Topical Encyclopedia The appointment of David as king over Israel is a profound example of divine sovereignty and providence in the governance of His people. This event is a testament to God's active role in the establishment of leadership according to His purposes and plans.Divine Selection and Anointing The narrative of David's appointment begins with God's rejection of Saul as king due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26). God then instructs the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. This directive underscores the principle that God, not man, chooses leaders according to His criteria. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" . This highlights God's focus on the inner qualities of a leader rather than external attributes. David's Anointing David, the youngest son of Jesse, is chosen by God despite being overlooked by his family. Samuel anoints David in the presence of his brothers, and "the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13). This anointing signifies God's empowerment and endorsement of David as the future king. The Spirit's presence with David is a critical element, indicating divine guidance and support in his leadership. God's Sovereign Timing Although anointed as king, David does not immediately ascend to the throne. Instead, he enters a period of preparation and testing, serving in Saul's court and later as a fugitive. This delay illustrates God's sovereign timing in the fulfillment of His promises. David's experiences during this time refine his character and prepare him for the responsibilities of kingship. David's Ascension to the Throne After the death of Saul, David is publicly recognized as king. The men of Judah come to Hebron and anoint him king over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4). Later, all the tribes of Israel acknowledge David's leadership, saying, "The LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over Israel'" (2 Samuel 5:2). This acknowledgment by the people reflects their recognition of God's choice and the legitimacy of David's rule. God's Covenant with David God's involvement in David's kingship is further solidified through the Davidic Covenant. In 2 Samuel 7:12-16, God promises David that his house and kingdom will endure forever, establishing his throne for all generations. This covenant not only affirms David's role but also points to the future Messianic King, Jesus Christ, who would come from David's lineage. Conclusion The appointment of David as king is a clear demonstration of God's active role in the governance of His people. Through divine selection, anointing, and covenant, God establishes David as a leader after His own heart, setting a precedent for His sovereign involvement in the leadership of His people. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 16:1,7,13And the LORD said to Samuel, How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill your horn with oil, and go, I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 7:13-16 Psalm 89:19-37 Acts 13:22 Library Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers? How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ... Purposes of God. The Historical Books. Of Civil Government. Salvation Published from the Mountains The Scheme of Necessity Makes God the Author of Sin. Immanuel Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable Resources What does the Bible say about government? | GotQuestions.orgIs democracy a Christian form of government? | GotQuestions.org What is moral government theology? | GotQuestions.org Government: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Communism: General Scriptures Concerning Contingencies in Divine Government of Man Government: Civil Service School Provided By Government: Corruption in Felix, Who Expected Money from Paul Government: Duty of Citizens To Government: Executive officers of Tribes and Cities Government: God In in Appointment of Saul As King Government: God In in Blotting out the Household of Jeroboam Government: God In in Counseling Solomon Government: God In in Denouncing Solomon's Wickedness Government: God In in Dividing the Jewish Nation Into Two Different Countries Government: God In in Magnifying Him Government: God In in Raising Adversaries Against Solomon Government: God In in Saul's Rejection Government: God In in the Appointment of David Government: God In in the Appointment of Kings Government: God In in the Destruction of Nations Government: Maintains of Public Instruction Government: Monarchical by Ahasuerus Government: Monarchical by David Government: Monarchical by Herod Government: Monarchical by Nebuchadnezzar Government: Monarchical by Saul Government: Monarchical by Solomon Government: Mosaic: Accepted, and Agreed To, the Law Given by Moses Government: Mosaic: Administrative and Judicial System Government: Mosaic: Among the Egyptians Government: Mosaic: Among the Gibeonites Government: Mosaic: Among the Midianites and Moabites Government: Mosaic: Assists Solomon at the Dedication of the Temple Government: Mosaic: Chooses David As King Government: Mosaic: Chose, or Ratified, the Chief Ruler Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated With David Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated With Moses and Subsequent Leaders Government: Mosaic: Counsels King Ahab Government: Mosaic: Counsels King Rehoboam Government: Mosaic: David Rebukes Government: Mosaic: Demands a King Government: Mosaic: Joins Absalom in his Usurpation Government: Mosaic: Josiah Assembles to Hear the Law of the Lord Government: Mosaic: Legislates in Later Times Government: Mosaic: Legislates With Ezra in Reforming Certain Marriages With the Heathen Government: Mosaic: Possessed Veto Power Over the King's Purposes Government: Mosaic: Refused to Make Conquest of Canaan Government: Mosaic: Saul Pleads to be Honored Before Government: Mosaic: Seeks Counsel from Prophets Government: Mosaic: Sits As a Court Government: Mosaic: The Court in Certain Capital Cases Government: Mosaic: Unfaithful to the City Government: Municipal: Devolving Upon a Local Senate and Executive officers Government: Paternal Functions of Government: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to God In Related Terms |