An illustration of the biblical character, David. Designed by Freepik.
Lessons from the Life of David in the Bible?
From a mere shepherd to one of the most successful kings of all time; David is not your ordinary Bible character. David remains one of the most admirable characters in the Bible. His story starts in 1 Samuel 16, following God’s rejection of Saul as the king of Israel. In the subsequent chapters, we see David starting a new life. He occasionally serves Saul, kills Goliath, and starts a cat-and-mouse game with the rejected king, who is determined to kill him. Believers can learn many lessons from David’s life; right from the time he is introduced in the scriptures until his death. Here are six lessons we can learn from David’s life.
1. Nothing can thwart God’s plan for our lives.
1 Samuel 16 introduces David as the youngest son in Jesse’s family. Even his father does not seem to consider him fit for anointing. When asked if he has another son, Jesse replies, “There is still the youngest and he is tending the sheep” (1 Samuel 16:11). Despite their physique and availability for this anointing, none of the other men in Jesse’s house could take what was meant for David. This scene should remind us that there is no need to be jealous of others or anxious about our lives. God has planned everything and no one will “hijack” or intercept our blessings.
2. Never allow people to determine your faith convictions
When David goes to the battlefield to supply food to his brothers, Eliab rebukes him for inquiring about the reward awaiting the man who kills Goliath (1 Samuel 17:28). Instead of shrinking at his eldest brother’s rebuke, David moves on to a different person and asks the same question. This attitude is a reminder to us that not everyone will agree with our faith convictions. In his heart, David was convinced that he could challenge Goliath, but Eliab saw this as a reckless action. Once you trust God for something, ignore all the explanations people might offer contrary to your faith.
3. Humans are unpredictable and can turn against you anytime
Despite his good intentions and kindness, David occasionally faced hostility from different individuals. He was a good harpist whose skills calmed Saul’s psychological problems. You would expect the king to appreciate this service, but Saul even hurled a spear at David, intending to kill him (1 Samuel 18:10-12). Later, some of the men who accompanied David to the battlefield contemplated stoning him after the Amalekites invaded Ziklag and took their families hostage (1 Samuel 30:6). The two passages caution us against placing too much trust in fellow humans.
4. God’s calling comes with its share of challenges
David probably expected that his anointing as the king would be characterized by the same celebrations that Saul enjoyed. On the contrary, David’s misery began as soon as Samuel anointed him. Saul saw him as a threat to the kingdom and tried to kill him. David had to flee from one cave to another (1 Samuel 22). He no longer enjoyed his warm bed at home. As believers, we should learn that God’s calling may involve challenges, which drive us out of our comfort zone. Fortunately, whatever challenges we experience are meant for our growth. David eventually overcame Saul and was enthroned as the king just like the Lord intended.
5. No sin is without consequences
David sinned with Uriah’s wife and went further to have him killed. Perhaps David felt that he was now the most powerful individual who could get away with anything, including adultery and murder. Well, he thought wrong! God sent Prophet Nathan to judge him (2 Samuel 12). David also suffered for conducting a census (1 Chronicles 21; 2 Samuel 24:1-17). The consequences match the statement in Nahum 1:3, which says that the Lord is slow to anger but does not let the wicked go unpunished. Although God already punished Christ for our sins, we should remember that sin has natural consequences.
6. Being a good person does mean others will reciprocate
Throughout David’s life, we see a man who is determined to be good to others. Despite his shortcomings, David was undoubtedly a good person. Well, this quality did not stop others from targeting him. Even his own son, Absalom, rebelled and sought to overthrow David (2 Samuel 1:1-22). Saul burned with jealousy just because women praised David more (1 Samuel 18:7). We should be careful not to expect a lot from people. Instead, we should focus on doing good and letting God reward us.
