King David's Good Character
It would be easy to criticize David after reading of his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11). This sin certainly marks and scars his life. For a few moments consider the balance of David's life. Consider what the Bible says about this great man of faith.
He was first described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). This means either that his heart that was like God's or, his heart was exactly as God wanted it.
He had the courage to fight and defeat the Philistine giant (1 Samuel 17).
He behaved himself wisely and his name became highly esteemed (1 Samuel 18:5,14,30).
He made a covenant of kindness with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17) which he later kept (2 Samuel 9:7-8; 21:7).
He made provisions for his parents (1 Samuel 22:3-4).
He jeopardized his life to deliver the city of Keilah from being destroyed by the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:1-12).
He did not kill Saul when he had opportunity but cut off a piece of his robe (1 Samuel 24).
Though he was very angry against the house of Nabal, he accepted the petition of Nabal's wife (1 Samuel 25).
He has a second opportunity, but does not retaliate to get even with Saul (1 Samuel 26:8-12).
He encouraged himself in the Lord in times of trouble and affliction (1 Samuel 30:6).
When they recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, he de--even to those who were so weary they demanded that the spoil be divided equally could1Jo longer pursue (1 Samuel 30:21-24).
He often rendered a blessing to the people (1 Samuel 30:26-31; 2 Samuel 6:17-18).
He destroyed the man who said he had slain the Lord's anointed (2 Samuel 1:13-16).
He expressed no ill-feelings or grudge against Saul for his ill-treatment (2 Samuel 1:23).
He publicly commended those of Jabesh-gilead who went into the land of the Philistines and took the bodies of Saul and his sons and buried them (2 Samuel 2:4-8).
He accepted the league of Abner and lamented because he was slain (2 Samuel 3).
He showed that he was a man of justice when he destroyed the two who had killed Ishbosheth upon his bed (2 Samuel 4:8-12).
He continually gave praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for what was done for him (2 Samuel 7:18-29).
He gave much of his wealth to the Lord (2 Samuel 8:11). .
He executed judgment and justice to all the people (2 Samuel 8: 15).
He showed great kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9:1-9).
He tried to show kindness to Hanun because his father had showed kindness to him (2 Samuel 10).
He repented when shown his sin (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51).
He had great love for his family (2 Samuel 13:25-39).
He had great humility before God (2 Samuel 15:25-26).
He demonstrated humility and justice when he was cursed by Shimei and did not have him destroyed (2 Samuel 16:5-14).
He loved his son Absalom even though he had done so much against him (2 Samuel 18:32-19:4).
He always was tremendously grateful to those who helped him in any way (2 Samuel 19:31-40; 1 Kings 2:7).
He demonstrated great personal devotion to God in his life, songs, and psalms (2 Samuel 22).
He would not give to the Lord that which cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24).
He made great preparation for the building of the Lord's house (1 Chronicles 22:1-5).
When he drew near to his death, he encouraged his son (who was to be the next king) to do the will of God (1 Kings 2:1-3).
—Adapted
