FRIDAY April 24, 2026

The Faith of a King

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David....
Hebrews 11:32

David, the giant killer, the famous hero of Israel was a man after God's own heart. A young shepherd boy was chosen by God to become the next King of Israel. King Saul, through his continued disobedience, was to be replaced by David. Against all odds, a shepherd boy went to fight Goliath, and, as he did, he proclaimed his faith in God:

“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. ...I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air  ... that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

With a sling and a stone, David slayed the giant. From obscurity to fame, God knew David could be trusted to do His will. King Saul became jealous and tried to kill David, but God positioned him to be King of Israel for the benefit of His people.

Although a great man of God, David had his flaws. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of David’s faithful men in his army. Bathsheba became pregnant, and David’s plans to cover for his sin failed. So David had her husband killed. Sadly, soon after the child was born, it died. After a whole year, God sent Nathan the prophet to confront David about his sin. Finally, he was convicted, and he confessed his sin (Psalm 51). God still used David’s life, but he suffered great consequences.

David has remained one of the most beloved, biblical heroes of the faith. From the beginning to the end of his life, David’s faith in God never wavered. We read his psalms and are encouraged by, not only a humble shepherd, but the faith of a King.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
~Psalm 23:6~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!