Topical Encyclopedia David, the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart, is a prominent biblical figure whose life exemplifies the virtue of patience. His journey from shepherd boy to king is marked by numerous trials and tribulations that required steadfast endurance and unwavering faith in God's timing and promises.Anointed but Not Yet King David's anointing by the prophet Samuel is a pivotal moment in his life, marking him as God's chosen successor to King Saul. Despite this divine appointment, David does not immediately ascend to the throne. Instead, he enters a prolonged period of waiting, during which he serves in Saul's court and gains renown as a warrior. This period is characterized by patience, as David respects God's timing and refrains from seizing the throne by force. Persecution by Saul David's patience is further tested by King Saul's relentless pursuit and attempts on his life. Despite being unjustly hunted, David consistently chooses to spare Saul, demonstrating remarkable restraint and trust in God's justice. In 1 Samuel 24:10, David says to Saul, "This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you, saying, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD’s anointed.'" David's refusal to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity, underscores his patience and respect for God's anointed. Waiting for the Throne David's path to kingship is fraught with challenges, including the death of Saul and the ensuing civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. During this tumultuous time, David exhibits patience by waiting for God's promise to be fulfilled in His perfect timing. In 2 Samuel 5:4, it is recorded, "David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years." His long wait is a testament to his faith and patience, as he trusts in God's plan despite the delays and obstacles. Enduring Personal Trials David's life is not without personal failures and family strife, yet he continues to demonstrate patience in seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. His penitence following his sin with Bathsheba, as recorded in Psalm 51, reveals a heart willing to wait on the Lord for restoration and renewal. David's patience in enduring the consequences of his actions and his reliance on God's mercy further illustrate his enduring faith. Legacy of Patience David's legacy as a patient servant of God is reflected in his psalms, where he often expresses his trust in God's timing and deliverance. In Psalm 40:1, David writes, "I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry." His life and writings continue to inspire believers to cultivate patience, trusting in God's sovereign plan and perfect timing. David's account is a profound example of patience in the face of adversity, persecution, and personal failure. His unwavering faith and trust in God's promises serve as a model for believers seeking to develop the virtue of patience in their own lives. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 40:1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. Nave's Topical Index Library But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind... Of the Mortification of Anger by Patience. ... David's Weakness Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo Instances from the Life of the Blessed David in which Anger was ... Of David's Reign and Merit; and of his Son Solomon, and that ... The Reign of David. Paul Gerhardt??s Spiritual Songs Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience. The Psalms of David Resources What does the Bible say about forbearance? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love is patient? | GotQuestions.org How and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.org Patience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Patience: Christ, an Example of Patience: Exercise, Towards All Patience: General Scriptures Concerning Patience: Isaac Toward the People of Gerar Patience: Ministers Approved By Patience: Ministers should Follow After Patience: Necessary to the Inheritance of the Promises Patience: Saints Strengthened to All Patience: should be Accompanied by Faith Patience: should be Accompanied by Godliness Patience: should be Accompanied by Joyfulness Patience: should be Accompanied by Long-Suffering Patience: should be Accompanied by Temperance Patience: should Have Its Perfect Work Patience: Suffering With, for Well-Doing, is Acceptable With God Patience: The Congregation at Ephesus Patience: The Congregation at Thyatira Patience: The Thessalonian Christians Patience: They Who are in Authority, should Exercise Patience: To be Exercised: Bearing the Yoke Patience: To be Exercised: Bringing Forth Fruits Patience: To be Exercised: Running the Race Set Before Us Patience: To be Exercised: Tribulation Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for Christ Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God's Salvation Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for the Hope of the Gospel Patience: To be Exercised: Well-Doing Patience: Trials of Saints Lead To Related Terms Steadfastness (15 Occurrences) Longsuffering (17 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |