True & Beautiful Things About the Bible--Old Testamentಮಾದರಿ

2 Samuel: The Biography of a King

David waited a long time to be king. Such is often the case for people who love God; He makes us wait. For Abraham and Sarah, it was for a promised child. For Joseph, it was justice. Moses waited on the back side of the desert to return to Egypt and rescue God’s people. Waiting either depletes or completes your heart. Coming out of his wilderness years, David’s heart for God was never stronger.

That was 1 Samuel. Now we start a new chapter of his story.

David is finally king of a united Israel, and he fully embraces the role. His military victories, the economy, the nation’s borders, the general sense of glory all rise in a steep pitch. These are the days that God promised Israel.

But it all changes with one sinful choice. Perhaps we could have spotted a pattern of choices in David’s life, leading to one big one, but nevertheless, the trajectory turns downward. A sinful desire is conceived and then a cover-up. And it cost the life of not just any soldier, but one of David’s mighty men. Uriah was so loyal to David, he probably would have given Bathsheba to him if he asked.

The prophet Nathan was the only one brave enough to put the truth in front of David. And to his credit, David believed him. For his entire life David’s passion burned hot after God. Who was this prodigal in the mirror? Could he ever be “a man after God’s own heart” again?

We see it again; grace shocks us more than the sin. Yes, God hears David’s whole-hearted confession and sees his repentance—and forgives him.

Still there would be consequences. David’s dysfunctional family paid the highest toll. His son, Absolom, led an uprising against his dad and a defiant grab for his throne. David once again ran like a fugitive, but this time he drug behind him the baggage of parenting guilt.

The Bible doesn’t idealize David, or any of us who follow the Lord. God somehow understands how we can live our lives like a tornado, yet our heart still beats strong after Him. Because if David’s biography teaches us anything, it’s that our heart matters most.

One of the greatest scenes in the Old Testament often gets overlooked in all of David’s drama. God declares in 2 Samuel 7 that it’s through this broken, flawed, beautiful, messed up king, that the Messiah, a “Son of David” will come. This king will never sin or disappoint you. Jesus Christ will reign on David’s throne and His kingdom will be forever. In a future scene described in Revelation 5:5 and 22:16, we will still be singing about this ‘Son of David’ and everyone will bow.

Pay close attention to David’s beautiful response and you’ll see why God loved his heart.

Next: Fire on the mountain