Topical Bible: Obedience: David

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David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure whose life exemplifies both the blessings of obedience to God and the consequences of disobedience. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. David's obedience to God is a central theme in his life, showcasing his deep faith and commitment to God's will.

Anointed as King

David's journey of obedience begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel. God rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience and sent Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). David's anointing was a result of his heart's alignment with God's purposes, as the Lord said to 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" (1 Samuel 16:7).

Obedience in Battle

David's obedience is further demonstrated in his encounter with Goliath. Despite being a young shepherd, David trusted in God's power and stepped forward to fight the Philistine giant. His faith and obedience to God's call led to a miraculous victory, as he declared, "This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head" (1 Samuel 17:46). David's triumph over Goliath was a testament to his reliance on God rather than human strength.

Respect for God's Anointed

David's obedience is also evident in his respect for Saul, the Lord's anointed king. Despite Saul's attempts to kill him, David refused to harm Saul, demonstrating his reverence for God's chosen leader. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed" . This respect for God's authority highlights David's commitment to divine principles over personal vengeance.

The Ark of the Covenant

David's desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem further illustrates his obedience. He sought to honor God by establishing a central place of worship. However, his initial attempt to transport the Ark was marred by disobedience to God's instructions, resulting in Uzzah's death (2 Samuel 6:6-7). Recognizing his error, David later followed God's commands, successfully bringing the Ark to Jerusalem with great rejoicing (2 Samuel 6:12-15).

The Davidic Covenant

God's covenant with David is a significant aspect of his obedience. In 2 Samuel 7, God promises David that his throne will be established forever. David's response is one of humility and submission, as he prays, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?" (2 Samuel 7:18). This covenant underscores the blessings of obedience, as David's lineage ultimately leads to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Failures and Repentance

Despite his obedience, David's life also includes moments of failure. His adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11) are stark examples of disobedience. However, David's response to the prophet Nathan's rebuke demonstrates his repentant heart. In Psalm 51, David pleads for God's mercy, acknowledging his sin and seeking restoration: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

Legacy of Obedience

David's legacy is one of a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), whose life was marked by both obedience and repentance. His psalms reflect a deep devotion to God and a desire to follow His commandments. David's obedience, despite his imperfections, serves as an enduring example of faithfulness and the transformative power of repentance in the life of a believer.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:14
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
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1 Samuel 25:28
I pray you, forgive the trespass of your handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fights the battles of the LORD, and evil has not been found in you all your days.
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1 Kings 11:6,34
And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.
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1 Kings 15:5
Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
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2 Chronicles 29:2
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.
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Acts 13:22
And when he had removed him, he raised up to them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.
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Library

The Life of Mr. David Calderwood.
... obedience!" said the king.""That is, we will rather suffer than practise," said
Mr. David. "I will tell thee, said the king, what is obedience man,""What ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr david 2.htm

David's Charge to Solomon
... The speech next declares emphatically that the throne belongs to David and his ... The
unspoken inference is that loyalty to Solomon would be obedience to Jehovah. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

Scriptural Examples of Piety and Obedience in the Young.
... 8.6.8.6 James Montgomery. Scriptural Examples of Piety and Obedience in the
Young. ... How Eli's house must fall. David the bear and lion slew. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cccxxxi scriptural examples of.htm

David's Cry for Purity
... consider, for a moment, the third element in the character which David longs to ... is,
'Let my spirit be emancipated from sin by willing obedience.' This goes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

Psalm 119:03. Third Part. Profession: of Sincerity, Repentance ...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 119:03. Third Part. Profession: of
sincerity, repentance, and obedience. Ver.57 60. 1 Thou ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 119 3 0 third part profession .htm

Psalm 69:3. Third Part. CM Christ's Obedience and Death; Or, God ...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 69:3. Third Part. CM Christ's obedience
and death; or, God glorified and sinners saved. 1 Father ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 69 3 0 third part c.htm

Psalm 32:2. First Part. LM Free Pardon and Sincere Obedience; Or ...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 32:2. First Part. LM Free pardon and
sincere obedience; or, Confession and forgiveness. 1 Happy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 32 2 0 first part l.htm

Psalm 50:2. 8 10 11 14 15 23. Second Part. CM Obedience is Better ...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 50:2. 8 10 11 14 15 23. Second Part.
CM Obedience is better than sacrifice. 1 Thus saith the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 50 2 0 8 10 11.htm

The Psalms of David
... Of singing in course. THE Psalms of David, In Metre. ... Psalm 32:2. First Part. LM Free
pardon and sincere obedience; or, Confession and forgiveness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/

Extracts from Mr. David Laing's Preface.
... Extracts from Mr. David Laing's Preface. ... The similar work of Goodman on Obedience
to Superior Powers which appeared at Geneva about the same time, was also ...
/.../knox/the first blast of the trumpet/extracts from mr david laings.htm