Reaching a new high as king, David’s integrity takes a deep dive. After a shining start, he faces a sudden fall and eventually a stuttering recovery.
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Snapshot
2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1,2
- Objectives
- A Shining Start
- A Stunning Fall
- A Stuttering Recovery
- Video
- Recap
- Discussion
In this journey...
We:
- Realize that the most faithful believer is vulnerable to fall
- Understand the tripping points in David’s life and avoid them
- Realize what is irrecoverable and what can be recovered in a fall
A Shining Start - Feared the Lord
In 2 Samuel 6, we see that Uzzah dies when he irreverently touches the ark. David’s anger turns to reverence because he fears the Lord.
We see this reverence for God throughout his life.
A Shining Start - Forgave Enemy
In 2 Samuel 1-4, we see that David:
- Wept over Saul’s death and avenged it (ch 1)
- Kept his promise to his friend Jonathan (ch 4)
- Avenged the death of Ishbosheth (ch 4)
A Shining Start - On fire for the Lord
In 2 Samuel 6, we see that David is so ecstatic to see the ark of the Lord back at the capital, he danced before the ark of the Lord, oblivious of self – ch 6:14,15.
David’s passionate heart for God is reflected in his psalms. His passion continues throughout his life.
A Stunning Fall - Cover up/ Deceit
David’s deceit appears small at the start but catapults into huge sins. It:
- Started with Abimelech as he lies that he’s on the king’s mission to get food (1Sam 21:2).
- Continued with Achish as he feigns madness (1 Sam 27:9-11)
- Culminated with Uriah whom he murders to cover up his adultery (2 Sam 11:10)
A Stunning Fall - Carnality to Covetousness
He lusts after many women. Here are some:
- Abigail (1 Sam 25:39-41) – after her husband’s death
- Michal (2 Sam 3:14) – while her husband was alive
- Multiplied concubines and wives (2 Samuel 5:13)
- Uriah’s wife (2 Sam 11:4) – after causing her husband’s death
A Stunning Fall - Cruelty/ Murder
- On one occasion he was “angry enough to kill Nabal” (1 Sam 25: 22, 39)
- On a later occasion, he actually got Uriah murdered (2 Sam 11:17)
A Stunning Fall - Census
The same David who faced the giant and the entire Philistine army gradually starts relying more on schemes. Eventually, it culminates in him numbering the people to ascertain his power (2 Samuel 24) invoking God’s punishment.
A Stuttering Recovery
God offers him three punishments for conducting the census. David’s response, as always is inspiring. He says, in 2 Samuel 24:14 – “It is better to fall into the hands of God than into the hands of man.”
A Stuttering Recovery
David’s Response – When confronted, his focus remains on:
- His sin, not God’s punishment Ps 38:4
- His hope, not arguments/ questions Ps 38:14,15
- His confidence in God’s vindication, not doubt (Ps 38:20)
David’s Restoration:
- His kingdom is established (Present and future)
- He dies in honour
- He is immortalized as a “man after God’s own Heart”
Discussion
- How could a man of God fall so hard?
- In spite of his serious lacunae in morals how was David a benchmark for all other kings?