What was it about King David that led the God of Israel to choose him as the eternal king of His people?
David was not the oldest son, nor the most likely candidate. When the prophet Samuel came to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse, David was not even invited to the gathering. He was out tending the sheep. Only after Samuel asked, “Are these all your sons?” was David brought in. And God said to Samuel: “Arise and anoint him, for this is the one.” (1 Samuel 16:12)
Just a few verses earlier, God had said something even more revealing:
This one verse captures why David was chosen. God wasn’t looking for status, strength, or position—He was looking for a heart. David’s greatness was not in his perfection, but in his spiritual sensitivity, his courage, and his constant yearning to draw close to God.
As a young man, David had already developed a deep relationship with the Creator. While caring for sheep in the fields of Bethlehem, he wrote songs of praise, meditated on the wonders of creation, and learned to trust fully in God’s protection. According to Jewish tradition, David would rise at midnight to sing and pray, his soul attuned to the quiet hours when the world is still and the heart is open.
When David faced Goliath, he was not acting out of youthful pride. He was standing up for the honor of the God of Israel. He declared with full confidence:
David’s faith wasn’t an abstract belief. It was active, alive, and bold. He didn’t rely on his own strength—he relied on the God who had delivered him from lions and bears (verse 37), and who would now deliver him from the hands of an enemy of Israel.
But the most profound aspect of David’s life is not his military victories or his royal status. It is his capacity for sincere repentance.
After his sin with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband, Uriah, the prophet Nathan confronted him. David didn’t offer excuses. He didn’t deflect responsibility. He simply said, “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:13)
From that moment came one of the most heartfelt prayers in the entire Bible:
Jewish tradition teaches that David set the example for what true repentance looks like. He showed that no matter how great the sin, when a person returns to God with humility, honesty, and sorrow, that return is accepted.
Throughout his life, David remained deeply connected to God. Even in the darkest moments—betrayed by his own son, hunted by enemies, burdened by guilt—he turned to God in prayer. His Psalms, many of which he composed through tears, became the spiritual voice of Israel. Joy, fear, awe, gratitude, longing—his words give voice to every human emotion in the presence of the Divine.
One of his most well-known declarations says it best:
David teaches us that being close to God doesn’t mean we live without struggle. It means we carry God with us through the struggle.
In Jewish thought, King David is remembered as the model of someone whose heart was bound to God—not because he never failed, but because he always returned. His life shows that what God desires most is not perfection, but honesty and faithfulness.
The God who saw into David’s heart still looks into hearts today. He still values truth, humility, and love. And He still invites people—flawed but sincere—to walk closely with Him.
As the prophet Isaiah foretold, the day will come when the line of David will rise again, and the world will be filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:1-9). Until then, David’s life remains a guide—a reminder that no matter where we’ve been, we can always return.
