Topical Bible: Persecution: Suffering of David

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The life of David, the second king of Israel, is marked by significant periods of persecution and suffering, which are documented throughout the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. David's experiences of persecution are pivotal in understanding his character, his relationship with God, and his role in the biblical narrative.

Early Anointing and Jealousy of Saul

David's journey of suffering begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel. As a young shepherd, David is chosen by God to be king over Israel, a decision that sets the stage for future conflict with King Saul. In 1 Samuel 16:13, we read, "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." This divine selection, while a blessing, becomes a source of tension as Saul becomes increasingly aware of David's favor with God and the people.

Saul's jealousy intensifies after David's victory over Goliath, which earns him widespread acclaim. In 1 Samuel 18:7-9, the women of Israel sing, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands." This praise incites Saul's wrath, and he begins to view David as a threat to his throne. Saul's fear and jealousy lead to multiple attempts on David's life, forcing David to flee and live as a fugitive.

Life as a Fugitive

David's life on the run is characterized by constant danger and hardship. He seeks refuge in various locations, including the wilderness of Ziph and the cave of Adullam. Despite the relentless pursuit by Saul, David consistently demonstrates his faith and reliance on God. In 1 Samuel 24:12, David spares Saul's life in the cave at En Gedi, declaring, "May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand will never be against you."

During this period, David's psalms reflect his anguish and trust in God. Psalm 57, attributed to David when he fled from Saul into the cave, begins with a plea for mercy: "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed."

Betrayal and Continued Struggles

David's suffering is not limited to Saul's pursuit. He also faces betrayal from those he trusts. In 1 Samuel 23:19, the Ziphites betray David's location to Saul, further endangering his life. Despite these betrayals, David remains steadfast in his faith, often seeking God's guidance and protection.

Even after Saul's death, David's path to kingship is fraught with challenges. The house of Saul continues to oppose him, leading to a prolonged conflict between the followers of Saul and David. In 2 Samuel 3:1, it is noted, "The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker."

Lessons from David's Suffering

David's experiences of persecution and suffering serve as a testament to his unwavering faith and reliance on God. Throughout his trials, David consistently seeks God's will and demonstrates a heart aligned with God's purposes. His life exemplifies the biblical principle that suffering can refine character and deepen one's relationship with God.

David's account also foreshadows the ultimate suffering servant, Jesus Christ, who, like David, faced persecution and betrayal yet remained faithful to God's plan. David's psalms, born out of his suffering, continue to provide comfort and encouragement to believers facing their own trials, reminding them of God's faithfulness and deliverance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:161
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart stands in awe of your word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

I Would Add, Moreover, that they Themselves...
... Are we to compare with this persecution which Hagar suffered the case of holy David,
who was ... difference, not in respect of his suffering, but because he ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 2 6 i.htm

Good Days
... That David, so far from having his reward at ... of such sharers of Christ's unselfish
suffering here, that ... expect nothing but tribulation and persecution till he ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xix good days.htm

Concerning Persecution
... Scripture well digested by meditation will fit for suffering. ... compared to the tower
of David on which ... arms a Christian both against temptation and persecution. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... the case, having declared by the mouth of David (Psalm 116 ... as if the Son of God were
suffering in person ... In persecution there are two things grievous to the flesh ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ...
... says, "Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised ... were blind or
silly, you tell us that your suffering reproach and persecution is a ...
/.../faustus claims that the manichaeans.htm

The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution.
... their departure from the kingdom of David or the ... slave-girls, being persecuted, after
suffering cruel and ... thus alludes to the Neronian persecution, Ad Nationes ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 37 the roman conflagration.htm

Hymns of Suffering and Trust.
... Today, when religious persecution is unknown, we can but ... of her superior soul under
suffering and the ... Albert Johnson, John E. Freeman, David E. Campbell and ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter v hymns of suffering.htm

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... Thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine ... The
Lord would have us understand that suffering persecution for His sake is the ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 7 a manifestation of.htm

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... of Christ, that when they fall into persecution and loss ... Notice that David adds to
his pleading a statute ... Lord will give to the sick and the suffering an equal ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition.
... was about to ascend the earthly throne of David.] ^a 22 ... making the former refer to
inward spiritual suffering, and the latter to outer persecution and trial ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ci foretelling his passion rebuking.htm