Adonijah The Charter of Gentile Liberty A Farewell History of the Mt. Byrd Church. When Established. Where. Charter ... Acts XV Saving Faith What Doest Thou Here? A Cloud of Witnesses. Resources What does the Bible say about decision-making? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision? | GotQuestions.org Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
    |