Why was David called a man after God's own heart?
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Yeah, I think I got that . . . Let me try to explain again why I asked further.
God regenerated David; God also regenerated Jeremiah; God also regenerated Peter, etc. etc. -- but only David is called a "man after God's own heart" --- Why is that? Does my question make sense to you?
Maybe I am still not understanding what you were trying to say . . .?
God regenerated David; God also regenerated Jeremiah; God also regenerated Peter, etc. etc. -- but only David is called a "man after God's own heart" --- Why is that? Does my question make sense to you?
Maybe I am still not understanding what you were trying to say . . .?
The Boy Who Became King
God sent the Prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse. There, Samuel was instructed,
he was to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to become the new king of Israel (1 Samuel 16).
As Jesse presented his seven sons, one after the other, Samuel couldn’t help
but think they were all perfectly suited to be king. Judging by their appearance,
all of them seemed like great choices! But as each son passed by,
God told Samuel that this son was not the one chosen (verses 1-10).
God told Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature;
because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh
on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (verse 7).
God does not see man as man sees man. He doesn’t look for Hollywood’s next
attractive star—He looks at who we are.
After God had rejected seven of Jesse’s sons, Samuel pressed the father to see
if there were any other children in the family (1 Samuel 16:11). As it happened,
Jesse had one more son who was in the fields tending to the sheep.
In verse 12, we finally meet David—the youngest of eight brothers.
David was a pleasant-looking, average-size young man who had developed into
an outstanding musician and poet. He was smart and physically strong. He spent
much of his time in the fields of Judea and often slept outdoors.
As a youth, he wrestled and killed a lion and a bear. Even as a simple shepherd,
David demonstrated the traits of a courageous warrior—taking on ferocious animals
if he had to. He had developed a balanced and well-rounded personality, even as a young man.
And yet, considering how his father overlooked him when Samuel arrived, David
certainly wasn’t considered the star of the family. God actually chose the boy the
rest of the family had voted “least likely to succeed”! Goliath would later disdain
David because of his youthful, ruddy appearance (1 Samuel 17:42).
But God was impressed with this young man’s heart.
David was converted to God’s way of life as a teenager, he didn’t become king
for another 17 years. At this point in the account, Samuel anointed him and sent
him right back into the field (1 Samuel 16:13).
David’s rise as a young man coincided with the decline of Saul, who had lost
God’s Holy Spirit and was being harassed by demons. Under heavy demonic
influence, Saul became deeply discouraged—he alternated between suicidal
depression and fiery rage (verses 14-15). His emotional instability tormented
him so much that his advisers became gravely concerned about his well-being.
Finally, Saul agreed to have them find someone who could play soothing music
to comfort him (verses 16-17).
“Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse
the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man
of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him.”
These characteristics of David may not have been widely known to others at the
time, but this individual in the king’s court obviously knew David and was well
aware of his unique skill set. He knew David was an accomplished musician and
that he was “prudent in matters”—meaning he was a skillful communicator.
During his life, David probably wrote hundreds of poems, psalms and songs.
After this glowing review from his servant, Saul arranged to have David come
play for him (verses 19-20). Verse 21 says, “And David came to Saul, and stood
before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.”
Thus began a beautiful relationship that ended up revealing so much about David’s
character. David was the rightful heir to the throne, yet there was not a hint of
jealousy or competition in the way he treated Saul. In fact, he became one of Saul’s
most trusted advisers! As long as Saul remained king of Israel, David humbly submitted to him.
This is why God chose David to be king. David loved Saul greatly. He loved people.
And he demonstrated that godly love by his actions.
David worked faithfully to use uplifting, wholesome music to drive away the evil spirits
that plagued Saul (verses 22-23). These verses highlight how powerful godly music can
be—it can actually be used as a tremendous force for good.
But they also reveal much about how David must have spent his time as a young man.
To be such an accomplished musician at such a young age means David must have
devoted many hours, days and years of his youth to develop his talents. Besides that,
he was a courageous and faithful shepherd who later became a loyal adviser in Saul’s
court. David didn’t waste his youth on trivial things. He was an active, productive young
man who diligently developed all sides of his personality. Above all, David loved people
and strove to live by the law of God.
https://www.thetrumpet.com/article/9490.7.0.0/society/family/the-boy-who-became-king
God sent the Prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse. There, Samuel was instructed,
he was to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to become the new king of Israel (1 Samuel 16).
As Jesse presented his seven sons, one after the other, Samuel couldn’t help
but think they were all perfectly suited to be king. Judging by their appearance,
all of them seemed like great choices! But as each son passed by,
God told Samuel that this son was not the one chosen (verses 1-10).
God told Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature;
because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh
on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (verse 7).
God does not see man as man sees man. He doesn’t look for Hollywood’s next
attractive star—He looks at who we are.
After God had rejected seven of Jesse’s sons, Samuel pressed the father to see
if there were any other children in the family (1 Samuel 16:11). As it happened,
Jesse had one more son who was in the fields tending to the sheep.
In verse 12, we finally meet David—the youngest of eight brothers.
David was a pleasant-looking, average-size young man who had developed into
an outstanding musician and poet. He was smart and physically strong. He spent
much of his time in the fields of Judea and often slept outdoors.
As a youth, he wrestled and killed a lion and a bear. Even as a simple shepherd,
David demonstrated the traits of a courageous warrior—taking on ferocious animals
if he had to. He had developed a balanced and well-rounded personality, even as a young man.
And yet, considering how his father overlooked him when Samuel arrived, David
certainly wasn’t considered the star of the family. God actually chose the boy the
rest of the family had voted “least likely to succeed”! Goliath would later disdain
David because of his youthful, ruddy appearance (1 Samuel 17:42).
But God was impressed with this young man’s heart.
David was converted to God’s way of life as a teenager, he didn’t become king
for another 17 years. At this point in the account, Samuel anointed him and sent
him right back into the field (1 Samuel 16:13).
David’s rise as a young man coincided with the decline of Saul, who had lost
God’s Holy Spirit and was being harassed by demons. Under heavy demonic
influence, Saul became deeply discouraged—he alternated between suicidal
depression and fiery rage (verses 14-15). His emotional instability tormented
him so much that his advisers became gravely concerned about his well-being.
Finally, Saul agreed to have them find someone who could play soothing music
to comfort him (verses 16-17).
“Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse
the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man
of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him.”
These characteristics of David may not have been widely known to others at the
time, but this individual in the king’s court obviously knew David and was well
aware of his unique skill set. He knew David was an accomplished musician and
that he was “prudent in matters”—meaning he was a skillful communicator.
During his life, David probably wrote hundreds of poems, psalms and songs.
After this glowing review from his servant, Saul arranged to have David come
play for him (verses 19-20). Verse 21 says, “And David came to Saul, and stood
before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.”
Thus began a beautiful relationship that ended up revealing so much about David’s
character. David was the rightful heir to the throne, yet there was not a hint of
jealousy or competition in the way he treated Saul. In fact, he became one of Saul’s
most trusted advisers! As long as Saul remained king of Israel, David humbly submitted to him.
This is why God chose David to be king. David loved Saul greatly. He loved people.
And he demonstrated that godly love by his actions.
David worked faithfully to use uplifting, wholesome music to drive away the evil spirits
that plagued Saul (verses 22-23). These verses highlight how powerful godly music can
be—it can actually be used as a tremendous force for good.
But they also reveal much about how David must have spent his time as a young man.
To be such an accomplished musician at such a young age means David must have
devoted many hours, days and years of his youth to develop his talents. Besides that,
he was a courageous and faithful shepherd who later became a loyal adviser in Saul’s
court. David didn’t waste his youth on trivial things. He was an active, productive young
man who diligently developed all sides of his personality. Above all, David loved people
and strove to live by the law of God.
https://www.thetrumpet.com/article/9490.7.0.0/society/family/the-boy-who-became-king
I have posted the answer to " why was David called a man after God's own Heart". The answer to that is easy, David was the kind of man that God Himself picked as King(unlike Saul who was a concession to the people). Folks in here are not trying to answer the question of "why was David called a man after God's own Heart", they are all trying to explain why God thought of David in that way. Two different questions. The bible does tell us why David was called a man after Gods heart, because David was the kind of person that God wanted to be king. The bible does not tell us WHY God considered David to be a man of God's choosing. Everyone here seems to be trying to answer the question of which the bible gives no answer...why God choose David, and ignoring the actual question, why was David called a man after Gods own heart...something that is explained in scripture.
Because he was a man after Gods desires. God could tell David something and David desired to do God's will. Even when David was weak and sinned, the Prophet Nathan told David all his sins. Many a King would have killed the Prophet, not David, he fasted and prayed for Gods Mercy.
He desired to be like unto God in all his ways. Merciful, wise, etc. etc. etc.
He desired to be like unto God in all his ways. Merciful, wise, etc. etc. etc.
Hey brother Chester,
Thanks for the response, somehow I don't find all the responses here on CC and only discover some later on, so, I just now saw this.
Unique callings, equipping and gifting is all up to God. Here's the Biblical answer: He's the Potter, we're the clay.
Thanks for the response, somehow I don't find all the responses here on CC and only discover some later on, so, I just now saw this.
Unique callings, equipping and gifting is all up to God. Here's the Biblical answer: He's the Potter, we're the clay.
I grew up Arminian - strong on the free choice of man - I suppose people would still class me there - I don't like either identification . . .
Honestly - I really like what you say - and I am learning that believing and understanding God's sovereignty is something I am weak on -- Thanks for the input!