David, the second king of Israel, is often remembered for his deep faith and devotion to God. However, like all humans, he was not without fault. Instances of ingratitude to God can be observed in his life, providing lessons on the importance of humility and thankfulness.

Census of Israel

One of the most notable instances of David's ingratitude is found in the account of the census of Israel. In 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21, David orders a census of the fighting men of Israel and Judah. This act was seen as a demonstration of pride and self-reliance, as David sought to measure his military strength rather than trust in God's provision and protection. Joab, the commander of the army, even questioned the king's decision, indicating that it was unnecessary and potentially sinful: "But Joab replied, 'May the LORD multiply His troops a hundredfold. My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?'" (1 Chronicles 21:3).

God's response to David's ingratitude was swift and severe. A plague was sent upon Israel, resulting in the death of seventy thousand men. David recognized his sin and pleaded with God for mercy, saying, "I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, O LORD, I beg You, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly" (2 Samuel 24:10). David's repentance led to the cessation of the plague, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ingratitude and reliance on human strength over divine providence.

Bathsheba and Uriah

Another episode reflecting David's ingratitude is his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite. Despite being blessed with power, wealth, and a covenant relationship with God, David's actions demonstrated a disregard for God's commandments and the gifts he had been given. In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronts David, using a parable to illustrate the king's ingratitude and injustice. Nathan declares, "Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife as your own, for you killed him with the sword of the Ammonites" (2 Samuel 12:9).

David's actions showed a lack of appreciation for the blessings and responsibilities God had entrusted to him. His repentance, however, was genuine, as he confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). Although God forgave David, the consequences of his ingratitude and sin were profound, affecting his family and kingdom.

Lessons from David's Ingratitude

David's life, marked by both profound faith and moments of ingratitude, offers valuable lessons. His experiences underscore the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the dangers of pride and self-reliance. Despite his failings, David's willingness to repent and seek God's forgiveness highlights the mercy and grace available to those who turn back to God with a contrite heart.2 Samuel 12:7-9
And Nathan said to David, You are the man. Thus said the LORD God of Israel, I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Inexcusable Irreverence and Ingratitude
... And then, when you look to Christ, your ingratitude will be ... our Lord, which was made
the seed of David according to ... and declared to be the Son of God with power ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/inexcusable irreverence and ingratitude.htm

David's Strength
... It may be said, David's belief is no more than the ... Satan still by the one sin of
ingratitude, just because ... as he set up himself, apart from that God from whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon ii davids strength.htm

David's Anger
... Nabal, in addition to his ingratitude, has insulted him with the bitterest ... But he
had said in his heart, 'God do so and more to the enemies of David, if I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iii davids anger.htm

The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ...
... The still more shameful ingratitude of contemplating the ... For the same reason, too,
David, after briefly ... the wonderful name and glory of God, as everywhere ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the knowledge of.htm

On Heresies.
... of whom God spake: "I have found David the son of ... a sedition against Moses the servant
of God, the meekest ... so great a man with the highest ingratitude; him who ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on heresies.htm

Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ...
... him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, curse David." Thus, also ... his hand."
O, how ungrateful for a child of God to repine ... O, the ingratitude of unbelief ...
/.../letter xix submission to the.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... the family of David without shaking off a yoke divinely imposed on them, and yet
God himself was not deprived of the power of thus punishing the ingratitude of ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly...
... God allures us to himself, and how extreme our ingratitude must be ... Jeremiah and David
speak of humbly laying their supplications [5] before God (Jer.42:9 ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 14 it is strange.htm

David's Dying Song
... David had many trials in his children. ... and say, "Although my house be not so with
God." That first ... how have the arrows of his ingratitude pierced into your soul ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/davids dying song.htm

A Servant of Servants
... Christ would assert His power, and take His position on the throne of David. ... Defects
of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 71 a servant of.htm

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