A Study of David, A Man After God’s Own Heart, Part 1

By Lawna Blankenship

For nearly six years, I have attended a weekly women’s Bible Study at my church, a fall session and a winter session, eight or twelve weeks each. We have studied Revelation, Genesis and other books of the Old and New Testament. For the last study, I decided to do a weekly recap of our class discussion, weaving in a little humor in today’s language, and adding links to drill down on interesting points. I’ve added free clip art to enhance the story in a few places. My classmates loved it so much, they made comments like, “I look forward to your recap as much as I look forward to the class.” “I read it twice, as it helped me recall the lessons learned.”  “I missed the class and it was wonderful to catch up and feel like I was in class.”  I named our class, Pam’s Bible Babes to give it a certain vibe. So, walk with me through 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles--The Life of David-A Man After God's Own Heart.

David is considered a hero in the Bible for several reasons. First and foremost, he was chosen by God to be the second king of Israel after Saul. David was also a man of great faith, and he is credited with writing many of the Psalms found in the Old Testament.

David is also known for his bravery and military prowess. He famously defeated the giant Goliath with a single stone from his sling and went on to lead successful military campaigns against the enemies of Israel.

However, David was not without his flaws. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband, Uriah, killed to cover up his sin. He was a husband, a father, and many things to many people. Despite his flaws, David is still considered a hero in the Bible because of his overall commitment to God and his willingness to repent and seek forgiveness when he sinned.

In the class of Bible Babes, led by Pam, an experienced (25 years) Bible Study teacher, we discussed the chapters and the questions in our workbook in each lesson.

Let’s get started with Lesson One: Destined for the Throne | 2 Samuel 1-5. Buckle up!

What is the difference between first Samuel and second Samuel?

Whereas the book of First Samuel shows Israel’s transition from God’s authority to Saul’s irresponsible rule, Second Samuel documents the transition back to God-honoring leadership under David. David was anointed king of Israel by God and is a picture of the true Messiah (God’s anointed one).

What is the central theme of the books of Samuel?

The central theme of the books of Samuel is how the Lord (1) established a dynasty (“house”) in Israel for David rather than Saul and (2) how he chose Jerusalem as the place where David’s successor would establish the temple (“house”) for the worship of the divine King Yahweh.

Pam asked if God showed a lack of compassion with the fatal outburst against Uzzah for his irreverence in touching the arc? Good intentions do not give you a pass for disobeying God's Laws. Our sin, of omission or commission, impacts everybody else. David did not ask for guidance from God, and he did know the rules.  

David extended favor to Saul's grandson/Jonathan's crippled son Mephibosheth, based upon their oath with his BFF Jonathan, which extended beyond their personal relationship to show unfailing kindness to their families, forever. The lad was now a married adult with a son, Mica. David granted him all of Saul's property, and a place at his dinner table. 

It took three months after the first failed attempt to move the arc into The City of David, for the process to be executed correctly, by the Levites, carrying the arc on poles to the tent David had pitched for the arc.

David's wife Michal, Saul's daughter despised David, and mocked him for celebrating with the commoners, without his regal regalia. As a consequence, God made her barren. Take away: don't judge.

David lived in a gorgeous house of cedar, while the arc of God dwells within tent curtains. David was rested from battle, and possibly getting bored, and wanted to do something big for God. Again, he did not ask God for guidance, he listened to seemingly common sense from Nathan. David's desire was right, but his timing was wrong, in that God never asked for a house of cedar, and it was not his plan at this time. (David's son Solomon would be called to build the temple. David was a man of war, and God wanted a man of peace to build His temple.) 

God proceeds to outline a laundry list of Promises to David, his house, and His people Israel, forever. 

We surged into chapter 8, David's victories. He defeated the Philistines, and Moab (remember his grandmother was Ruth, a Moabite). He used a creative approach to put half their soldiers to death, with survivors becoming servants to David. He defeated Hadadezer, hamstrung (lame) the chariot horses, taking enough of them for 100 chariots. David killed 22,000 Arameans, with survivors made servants. From the cities of Hadadezer he took spoils of war, including large amounts of bronze, which he combined with articles of silver and gold which he dedicated to God. He finished the job with all enemies and finally reigned over all of Israel, as the Lord helped David wherever he went. He administered justice for the people and appointed his leadership team. 

In 1 Chronicles 16, after David and his team installed the arc inside the tent, they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God, then blessed the people. Everyone in Israel received a "swag bag", containing a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a raisin cake. He appointed certain Levites to give continual praise and thanks to God. Their praise declared God's character and attributes, ascribing glory to God. 

Pam gave an overview of David's journey of his warrior ways in finally uniting all the tribes in a permanent, secure Israel; the stutter-step movement of the Arc of the Covenant; and the horrible consequences of not asking for God's guidance in his plans. He wanted to build a temple for God, and God made it clear, David was a man of war, and God wanted a man of peace to build his temple. David sins, asks God's forgiveness, then sins again. So typical of all of us, right?

One person can cause a war. Half a beard is shaved, and clothing cut off in the most embarrassing area. One action, a retaliation, and an escalation result in thousands of deaths.  The beard was never cut off but in mourning, or as a sign of slavery. Cutting off half of the beard and the clothes rendered the men ridiculous and made them look like slaves: what was done to these men was an accumulation of insults.

God had a covenant with David, and it seems he gets a pass, over and over again, yet he paid with dire consequences. David should have been off to battle in the spring, after the winter/rainy season, and after the harvest of wheat and barley used to feed the troops, but no, our man after God's own heart was tired, and stayed behind. Then he became bored, saw Bathsheba, inquired about her, learned she was the daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite, two among his mighty men. Temptation turned to sinful actions. An out-of-wedlock pregnancy, adultery, betrayal, and murder result. Then the death of the baby seven days postpartum. 

Pam reminds us in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." History repeats itself, so this story of David and these worst possible scenarios, proves God's grace, forgiveness, love, patience and his will be done. We are to praise God in all circumstances and put on the Armor of God as we make our own journeys!

David and Bathsheba got married, and their fourth son is Solomon whom God had planned all along, even before his birth, to be the king to build his temple. Makes one ponder these matters.