how does the character of david develop over the course of the books of samuel and kings?

by Maximilian Ziemann 5 min read

What does the Book of 2 Samuel tell us about David?

Updated February 27, 2019. The book of 2 Samuel records the rise, fall, and restoration of King David . As David conquers the land and unites the Jewish people, we see his courage, honesty, compassion, and faithfulness to God.

What do Samuel and David have in common?

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:13). What else? Both were men of war. They each led armies to victory over the enemies of Israel.

What can we learn from Samuel in the Bible?

Continually exhorted Israel to follow the Lord (1 Samuel 7:3-12:14-16, 12:20-25) – Samuel was very faithful in the ministry that God gave to Him. Many people start off in ministry and then get burned out or give up after a while. But not Samuel. Samuel preached, judged, prayed, and guided Israel for probably well over sixty years.

What did King David do in the Bible?

As king of Israel, David won numerous battles and made Israel a formidable nation, expanding its territory and military might, all while pointing his people to God. 11. David committed adultery with Bathsheba

How would you characterize David in Samuel?

He's humble, talented, and strong in his faith. And those are qualities we just so happen to look for in our leaders. Funny how that works. So when Samuel the prophet comes to Bethlehem looking for a king, he didn't have to look any further than David the shepherd boy (16:11-13).

What are the characteristics of David?

David is a strong but unassuming shepherd who becomes God's choice to replace Saul as king of Israel. He is humble yet self-possessed, readily dismissing human opinion. His humility becomes clear early in his youth, when he kills the giant Goliath with a sling stone, declining the opportunity to use Saul's royal armor.

What is the relationship between David and Samuel in the Bible?

God sent the Prophet Samuel to Bethlehem and guided him to David, a humble shepherd and talented musician. He brought the young man to Saul's court, where his harp was so soothing that Saul called for David whenever he was vexed by an “evil spirit” sent by God (I Samuel 9:16).

How did David become a hero?

In 1 Samuel, David is the most courageous hero because he follows commands without a doubt and sacrifices himself for the good of others; those traits are audacious because his strength and size are not an advantage to him compared to his competitor, and instead, he uses his faith in God to assist him with defeating ...

What can we learn from David?

David's heart for God prepares him to be used by God. Our impressive resumes aren't what make us useful in God's kingdom. The first lesson we learn from David's life is the importance of cultivating a heart for God above all else.

What are the good qualities of David in the Bible?

5 Amazing Characteristics of David in the BibleDavid acknowledged his mistakes.David recognized that he was weak.David knew how to step up in challenging situations.David had a strong passion and love for God.David was not afraid to change.

Who was David in Samuel?

In the Books of Samuel, David is a young shepherd and harpist who gains fame by slaying the giant Goliath, a champion of the Philistines in southern Canaan. David becomes a favorite of the first king of united Israel, Saul, and forges a close friendship with Jonathan, a son of Saul.

What was David's purpose in the Bible?

As Israel's second king, David built a small empire. He conquered Jerusalem, which he made Israel's political and religious centre. He defeated the Philistines so thoroughly that they never seriously threatened the Israelites' security again, and he annexed the coastal region.

How was King David a good leader?

In the case of David, God empowered him to accomplish each task as he came to it. David was able to defeat Goliath when the time came for him to do so. He was able to evade Saul during the time when he was being chased. He was able to take his place as king when Saul was defeated.

Why did you choose David as your Bible hero?

You can see that David had a great relationship with God since a very young age and God put great power upon him. This is certainly the reasons why David is my hero because he was a man after God's own heart as mentioned, he had an amazing faith and close relationship with God, and God loved David greatly.

Is David considered a hero?

But David remains a hero. He's still the warrior who took down Goliath. He's still the talented musician, the Psalmist. For religious Jews, David is tied up with the hope for a messianic future.

What is King David's flaw?

"David appears as a man with one deep personality flaw: He was a 'ladies' man. '" wrote Bodi. This eventually got David into trouble with God. David was on the rooftop of one of his palaces when he saw a beautiful lady named Bathsheba bathing.

What was the significance of David's character?

There are many things that can be seen in David’s character that are significant to note. David demonstrat ed in addition to salvation, that our life’s path is directly influenced by our faithfulness to God.

Who was Samuel's father?

It was his father, Jessie the Bethlehemite, that was named by God as the person that Samuel should see to find the new King of Israel that God had provided (1 Samuel 16:1). While there, Jesse waited obediently while God directed Samuel to the young shepherd boy, David, as the one to anoint as king. It was through David that the earthly kingship ...

What is King David's ancestry?

King David s ancestry and its significance to Christ. From the earliest days of David’s life until his final words to his son, Solomon, King David had a very significant place in history (1 Samuel 16; 1 Kings 2:1-11). He was born to his parents in Bethlehem, but despite his humble beginning, even his father was to play a significant role in history ...

Who was David's son?

Therefore, the kingship of David to Jesus was transferred from David’s son, Solomon to his son Nathan. Salathiel was a biological descendant of Nathan. His name was listed as a son of Jechonias, not because of biology, but because of royalty.

Where was David born?

He was born in Bethlehem as was Christ (Luke 2:1-18; John 7:42) He was not born into a family that held any special place or status (1 Samuel 16) His faith in God and skill with music was used by God in humanly practical ways and in the writing of the Psalms (1 Samuel 16:15-22) David had a Godly courage (1 Samuel 17:31-39)

Who was David before Samuel?

David was a musician. Many years before Samuel anointed David and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, Samuel anointed Saul, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul ( 1 Samuel 10:1–6 ). When David was anointed, the Spirit of the Lord left Saul, and an evil spirit began to torment him ( 1 Samuel 16:14 ).

What makes David a significant biblical figure?

But what makes David such a significant biblical figure is his role in establishing God’s earthly headquarters in Jerusalem. Despite his glaring flaws, the David is described as a man after God’s own heart ( 1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22 ).

Why is David in the Old Testament?

It’s fitting that David is such a prominent figure in the Old Testament. Because as an imperfect human, anointed by God to save and rule his people, David lays the foundation for Jesus Christ— the only sinless human, whom God would use to save and rule all of humanity.

Why did David kill bears and lions?

While a shepherd may seem like an inconsequential position, it was still dangerous. David killed bears and lions alike to defend his father’s sheep. In fact, David cites his experience as a shepherd to convince Saul why he can defeat Goliath: “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep.

Why wasn't David with his brothers?

And when the Philistines (and Goliath) invaded, David was torn between his duties as Saul’s musician and his responsibilities for tending his father’s sheep ( 1 Samuel 17:15 ).

What did David do after his death?

After his death, he became a symbol of God’s unique relationship with Israel and the redemption that was still to come. 3. David was the youngest of seven sons (or he had seven brothers) After he finished the work of creation, God rested on the seventh day and made it holy ( Genesis 2:3 ).

What tribe was David from?

Here are some of the things we know about David. 1. David was from the tribe of Judah. The 12 tribes of Israel descended from Jacob’s 12 sons, and with the exception of Levi, each tribe controlled a specific territory within the nation of Israel.

What is the story of David?

The story of David is a picture for us of what happens in a Christian's life as he gives it to God -- a place of dominion and reign. Every Christian is offered a kingdom, just as David was offered a kingdom. That kingdom is the kingdom of your own life and it is exactly like the kingdom of Israel.

What is the second Samuel?

Second Samuel is really a continuation of 1 Samuel (in the Hebrew Bible they are not divided and this is the first book of Kings) and it all centers on one man -- David. The book falls into four simple divisions. Chapters 1 through 5 trace the road to dominion. David began his reign as king only over the tribe of Judah and it was not ...

What did David do to bring the Ark back?

That is what is pictured here in David's desire to bring back the ark. David built a brand new ox cart and set the ark in the middle of it and started back with all the people singing and rejoicing around the ark. It was a time of enthusiastic, utterly sincere, complete dedication and devotion to God.

What happened in Absalom's death?

In Absalom's death the rebellion is crushed. But that is not the whole story. In chapters 18 through 20 is recorded the final result of David's sin in the rebellion of Sheba against King David. All of this stems from that one double sin on David's part.

What did God forgive David for?

God forgives David and thereby restores that inner personal relationship between them so that David has a sense of peace and freedom from guilt. God deals with us not only in grace but also in government.

How long did David stay in Ziklag?

1 After the death of Saul, David returned from defeating the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. 2 On the third day a man arrived from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and with dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor.

What is the record of David's failure and God's forgiveness?

Then in chapters 11 through 20 is the record of David's failure and God's forgiveness, and their results in his life. The closing section comprises an appendix which sets forth some important lessons learned by King David in the course of his reign. There are two ways of looking at the life of David.

Who was David in the Bible?

Bible: The Old Testament. David is a strong but unassuming shepherd who becomes God’s choice to replace Saul as king of Israel. He is humble yet self-possessed, readily dismissing human opinion. His humility becomes clear early in his youth, when he kills the giant Goliath with a sling stone, declining the opportunity to use Saul’s royal armor.

Why did David refuse to kill Saul?

David refuses to kill Saul because he senses that whatever standards he imposes against the current king may one day be used against himself as ruler.

Why does David scorn the opportunity to attack?

David scorns the easy opportunity to attack because he feels it would be morally wrong to strike God’s current anointed ruler. As king, David forgives the kingdom’s traitors, and executes the traitors of his enemies.

Was David a pragmatist?

By this reading, David appears to be a pragmatist—one who acts not out of his or her ideals, but on the basis of what is practical or expedient. However, the Old Testament ultimately seems to suggest that David’s religious ideals do not conflict with his pragmatism. Previous section Moses.

Who were Saul and David?

Saul, son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin , and David, son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah had a lot in common. They were both kings over Israel while Samuel was prophet, but there’s much more than that. For instance, they were both quite attractive.

How long did Saul wait to see Samuel?

Well, Saul waited seven days, but Samuel was still nowhere in sight. The people began to scatter and Saul could see that the Philistines were gearing up for another battle, and Saul thought he needed THEM to win. His eyes were on the people as his source—not God. He thought he needed to take matters into his own hands.

What did the Lord say about Amalek?

The Lord was very explicit about what he wanted done. “Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” (1 Samuel 15:3). Again, Saul thought he had a better plan.

What would have happened if David had continued in God's plan?

If he had continued in God’s plan there would have been no need to anoint David king to replace him. Samuel told him, “the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure” (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

Was Saul handsome?

Saul was “a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel” (1 Samuel 9:2). David likewise. “Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance” (1 Samuel 16:12). Both men had duties with their father’s herds: Saul was sent to find his father’s lost donkeys ...

What happened in the book of 2 Samuel?

Updated February 27, 2019. The book of 2 Samuel records the rise, fall, and restoration of King David . As David conquers the land and unites the Jewish people, we see his courage, honesty, compassion, and faithfulness to God. Then David makes a tragic mistake by committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah ...

What is the theme of the covenant in 2 Samuel 7?

Themes. God created a covenant through David ( 2 Samuel 7:8-17) to establish a throne that would last forever. Israel no longer has kings, but one of David's descendants was Jesus, who sits on a heavenly throne for eternity. In 2 Samuel 7:14, God promises a Messiah: "I will be his father, and he will be my son.".

What is David remembered for?

David is remembered as "a man after God's own heart.". Despite his many failures, he found favor in God's eyes. His story is a sharp reminder that despite our sins, we too can find favor in God's sight, through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Who lived halfway between Abraham and David?

David lived halfway between the time of Abraham, with whom God made his original covenant, and Jesus, who fulfilled that covenant on the cross. In chapter 7, God reveals his plan for salvation through David 's house. David is remembered as "a man after God's own heart.".

Who gave birth to Solomon?

Bathsheba gives birth to Solomon (12:24-31). Amnon, son of David, rapes his half-sister Tamar (13:1-22). Absalom, David's son, kills Amnon and returns to Jerusalem (13:23-14:33). Absalom rebels against his father and is killed (15:1-20:26). David praises God; exploits of his Mighty Men (16:1-24:25). Cite this Article.

Why did God choose Samuel?

Samuel’s pure motives were one of the main reasons why God chose to use him. He even chose Samuel to anoint the kings, David and Saul, which was a visible sign of God’s stamp of approval for these two first kings. 5. No mercy towards sin – Samuel killed Agag as the Lord had instructed.

Why was Samuel a prophet?

As he grew older (1 Samuel 3:19-21) it was clear to everyone that Samuel was a prophet, probably because Samuel acted as a messenger of the Lord and because of his upright character and God’s divine blessing on him. Samuel is recognized as the last judge of Israel, prior to the establishment of kings.

Why did Samuel kill Agag?

No mercy towards sin – Samuel killed Agag as the Lord had instructed. Saul wanted to save some of the best spoils for himself, including their king. Probably Saul wanted to display Agag as a power symbol of his own superiority. Samuel, in contrast, was willing to do whatever God asked at any price to himself.

How many times did Samuel go to Eli?

1. Obedient to Eli – (1 Samuel 3:1-9) – Even in the middle of the night, Samuel got up and went to Eli three times immediately when he thought he called. This is very different from most children nowadays who routinely ignore their elders and parents. He then followed Eli’s instructions when God called him again.

Why was Samuel named Samuel?

She named Samuel this because God listened to and answered her prayers. Ancestry and family life : Samuel was born into an interesting family where his father was married to two women. However, he did not grow up with his family. He grew up serving the Lord in the tabernacle in Shiloh.

What did Samuel look at instead of the heart?

Samuel looked at the outside of man instead of the heart – (1 Samuel 16:6) – Again, this is a very natural thing, but Samuel should have known better. He was a prophet for decades (likely 5-6 decades at this point). He knew how God worked.

What was the time period of David to Solomon?

The time period of David to Solomon was Israel’s golden age when it was the most prosperous and and powerful.

King David’s Ancestry and Its Significance to Christ

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From the earliest days of David’s life until his final words to his son, Solomon, King David had a very significant place in history (1 Samuel 16; 1 Kings 2:1-11). He was born to his parents in Bethlehem, but despite his humble beginning, even his father was to play a significant role in history (Isaiah 11:1). It was his father, Jessie the B…
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What Is Significant About David’s Life and His Character?

  • There are many things that can be seen in David’s character that are significant: 1. He was born in Bethlehem as was Christ (Luke 2:1-18; John 7:42) 2. He was not born into a family that held any special place or status (1 Samuel 16) 3. His faith in God and skill with music was used by God in humanly practical ways and in the writing of the Psalms (1 Samuel 16:15-22) 4. David had a God…
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What Can We Learn from The Life and Character of David?

  • No matter what station we find ourselves in life, God provides equal access to His grace and forgiveness. God does not show favor to the rich, not does he curse the humble or poor. David demonstrated that no matter where you are in life, when we ignore the will of the Lord, we make bad decisions, which can often have tragic consequences. However, God provides forgiveness a…
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Conclusion

  • From the earliest days of David’s life until his final words to his son, Solomon, King David had a very significant place in history. It was through David that the earthly kingship of Jesus began. There are many things that can be seen in David’s character that are significant to note. David demonstrated in addition to salvation, that our life’s path is directly influenced by our faithfulnes…
See more on whatchristianswanttoknow.com

Contents

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Second Samuel is really a continuation of 1 Samuel (in the Hebrew Bible they are not divided and this is the first book of Kings) and it all centers on one man -- David. The book falls into four simple divisions. Chapters 1 through 5 trace the road to dominion. David began his reign as king only over the tribe of Judah and it was no…
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Story

  • The story of David is a picture for us of what happens in a Christian's life as he gives it to God -- a place of dominion and reign. Every Christian is offered a kingdom, just as David was offered a kingdom. That kingdom is the kingdom of your own life and it is exactly like the kingdom of Israel. There are enemies threatening it from outside. Ther...
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Summary

  • The first section opens with the death of Saul, the man of the flesh. When Saul died, David was free to be king over the land. In our lives this is the picture of the time when we come at last to the full truth of the cross and what the cross means to us. It is the cross of Jesus Christ that puts the old man to death and brings to an end the reign of the flesh pictured here by King Saul. When at l…
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Synopsis

  • At first David was king only over his own tribe, Judah. For seven years he dwelt in the city of Hebron. But while he was king only over Judah, there was a fierce struggle going on between the rights of David and the house of Saul. In other words, the flesh dies hard. It doesn't give up its reign easily. There is a fierce battle. At last we are told that David comes to the place where he i…
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Plot summary

  • Chapter six begins the second movement in this book. Here are the results in David's life when he comes to his full authority within the kingdom. His first concern is to bring back the ark of God. In 1 Samuel we read that the ark had been captured by the Philistine tribes. They had taken it and tried to set it up in their temple. But when the ark of God stood opposite the staring-eyed, ugly, gr…
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Origin

  • The next thing we read in this section is about the desire that entered into the heart of David to build a temple for God. The ark had been in the tabernacle -- just a shoddy, rough old tent. So David reasoned with himself, \"Here I live in a beautiful house of cedar and God's ark has to dwell in an old tent. Why don't I build a house for God?\" (7:2) When Nathan the prophet heard of it he …
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Results

  • The rest of this section is simply a report of David's victories over the enemies -- the Philistines and the Ammonites. In other words, when God is in the center of David's life and his heart is ready to walk out upon God's program -- not David's program, but God's program -- there is no hindrance to victory. All the internal enemies and the external enemies are in complete subjection to the m…
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Prelude

  • After the interruption of the winter season when proper and true battles were being fought for the Lord's cause, it was time for the king to go forth to battle.
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Quotes

  • That is where the failure begins. He forsook the post of duty. It doesn't mean that it is wrong, necessarily, but to be absent from the place where you belong is to be exposed to temptation. So here suddenly, almost without warning, there breaks into David's life this double sin of adultery and murder. This is the man whom God had chosen to be the ancestor of the Lord Jesus. This si…
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Significance

  • This is a great lesson in forgiveness. There are a lot of people that ask God to forgive their sins and they think that therefore they should never have to suffer any results from their evil ways. But notice what God does with David. God forgives David after his confession. David's life is spared, even though under the law the penalty for this sin is death. God forgives David and thereby resto…
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Analysis

  • Throughout all of this, David's heart is penitent and resting upon God. He is acknowledging the fact that these things are resulting from his own folly, and is trusting God to work it out. It is a beautiful picture of what the attitude of the heart should be when we fall into sin and failure, and evil results begin to come. There is never a word of complaint from David. There is never any att…
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Legacy

  • In Absalom's death the rebellion is crushed. But that is not the whole story. In chapters 18 through 20 is recorded the final result of David's sin in the rebellion of Sheba against King David. All of this stems from that one double sin on David's part. There is no peace the rest of his reign. He has God's forgiveness, God's grace to him, God's restoration, and God's blessing in his personal life, …
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Introduction

  • Finally, we have the epilogue, or appendix, to this book, which gathers up some of the lessons that David learned through the forty years of his reign as king. The first is the story of the Gibeonites, which teaches that the past must be reckoned with. If there are things in our past that can still be corrected, we have a responsibility before God to go back and set these things straight. Many a …
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