Character Study Of David Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF DAVID – SECOND KING, MAN AFTER GOD’S HEART

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 13:14

"But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you."

Supporting Texts:

1 Samuel 16-31, 2 Samuel 1-24, 1 Kings 1-2, Psalm 23, Acts 13:22

BACKGROUND OF DAVID

David, the youngest son of Jesse, was a shepherd boy chosen by God to be the king of Israel. Anointed by the prophet Samuel while Saul was still king, David rose from obscurity to become one of Israel’s greatest rulers. He was a warrior, a poet, a musician, and most importantly, a man after God's own heart.

Despite his flaws and failures, David's life was marked by his deep relationship with God, his repentance when he sinned, and his unwavering trust in the Lord. He established Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, expanded the kingdom, and laid the foundation for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

1. DAVID’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND DIVINE CHOOSING

David’s story teaches us that God chooses based on the heart, not outward appearance.

a) He was the youngest and least likely candidate (1 Samuel 16:11-12)

Jesse did not even consider him when Samuel came to anoint a king.

b) God looks at the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7)

Unlike Saul, David had a heart that pleased God.

c) He was anointed as king while still a shepherd (1 Samuel 16:13)

His kingship was predestined, but it took years before he ascended the throne.

d) He faithfully served as a harpist for Saul (1 Samuel 16:23)

Even though he was anointed, he remained humble and obedient.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph was also chosen by God but had to wait for his destiny (Genesis 37:5-10, 41:39-41)

2. DAVID AND GOLIATH – A FAITH THAT CONQUERS GIANTS

David’s trust in God led to one of the greatest victories in biblical history.

a) He saw Goliath as defying the army of the living God (1 Samuel 17:26)

Unlike others, he viewed the situation through faith, not fear.

b) He refused to wear Saul’s armour but trusted God (1 Samuel 17:38-40)

He relied on spiritual weapons rather than human strength.

c) He defeated Goliath with a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17:49-50)

A small act of faith brought a great victory.

d) His victory brought national recognition (1 Samuel 18:6-7)

The women sang of his triumph, sparking Saul’s jealousy.

e) Biblical Example: Gideon also won a battle with a small army by faith (Judges 7:7-22)

3. DAVID’S RELATIONSHIP WITH SAUL AND JONATHAN

David experienced both favour and persecution in his rise to power.

a) He was loved by Jonathan, Saul’s son (1 Samuel 18:1-4)

Their friendship was based on covenant and mutual respect.

b) Saul became jealous and tried to kill him (1 Samuel 18:9-11)

David had to flee for his life despite being loyal.

c) He refused to harm Saul when given the chance (1 Samuel 24:6)

He honoured God's anointed leader, even when Saul was unjust.

d) Jonathan reaffirmed David’s kingship (1 Samuel 23:16-17)

Jonathan recognised God's plan for David.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph also faced unjust treatment but remained faithful (Genesis 39:20-23)

4. DAVID’S REIGN AS KING

David established Israel as a strong and united nation.

a) He ruled over Judah first, then over all Israel (2 Samuel 2:4, 5:3)

His reign began in Hebron and later moved to Jerusalem.

b) He captured Jerusalem and made it the capital (2 Samuel 5:6-9)

This became the political and spiritual centre of Israel.

c) He brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-15)

He prioritised worship and God's presence.

d) He desired to build the temple for God (2 Samuel 7:1-2)

God promised him an everlasting dynasty instead.

e) Biblical Example: Solomon later fulfilled his father’s dream of building the temple (1 Kings 6:1-14)

5. DAVID’S SINS AND REPENTANCE

Despite his greatness, David was not perfect, but he knew how to repent.

a) He committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2-5)

He misused his power and fell into sin.

b) He tried to cover his sin by killing Uriah (2 Samuel 11:14-17)

Instead of confessing immediately, he deepened his mistake.

c) Nathan the prophet confronted him (2 Samuel 12:1-7)

He repented sincerely when confronted.

d) He wrote Psalm 51 as a prayer of repentance (Psalm 51:1-12)

He asked God for a clean heart and restoration.

e) Biblical Example: Peter also repented after denying Jesus (Luke 22:61-62)

6. STRENGTHS OF DAVID

David’s life was marked by several godly virtues.

a) He was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22)

b) He was a worshipper and wrote many Psalms (Psalm 23)