Topical Encyclopedia
David, the youngest son of Jesse, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his faithfulness, courage, and heart for God. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. David's life exemplifies the qualities of a good child, marked by obedience, humility, and a deep relationship with God.
Early Life and AnointingDavid was born in Bethlehem, the youngest of eight sons. His early life was spent as a shepherd, a role that prepared him for future leadership. Despite his humble beginnings, God chose David to be king over Israel. The prophet Samuel anointed him while he was still a youth, signifying God's choice and favor. "Then the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.' So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward" (
1 Samuel 16:12-13).
Courage and FaithDavid's courage and faith are most famously demonstrated in his battle with Goliath. As a young boy, David volunteered to fight the Philistine giant when all the men of Israel were afraid. His confidence was not in his own strength but in the Lord. David declared, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (
1 Samuel 17:37). His victory over Goliath was a testament to his trust in God and his willingness to stand for righteousness.
Obedience and HumilityThroughout his life, David exhibited obedience and humility, even in challenging circumstances. After being anointed as king, David continued to serve King Saul faithfully, despite Saul's growing jealousy and attempts on his life. David respected Saul as the Lord's anointed and refused to harm him, demonstrating his reverence for God's authority. "But David said to Abishai, 'Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?'" (
1 Samuel 26:9).
Heart for GodDavid is often described as a man after God's own heart (
1 Samuel 13:14). His psalms reveal a deep, personal relationship with God, characterized by worship, repentance, and reliance on divine guidance. David's heart for God was evident in his desire to build a temple for the Lord, although God chose his son Solomon to complete this task. Nevertheless, David's devotion and preparation for the temple's construction reflected his commitment to honoring God.
LegacyDavid's legacy as a good child is seen in his role as the ancestor of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The New Testament frequently refers to Jesus as the "Son of David," highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to establish David's throne forever (
2 Samuel 7:16). David's life, with its triumphs and failures, serves as an enduring example of faith, repentance, and the pursuit of God's will.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Samuel 17:20And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
Torrey's Topical TextbookPsalm 71:5
For you are my hope, O Lord GOD: you are my trust from my youth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Happy Children and Prosperous Days
... may, by God's grace, leave to our children the priceless heritage of character and
good example, we ... of mock gravity to his father and David, 'and you ...
/.../chapter lxxi happy children and.htm
The Children's Bible
... <. The Children's Bible Henry A. Sherman. ... THE STORY OF CREATION. GOD'S GOOD
GIFTS TO MAN. ... JONATHAN'S BRAVE DEED. DAVID'S VICTORY OVER THE GIANT. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/
David's Anger
... but of punishment; and it may have been very good for David to ... the city of the priests
for having given David food"men and women, children and sucklings ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iii davids anger.htm
The History of David
... all that he found, and rescued his wives and all the good that they ... of Benjamin,
of the party of Ishbosheth, and twelve of the children of David; and when ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm
King David's Little Boy.
... better; and all the people saw that King David's grief was ... now had riches and honour
and numerous children, and was ... child; and he grew up to be good and wise ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/king davids little boy.htm
The 112Th Psalm of David.
... THE 112TH PSALM OF DAVID. ... His dear children shall stand ever Like to roses in their
blow; Flowing ... upon the needy poor, Love them, seek to do them good; For the ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/the 112th psalm of david.htm
David the Outcast.
... righteous than I, for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I ... promise to spare David's
life, he made David promise to spare the life of his children when he ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxii david the outcast.htm
The Right to a Normal Home Life
... all for the children's good. She had no training for teaching, and look how busy
she had always been! Wherever did she think she would get time to teach David? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 8 the right to.htm
Jonathan's Love for David
The Children's Bible. ... If your father misses me, then say, 'David asked permission
of me to ... sacrifice is there for all his family.' If he says, 'Good,' then it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jonathans love for david.htm
Why all Things Work for Good
... things are given to the wicked, as Michal was given to David, for a ... wisdom, that
makes the most adverse dispensations work for the good of His children! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/why all things work for.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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