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1 Samuel 13:1–15
The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you (v. 14b).
The stories of King David and of the Israelite monarchy do not end with the conclusion of the books of Samuel. The subsequent Biblical books of 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles continue the history. The remainder of David’s story is found in 1 Kings 1–2 and 1 Chronicles 22–29, then the focus shifts to the reign of David’s son Solomon. Sadly, after Solomon’s death, the north-south rift that appeared in David’s time leads to a division of the nation into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. These kingdoms slide ever deeper into apostasy until God enacts His promised covenant sanctions and exiles the people from the land.
But here at the end of 2 Samuel, we have a wonderful note of hope. We have seen God establish the monarchy of Israel, as He had long promised to do, in His own way and according to His own desires. First, in response to the people’s sinful wish to be like other nations, He gave them a king according to their own fancy—tall, handsome Saul. But Saul proved unwilling to be Israel’s vicegerent under its true King. So God deposed him and raised up David—a man after God’s own heart. David, of course, was far from perfect. His faith in God’s promises wavered from time to time, he occasionally forgot to seek God’s guidance, he was too lenient toward his children, and he had difficulty controlling his carnal desires. But he recognized his place in the great scheme of things and sought to serve his God. And God graciously promised to seat one of his descendants on his throne for eternity—a promise that the Savior of God’s people would come one day in David’s line. In many ways, David’s life prefigures the coming Messiah.
David is at his best as the author of the Samuel books concludes his narrative. Yes, he slips into sinful pride and decides to count “his” army’s strength. But the Spirit soon begins to bring him under conviction, and he seeks God’s forgiveness. Though he (and the nation) must undergo chastening, he is soon begging God to let His wrath fall only upon him. This is a picture of the Good Shepherd, who offers Himself for His people—great David’s greater Son, who of all people can bear the wrath of God and who alone can rule as a one who is truly a man after God’s heart.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Take a few minutes today to skim over the books of Samuel. Reflect on some of the lessons we have learned from the narrative of this crucial period in redemptive history. Above all, thank God today that He has fulfilled His great promise to David to seat his descendant upon his throne. The eternal reign of King Jesus has begun. Alleluia!
For Further Study
- 1 Sam. 2:10; 15:22–23; 16:7; 17:45–47
- 2 Sam. 2:4; 5:1–3; 7:16