Topical Bible: Righteousness: David

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David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible, renowned for his deep faith and complex character. His life and reign are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. David's righteousness is a recurring theme in these narratives, illustrating both his devotion to God and his human frailties.

Anointed by God

David's journey to kingship begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel. God instructs Samuel to anoint David, a young shepherd, as the future king of Israel, saying, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This divine selection underscores David's righteousness, as God chooses him based on the purity of his heart rather than external attributes.

A Man After God's Own Heart

David is often described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). This phrase encapsulates his deep commitment to God and his desire to live according to divine principles. Despite his imperfections, David's life is marked by a sincere pursuit of God's will, as evidenced by his psalms and prayers, which reveal a heart yearning for righteousness and intimacy with the Creator.

Righteous Leadership

David's reign is characterized by his efforts to establish justice and righteousness in Israel. He seeks to unify the nation and lead it in accordance with God's laws. In 2 Samuel 8:15, it is written, "Thus David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people" . His leadership reflects a commitment to uphold God's standards, serving as a model for future kings.

Repentance and Forgiveness

David's righteousness is also evident in his response to sin. When confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his transgression with Bathsheba, David exhibits genuine repentance. In Psalm 51, he pleads for God's mercy, acknowledging his sin and seeking purification: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). This psalm highlights David's understanding of righteousness as not merely external compliance but an internal transformation.

Covenant with God

God's covenant with David further emphasizes his righteousness. In 2 Samuel 7, God promises to establish David's throne forever, a covenant that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This divine promise is a testament to David's faithfulness and God's recognition of his righteous heart.

Legacy of Righteousness

David's legacy of righteousness is evident in the enduring impact of his life and writings. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David, continue to inspire believers with their expressions of trust, worship, and longing for God's righteousness. David's life serves as a testament to the power of repentance, the importance of a heart aligned with God, and the enduring nature of divine promises.

In summary, David's righteousness is a multifaceted theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating his deep faith, commitment to justice, and sincere repentance. His life offers a profound example of what it means to be a person after God's own heart, striving for righteousness in the midst of human imperfection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 22:21
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands has he recompensed me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... that this efficiency is highly conducive to the commendation of God's righteousness. ...
of Ahithophel, which was useful to himself, and hurtful to David; but he ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... flagrant wickedness: though both of them might have been determined [by David] as
acts ... the chastisement that is due to it according to the righteousness of God. ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

David's Cry for Purity
... That is what David longs for in this prayer; and the connection of these two ... truth
which it suggests, that the basis of all rightness and righteousness in a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

David's Weakness
... Look not at David, but at David's greater Son; and consider Christ upon his Cross ...
ride on, because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; and thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon i davids weakness.htm

An Examination of Post-Millennialism.
... the Lord promised to give unto Him the "throne of David," and over ... Christians to
help forward every movement which makes for civic and social righteousness. ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/1 an examination of post-millennialism.htm

Justin Adduces Other Proofs to the Jew, who Denies that He Needs ...
... which He gave them.' [2190] And from the other words of David, also previously ... are
these: O God, give Thy judgment to the king, and Thy righteousness unto the ...
/.../chapter lxiv justin adduces other proofs.htm

Solomon
... "Thou hast showed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy," he said, "according
as he walked before Thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... but the modes of teaching, those among the Greek and those among the Barbarians,
conducing to righteousness. And already clearly David, bearing testimony to ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii philosophy is knowledge given.htm

How David Prevailed.
... On the contrary, the sling gave David an immense advantage ... in consequence they are
religious dwarfs, when they might have been giants in righteousness and holy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxxiv how david prevailed.htm

David as an Example of Humility.
... of whom [80] God said, "I have found a man after Mine own heart, David the son ... 84]
O God, the God of my salvation: my tongue shall exult in Thy righteousness. ...
/.../chapter xviii david as an example.htm