Character Study of David

Lesson 35: Character Study of David

Title: David (Acts 2:29)

Key Verse:  Acts 2:29 (ESV): "Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day."

Introduction:

Today, we turn our attention to one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament, King David. While he lived centuries before the events of Acts, his legacy and the prophecies concerning him are central to Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Let's examine why David is so important in this New Testament context.

Key Facts

• Married: David had multiple wives, including Michal (daughter of Saul), Abigail, Bathsheba, and others (1 Samuel 18:27, 25:42, 2 Samuel 11:27, 1 Chronicles 3:1-9).
• Live in: David's primary residences included various locations throughout Israel. He initially lived in Bethlehem, then fled to places like Adullam Cave and Ziklag during his time evading Saul. As king, he established his capital in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6-10).
• Known for: David is widely known for several key aspects of his life: 
• Being a shepherd who was anointed king by Samuel.
• His victory over the giant Goliath.
• His reign as the second and arguably greatest king of Israel established Jerusalem as its political and religious center.
• His authorship of many of the Psalms.
• His lineage as the ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
• His sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent repentance.
• Time Frame: David's reign is generally dated to around 1010-970 BC. Peter's reference to him in Acts 2 occurs in the early first century AD, approximately a thousand years after David's death.
• Occupation: David's occupations evolved throughout his life. He began as a shepherd, then became a skilled warrior and musician in Saul's court, then an outlaw and leader of a band of men, and finally the King of Israel.

Memorable Quotes

• "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1, ESV) - This iconic verse reflects David's deep trust in God.
• "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV) - While spoken by God about David, this highlights a key aspect of David's character that led to his anointing.   
• "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions." (Psalm 51:1, ESV) - This is the opening of David's powerful psalm of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba.   

Key Strengths

• Faith and Trust in God: From his youth as a shepherd to his reign as king, David demonstrated a deep and often expressed faith in the Lord, particularly evident in the Psalms.
• Courage and Leadership: His bravery in facing Goliath and his ability to unite and lead the tribes of Israel showcase his courage and leadership qualities.
• Repentance and Humility: Despite his significant sins, David displayed genuine remorse and a willingness to be corrected by God's prophets, demonstrating humility.

Weaknesses

• Adultery and Murder: David's affair with Bathsheba and his orchestration of Uriah's death are significant moral failings that had lasting consequences.
• Impulsiveness: At times, David acted impulsively, such as his decision to number the people, which went against God's will (2 Samuel 24).
• Favoritism: David showed favoritism towards his son Absalom, which contributed to the rebellion against him (2 Samuel 13-19).

Their Role in the Bible

David's role in the Bible is multifaceted and profoundly significant:

• Anointed King: He established a lasting dynasty and a golden age for Israel.
• Author of Psalms: His Psalms provide profound insights into worship, praise, lament, and trust in God, influencing believers for millennia.
• Forefather of the Messiah: The Old Testament prophecies consistently point to the Messiah coming from the lineage of David (e.g., Isaiah 9:7, Jeremiah 23:5).
• Subject of Prophecy: As highlighted in Acts 2, David's life and words in the Psalms contained prophecies about the Messiah's death, resurrection, and ascension. Peter uses Psalm 16 to argue for Jesus' resurrection.

Meaning of Their Name

• Greek: The name David (Δαυίδ - Dauid) is a direct transliteration from the Hebrew.
• Hebrew: דָּוִד (Dawid) is believed to mean "beloved" or "darling."

Cross-Reference Scriptures

1. 1 Samuel 16:1-13: This passage recounts Samuel's anointing of David as king while he was still a shepherd.
2. 2 Samuel 7:8-16: This is the Davidic Covenant, where God promises David an enduring dynasty and that his offspring will rule forever. This is a key passage Peter references in his sermon.
3. Psalm 16: Peter quotes this psalm in Acts 2:25-28, arguing that David's words about not being abandoned to the grave and his flesh not seeing corruption were prophetic of Jesus' resurrection.

Conclusion

Even though David lived centuries before the Day of Pentecost, his life, his words in the Psalms, and the covenant God made with him were foundational to the early church's understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. Peter's reference to David in Acts 2:29 serves to connect the Old Testament prophecies with the reality of Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, demonstrating the continuity of God's plan throughout history. David, the beloved king, continues to point us to his greater Son, the ultimate King.

Prayer

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life of King David, a man after Your own heart, despite his flaws. We are grateful for the Psalms he penned, which continue to inspire and guide our worship. Thank you for the Davidic Covenant and for fulfilling Your promise through his descendant, Jesus Christ our Lord. Help us to learn from David's strengths and weaknesses, striving for faith and repentance in our own lives, and always looking to Jesus, the promised King. Amen.