God himself honored David by saying, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”1
But wasn’t David haughty as a teenager, and as a king an adulterer, even a murderer? He wasn’t faultless; how could God turn a blind eye to his sins? David admits that God has tried and tested him and found nothing.2
There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.3 And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.4
One of David’s trait even as a king was that he was dependent on God. He always inquired of the Lord, particularly prior to a battle.5 And he was obedient to what God commanded.6
David had no qualms worshipping before God in front of everyone. He danced before the LORD with all his might.7 To the extent that Michal, Saul’s daughter whom he married, despised him for leaping and dancing before the LORD.8 And David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD—and I will celebrate before the LORD. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. . . .”9
Boldly, David confesses that his steps have held fast to God’s paths; and his feet have not slipped.10
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.11
Notes:
1. Acts 13:22
2. Psalm 17:3
3. 2 Samuel 3:1
4. 2 Samuel 5:10
5. 2 Samuel 5:19,23
6. 2 Samuel 5:25
7. 2 Samuel 6:14
8. 2 Samuel 6:16
9. 2 Samuel 6:21-22
10. Psalm 17:5
11. Psalm 84:5-7
