Topical Encyclopedia David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure known for his deep compassion and sympathy, which are evident throughout his life and reign. His actions and words often reflect a heart attuned to the needs and sufferings of others, demonstrating a profound understanding of God's mercy and love.David's Compassion for Saul One of the most striking examples of David's compassion is his relationship with King Saul. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit to kill him, David consistently showed mercy. In 1 Samuel 24, David spares Saul's life in the cave at En Gedi, cutting off a corner of Saul's robe instead of taking his life. David's words to Saul reveal his compassionate heart: "May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand will never be against you" (1 Samuel 24:12). David's refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, underscores his respect for God's anointed and his deep-seated compassion. David's Sympathy for Jonathan and Mephibosheth David's friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son, is another testament to his capacity for sympathy and loyalty. After Jonathan's death, David's love for him extends to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth. In 2 Samuel 9, David seeks out Mephibosheth to show him kindness for Jonathan's sake. David restores to him all the land of Saul and ensures that Mephibosheth eats at the king's table regularly. This act of kindness is a powerful demonstration of David's sympathy and his commitment to honoring his covenant with Jonathan. David's Mourning for Absalom David's compassion is also evident in his response to the rebellion and subsequent death of his son Absalom. Despite Absalom's betrayal, David's heart is broken at the news of his death. In 2 Samuel 18:33, David laments, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!" . This poignant expression of grief highlights David's deep love and compassion for his son, even in the face of personal betrayal and political upheaval. David's Heart for the People Throughout his reign, David demonstrated a shepherd's heart for the people of Israel. In 2 Samuel 24, when David's census of the fighting men incurs God's wrath, he intercedes on behalf of the people, saying, "I am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let Your hand fall upon me and my father's house" (2 Samuel 24:17). David's willingness to take responsibility and his plea for the people's safety reflect his deep compassion and sense of responsibility as their leader. David's Psalms of Compassion David's compassion and sympathy are also reflected in the Psalms, many of which he authored. These writings often express a deep empathy for human suffering and a reliance on God's mercy. In Psalm 51, David's prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba, he appeals to God's compassion: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions" (Psalm 51:1). This plea underscores David's understanding of God's compassionate nature and his own need for divine mercy. David's life and writings provide a rich tapestry of compassion and sympathy, illustrating a heart aligned with God's own love and mercy. His actions and words continue to inspire believers to embody these virtues in their own lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 35:13,14But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Prayer Born of Compassion The Compassion of Jesus Sorrowful yet Always Rejoicing. Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter. Letter xix (AD 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis Crumbs and the Bread Jesus Raises the Widow's Son. The Ark among the Flags Conclusion Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician Woman Resources How should Christians respond to global poverty and hunger? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about caregiving? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org Compassion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Compassion and Sympathy: Christ Set an Example of Compassion and Sympathy: David Compassion and Sympathy: Elijah Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Enemies Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Saints Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Afflicted Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Chastened Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Poor Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Weak Compassion and Sympathy: Exhortation To Compassion and Sympathy: Illustrated Compassion and Sympathy: Inseparable from Love to God Compassion and Sympathy: Job's Friends Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Compassion of God Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Sense of Our Infirmities Compassion and Sympathy: Nehemiah Compassion and Sympathy: Pharaoh's Daughter Compassion and Sympathy: Promise to Those Who Show Compassion and Sympathy: Shobi Compassion and Sympathy: The Wicked Made to Feel, for Saints The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: An Encouragement to Prayer The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Afflicted The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Diseased The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Perishing Sinners The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Poor The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Tempted The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weak in Faith The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weary and Heavy-Laden The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Necessary to his Priestly office Related Terms Compassionate (22 Occurrences) Fellow-bondman (6 Occurrences) |
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