Topical Encyclopedia The slander of David by his enemies is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, highlighting the trials and tribulations faced by the future king of Israel. David, anointed by God and chosen to lead His people, often found himself the target of false accusations and malicious gossip. These slanders were not only personal attacks but also attempts to undermine his God-given authority and mission.1. Saul's Jealousy and Pursuit One of the earliest and most persistent sources of slander against David was King Saul. After David's victory over Goliath and his subsequent rise in popularity, Saul became increasingly jealous. This jealousy manifested in various attempts to discredit and harm David. In 1 Samuel 18:8-9, Saul's envy is evident: "Saul was very angry, and this song displeased him. 'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,' he said, 'but to me they have ascribed thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?' And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David." Saul's slanderous campaign against David included false accusations of treason and conspiracy. In 1 Samuel 24:9, David confronts Saul, saying, "Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Look, David intends to harm you'?" Despite Saul's relentless pursuit, David consistently demonstrated his innocence and loyalty to the king. 2. The Betrayal of the Ziphites The Ziphites, inhabitants of the region of Ziph, also played a role in slandering David. They betrayed his location to Saul, seeking to curry favor with the king. In 1 Samuel 23:19-20, they reported to Saul, "Is David not hiding among us in the strongholds of Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon? Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand." This betrayal was a form of slander, as it painted David as a fugitive and a threat to Saul's reign, despite his innocence and rightful anointing by God. 3. Shimei's Curses During Absalom's rebellion, David faced slander from Shimei, a member of Saul's family. As David fled Jerusalem, Shimei cursed him, throwing stones and accusing him of being a "man of blood" and a "worthless man" (2 Samuel 16:7-8). Shimei's accusations were baseless, reflecting the deep-seated animosity some held against David due to his rise to power and the fall of Saul's house. David's response to Shimei's slander was one of humility and trust in God's justice. He refrained from retaliating, saying, "Let him curse, for the LORD has told him to" (2 Samuel 16:11). This response exemplified David's reliance on God to vindicate him. 4. The Psalms: David's Lament and Trust in God The Book of Psalms contains numerous references to the slander and false accusations David faced. In Psalm 31:13, David laments, "For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life." Despite the overwhelming nature of these attacks, David consistently turned to God for refuge and vindication. Psalm 7 is a poignant example of David's plea for divine justice: "O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, then may the enemy pursue and overtake me" (Psalm 7:3-5). Here, David asserts his innocence and calls upon God to judge between him and his accusers. 5. Legacy and Lessons The slander of David by his enemies serves as a powerful testament to the trials faced by those chosen by God. Despite the false accusations and malicious intent of his adversaries, David's faith and integrity remained steadfast. His experiences remind believers of the importance of trusting in God's justice and maintaining righteousness in the face of adversity. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 31:13For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 35:21 Psalm 41:5 Psalm 64:3 Psalm 140:3 Library Psalm 109. 1-5 31. Love to Enemies, from the Example of Christ. Psalm LIII. (LIV. ). The Psalms of David Rash Decisions. Psalm 109 Love to Enemies from the Example of Christ. Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61. Kept from Iniquity 2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan The Beatific vision. The Folly of Slander. Part 2. Resources What does the Bible say about backbiting? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view sportsmanship? | GotQuestions.org Slander: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Slander of David, by his Enemies Slander of Jeremiah, by the Jews Slander of Jesus, by the Jews Falsely Charging That he Was a Winebibber (Wino) Slander of Mephiboseth, by Ziba Slander: A Characteristic of the Devil Slander: An Abomination to God Slander: Characterized As Avoiding Slander: Christ Was Exposed To Slander: Comes from the Evil Heart Slander: Effects of Deadly Wounds Slander: Effects of Discord Among Brethren Slander: Effects of Separating Friends Slander: End of, is Mischievous Madness Slander: Evil People Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Habitually Slander: Includes: Bearing False Witness Slander: Includes: Evil Speaking Slander: Includes: Evil Surmising Slander: Includes: Judging Charitably Slander: Includes: Raising False Reports Slander: Includes: Repeating Matters Slander: Includes: Tale-Bearing Slander: Joseph by Potiphar's Wife Slander: Men Shall Give Account For Slander: Minister's Wives should Avoid Slander: Often Arises from Hatred Slander: People Shall Give Account For Slander: Saints should Keep Their Tongues From Slander: Saints should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: Blessed in Enduring Slander: Saints: Characterised As Avoiding Slander: Saints: should be Warned Against Slander: Saints: should Give No Occasion For Slander: Saints: should Keep Their Tongue From Slander: Saints: should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: should Return Good For Slander: Servants of God Exposed To Slander: should be Discountenanced With Anger Slander: should be Warned Against Slander: should Give No Occasion For Slander: should not be Listened To Slander: should Return Good For Slander: That he Was Seditious Slander: The Land of Canaan Misrepresented by the Spies Slander: The Nearest Relations Exposed To Slander: The Tongue of, is a Scourge Slander: The Wicked Addicted To Slander: They Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: They Who Indulge In, not to be Trusted Slander: Those Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Slander: Witnesses Against Christ Slander: Wives of God's Servants should Avoid Related Terms |
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