David's Family

David’s Family

(2 Samuel 2:2-5, 11:26-27, 15-18)

Yearly Theme:  “Patience is…”

Series Title:  “Family Dynamics”

October 23^rd, 2022

Something to think about:

Undoubtedly, King David in the Old Testament is one of the most famous characters in the Bible aside from Jesus.  Known as a shepherd boy, a son of Jesse, a giant slayer, a poet and musician, and arguable the most powerful and famous king of Israel, David stands head and shoulders above the rest.  Considered a “man after GOD’s own heart,” David was far from perfect.  Though there are many amazing descriptions of David’s character and integrity throughout 1 and 2 Samuel and Chronicles, David also gave in to baser instincts and temptations that drove him to do unthinkable things.

In the message today, we will be exploring not only snap shots of David’s life, but more specifically David’s family in particular.  We will take a look at the selfish and prideful behavior that led David to make some costly mistakes that would forever change the course of his life and his family’s life. 

According to an article on biblestudytools.com, “1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, and 1 Chronicles records the names of eight women who married King David.  However, this list is not complete.  Oftentimes biblical genealogies only mention the names of wives who have given birth to sons or who are otherwise noteworthy.  Scripture tells us that David had other wives and many concubines, but their names and details are not mentioned (2 Samuel 5:13-16 and 1 Chronicles 14:3-5).”  In addition to wives, David had 18 sons and 1 daughter as recorded in the Bible.  However, it’s more than likely he had many other daughters through his various different wives.  His daughter Tamar is only mentioned (more than likely) because of a crisis that occurred that further divided the family, which we will learn about today.

Due to the overwhelming amount of Scripture surrounding the narratives of David’s exploits we are unable to delve into everything about the life of David.  However, we will be exploring different sections in the Bible that are pertinent to our discussion today about David’s family life, but before we do, let’s start with our key point:

Key Point:  “Selfishness within families breeds dysfunction which leads to betrayal.”

How did the selfish acts of David lead to dysfunction and betrayal within his family?  Let’s take a closer look today:

• David’s selfishness drove him to  what was not his.

2 Samuel 11:1-13

• David’s selfishness drove him to great heights of  in order to cover up his sin.

2 Samuel 11:14-27 and 2 Samuel 12:10-12

• Absalom’s anger and selfishness toward his father drove him to  .

2 Samuel 16:20-22

Something to take home:

According to legend, one of the saints of old was on a journey and met up with two travelers.  One of them was really greedy, and the other was a very envious man.  When they were parting ways, the old saint said that he would grant them both a wish.  The first one to make a wish would get whatever he asked for, but the second one to make a wish would get double what the first man asked for.  The two men walked on.  And even though they both knew what they wanted, each of them was determined not to go first.  Finally, one of them could stand it no longer.  He grabbed his companion by the throat and said, “If you don’t make your wish right now, I’ll choke you to death.”  The other man coughed and spluttered and said, “Fine, I’ll make my wish.  I wish that I was blind in one eye.”  Immediately, he went blind in one eye, and his companion lost sight in both eyes.

Selfishness always blinds us.  It blinds us to the truth.  And the truth is we’re all broken and in need of a Savior.  Even the strongest of people are prone to selfishness as we’ve seen in the narrative of King David.  Everyone is susceptible to its influence.  It is the root of sin and the destroyer of relationships.  Families are laid to waste by its effects, and those who are captivated by its appeal ultimately find themselves stranded and alone in the end having lost everything that is of value and worth in life.

Like David and Absalom, we can be driven by selfish ambition or we can be driven by the love of GOD, we cannot do both.  Selfishness and love are complete opposites.  The one who truly loves the way GOD loves, has learned to surrender the self and all its desires to GOD.  The one who has conquered selfishness has learned to seek first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness.  The one who has mastered the allurement of selfish ambition has learned to serve the least of these, and to seek the lost, and even to love their enemies.  The one who has overcome the pull of selfish desires has found the secret of living life to the fullest, with plenty or with nothing.

How are you on the selfishness scale?  Does it have you trapped in its snare?  Has it strained or destroyed your relationships?  Has it estranged you from people to which you were once close?  Has it taken you down a path of promise only to lead to a dead end? 

Key Point:  “Selfishness within families breeds dysfunction which leads to betrayal.”