Why Was King David So Special To God? Discover the Reasons Behind His Divine Favour

Throughout the Bible, we encounter many individuals who are deemed special in some way by God. But perhaps none more so than King David. From his early days as a shepherd boy to his reign over Israel, it is clear that David held a unique place in God’s heart.

But why was this? What set David apart from all the other kings and heroes of the Old Testament? In this post, we will explore the reasons behind David’s divine favour. We will delve into his character traits, his relationship with God, and the impact he had on history, among other factors.

“For I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” -Acts 13:22

By examining David’s story through this lens, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be “special” to God. We may also draw inspiration for our own lives, as we strive to follow in David’s footsteps and align ourselves with God’s will.

So come along as we journey through the life of one of the most iconic figures in biblical history. Who knows? You might just discover something new about David–and yourself–in the process.

David’s Humility and Obedience to God

The Bible portrays King David as a man after God’s own heart who wholeheartedly served and obeyed Him. David is often described as a humble servant of the Lord who put his faith in God above all else, which set him apart from other kings.

In 1 Samuel 15:22, it is written “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams”. This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God, something that David understood well.

Despite being anointed as king, David never allowed power or pride to get in the way of his complete surrender to God. He once said in Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” which shows his desire for humility and submission to God.

David’s Submission to God’s Will

David was a man who trusted completely on God’s wisdom and guidance when it came to making decisions. When faced with tough choices, David would consult God through prayer and fasting before acting upon anything. Through this, David truly submitted himself to God’s will.

David’s trust in God’s sovereignty is expressed in Psalms 55:22 where he wrote “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” This shows David knew he could safely entrust his life and future into God’s hands.

Such devotion and dedication pleased God and made David one of His most cherished servants.

David’s Willingness to Repent and Seek Forgiveness

Despite being a man of God, David committed various sins including adultery and murder. However, what really sets him apart from other transgressors is his willingness to repent and seek forgiveness. In 2 Samuel 12:13, after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin, David admitted his wrongdoing and sought God’s forgiveness.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” -Psalms 51:1

David did not justify or make excuses for his actions but instead chose to take full responsibility and ask for direction and guidance from God. It was this attitude that made him a special servant in God’s eyes.

David’s Reliance on God’s Strength and Guidance

The life of King David teaches us about one man who relied completely on God’s strength and guidance throughout his service to Him. With failure after failure, trials upon tribulations, and adversaries always at his feet, David never let go of his faith and trust in God.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” -Proverbs 3:5-6

In times of distress when others may have lost hope or given up entirely, David went to God in prayer and sought guidance and wisdom. This reliance is clear in Psalms 46:1 where he wrote “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” which shows how much he depended on God during difficult times.

David’s Service to Others as a Form of Worship

David provides an excellent example of how serving others can be seen as an act of worship before God. Throughout his reign, he dedicated himself to serving the Israelites. For David, nothing was too small or insignificant if it could help people.

In 2 Samuel 24:24, when purchasing a place for an altar, David stated that he would not offer burnt offerings to God that cost him nothing but rather anything that came from his labor and effort. This shows how much importance David gave to serving others as part of his service towards God.

Moreover, Psalm 41:1 states “Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble”. Through this verse, David emphasizes that helping those around us- particularly the needy–is seen as a duty to God, making King David so special to Him.

David’s Strong Faith in God

King David was known for his strong faith and close relationship with God. He lived a life of purpose, courage, and devotion to the Almighty. But what made him so special to God? Let’s take a closer look at three key aspects of David’s faith that set him apart from others.

David’s Trust in God’s Promises and Provision

One of the defining features of David’s faith was his unwavering trust in God’s promises and provision. Throughout his life, David faced many challenges and hardships, from being an outcast from his family to fighting against powerful enemies as a young soldier.

Yet through it all, David believed that God had a plan for his life and would provide for him. Psalm 23 is perhaps one of the most famous expressions of this trust: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”.

“Faith makes things possible, not easy.” -Unknown

David’s willingness to rely on God’s promise also extended to his relationships with other people, such as when he spared King Saul’s life, knowing that God had appointed him king even though Saul had tried to kill him numerous times.

David’s Confidence in God’s Protection and Deliverance

In addition to trusting in God’s provision, David also had great confidence in God’s protection and deliverance. When he faced Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior, David knew that victory was assured because God was on his side.

Throughout his reign as king, David faced many threats and challenges, but he never lost his faith in God’s ability to protect him. In Psalm 27, he wrote: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

“Faith does not eliminate doubt. Faith knows where to take it.” -Elisabeth Elliot

His confidence in God’s deliverance was tested when his own son Absalom rebelled against him and tried to seize the throne. Despite this betrayal and the danger posed by Absalom’s army, David continued to trust in God’s protection rather than relying on his own strength.

The Humility and Repentance that Characterized David’s Faith

Finally, one of the most remarkable aspects of David’s faith was his humility and repentance when he sinned or failed to live up to God’s standards. When he committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband Uriah killed, David was confronted by the prophet Nathan and acknowledged the seriousness of his wrongdoing. Psalm 51 reflects this deep regret:

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” -Psalm 51:10

David recognized that he needed God’s grace and forgiveness, even though he was king and could easily have tried to justify or cover up his actions. This humility extended to his relationships with others as well; despite being a powerful ruler, David never forgot his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy and often showed kindness and generosity to those in need.

King David was special to God because of his strong faith, trust in God’s promises and provision, confidence in God’s protection and deliverance, and humility and repentance when he sinned. His legacy continues to inspire people today to seek God’s will for their lives and trust in Him through all circumstances.

David’s Heart for Worship and Praise

Throughout the Bible, David is often referred to as a man after God’s own heart. He was known for loving God deeply and wholeheartedly. This love for God was evident in his worship and praise which he expressed through music, song, dance, and prayer.

David’s Use of Music and Song to Worship God

David was an accomplished musician and songwriter who used his talents to glorify God. He wrote many psalms, which are still used today as songs of worship and praise in churches all over the world. In fact, the book of Psalms, which is a collection of 150 songs, is attributed to David. These songs express a range of emotions from joy and thanksgiving to sadness and despair. They show us that we can come to God with our full hearts and lay them before Him.

“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding.” -Psalm 47:6-7

The use of music and song in worship was not just a personal preference for David but it was also commanded by God in scripture. Psalm 150 encourages us to “Praise the Lord with instruments” and lists out various instruments such as trumpets, harps, lyres, tambourines, strings, flutes, etc. Through music and song, David found a way to connect with God, express his love for Him, and invite others to join him in doing so.

David’s Practice of Giving Thanks and Honor to God

David demonstrated an attitude of gratitude towards God in everything he did. He recognized that everything he had came from God, and therefore, gave thanks in all circumstances. Even when he went through difficult times, David looked to the Lord and praised Him for who He is.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” -Psalm 100:4

David’s life was a testament to how grateful he was towards God. He thanked God for every victory, blessing, and even for correction when he had sinned. His gratitude was not just an occasional expression, but it was a constant part of his relationship with God.

David’s Expression of Emotions and Feelings in Worship

One of the reasons why David was so special to God was that he was authentic in expressing his emotions and feelings in worship. He did not try to hide his doubts, fears, or frustrations from God but laid them all before Him. The psalms show us that David experienced seasons of doubt, anxiety, fear, anger, and discouragement. However, instead of turning away from God during these times, David turned to Him for comfort and strength.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” -Psalm 42:5-6

David’s honesty in worship teaches us that we do not have to pretend to have it all together when we come before God. We can be honest about our struggles and ask Him for help. It also shows us that our worship does not have to be perfect, but it has to come from our hearts. When we worship authentically, we invite God to enter into our lives and transform us from within.

In conclusion, King David was special to God because he loved Him wholeheartedly and expressed that love through worship and praise. He used his talents of music and song to glorify God, gave thanks in all circumstances, and authentically expressed his emotions and feelings in worship. Let us learn from David’s example and make our lives a reflection of the deep love we have for God.

David’s Courage and Fearlessness in Battle

In many ways, David epitomizes the courageous warrior-king of ancient Israel. Time and again, he went into battle against seemingly impossible odds, often with nothing more than his faith in God as his weapon.

One of the most famous examples of David’s fearlessness in battle comes from the story of his fight against Goliath. At the time, Goliath was a giant Philistine who had been terrorizing the Israelites for weeks. No one was willing to challenge him until David arrived on the scene.

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin,” said David, “but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied… This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.”

The rest is history – David used his sling and a well-placed stone to take down Goliath, winning a decisive victory for Israel that day.

David’s Faith in God’s Victory in Battle

Throughout his life, David placed an unwavering trust in God to help him overcome whatever challenges came his way – including those on the battlefield. In fact, it was this faith that gave him the courage to take on Goliath in the first place.

In one particularly moving example of David’s faith in action, we see how he responded when one of his own warriors cursed him during a heated moment in battle:

“Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” (2 Samuel 16:11-12).

David knew that regardless of what happened, God was ultimately in control. His faith gave him the perspective he needed to lead his people with confidence and courage.

David’s Boldness to Face Giants and Enemies

David’s biggest battles weren’t just physical ones, however – they were also spiritual. Throughout much of his life, he faced opposition from those who wanted to see him fail or even dead. But David never backed down from a challenge.

When King Saul became jealous of David’s military accomplishments and tried to kill him, David didn’t flee the kingdom – instead, he kept fighting fiercely for what he believed in and eventually emerged victorious.

Similarly, when he found himself at odds with some of his own followers later in life, David refused to back down or give up on his vision for the nation of Israel. Instead, he rallied his supporters around him and continued pushing forward with boldness and resolve.

David’s Leadership and Inspiration to His Troops

Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of David as a leader was his ability to inspire those under his command. No matter how difficult the mission, David always led by example, encouraging his soldiers to give their all no matter what.

In one famous passage from the Bible, we see how David inspired his troops before heading into battle against the Ammonites:

“Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.” (2 Samuel 10:12)

With David at the helm, the Israelite army was able to achieve many great victories. More than that, however, David helped to forge a sense of camaraderie among his soldiers, creating a community that was dedicated to serving God and one another above all else.

David’s Willingness to Take Risks and Sacrifice for His People

At the end of the day, what makes David truly special is not his physical prowess or even his faith – it’s his willingness to put everything on the line to serve his people. Time and again, we see how David was willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.

“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:2-3)

This kind of selflessness is perhaps best exemplified by David’s decision to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. Despite the risks involved in such an endeavor and the potential cost to his own life, David felt a deep sense of duty to God and his people that drove him forward regardless. The story serves as a powerful reminder of just how important courage and sacrifice can be in helping us achieve our goals and build a better future for those around us.

David’s Commitment to Justice and Righteousness

King David was a man after God’s own heart. His life was characterized by his deep commitment to justice and righteousness. He knew that these values were at the core of God’s character, and he sought to live them out in every aspect of his life.

David understood the importance of treating people fairly and equally regardless of their social status or background. He recognized that all humans are created equal in the eyes of God, and as such, they deserved to be treated with dignity and respect.

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” – Psalm 82:3

David’s Passion for Fairness and Equality

Throughout his reign as king, David demonstrated an unwavering passion for fairness and equality. He acted justly towards those who came before him whether rich or poor, great or small. Whenever he encountered someone who had been wronged, he would do whatever it takes to make things right. This was never more evident than when he dealt with Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul.

Mephibosheth was crippled but Dave refused to use this against him or deprive him from his inheritance because of some familial history. Instead, he restored everything that rightfully belonged to him. David also went out of his way to extend kindness and mercy to those who were deemed outcasts within society such as Rahab the prostitute.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another.” – Zechariah 7:9

David’s Rebuke of Injustice and Oppression

David did not hesitate to rebuke and speak out against injustice and oppression. He boldly called people to account for their actions, particularly his predecessor King Saul who was known for exploiting his power and ignoring the plight of his subjects.

He lived by following the laws no matter how hard they were but he never used it as a tool to oppress or punish the weak. David tackled the giant Goliath when the others in Israel’s army quivered before him, a move that spoke volumes about his courage to stand up to bullies and oppressors.

“Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:9

David’s Protection of the Weak and Vulnerable

Dedicated leader is one key description of King David. He was fierce with his duty to protect the weak and vulnerable especially women and children who were often victimized and marginalized throughout ancient times.

In one instance where the enemies attacked Ziklag, the families there (including David’s own) had been taken captive. Upon finding out what happened, David fought fearlessly and rescued every single person and all their property even when he had been getting ready to end life on the run.

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” – Isaiah 1:17

David’s Administration of Law and Order with Integrity

David was an exemplary king who took his responsibility to govern Israel with great seriousness. During his reign, he upheld the law without partiality and maintained order with integrity. He ensured that justice prevailed while not compromising righteousness despite being tempted to do so at times.

Though God-fearing wise council-giving governance was his goal all along, he did not neglect the need to maintain checks and balances in leadership so as to avoid becoming corrupt later on.

“The king establishes the land by justice, but he who exacts gifts overthrows it.” – Proverbs 29:4

King David was truly a unique person of integrity and justice such that even when he erred he always came back to God’s word for direction. There is much we can learn from his life about being just and righteous in all our dealings with others.

David’s Establishment of the Davidic Dynasty and the Lineage of Jesus

David’s Anointing as King and God’s Promise of a Dynasty

King David was born in Bethlehem to Jesse, a shepherd from the tribe of Judah. He began his life as a simple shepherd boy but was eventually anointed as king by the prophet Samuel. Despite Saul being the current king of Israel at the time, God had chosen David to lead His people.

God made several promises to David upon his anointing, including establishing him as king over Israel and creating a dynasty that would be everlasting. In 2 Samuel 7:16, God speaks through Nathan the prophet saying, “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.”

This promise provided the foundation for the Davidic dynasty, which lasted for centuries after David’s death and eventual succession by his son Solomon.

David’s Legacy as a Model King and Leader

One reason why King David is so special to God is because he was known as a man after God’s own heart. He demonstrated remarkable strength and courage in leading Israel into battle against its enemies, yet also showed great humility and repentance when confronted with his own sins.

In addition to demonstrating qualities of bravery and piety, David was also known for his just rule over Israel. He established a court system that sought justice for all people, regardless of their social status or power. This emphasis on fairness and impartiality earned David the respect and admiration of his subjects.

In Psalm 78:70-72, the Psalmist writes, “He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”

David’s Prophetic Role in the Coming of the Messiah

Perhaps one of the most significant ways in which King David is special to God is through his prophetic role in the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament describes Jesus as being descended from the line of David, thereby fulfilling the promise made to David regarding his dynasty.

In Romans 1:2-4, Paul writes, “The gospel…regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.”

By establishing the Davidic kingdom and lineage, God set into motion His plan for redemption through His son Jesus Christ. David played a crucial part in this unfolding story, serving as both an example of faithfulness and a harbinger of the promised Savior.

“I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.” – 2 Samuel 7:12

Frequently Asked Questions