David, Kind of Israel

GOLDEN TEXT: “The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever.” —Proverbs 29:14

II SAMUEL 5:1-12; 8:15

DAVID was anointed three times. His first anointing was by Samuel, who represented the Lord. This anointing signified God’s authority for him to be king. Then, after the death of Saul, the house of Judah anointed him. And finally, as recorded in today’s lesson, David was anointed by all Israel. Thus the Lord’s choice and appointment was recognized by the entire nation, and he reigned as king over all the tribes.

David’s recognition of the Lord’s previous appointment of Saul, is seen in his attitude when learning that Saul was dead. The messenger who informed David of the king’s death explained that, in response to a request by Saul, he had helped put an end to his life. David resented the idea that even under such circumstances this man should take the life of the Lord’s anointed, and ordered the man killed.—II Samuel 1:13-16

On the other hand, when David learned that “the men of Jabesh-gilead buried Saul,” he said to them, “Blessed be ye of the Lord, that ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. And now the Lord. show kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.” (II Sam. 2:5,6) The magnanimity of this expression can be recognized only in the light of all the jealous and hateful efforts Saul had made to destroy David. It is quite in harmony with Jesus’ teachings that we should love our enemies, and do good unto those who despitefully use us and persecute us.—Matt. 5:44

The elders of the twelve tribes of Israel accepted and anointed David to be their king because they recognized that he was the Lord’s choice for this high office. As noted in a previous lesson, while the idea of having a king originated with the people of Israel, God accepted the arrangement when they insisted upon it, and had the kings rule as his representatives. Thus the throne of David and of his successors was, in reality, the throne of the Lord and was typical of the messianic kingdom.

David reigned over the tribes of Judah for seven years and six months. (II Sam. 2:11) During this time his headquarters were in Hebron. But when he was recognized by the whole nation, and anointed as king, he quite properly moved his headquarters to Jerusalem. There was opposition to this from the Jebusites, who inhabited the city. But the opposition was overcome, and David was soon strongly entrenched in the capital.

We read that “David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him” (II Sam. 5:10) He was bound to grow great if the Lord was with him. David merited the Lord’s favor, his guidance, and his strength, because he was loyal to him, and the law of God was his meditation all the day.—Ps. 119:97

We read further that “Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.”(vs. 11) Undoubtedly David greatly appreciated this kindness, but he did not look upon it as an evidence of his own worthiness and popularity, but as a further token of God’s blessing upon his kingdom. “David perceived,” we read, “that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.”—vs. 12

David always maintained this attitude of humility before the Lord. There were times when, through weaknesses of the flesh he yielded to temptation, but even in these experiences he was genuinely repentant when his sins were called to his attention.

David, unlike Saul, never disobeyed the instructions of the Lord in performing the functions of state, or in giving battle to his enemies. Nor did he, either by precept or by example, even momentarily, encourage the people to worship and serve false gods, as did so many of his successors. He was truly a man after God’s own heart.

So pleasing was David to Jehovah that his name is sometimes given to the messianic kingdom throne. For example, when announcing the coming birth of Jesus, the angel Gabriel said to the mother to be, “Fear not Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”—Luke 1:30.33

The Prophet Isaiah wrote concerning Jesus, that he would sit “upon the throne of David, … to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice” (Isa. 9:7) Surely David was greatly beloved by the Lord!

QUESTIONS

How many times was David anointed, and by whom?

Relate circumstances which reveal David’s largeness of heart.

Was David ever disloyal to the Lord?

In what way has God recognized David in his plan?

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