Saint Of The Day For December 16: Saint David
God chose David as king of Israel (10th century BC) while he was shepherding sheep, even though he was the youngest of Jesse’s sons: God does not look at appearances but at the heart of man.
A warrior and a poet, he was a great sinner but acknowledges his faults and asks for forgiveness.
From his lineage, Jesus is born.
The Story of David
He is the founder of the Jewish dynasty that will last until the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.
We find him initially next to King Saul, who will show him great esteem until he realises that he could take the kingdom away from him, which will then happen.
The two books of Samuel speak of his life and deeds: in Book I, in chapter 16, Samuel’s choice of David is presented, then his anointing (v. 12), and his service with Saul.
In the 17th chapter, the victory over Goliath, and then Saul’s jealousy and David’s escape (chapter 19).
King David
David is recognised as King of Judah, on the strength of his deeds, spirituality and honesty.
In 1004 BC, he is anointed king (2 Sam 2).
In chapter 5, David’s proclamation as King of Israel and then the taking of Jerusalem, the holy city, is described.
Having defeated the Philistines, he brings the Ark from Baalah to Jerusalem, designs the Temple and organises its worship.
David the singer and poet
David is the author of the psalms and a cantor of them.
Even Saul appreciated his voice and considered it his best relaxation when tension was high.
His sin with Bethsheba, Uriah’s wife (chapter 11), followed by his repentance (chapter 12), is particularly well known.
From this experience flowed the composition of Psalm 51:
“Have mercy on me, O God, in your love; in your great mercy blot out my iniquity.
Wash me all from my guilt, from my sin make me pure.
Yes, my iniquities I acknowledge, my sin is always before me.
Against you, against you alone have I sinned, what is evil in your eyes, I have done…
But you delight in sincerity in my depths, in the secret of my heart you teach me wisdom…
Create in me, O God, a pure heart, renew in me a steadfast spirit.
The dynasty of David
The Messiah, says the text of Isaiah, will be a sprout of the root of Jesse (Is 11:1-10), a descendant of David (Mt 9:27), a David who is alive again (Jer 30:9, Eze 34:23-31), he will sit on the throne of David for ever (Lk 1:32ff). In Mt 1:1ff the genealogy of Jesus is presented:
“Genealogy of Jesus Christ son of David, son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac, Isaac begat Jacob, Jacob begat Judah and his brothers …
Mattan begat Jacob, Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus, called Christ, was born’.
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