David is one of the most prominent rulers who united many tribes and established a strong monarchy for the people of Judah and Israel. He gained fame and respect of many people at an early age when he defeated Goliath, and he later became one of the closest people to king Saul after he became his court musician appointed to “ease the king’s troubled spirit” (Arnold & Beyer, 2015, p. 171). Saul disobeyed God, which led to his eventual fall and the rise of David, who was chosen by God’s (Clowney, 2015). Being the seventh child, David came to prominence due to his wisdom and leadership (1 Chronicle 2:15 The King James Version Bible). However, David also made mistakes, which led to God’s dissatisfaction and severe punishment. Nevertheless, the 40-year reign of David is still regarded as one of the most important and glorious periods in the history of the people of Israel and Judah.
David was not flawless irrespective of his servitude to God and his past achievements. The king saw Bathsheba when she was bathing and “lay with her” although she was married to one of David’s best soldiers (2 Samuel 11:4 The King James Version Bible). The woman conceived, and David tried to conceal his sin by calling the soldier from the camp. However, the husband did not go to his house, so David sent him back to the battlefield instructing his men to set “Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle” leave him and let him “be smitten, and die” (2 Samuel 11:15 The King James Version Bible). Via one of his messengers, God notified David that he would be punished for the committed crime, and one of David’s sons rebelled against him, trying to overthrow the king. David sent his men to suppress the rebellion but instructed them to bring his sone alive, which was not fulfilled. Therefore, although God does not take away David’s power or takes his life, the man is still punished for his failure to remain faithful and sinful.
References
Arnold, B. T., & Beyer, B. E. (2015). Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
Clowney, E. P. (2013). The unfolding mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament: With study and application questions. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing Company.