Topical Encyclopedia David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible, renowned for his deep faith, military prowess, and poetic contributions, particularly in the Psalms. His life exemplifies the theme of being a pilgrim and stranger, as he often found himself in situations where he was a sojourner, both physically and spiritually.Early Life and Anointing David's journey as a pilgrim began in his youth. He was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy from Bethlehem. His anointing by the prophet Samuel marked the beginning of his path as a chosen servant of God, set apart for a divine purpose. "Then the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him; this is the one'" (1 Samuel 16:12). Despite this calling, David's early life was marked by humble beginnings and a sense of being an outsider, even within his own family. Fugitive and Exile David's status as a pilgrim and stranger is most evident during the years he spent fleeing from King Saul. Despite his loyalty and service to Saul, David became a fugitive, living in the wilderness and among foreign nations. "David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not deliver David into his hands" (1 Samuel 23:14). During this time, David's reliance on God deepened, and he composed many psalms that reflect his trust in God's protection and guidance. King of Israel Upon Saul's death, David became king, first over Judah and then over all Israel. His reign was marked by significant achievements, including the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. Yet, even as king, David recognized his transient status before God. In 1 Chronicles 29:15, David acknowledges, "For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope" . This acknowledgment underscores his understanding of life as a pilgrimage, with ultimate citizenship in God's eternal kingdom. Spiritual Pilgrimage David's life was not only a physical journey but also a spiritual pilgrimage. His psalms often express a longing for God's presence and a recognition of his own sinfulness and need for divine mercy. Psalm 39:12 captures this sentiment: "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a sojourner like all my fathers" . David's heart was continually oriented toward God, seeking His will and desiring to dwell in His house forever. Legacy David's legacy as a pilgrim and stranger is profound. He is remembered as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), whose life journey reflects the believer's path of faith, marked by trials, repentance, and a steadfast hope in God's promises. His account encourages believers to view their own lives as a pilgrimage, with the assurance that God is their ultimate refuge and destination. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 39:12Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with you, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Introductory Note. Hebrews xi. 13-16 Third Sunday after Easter A Full Reward. The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. Psalm 105. Abridged. God's Conduct of Israel, and the Plagues of ... Symbolic Ornaments of the Church Sojourners with God Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... The First Day in Passion-Week - Palm-Sunday - the Royal Entry into ... Resources Who are the Hospitaller Knights? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.org What is The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pilgrims and Strangers: Abraham Pilgrims and Strangers: All Saints Are Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Actuated by Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Exposed to Persecution Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not at Home in This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not Mindful of This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Strengthened by God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Die in Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Forsake all for Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Hate Worldly Fellowship Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have a Heavenly Conversation Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have the Example of Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have Their Faces Toward Zion Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Invite Others to Go With Them Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Keep the Promised in View Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Long for Their Pilgrimage to End Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly City Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly Country Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pass Their Sojourning in Fear Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pray for Direction Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Rejoice in the Statutes of God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Shine As Lights in the World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Abstain from Fleshly Lusts Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Have Their Treasure in Heaven Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should not be Over Anxious About Worldly Things Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: The World is not Worthy of Pilgrims and Strangers: Described Pilgrims and Strangers: God is not Ashamed to be Called Their God Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints are Called to Be Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints Confess Themselves Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints of Old Pilgrims and Strangers: The Apostles Pilgrims and Strangers: Typified: Israel Related Terms |
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