He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king. I Chronicles 29:28 (Psalms 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13)
Before I lay David’s story to rest in our journey through the Bible chronologically, I would like to look at the songs of petition and praise he wrote and his circumstances and possible state of mind and heart.
David spent his early adulthood as a fugitive, running, hiding and hungry. He knows an enemy not only threatens the body, it attacks every aspect of being. An adversary mocks, jeers, slanders, and spreads lies. It is hard to see God when faced with overwhelming peril and discouragement, and such was the case of this young king waiting for his crown. In times of duress David’s writings show that he wondered if God heard his cry. He defended his righteousness but also writhed in desperate humiliation and shame for his own sin.
There are two kinds of people, Godly and wicked. No one can be both. David lived this truth. The righteous can rest in joy and peace knowing oppression will not last forever and justice will have its day. David called out for the destruction of those who worked to harm him, but over and over he forgave and respected Saul. He knew betrayal but he found his need met in an Almighty God, a Friend and Comforter, and proceeded forward in the strength of God’s character.
David, the Bible’s poet, eloquently sings of a God of action. He does hear, He hates evil and He defends and protects those who trust and obey. And an even greater story is that God’s Grace and Mercy know no boundary.
Have a Terrific Tuesday,
Gretchen