A man after god’s own heart

Through the eyes of Joseph (Age 10)

Last week we looked at Samuel, the prophet after God’s own heart who would anoint the chosen king of Israel. This week, we look at the man whom Samuel anointed to be the chosen king. A humble shepherd boy who rose to be one of the greatest kings of Israel, David, the man after God’s own heart. A great king, loyal friend and an honest man through Joseph’s eyes.

Q&A with Joseph

Please tell us David’s story in your own words

David was a shepherd boy, the son of a man named Jesse and had seven older brothers. 

At one time, the Philistines, the Israelites’ enemies came and attacked their country. David’s three oldest brothers enlisted into the army. When his father sent David to check on his brothers at the Valley of Elah, he encountered a giant Philistine who dared to mock and defy their God. Zealous for defending the honour of his God, David offered to fight the giant. To everyone’s surprise, he defeated the giant and killed him. David became a national hero.

However, because of his growing popularity, King Saul, king of Israel, became jealous and envious of him. Soon David was on the run and became a fugitive. 

Some time later, the Philistines again attacked the Israelites and defeated them. King Saul was severely wounded and his sons were killed. Unable to accept his defeat, King Saul decided to kill himself. Although Saul had tried to kill David many times and had made his life miserable, David still respected him and mourned his death. When king Saul died, the people of Judah crowned David as their king.

However, the strife was not yet over for David. Saul’s general, Abner, tried to crown Ishbosheth (Saul’s only remaining son) as king. For seven years, there was war for the throne. Eventually, David and his army won and he was crowned king over all of Israel.

Throughout his lifetime, David trusted God and God was able to achieve many things through him. His life was not always smooth and he also made many mistakes. However he was willing to repent after God rebuked him and he was still known as a ‘man after God’s own heart.’

What part of David’s story impresses you the most?

When David was on the run with Saul. His life was hard but nearly every time he faced a trial, he called on God.

What did you learn from King David’s story that you can apply to your life right now?

Like David, despite Saul treating him badly, I should not have a spirit of revenge. Instead, I should treat people kindly even when they are not nice to me.

What would you ask David when you meet him in heaven?

How many wives and sons he had on earth – just out of curiosity.
But I wanted to ask Jonathan (David’s best friend) – why did you not just follow David? Knowing that your father did wickedly?

The life of David has inspired many including the famous artist Michelangelo whose sculpture David stands the test of time and still remains the subject of art studies today. There are songs about him and many more stories. I truly believe that the reason David’s life is an inspiration to so many is because David himself was inspired by the Lord. Read through the psalms David wrote and you will realise how much love for the Lord the psalmist had. Joseph really nailed it when he realised how close a relationship David formed with God. Even in the toughest of trials he called on God.

Next week we will look at the last character study, another man who knew God face to face. Until then, call on God, walk closely with Him and stay blessed.

With Love,
El

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23:6