Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 16 and Psalm 62

It is inspiring to read the story of David and the way God chose him and then sent Samuel to find him and anoint him as the successor to Saul’s throne. It’s a feel-good account of the unexpected “laat-lammetjie” son of Jesse being chosen as king, despite the apparently better qualifications of his older brothers.

What exactly did the LORD see in David? What made God choose him? Well, we were told earlier that God had chosen David as a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). In chapter 16 we learn that he was also a musical worshipper – one who could play a harp in such a way that the presence of God drew near and evil had to flee. Furthermore he was a young man of “valour” – which means that he had great courage in the face of danger. Plus, he was “prudent in speech” – which means he gave careful thought to every word he spoke. Next, we are told he was a “man of good presence”. What a fascinating statement. Some new translations render that as a “handsome man”, but when I read this particular ESV translation it makes me think of how some people have “gravitas” – a dignified presence that draws people to take them seriously from the moment they walk in the room. I suspect there was something like that about David. And might that not have something to do with the highest qulification of all – that “the LORD was with him”?

Heavenly Father, I long to be a person “after Your own heart”. Help me, by Your Spirit, to worship You whole-heartedly, to be courageous in everything I do, to speak with wisdom and grace, and to carry myself in every situation with the authority of a person in whom the Spirit of the Living God dwells. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.