King David

In the Beginning

There are few people in the Old Testament to whom more narrative is devoted than King David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, a “man after [God’s] own heart.” His unreserved faith in God was remarkably displayed in his confrontation with Goliath, and this early episode was characteristic of his devotion to the cause of Jehovah. In this he forms a lovely representation of King Jesus who would follow many centuries later. David’s earnestness, his fervency of spirit and his acceptance of the chastisements of God form a wonderful part of the “cloud of witnesses” urging us to fidelity, zeal and enthusiasm for the greater work of the spirit we are privileged to share. This remarkable life and its lessons are the theme of the present issue.

David’s battle with Goliath is probably the best known and most endearing story of his career. Not as well known is that this episode also has a prophetic meaning, explored in the article “David and Goliath.” “The Star of David and the Star of Bethlehem” explores the history of the ancient “Star of David,” and an ­intriguing, far reaching prophecy of Balaam. In “Saul, Jonathan, and David” are sweet lessons respecting love and devotion, and warnings concerning jealousy and intrigue. David had several wives, none more famous than Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon. The men prominent in her life, and lessons from their examples, are examined in “Nine Men in the Life of Bathsheba.”

The greatest threat to David’s kingdom was the revolt of his own son, Absalom. “The ­Revolt of Absalom” suggests this wrenching drama prefigured the Jewish refusal to accept their divinely crowned King Jesus. The most distressing episode of David’s career was his sin respecting Uriah and Bathsheba. The Bible does not refrain from revealing the weaknesses of even its most heroic figures. But ­David’s heart was shown in his thorough repentence and humiliation, as elucidated in the article “Nathan the Prophet.”

David composed many psalms, among them the two well known Messianic Psalms 2 and 110. Their meaning respecting King David and King Jesus are examined in the article “Two Psalms of David.” Lastly, “The Bethlehem Trilogy” considers three Old Testament narratives highlighting the importance of Bethlehem, later the birthplace of King David and his successor, King Jesus.