King David, A Special King for Israel

After several years of protecting himself from Saul, David emerged as a great king of Israel, and the LORD promised to establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

Did you ever think, “What is God doing? Has He forgotten His promises?” Sometimes, it’s tempting to think that way, but God is faithful and carries out His plans.

Jacob predicted that the scepter would not depart from Judah—more than 800 years before Israel ever had a king, his lineage was predicted. About 750 years later, Samuel’s mother, in a prayer of grateful praise, declared, “O LORD, You will give power to Your king and strength to the one You anoint.” Just a few decades later, Samuel was anointing an obscure shepherd from the tribe of Judah to be king over Israel. And oh, the covenant God would make with David not many years hence!

David had served the LORD and experienced His power as a young shepherd on the hills of Bethlehem, killing wild animals that attacked his sheep! But it wasn’t until he killed a Philistine giant who was intimidating Israel’s army that he burst on the public scene. From that time on, people couldn’t get enough of him, except for Saul. Even though David faithfully served him as God’s chosen king, Saul was jealous of David’s popularity and tried to kill him several times. But David remained loyal, passing up at least two opportunities to kill Saul.

Several years after Saul died in battle and just after his sole surviving son was assassinated by rogues, all the tribes of Israel anointed (again) David as king. When he marched on Jerusalem and captured the city, it became known as the city of David. Then he brought the ark of God to the city, built a palace, and enjoyed God-given peace.

At that time, David said to Nathan the prophet, “Something’s wrong! I live in a beautiful house, and the ark of God sits in a tent.” The LORD gave a message to Nathan.

“Go tell my servant David this is God’s answer: ‘Do I need you to build a house for Me? I don’t need a house and I never asked anyone to build Me one. This tent has been fine for Me to dwell with My people.

‘Here is what I, the LORD All-Powerful, want you to know: I took you, a nobody following sheep around the countryside, and made you king over My people, defeated your enemies, and will make you one of the most famous people in the world. I’ve given My people a place to live and peace with their enemies.

‘I will establish a house for you. I promise that you and your descendants will be kings. I will choose one of your sons to be king when you die and make him a great ruler. No one will be able to take his kingdom away from him. He will build Me a temple.

‘When he does wrong, I will correct him as parents correct their children, but I will never put an end to this covenant, nor will I take the kingdom away from you like I did with Saul. I guarantee that one of your descendants will always be king.’”