The Life of David

David is an exciting person to study. It is encouraging to examine the many things he did to please the Lord and learn from the his great failures. He conquered much and he was defeated as well. He abounded and he crashed. He was loved and revered and he was hated and despised.

In the midst of a his life there are many lessons to learn. First of all, we learn much about the Lord. The Lord chose David from among all the men in Israel. David was not an classical human choice to be king but God saw something in David. God saw in his heart much that could be used for good. After Saul failed, The Lord informed him of a change, “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over His people…” (1 Sam. 13:14). The Lord chose David.

When the Lord sent Samuel to anoint the next king, He said “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him (David’s brother Eliab), for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7, ESV). Among many lessons, we learn that the Lord is willing and able to carry out His sovereign plan through common men who have a deep desire to love, serve and obey.

Many years later, the Apostle Paul preached in Antioch in Pisidia. Paul’s sermon demonstrates God’s progressive revelation and development of redemption that came through Jesus Christ. In the sermon, Paul informs us that the Lord removed Saul, raised up David and then testified “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my own heart, who will do my will.” (Acts 13:21).

David was a man of passion. His passion for the Lord is to be commended. His passions could also get him into trouble. He made some very irresponsible decisions that grew out of his uncontrolled desires. This led to some very difficult circumstances and consequences. Of this we can learn as we examine his life. We have the ability to watch David, see the Lord warn him and then follow the process of repentance and reconciliation. We have David as a clear example of what the Lord expects and what happens when we foolishly disobey.

I want to encourage you to take a fresh look at the life of David. Take time to work systematically through his life. You will learn much about the Lord. You will renew your appreciation for the greatest king of Israel. You will even learn much about yourself as you see how much like David you are.

I have attached a 13 lesson study guide through the life of David. It can be used individually, but it is also a great resource for small groups and counseling homework. May the Lord make His Word more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey to you.