Topical Bible: Servants: Good: David's Servants

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the servants of King David are often depicted as loyal, courageous, and instrumental in the establishment and maintenance of his kingdom. Their actions and character provide insight into the values and social structures of ancient Israel, as well as the qualities esteemed by God and His anointed leaders.

Loyalty and Faithfulness

David's servants are frequently highlighted for their unwavering loyalty. This is evident in the account of Ittai the Gittite, who, despite being a foreigner, pledges his allegiance to David during Absalom's rebellion. Ittai declares, "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether in death or life, there will your servant be" (2 Samuel 15:21). This profound loyalty exemplifies the dedication expected of those who serve God's chosen leaders.

Courage and Valor

The valor of David's servants is prominently displayed in the exploits of his mighty men, a group of elite warriors who performed extraordinary feats. Among them, Benaiah son of Jehoiada stands out for his bravery. He "struck down two champions of Moab, and he went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion" (2 Samuel 23:20). Such acts of courage not only secured David's reign but also demonstrated the divine favor and strength bestowed upon those who serve faithfully.

Wisdom and Counsel

David's servants also provided wise counsel and strategic support. Ahithophel, initially a counselor to David, was renowned for his advice, which was "like inquiring of the word of God" (2 Samuel 16:23). Although Ahithophel later defected to Absalom, his initial role underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment among those who serve in leadership capacities.

Devotion and Sacrifice

The devotion of David's servants is further illustrated in their willingness to sacrifice for their king. During a time of battle, David longed for water from the well of Bethlehem. In response, three of his mighty men broke through enemy lines to draw water for him, an act of profound devotion. However, David, recognizing their sacrifice, poured it out as an offering to the LORD, saying, "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?" (2 Samuel 23:17).

Stewardship and Administration

David's servants also played crucial roles in the administration of his kingdom. Joab, the commander of David's army, was instrumental in military campaigns and maintaining order. Though his methods were sometimes ruthless, his effectiveness as a military leader was undeniable. Additionally, other servants like Jehoshaphat, the recorder, and Seraiah, the scribe, were essential in the governance and documentation of the kingdom's affairs (2 Samuel 8:16-17).

In summary, the servants of David exemplify the virtues of loyalty, courage, wisdom, devotion, and effective stewardship. Their contributions were vital to the success and stability of David's reign, reflecting the qualities that are esteemed in those who serve under God's anointed leadership.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 12:18
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Abigail's Sensible Advice
... But Nabal answered David's servants, "Who is David? ... of the young men told Abigail,
Nabal's wife, "David has just ... The men have been very good to us and we have ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/abigails sensible advice.htm

Absalom the Ungrateful Son
... It shall be done as our lord wishes; we are your servants.". ... For Jehovah had planned
to defeat the good advice of ... So now send quickly and say to David, 'Do not ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/absalom the ungrateful son.htm

The Servants and the Pounds.
... about to proclaim himself king, and occupy David's throne at ... In all probability these
servants were the bondsmen of ... Sometimes he so employed a good thing, and ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxx the servants and the.htm

David's Sorrow.
... His servants were ready to fight for him, but he fled in ... Let Him do to me as seemeth
good to Him.". ... that went over the Mount of Olives led by David, weeping as ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxv davids sorrow.htm

King David's Little Boy.
... and all the people saw that King David's grief was ... of the great tent again, and his
friends and servants followed him ... child; and he grew up to be good and wise ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/king davids little boy.htm

To Whose Person the Entreaty for the Promises is to be Understood ...
... Remember, Lord, the reproach of Thy servants, which I have ... Christ." [1067] Now it
may with very good reason be ... desired that the promise made to David might be ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 12 to whose person the.htm

Of David's Reign and Merit; and of his Son Solomon, and that ...
... David therefore reigned in the earthly Jerusalem, a son of ... This man, after good
beginnings, made a bad end ... She hath sent her servants summoning to the bowl with ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 20 of davids reign and.htm

David's Weakness
... animal powers, which God meant to be his servants and not ... necessity of being good
as God is good, righteous as ... organised in body and mind as David himself, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon i davids weakness.htm

David and Jonathan's Son
... one that 'all in his house were servants to Mephibosheth ... to direct them, or they
do more harm than good. ... We may note, too, in David's kindliness, that it was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

David's Sin.
... talked kindly with him, and found him a good and faithful ... While it was sick David
fasted and lay all night upon ... Then his servants wondered at it, and replied,. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv davids sin.htm