King David is one of the most important people of the Bible. He was a great warrior and his victories were numerous. It all began while David was a teenager and defeated Goliath. (I Samuel 17:40-50) There became a saying in Israel, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (I Samuel 18:7)

David had been anointed king by Samuel and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. (I Samuel 16:13) Remember the abilities of Samson to single-handedly defeat many soldiers because the Spirit of the Lord moved him. (Judges 13:25)

David’s victories caused King Saul to be jealous of him and to try to kill David. On two separate occasions David could have taken Saul’s life, but refused to kill the man appointed by the Lord. (I Samuel 24:1-4, 26:7-16)

After Saul took his own life in battle with the Philistines, David became King of Judah, and then Israel. The nations that he subjugated were the Geshurites Amalekites, Jebusites, Moabites, Syrians, Ammonites, Edomites, Arameans, and the King of Zobah. His territory included Damascus and went as far as the Euphrates River.

And then David sinned. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed.

His sins were egregious and the Lord was very angry with David. Through the Prophet Nathan the Lord asked, “Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord?” He continued, “The sword will never leave your house because you have despised Me.” Further, “I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house.”

It is difficult to understand that David did not consider the sin he had committed. When the Lord pointed out the sin, David apparently realized and immediately confessed his sin. But our God is so merciful and gracious. Nathan informed David that the Lord had already forgiven him and he would not die. (II Samuel 12:9-13)

However, there were consequences. In the account of the kingship of David, there were no more mighty victories. In fact, in one battle David was rescued by one of his men. The men told David he could go to battle no more. (II Samuel 21:17)

Even worse were the troubles within his own household;

• His son Amnon raped his daughter Tamar – II Samuel 13:1-19
• His son Absalom killed Amnon – II Samuel 13:28-29
• Absalom sought to usurp the throne of David – II Samuel chapters 15 - 18
• His son Adonijah sought to usurp the throne of David – I Kings 1:7-10, 39-49

But there was punishment. There were consequences. But David received forgiveness from our gracious Lord. How wonderful is the Lord’s grace and forgiveness.

I thank the Lord for His wonderful grace and patience toward me. Praise Him always and ever!