A Man After God's Own Heart 2 Samuel 7

This week's lesson presents a turning point in the life of David, the Israelite nation, and all people who come to recognize the covenant relationship of grace and forgiveness. David was a man after God's own heart, yet we read of his failure and sin, over and over. What set David apart from others?

Read what F.M. Perry suggests:

David himself once wrote, "Deliver my soul from the wicked, ... from men of the world, whose portion is in this life, and whose belly Thou dost fill with thy treasure, ...As for me, I shall behold Thy face in brightness, I will be satisfied with Thy likeness when I awake." (Psalm 17:14, 15). David knew the danger of close association with wicked men and wanted to be delivered from them. Yet, almost without realizing it, he was sucked into the maelstrom of evil present in his world. If this could happen to David, referred to in Biblical history as a man after God's heart, could it not, and does it not, happen to us today?
 © 2002, F. M. Perry

See below artist's idea of interior of Solomon's Temple

The prayer of David offered in thanksgiving for the plans of the Temple show David's humility and true love for God. His prayer is in response to the message from God which promises David and all his family an everlasting home, one that results in the birth of the Savior for all mankind. This is the new covenant that does not depend on man's work or natural goodness. It is the unconditional covenant of God's love for mankind. It is the turning point from a standard that demands  kill or be killed, the winner takes all, or the first will be first. This new covenant says God is love; the last shall be first; we are to love one another; forgive one another; and lay down our life for our friends.

David was sorry for his sins. He sincerely confessed and asked for forgiveness many times. But, he still had to face the consequences of his sins. After the adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, David began to lose his innocence and simple faith. He lost the strong but simple faith which he experienced as a youthful soldier whom "God was with". His military campaigns often ended in failure. His political decisions resulted in bad outcomes. His family relationships were terrible with bother murdering brother and brother raping sister. He lost sons in battle and experienced heart-breaking rejection by one rebellious son (Absolom). But, we don't remember David for his professional and family failures. We remember David because he was a man after God's own heart, and he was a man who never lost God's presence in his life.