Topical Bible: God: Preserver: Under David

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In the biblical narrative, God is frequently depicted as the Preserver of His people, a theme that is particularly evident in the life and reign of King David. David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Old Testament, and his life is marked by numerous instances where God's preserving hand is evident.

Divine Selection and Anointing

David's journey begins with his divine selection as king, an event that underscores God's sovereign preservation of His chosen leader. In 1 Samuel 16:12-13, God instructs the prophet Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as king. Despite his humble beginnings as a shepherd, David is chosen by God, who sees beyond outward appearances to the heart. This anointing signifies God's intention to preserve David for a special purpose: "So 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" (1 Samuel 16:13).

Protection from Saul

Throughout David's early life, God's preservation is evident in His protection from King Saul, who becomes increasingly hostile towards David. Saul's jealousy leads him to pursue David relentlessly, yet God continually delivers David from harm. In 1 Samuel 23:14, it is recorded, "David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not deliver David into his hands" . This divine protection highlights God's role as Preserver, ensuring David's safety despite the king's efforts to capture him.

Victory Over Goliath

One of the most iconic demonstrations of God's preserving power in David's life is his victory over Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, David, armed only with a sling and five smooth stones, confronts the Philistine giant. David's faith in God's preservation is evident in his declaration: "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). The subsequent victory not only establishes David's reputation but also serves as a testament to God's ability to preserve His people against overwhelming odds.

Preservation of the Kingdom

As king, David experiences God's preservation in the establishment and expansion of his kingdom. Despite numerous challenges, including internal strife and external threats, God remains faithful to His covenant with David. In 2 Samuel 7:8-16, God promises to establish David's throne forever, a covenant that underscores His commitment to preserve David's lineage: "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16).

Personal Preservation and Repentance

David's life is also marked by personal failures, most notably his sin with Bathsheba. Yet, even in his repentance, God's preserving grace is evident. In Psalm 51, David pleads for mercy and restoration, acknowledging God's ability to preserve him despite his transgressions. This psalm reflects David's understanding of God's enduring mercy and faithfulness: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

Conclusion

Throughout David's life, God is consistently portrayed as the Preserver, safeguarding David from external threats, ensuring his victory over formidable foes, and maintaining the promise of an enduring dynasty. This theme of divine preservation not only underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant but also serves as a powerful reminder of His sovereign protection over those He has chosen.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 17:45-49
Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Psalms of David
... Seventeenth Part. Courage and perseverance under persecution; or, Grace shining
in difficulties and trials. Psalm 119:18. ... God our preserver. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/

The Psalter of Solomon.
... But he must be patient under the rod, and take the chastisement as the ... The Psalter
ends with a hymn of praise to God as the Creator, Preserver, and Ruler ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the psalter of solomon.htm

How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ...
... he was disordered in mind [19] and under the vehement ... he be gently or peevishly disposed;
for this God himself knows ... to him, and called him the preserver of his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david upon.htm

The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ...
... 1. Even the wicked, under the guidance of carnal sense ... that he is also a Governor
and Preserver, and that ... that the world was created by God, immediately descends ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 the world created.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... He is your Maker and Preserver; every argument we can ... own blood, and made us kings
and priests unto God. ... after all, both Jew and Gentiles were under sin, what ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

The Fatherhood of God
... Poor little thing, he has been under tutors and governors; he has ... May God himself
bring you to know him! ... upon the earth.' If I call thee my Preserver thou wilt ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the fatherhood of god.htm

Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868.
... holy, just, and merciful; the Creator, Preserver, and Governor ... of the first
transgression, the state under which the ... was with God, and which was God, by whom ...
/.../confession of the free-will baptists.htm

The Christian's Book
... the revelation of God as Creator, Preserver, Lawgiver, Judge ... to Special Eras."They
show God revealing Himself ... with the chosen nation, under different forms ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study vi the christians book.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... PSALM 119 PART 16 Prayer for quickening grace. PSALM 119 PART 17 Courage and
perseverance under persecution. PSALM 119. ... PSALM 121 God our preserver. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ.
... omnipresent, omniscient, having all power, Creator, Preserver, and self ... mankind to
make their peace with God, to be ... Anarchy,(7) 2. Under Cushan 8 2605 1552 ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/millers views on the second.htm