Topical Bible: Self-Will: David

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David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure whose life is marked by both profound faith and moments of self-will. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. David's self-will is evident in several key episodes of his life, reflecting the tension between his human desires and his commitment to God.

Anointed as King

David's journey begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16. Despite being the youngest son of Jesse, David is chosen by God to succeed Saul as king. This divine selection underscores God's sovereignty, yet David's subsequent actions reveal his struggle with self-will.

The Incident with Bathsheba

One of the most notable instances of David's self-will is his sin with Bathsheba, as detailed in 2 Samuel 11. While his army was at war, David remained in Jerusalem. From his rooftop, he saw Bathsheba bathing and, driven by desire, summoned her to his palace. Despite knowing she was the wife of Uriah, one of his loyal soldiers, David's self-will led him to commit adultery. To conceal his sin, he orchestrated Uriah's death in battle. This act of self-will had severe consequences, as the prophet Nathan later confronted David, declaring, "You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7). David's actions displeased the Lord, resulting in personal and national turmoil.

The Census of Israel

Another significant episode of David's self-will is the census of Israel, recorded in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. Despite Joab's counsel against it, David insisted on numbering the people, an act that demonstrated reliance on military strength rather than trust in God. The Lord's anger was kindled against Israel, and David recognized his sin, saying, "I have sinned greatly by doing this thing" (2 Samuel 24:10). The resulting plague was a direct consequence of David's self-will, yet his repentance and intercession led to God's mercy.

Family Strife and Rebellion

David's self-will also manifested in his family life, contributing to strife and rebellion. His failure to discipline his children, particularly in the case of Amnon's sin against Tamar and Absalom's subsequent rebellion, reflects a lack of restraint and foresight. Absalom's revolt, as described in 2 Samuel 15-18, was partly fueled by David's earlier inaction and indulgence, leading to a civil war that deeply affected the nation and David personally.

Legacy and Reflection

Despite these instances of self-will, David is remembered as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). His life illustrates the complexity of human nature, where self-will can coexist with a deep devotion to God. David's psalms often reflect his repentance and reliance on God's grace, serving as a testament to his enduring faith amidst personal failings. His account is a reminder of the consequences of self-will and the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 24:4
Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The End of Self-Will
... hangs rotting in the sun on the walk of Bethshan, while David sits a ... last saying
for 'the anointed of Jehovah,' and how the overweening self-will and vehemence ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of self-will.htm

Love and Remorse
... efforts to destroy him are foredoomed to failure, and that David 'shall surely ...
Self-will is the tap root of all sin, however labyrinthine the outgrowth from it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... AT THE FRONT OR THE BASE. THE END OF SELF-WILL. SECOND SAMUEL AND THE BOOKS OF KINGS
TO SECOND KINGS VII. ... THE PROMISED KING AND TEMPLE-BUILDER. DAVID'S GRATITUDE ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/

Adonijah
... Isaac's heart was rent by the deceit of Jacob, and by the self-will of Esau ... men have
known domestic sorrows, so many and so great, as those which befell David. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

David's Prohibited Desire and Permitted Service
... not easy; but David sets us an example of simple-hearted, cheerful acquiescence
in a Providence that thwarted darling designs. There is often much self-will in ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture g/davids prohibited desire and permitted.htm

Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord My Banner. Ex 17:15
... But unbelief, self-will,. Self-righteousness and pride,. How often do they steal.
My weapon from my side? Yet David's LORD, and Gideon's friend,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 17 jehovah-nissi the lord.htm

Nineteenth Day. Holiness and Resurrection.
... As He was a Son of David in virtue of His birth through the flesh, so ... Jesus and the
dominion of His holy life, becomes more simple, sin and self-will will be ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/nineteenth day holiness and resurrection.htm

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... We note the contrast between David's submission to God's guidance and Saul's
self-willed taking his own way, in spite of Samuel. ... Self-will is sin and ruin. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

The King.
... Into what doleful regions of hate and darkness may self-will drag a soul, when ... Even
before the death of Saul, David's strength had been rapidly increasing, by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship
... the burden of self-will, and find that He does for us what we desire when we make
His desires our law of conduct. Secure of Jonathan's help, David proposed the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/jonathan the pattern of friendship.htm