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KING DAVID’S IMPORTANCE and ACHIEVEMENTS

15/6/2021

KING DAVID’S IMPORTANCE

Introduction:
He was the second King of Israel, was anointed by Samuel after Saul failed and regarded as the most successful King in Israel.
Importance:
Refers to his successes, achievement and qualities also King David’s achievements as the king of Israel

David and Bathsheba

I Samuel 16:1 – 23, 2 Sam 6:1 – 19

He was chosen by God to be the king of Israel/anointed by God’s prophet Samuel.
David was filled with God’s spirit right from the time of anointing/throughout his reign.
He had outstanding qualities of leadership e.g. he was charismatic, generous, patient, honorable, wise, brave, eloquent in speech, God-fearing.
He knew and obeyed God/He was a man after God’s own heart/faithful/ trusted God throughout his life.
David consulted prophets of God in all undertakings.
David was acclaimed/accepted/chosen as King of Israel by the whole of Israel at Hebron, 2 Sam 5:1 – 5
He courageously fought and defeated his enemies e.g. the Philistines.
He captured the city of Jerusalem from the Jebusites/He made it the political administration capital for the nation and a religious centre.
He chose Jerusalem a neutral city of his nation. 2 Sam 5:6 – 10, 6:1 – 19
He recaptured the Ark of the Covenant.
He united his people through personal efforts.
He extended the boundaries of his kingdom by capturing smaller states.
He established a standing army / he was a good military commander. He broke the Philistines control over Canaan once and for all and shut them up in coastal plain 2 Sam 5:17 – 25, 21:15 – 22.

He also waged successful wars against Moab, Ammon, Edon, Amalek and Aram/Syria and concluded a treaty with the Phoenician King, and Hiram of Tyre. David came to be recognized as the ruler of an empire that stretched from Lebanon Mt. to the boarders of Egypt, from Med. Sea to the desert of Arabia.
He established a long lasting dynasty /Davidic which lasted for 400 years.
He was a shrewd/ good administrator /He chose wise elders and counselors to advice him.
He organized religion through the Temple music/ composed Psalms.
He was humble/ repentant. He was ready to accept the sins he had committed e.g. when he committed adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife and arranged for the death of her husband, he was later remorseful. He put on Sackcloth as a sign of repentance after Prophet Nathan rebuked him for the offence (2 Sam 12:1 – 15).
Divided his Kingdom into small administrative districts.
He came up with the idea of building the Temple for God.
God made a covenant with David through Prophet Nathan.
David respected the Prophets of God and always consulted them whenever he wanted to do anything e.g. when he wanted to build the Temple he consulted Prophet Nathan. (2 Sam 7:1)
He was a great diplomat and established good political relations with the neighbouring Kings.
David ruled over Israel, administering Law and justice to all people, (2 Sam 8:15).
He insisted on taking census of all Israel 2 Sam 24: 1 – 9. The information collected was for the purpose of recruiting young men into military service and deciding on the policy of taxation.
He made his nation rich by taxing his enemies