David - God's Man of War

King David was no stranger to war or conflict. Throughout his life and especially as King he would lead the nation of Israel through a succession of battles that would greatly enlarge the land within their boundaries. In this way he was fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that his offspring would be given the land of Canaan as an inheritance. The first military encounter with David finds the Israelite army cowering from a Philistine giant named Goliath. David, outraged that this army would defy the living God, accepts the challenge to fight. Armed with a sling and rounded pebbles David fells the giant and cuts off his head with the giant’s own sword. (1 Samuel:17)

During this period Saul was Israel’s king but God rejected him for his unfaithfulness. Under God’s direction Samuel the prophet anointed David to be the new king. David had also become a mighty warrior and these things created hostility between the two men. Indeed a song was known even by their enemies “Saul has slain his thousands but David his tens of thousands”. David continued to be a loyal servant to Saul, despite his persecution, and even resisted temptation to kill Saul on several occasions when he had the chance. Saul pursued David, forcing him to lead a nomadic existence making allegiances with foreign kings, living in caves and moving around the mountainous wilderness. Here was a man in fear of his life and despondent for the life he had to live.

As King, David fought heroic battles, often outnumbered, defeating enemies against the odds. Several battles were won without David even engaging the foreign army, for God led the charge. Never more kingly than when at war he was a courageous leader but not in his own strength, rather seeking out God’s will and guidance at every turn.

We also know of David the man, struggling with his own temptation and rebellion within his own family. His failings led to betrayal and innocent death which surely haunted him. Not always the leader he should have been and older in years gave his son Absalom opportunity to usurp him. David with his household and faithful guard had to flee to escape alive.

But what is the common theme running through the life of David. Whatever the challenge or situation that faced David, whether in his Kingship or personal life, he trusted in God. He knew God would be with him, knew Him to be faithful and sought His guidance with all his campaigns. He understood God’s sovereignty over every situation and faithfulness to him and the Israelite nation, despite his own weakness, as long as they followed God’s law and command. He didn’t have it easy, men died in his wars and his own children were murdered by their brother, but he knew enough to trust God whatever the circumstance. This is why he can say “You O Lord are a shield to me. My glory and the one who lifts my head” (Psalm 3:3), “I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For He has delivered me out of all troubles” (Psalm 54:6) and “O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy and with Him is abundant redemption. He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” (Psalm 130)