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Saturday, July 29, 2023

David - A man After God's Own Heart, Senior - I, Lesson - 16

SENIOR

AGE GROUP: 14 - 15 YEARS

STANDARD (GRADE): IX & X

Permission is granted only for free distribution among Sunday School children.

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LESSON – 16

DAVID – A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART

David, the Shepherd Boy

David was born around 1000 BC and was the youngest son of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:10-11) from the tribe of Judah. Jesse lived in the town of Bethlehem. The name David is derived from the Hebrew word Dowd, meaning “beloved.” He is described as handsome and ruddy with beautiful eyes (1 Samuel 16:12). David tended his father’s sheep on the hillsides around Bethlehem. David was strong and brave-hearted. He was not afraid of the wild animals that prowled around to carry away his sheep. He had fought with lions and bears and killed them, when they tried to take away the lambs of his flock. David was extremely skilled at playing the harp. People around him recognized that he was courageous, intelligent, a skilled warrior and that the Lord was with him (I Samuel 16:18). King Saul, the first king of Israel ruled over the nation during this time.


   
                         Modern Bethlehem town                        Shepherd with his sheep in a Bethlehem field

Samuel Anoints David

Even though King Saul had started his kingship in a humble manner, soon he started to disobey God and God was displeased with him. This led him to be rejected as king by God. God decided to transfer the reign of the nation of Israel to another man, who would obey him. God told Prophet Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the next king. God did not tell the prophet which one of Jesse’s sons was the chosen one. Jesse, David’s father had eight sons and was well-respected in Bethlehem. Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son was fine looking, tall and handsome that Samuel thought he must be the one God had chosen. Jesse brought all his sons except David and presented them before Samuel, but God selected none of them. God told Samuel, “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7).

Samuel asked Jesse whether he had anymore sons, only then Jesse sent for men to bring back David who was tending sheep in the fields. David being left to keep the sheep in the fields even though there was a sacrifice and feast in the family shows that David’s father Jesse and his brothers did not identify or value the exceptional spirit that was in David. This is one of many aspects in which David foreshadowed the son of David, Jesus Christ, who was the stone which the builders rejected but was made the chief cornerstone (Matthew 21:42). When David appeared before Samuel, God told prophet Samuel that he was the chosen one. Samuel anointed David in the presence of his family. Samuel left immediately and went back home. David returned to tending his sheep, because God had allowed Saul to rule for as long as he lived. David's life as a shepherd enabled him to compose one of the most beautiful psalms, Psalm-23, that has comforted, uplifted and strengthened people all over the world, over thousands of years.

David plays the Harp for King Saul

When David was anointed by Prophet Samuel, the Spirit of God came upon him, At the same time the Spirit of God departed from King Saul and an evil spirit tormented him. King Saul began to suffer attacks of depression and insanity. King Saul’s ministers started to look for a remedy to soothe him. King Saul suggested to find a man who can play the harp well so that he can be relieved from his torment. One of the servants told King Saul that he had seen a son of Jesse play the harp and he was extremely skilled in it. The Hebrew word for harp is kinnowr, or kinnor, which is the instrument invented by Lamech’s son Jubal (Genesis 4:21). It was David whom the servant suggested. King Saul immediately sent for David. So, David came before King Saul and whenever King Saul felt unwell, David would play his harp and that would make King Saul feel better.

David & Goliath

David went back and forth from playing harp for Saul and going to Bethlehem to care for his father’s sheep. There was an ongoing battle between the Philistines and the Israelites. David’s three oldest brothers were in King Saul’s army and went away to fight the Philistines. Jesse wanted David to take some food to his brothers and to bring a report from them. David reached the army camp and as he was talking to his brothers, he heard a giant shouting from the Philistine camp. His name was Goliath. He was challenging the God of Israel and taunting the Israelites. Goliath wanted one man from Israel to fight against him. But the Israelites were terrified of him. David was enraged that the heathen would challenge the Lord’s army and wanted to fight him.

David wanted to know more, so he started to speak with the other men in the army. When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, saw this, he burned with anger at him. He spoke harshly and accused him of having a conceited and wicked heart and having come there only to watch the battle. Few days earlier, Eliab had seen Prophet Samuel anointing his youngest brother David as the future king of Israel, and the Holy Spirit coming upon David. But Eliab and his family didn’t seem to have changed their attitude and disdain towards David. He was brought before King Saul, but the king was not convinced. Yet David remained confident. Finally, King Saul permitted him to go and fight the Philistine. David’s trust was in the Lord. He believed that God would fight this battle and the whole world would see God’s power and know there is a God in Israel. David took his sling and picked five smooth stones from the stream and kept it in his shepherd’s bag. David put a stone in his sling and shot it at Goliath’s forehead. The stone sunk into the giant Goliath’s forehead, and he fell face down on the ground, dead.  When the Philistines saw that Goliath was dead, they ran away.

Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath, 
Photo credit:Dennis Jarvis

King Saul envies David

King Saul sent David on many assignments and everywhere he went, David was successful. It was David’s success as a mighty warrior that triggered Saul’s jealousy. When they were coming home from a battle of the Philistines, the women came out of the cities singing and dancing to meet King Saul. They were happy as they sang “Saul has killed thousands, but David has killed ten thousands!” When Saul heard that, he became very angry. He didn’t like that David was esteemed higher than him. So, Saul began to watch David. The next day King Saul was tormented by the evil spirit again, so David came to him and played music for him like he had done before. This time Saul had a spear in his hand. Saul threw the spear at David saying he would pin David to the wall. This happened twice but David escaped. Saul was afraid of David after that because he knew God was with David. Saul sent David away and made him a captain over 1,000 soldiers. David continued to behave wisely, and he was well respected. Saul envied David even more and considered him an enemy.

David’s Life as a Fugitive

When David found that his life was in danger from King Saul, he fled. Saul driven by jealousy started to spend more time chasing David than governing the nation. This forced David to be continuously on a move to protect himself from King Saul. Psalm 59 was written when David found that King Saul had sent men to kill him (I Samuel 19:11 – 12). 

At Prophet Samuel’s Place – The first place David sought sanctuary when he tried to escape King Saul was with prophet Samuel. But Saul no longer feared God and found out David’s whereabouts. Except for divine protection, Saul would have killed David in Samuel's very home (I Samuel 19:18-24).

Tabernacle of the Lord at Nob - From there David left for the Tabernacle of the Lord at Nob. David and his men were hungry and they requested some food from the priest. The only food Ahimelech, the priest had was the consecrated showbread. They were the loaves of the Bread of the Presence, that had been before the Lord in the Tabernacle the previous week. It is holy, and normally only eaten by the priests themselves (Leviticus 24:5-9). Ahimelech was hesitant to give the holy bread but didn’t want to deny it either, so he asked David whether all the men were ritually clean. David assured him that he and his men were ritually clean and Ahimelech gave him some bread. Then David asked Ahimelech if there were any weapons available. The sword of Goliath was there wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. The priest gave that also to David (I Samuel 21). At that time one of King Saul’s servants, Doeg the Edomite was there at the Tabernacle at Nob. David was scared that Doeg might betray him to King Saul, so he fled Nob immediately. Just as David thought, Doeg informed King Saul about David’s visit to the Tabernacle at Nob and King Saul was furious at the priests for helping David (I Samuel 22:8-23). Psalm 52 was written by David based on this incident.

At the Philistine King Achish’s place - David fled to one of the main Philistine cities, Gath for protection. King Achish did not seem to recognize David, but members of Achish’s court were suspicious of David, so he was forced to move again (I Samuel 21:10 – 15).  Psalm 34 & Psalm 56 indicate that they were written during this time. Even though the name Abimelech is given for the Philistine king in Psalms 34, “Abimelech” is considered as a title given to the Philistine Kings, just like the title “Pharaoh” for the Egyptian Kings.

Ruins of Gath city (Modern name:Tel Tzafit), Photo credit: Public Domain

Caves of Adullam – David travelled a few miles east to Adullam. When his family heard that David was hiding in Adullam, they went to him. David's brothers and sisters and their children joined David at Adullam. The caves at Adullam were not safe enough and still vulnerable to Saul's army. David and his army had to find another stronghold in the wilderness of Judah (I Samuel 22:1, 2). Psalm 57 is thought to have been written while David lived in this cave.

Cave at Adullam, Israel

Moab - While in that region, David went to Moab, east of the Dead Sea, and left his aging parents in the care of the king of Moab. Prophet Gad told him not to stay in the stronghold but to go into the land of Judah. So David left and went to the forest of Hereth (I Samuel 22:3 – 5).

Forest of Hereth David did not stay here for long. He got information that Keilah, a town of Judah was under attack. David inquired of the Lord and led by God he went to Keilah to rescue the city (I Samuel 22:5).

City of Keilah – David and his men reached Keilah, fought with the Philistines and delivered the inhabitants of Keilah. But the ungrateful people of Keilah wanted to hand him over to King Saul in return for favours. This was revealed by God to David, so once again he ran away to the desert of Ziph (1 Samuel 23:1 - 13).

Ruins of City of Keilah (Tell Keila)

Desert of Ziph - David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. The men of Ziph went and informed King Saul, but David escaped. Psalms 54 was written when David heard about the Ziphites deception. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands (I Samuel 23: 14 – 23).

Desert of Maon – David then moved a few miles south to the desert of Maon. Saul was hot on David's trail. When Saul was going along one side of the mountain, David and his men were on the other side, hurrying to get away from Saul. But just as they were about to capture David, a messenger reported to Saul about a Philistine raid. Saul was forced to stop his pursuit of David to defend his country against the Philistines (I Samuel 23:24 – 29).

Desert of Maon (Tell Maon), Israel

Desert of En Gedi – David had two opportunities to kill Saul. It was at En-gedi that David had the first opportunity to kill Saul. King Saul, who was pursuing David went into a cave. But David and his men were hiding inside the cave. Unknown to Saul, David cut off a corner of Saul’s cloak. But David felt guilty because Saul was “the LORD’s anointed” (I Samuel 24). Psalm 142 composed during David’s stay in a cave could have been written during this time.

 
                                        En Gedi, Israel

Desert of Ziph - David was hiding in the Hill of Hakilah in the desert of Ziph. King Saul was on his pursuit of David. It was during this time that David had the second opportunity to harm Saul. David found Saul and his military men in a deep sleep. Abishai, brother of Joab, accompanied David. Instead of harming Saul, David took Saul’s spear and water jar. Then David drew their attention and faulted Saul’s commander, Abner for failing to keep the king safe. Saul admitted that he had done wrong. Finally, Saul blessed David and they parted ways. This was the last time Saul and David encountered each other (I Samuel 26).  

 
                              Desert of Ziph, Israel

At the Philistine King, Achish’s place – David became wary of Saul’s ruthless pursuit and once again returned to the Philistine king Achish at Gath. By this time, David seems to be on good terms with Achish, king of Gath. David may have interacted with him through intermediaries, whatever the reason, King Achish immediately granted the town of Ziklag for him to stay. He even wanted to use David’s military skills. While David lived in the country of the Philistines, he fought for Achish and was so successful that the king made David his bodyguard (1 Samuel 28:2). But at that time the Philistines were gathering for war against King Saul and the Israelites. Achish’s ministers were unsure of David’s loyalty, because he had fought for King Saul. They told Achish to send David back, which Achish did reluctantly. Therefore, David was not present for the Philistine war against the Israelites. It was during this war that King Saul’s life ended.

Excavations at city of Ziklag

When David returned to Ziklag, he found that the town had been raided by the Amalekites. They had burned the city and taken the people captive, including David’s two wives Abigail and Ahinoam. David and his men attacked the Amalekites and rescued Abigail, Ahinoam, and everything that was taken. In addition to his successful rescue, David also showed generosity by distributing the recovered goods equally among those who went with him and those who stayed back, a practice which the Israelites continued from that day on (I Samuel 27 - 30).

David’s life as a fugitive helps us to understand, at least in part, the various circumstances and emotions described in his psalms - his anger, anguish, dejection, despair, petitions and prayers. David also experienced God’s marvellous rescues and deliverances in these situations. Because David’s soul sought refuge in God alone, it produced the purest form of praise and thanksgiving (Read Psalms 18 which David wrote after God delivered him from all his enemies and King Saul).

David Formally Anointed as King

The Lord had rejected Saul as king many years before (1 Samuel 13:14; 15:23). Finally, Saul’s life came to an end, while fighting Philistines at the Mount of Gilboa. David returned to Israel and settled in the town of Hebron in Judah. It was at Hebron that the leaders of Judah anointed David and proclaimed him their king. At first, David’s reign was limited to Judah, the southern part of Israel. Ish-Bosheth, one of Saul’s remaining sons, was made king over Israel, the northern part of the country. Two of Ish-Bosheth’s military leaders hatched a plan to betray him and gain the confidence of David. They assassinated Ish-Bosheth and hurried to David to inform him that they had killed Ish-Bosheth in order to avenge David for all the wrong Saul had done to him. But David, would not condone their act. It was after David’s impartial response to the assassination of Ish-Bosheth that the leaders of Israel, expressed their confidence in David and were willing to accept him as their king. The leaders of Israel gathered together and anointed David to be king over a United Kingdom, which included all the 12 tribes of Israel. David would reign for 33 years over the twelve tribes. He conquered the city of Jerusalem from the non-Hebrew Jebusites, renaming it as the City of David also known as Zion.

 
                                                                            Jerusalem in modern times

David brings back the Ark of God

One of David’s greatest desires was to bring back the Ark of God to Jerusalem. The Ark had been residing in Abinadab’s home in Kiriath Jearim in Judah for many years after it returned from the Philistines. There were three days of feasting when David was anointed as king. During that festive mood, King David consulted with his leaders about his idea to bring back the Ark of God to Jerusalem. They decided that the Ark would be brought on a new oxen cart and Abinadab’s two sons, Ahio and Uzza would drive the cart. But it was contrary to God’s commandment. While they were bringing the Ark, the oxen stumbled. Uzzah reached back to steady the Ark of God but was struck down as a punishment. David was scared and had the Ark brought to the family of Obed-Edom where the Ark stayed for three months. During this time God blessed the family of Obed-Edom. King David regained confidence to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem once again.

But this time he consulted with the priests to bring the Ark of God. According to the Law of Moses, the priests carried the Ark of God this time. There was much rejoicing as David brought the Ark into the city. David wore a linen ephod and danced before the LORD with all his might. Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw David leaping and whirling before the LORD. Michal despised David in her heart and insulted him when he got home. David answered Michal saying that he danced before the Lord who had chosen him as the ruler instead of her father and all of his house.

David’s Mistakes

David’s glorious reign was marred when he committed a terrible sin. While his army was away, David was relaxing at the palace. He saw a beautiful woman named Bathsheba and wanted to marry her. But she was already married. Her husband’s name was Uriah. He was one of the most trusted military leaders of David. In an attempt to cover his sin, David got Uriah killed in a war and married the now-widowed Bathsheba. God sent Prophet Nathan to condemn David for his sin. David was remorseful and repented with grief, crying out to God for mercy (Read his prayer for mercy in Psalm 51). As a result of his sin, the child born to him and Bathsheba died. Later, David had another child with Bathsheba, a child named Solomon who became the next king of Israel.

 

The second big sin David committed against God was his ordering Joab to number Israel and take a census of his fighting men or soldiers. Joab tried to deter David from doing it. But David was instigated by Satan to carry out the census and he was stubborn about carrying it out. Later David’s heart troubled him (2 Sam 24:10). David pleaded with God to forgive him for acting unwisely. God sent Gad, a seer to inform David of the consequences of his action. He had to face three possible punishments – the first being seven years of famine, or David will flee three months before his foes while they pursue him or three days of pestilence in his land. David told Gad that he was willing to face the punishment given by God directly and not through any man. He did not want to fall into the hands of men. He had greater trust in the mercies of the Lord than in any other human being. He had seen and felt the wickedness and depravity of the human heart when he was hunted and chased by King Saul. David chose the third punishment, and the Lord then punished Israel with a plague. Why did God punish the whole nation for the sin of the king? The answer to this could be found in the Law of Moses. God had given specific directions regarding taking census in the Law of Moses. In Exodus 30:11-12, God had commanded Moses saying that the sons of Israel should contribute an offering as a ransom price when they take census, so that no plague would occur. But David who loved and meditated on the Law of the Lord neglected to obey God’s direction while taking census. Even the people were careless about paying a ransom price for their lives when the census was taken. Thus, David and his subjects, both had fairly equal role in breaking the Law. Eventually as David had hoped and trusted, God was grieved of the suffering of his people and called off the punishment without completing the three days. Even in His rebuke God still showed His love and mercy.

The Numbering of the Israelites. Engraving by Henri FĂ©lix Emmanuel Philippoteaux (1815–1884)

David’s mighty men

During his time as a fugitive hiding from King Saul, David had become a sort of commander of his own private army. Some of David’s men turned out to be legendary warriors listed in the Holy Bible. Their names and some of their exploits and heroic feats are listed in II Samuel 23rd & I Chronicles 11th chapter. Most of the men in David’s army did not have a good beginning. While David was hiding from King Saul fearing for his life, some other desperate men too joined him. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and David became their leader. This way about four hundred men joined with him. David also had the responsibility to feed and protect them and their families! One of the greatest feats of David was disciplining, uniting and leading such a motley group. There is no doubt that David’s leadership skill was put to the test, developed, refined and honed amidst his unusual team. The Holy Bible has recorded that, day after day men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God (1 Chronicles 12:22). David did not lose anyone who came to his side. David made mighty warriors out of the worst outlaws in society.

David’s Desire to build a Temple for God

David wished to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of God, a Temple of God in Jerusalem. Until then the Ark of God was kept in a tent called the Tabernacle. However, God spoke to David through Prophet Nathan and told him that he is not the one to build the Temple of God because he had shed too much blood. But his son, Solomon would build a house for Him. Nevertheless, David prepared the building materials for the Temple of God. David decided the Temple built for the Lord must be very magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all countries. David prepared abundantly before his death. David, in his personal capacity, also donated generously all his private treasures of gold and silver and challenged the people to follow his example. Finally, before his death, David called his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the Lord. David’s desire to build a permanent dwelling place for God to dwell among his people was fully realized when the son of David, Jesus Christ who is also called as “Immanuel (God with us) came down from heaven to live among his people. Even though God did not permit David to build the Temple of God, David’s desire and intention was accepted by God. God made eternal and everlasting covenant with David to establish his house and throne forever, which is also called as the Davidic covenant.

The Psalms of David

In the Book of Psalms, which is one of the most widely read books in the Old Testament, seventy-three Psalms were written by David. Most of these psalms contain superscriptions that tell us on what occasion he wrote the psalm. David is associated with worship music more than anyone else in the Holy Bible. The Bible records David playing the harp with an anointing that the evil spirit tormenting Saul, left him and troubled him no more. David is called "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Samuel 23:1).

David’s love for the Law of God

One more aspect of David that set him apart was his love for the Law of God. In Psalm 19, David wrote, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes……More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”. During David’s time, they only had “the Torah” or the first five books of the Bible. In the ancient days these were written on scrolls, and it was not something that was readily available at home like the modern printed copies of the Bible. But the Torah was read regularly in the Synagogue (Jewish Temple of Prayer). This is where David would have heard the Law of the Lord. David had a unique revelation about the Law of the Lord and the nature and character of the one who gave the Law. God’s law revealed the nature of God, including God’s righteousness as well as His loving kindness. David enjoyed and meditated on the law of the Lord day and night because he loved the one who gave the Law.

The Epigraphical & Archaeological Evidence for King David

The Tel Dan Stele is a fragmentary stele containing a Canaanite inscription which dates to the 9th century BCE.  The surviving inscription details that an individual killed Jehoram of Israel, the son of Ahab and king of the house of David. This is one of the earliest and direct historical evidences for the Kingdom of David in Israel. 

The Tel Dan Inscription, Photo credit: Biblicalarchaeology.org

There is also another inscription called the Mesha Stele, discovered by Arab Bedouins, which also mentions "the House of David," The Moabite Stone contains an inscription by Mesha, King of Moab, who boasts about his successful rebellion from the King of Israel.

Mesha Steele, Photo credit: Public Domain

David – A Man After God’s Own Heart

God gave the unique testimony about David that he was “a man after His own heart.” David was unique in that, he was an Old Testament believer, whose life and worship foreshadowed the New Covenant. David could equally enjoy God’s presence in the Tabernacle as well as in the desert. In the Old Testament age, when worship was associated with rituals, sacrifices and offerings, David had deep revelations about real worship and things pleasing to God. David was led by the Spirit of God.

David is first mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Ruth, where his genealogy is briefly stated at the end. According to biblical scholars more has been written about David than any other character in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament there are sixty-six chapters written about David and in the New Testament there are fifty-nine references to him. David is honoured with terms such as “the key of David” (book of Isaiah). Jesus Christ is also called as “the son of David and the Root of David”

Bible Reference: I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings 1 – 2:1 -11, I Chronicles

Memory Verse: Psalms 89: 20 - 24

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES

Fill in the blanks:

1.  Ahimelech, the priest gave David the ……………………………. bread.

2. God spoke to David through Prophet ……………………… and told him that he is not the one to build the Temple of God. 

3. David is called "the …………………………. of Israel"

4. David is first mentioned in the Bible in the Book of …………………., where his genealogy is briefly stated at the end.

Give short answers:

1. Why did David play the harp for King Saul? 

2. After committing the sin of taking census without a ransom price, what punishment did David choose and why? 

3. Who were David’s mighty men? 

4. Why was David called “the man after God’s own heart”? 

Answer in brief:

1. Explain David’s life as a fugitive and how it shaped his Psalms.





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