The CEB Blog - November 2023

“And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead,” 1 Chronicles 29:27, 28. 

This Winter quarter, we eagerly anticipate our journey through the Bible texts of 2 Samuel 5—24, 1 Kings 1; 2 and 1 Chronicles 11—29 in the Bogard Press Adult Sunday School curriculum. The title of this quarterly study is “The Reign of David—Sweet Psalmist of Israel,” and the aim of the quarter is for the student to learn the character traits that contributed to David’s reputation as a man after God’s own heart.  

When God determined to remove Saul from his position as King of Israel, the prophet Samuel informed him that God had instead sought for Himself a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), which David ultimately satisfied. This quarter, we will observe the leadership of King David, and the curious Bible student may have trouble understanding how David could be characterized as pursuing God’s heart considering the many blunders and sins he committed.  

The apostle Paul had no trouble acknowledging this quality about David when he preached to the Jews in Antioch, coming to the same conclusion about David’s devotion to God (Acts 13:22). What is it about David that made him a man after God’s heart? How might God’s people be described in the same manner? 

David trusted God completely. He exhibited faith that led him to find his ultimate satisfaction in God’s presence and provision. His faith in God led him to become a man of love, forgiveness, humility and integrity. David’s faith compelled him to worship God alone with all his being, and his example led others to do the same. His faith in God made him a man after God’s heart, and it is our faith that will inspire us to the same degree of devotion. Of all the things we may pursue, let it be the presence of God we desire most. 

Mark Clements 

Editor in Chief