David’s Great Failure

Acts 13:36

INTRODUCTION: It is quite unfair for us to reexamine a man’s life with the intention of finding his faults or shortcomings. In fact, if that is the sole purpose of examination, it is hypocrisy at its very core. At the same time, the Bible informs us that Old Testament chronicles are “written for our admonition” (1 Corinthians 10:11). Therefore, failure to examine other men’s lives becomes foolish at its very core. The only scriptural balance available is to examine the lives of Old Testament saints for the purpose of self-improvement.

I. HIS LIFETIME SUCCESSES

A. In Battle

1. As a shepherd; killing a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37)
2. As a helper for Israel
a. Killing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:20-58)
b. Killing Philistines (1 Samuel 18:25-27; 1 Samuel 19:8)
3. As the king of Israel
a. Killing Israelites in a civil war (2 Samuel 2:8-17)
b. Killing Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17-25; 2 Samuel 8:1)
c. Killing Moabites (2 Samuel 8:2)
d. Killing Syrians (2 Samuel 8:5; 2 Samuel 10)

B. In Character

1. His wisdom in behaviour
a. Among his kindred (1 Samuel 18:5, 14)
b. Among his enemies (1 Samuel 29:6, 9)
2. His willingness to keep his word
a. With Saul/Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:13-17; 1 Samuel 24:21-22; 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 9:1-13)
b. With Abigail (1 Samuel 25:1-35)
3. His reverence for Saul (1 Samuel 24:17; 1 Samuel 26:6-25)

C. In Fellowship (Acts 13:22)

1. Seen in his quick repentance
a. For cutting Saul’s skirt (1 Samuel 24:1-8)
b. In the matter of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-14)
2. Seen in his praise in the psalms

II. HIS DEPARTING PREPARATIONS

A. The Temple Desire (2 Samuel 7:1-17)

1. Discontent with the present conditions (2 Samuel 7:1-3)
2. Desire to build a house for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:1-2)
3. However, it would be Solomon who would build (2 Samuel 7:4-17)

B. The Temple Preparations (1 Chronicles 22:1-5)

1. Both workers (1 Chronicles 22:2)
2. And materials (1 Chronicles 22:3-4)
3. Before his death (1 Chronicles 22:5)

C. The Temple Worship

1. The order of the priesthood (2 Chronicles 8:14)
2. The songs and musick (2 Chronicles 29:30)

III. HIS LASTING LEGACY

A. In His Home

1. With his wives (8 plus) (2 Samuel 3:2-5; 2 Samuel 5:13)
a. Michal—appears to be a mess
b. Abigail—little is known of her character after Nabal’s death
c. Bathsheba—she sought to help Adonijah (a rebel son who tried to usurp the throne) (1 Kings 2:12-25)
2. With his concubines (2 Samuel 5:13; 1 Chronicles 3:9)
3. With his children (21 plus)
a. Amnon—a rapist
b. Absalom—killed Amnon; sought the kingdom
c. Adonijah—sought the kingdom (see especially 1 Kings 1:5-6)
d. Solomon—fell into idolatry

B. In His Kingdom

1. David encouraged both Solomon and the people to follow the Lord
2. But his actions and his refusal to invest in his family laid the groundwork for the fall of the kingdom

CONCLUSION: David could hang a good number of hides on his wall to signify his great victories, but right next to those would have been the hides of his family which he sacrificed in all his busyness for God.