Qualities of David

Qualities of David

1. One intriguing quality or character of David was that he refused to kill his enemies when they fell into his hands and he also refused to celebrate their death.
2. David had the chance of killing Saul twice but spared his life. Saul, who made about 20 attempts to kill David, eventually died by committing suicide (1 Samuel 31 vs 4)
3. When David heard the news of Saul’s death, he refused to jubilate, he mourned and sand the famous lamentation, ‘how are the mighty fallen’ (2 Samuel 1 vs 19)
4. Abner, captain of Saul’s Army conspired with Ishbosheth to deny David Kinship of Israel. Ishbosheth eventually became the king, dividing the kingdom in the process, transferring the capital to Gibeon.
5. Abner and Ishbosheth eventually fell out. Abner was also murdered in cold blood by Joab, in revenge for the earlier murder of Asahel (Joab’s brother) by Abner.
6. The murder was at the battle of Gibeon between David’s army led by Joab and Ishbosheth army led by Abner. (2Samuel 2 vs 2)
7. When David heard that Abner, the conspirator and traitor, was murdered, he did not rejoice, he cursed Joab, the murderer. (2 Samuel 3 vs 28-29)
8. Ishbosheth, who set up a kingdom in rivalry to God’s anointed – David, was also eventually murdered in cold blood by two of his commanders – Baanah and Rechab – 2 Samuel 4
9. The two murderers beheaded Ishbosheth and brought his head to David in Hebron, expecting a reward.
10. Rather, David rebuked and sentenced them to death by hanging for the murder and gave Ishbosheth, Saul’s son a befitting burial. (2 Samuel 4 vs 9-12)
11. David eventually showed mercy to Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul who was his archenemy. (2 Samuel 9)
12. May God give us the forgiving spirit of David in Jesus’ name.
13. He forgave his enemies – Saul. Abner, Ishbosheth, and Absalom, and showed mercy to Mephibosheth, his enemies descendants.