David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure known for his deep faith and devotion to God. However, like all humans, he was not without flaws. Among these were moments of self-will and stubbornness, which are documented in various accounts throughout the Scriptures.

Self-Will in David's Life

David's self-will is notably evident in the incident involving Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 11, David, from the rooftop of his palace, saw Bathsheba bathing and was overcome by desire. Despite knowing she was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, David's self-will led him to summon her, resulting in an adulterous affair. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David's self-will further manifested in his attempt to cover up the sin. He orchestrated Uriah's death by placing him in the front lines of battle, thus compounding his sin with murder. This narrative highlights David's momentary lapse into self-will, prioritizing his desires over God's commandments.

Stubbornness in David's Actions

David's stubbornness is illustrated in his decision to conduct a census of Israel, as recorded in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. Despite Joab's counsel against it, David insisted on numbering the people. This act of stubbornness was seen as a lack of trust in God's provision and protection, as it suggested reliance on military strength rather than divine support. The consequence was severe, as God sent a plague upon Israel, resulting in the death of 70,000 men. David's stubbornness in this instance brought about significant suffering, demonstrating the potential repercussions of acting against divine guidance.

Repentance and Restoration

Despite these instances of self-will and stubbornness, David's heart was ultimately inclined toward God. When confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba, David's response was one of genuine repentance. In Psalm 51, David expresses his contrition, pleading for mercy and a clean heart: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). Similarly, after realizing the gravity of his sin in numbering the people, David sought God's forgiveness and built an altar to the Lord, offering sacrifices to atone for his actions (2 Samuel 24:25).

David's life serves as a complex tapestry of faith, failure, and redemption. His moments of self-will and stubbornness are counterbalanced by his sincere repentance and desire to align with God's will. These narratives offer valuable lessons on the dangers of self-will and the importance of humility and obedience to God.2 Samuel 24:4
Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The End of Self-Will
... sun on the walk of Bethshan, while David sits a ... is as the sin of witchcraft, and
stubbornness is as ... a long course of indulgence in self-will developed cruelty ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of self-will.htm

Saul Rejected
... his masterfulness and gloomy, impetuous self- will,"traits in ... 'Rebellion is divination,
And stubbornness is idols ... David indeed was anointed but in secret, so ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/saul rejected.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... in that best and purest fashioning which the Divine David speaks of as ... to laxity
and slackness, severity gives rise to stubbornness and self-will, he was ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

part i
... my soul as if He were visible, as if He were present here before me, knowing all
my thoughts and feelings; every inward slothfulness, stubbornness, or other ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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