Topical Bible: Obedience to God: David

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David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure whose life exemplifies both obedience and repentance. His journey from shepherd boy to king is marked by a deep, albeit imperfect, commitment to God. David's obedience is a central theme in his account, illustrating the blessings and challenges of following God's will.

Anointed by God

David's obedience is first highlighted when he is anointed by the prophet Samuel. God instructs Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as king, despite his humble beginnings. "The LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him, for he is the one'" (1 Samuel 16:12). David's selection underscores the principle that God values the heart over outward appearances, and David's heart was aligned with God's purposes.

Facing Goliath

One of the most famous demonstrations of David's obedience is his confrontation with Goliath. Despite being a young shepherd, David steps forward to face the Philistine giant, driven by his faith in God. He declares, "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). David's trust in God's deliverance and his willingness to act on that trust exemplify his obedience.

Respect for Saul

David's obedience is further illustrated in his relationship with King Saul. Although Saul seeks to kill him, David refuses to harm the Lord's anointed. On two occasions, David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his respect for God's chosen king. He says, "The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed" (1 Samuel 26:11). David's restraint and respect for God's authority highlight his obedience even in difficult circumstances.

The Ark of the Covenant

David's desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem is another act of obedience. He seeks to honor God by establishing a central place of worship. However, when the initial attempt results in Uzzah's death due to improper handling of the Ark, David learns the importance of following God's specific instructions. He later succeeds in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration, as described in 2 Samuel 6.

Sin and Repentance

David's life also includes moments of disobedience, most notably his sin with Bathsheba. However, his response to Nathan the prophet's rebuke is a testament to his heart for God. David confesses, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). His genuine repentance and plea for mercy, as recorded in Psalm 51, reflect his ultimate desire to align with God's will.

Legacy of Obedience

David's legacy is one of a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His psalms often express a deep longing for God's guidance and a commitment to His commandments. Despite his failures, David's life is a testament to the blessings of obedience and the grace available through repentance. His lineage leads to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to establish an everlasting kingdom through David's line (2 Samuel 7:16).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:106
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep your righteous judgments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

David's Cry for Purity
... the third element in the character which David longs to ... who is holy because full
of God's Spirit, and ... be emancipated from sin by willing obedience.' This goes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

David's Charge to Solomon
... emphatically that the throne belongs to David and his ... by real 'divine right,' and
that God's choice is ... is that loyalty to Solomon would be obedience to Jehovah ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

Psalm 69:3. Third Part. CM Christ's Obedience and Death; Or, God ...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 69:3. Third Part. CM Christ's obedience
and death; or, God glorified and sinners saved. 1 Father ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 69 3 0 third part c.htm

David's Cry for Pardon
... of religion, that the definition of virtue is obedience to God ... the act of yielding,
of our independence of God and of ... And all this has application to David's sin ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for pardon.htm

The Psalms of David
... Second Part. Love to enemies; or, The love of Christ to sinners typified in David. ...
CM Christ's obedience and death; or, God glorified and sinners saved. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/

The Life of Mr. David Calderwood.
... October, conform in the time, and promise obedience in all ... one of those appointed
with Mr. David Dickson, to ... directory for the public worship of God, by the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr david 2.htm

Scriptural Examples of Piety and Obedience in the Young.
... James Montgomery. Scriptural Examples of Piety and Obedience in the Young. ... God raised
above them all; ... How Eli's house must fall. David the bear and lion slew. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cccxxxi scriptural examples of.htm

Solomon
... In his youth Solomon made David's choice his own, and for many years he walked
uprightly, his life marked with strict obedience to God's commands. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

Extracts from Mr. David Laing's Preface.
... Extracts from Mr. David Laing's Preface. ... and man's tyranny and foolishness is not
GOD's perfect ordinance ... The similar work of Goodman on Obedience to Superior ...
/.../knox/the first blast of the trumpet/extracts from mr david laings.htm

The Obedience of Christ.
... of this David meant when he spoke of God's words being sweeter than honey and the
honeycomb.' As this is understood and accepted, obedience will become more ...
/.../murray/the school of obedience/ii the obedience of christ.htm