Danny Hickman

1 Samuel 13:14 is the place where this idea is first introduced in Scripture. It reads, "But now your kingdom will not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you." (NKJV)

Those are Samuel's words. (Saul had 600 men with him at the time; I wonder if they heard what Samuel said).

Some translations do the verse no justice. The Good News Translation: "Your rule will not continue... the LORD will find the kind of man he wants and make him ruler of His people." Not the same sentiment. The Free Bible Version says, "A man who thinks like Him." Close, but not quite. The Message Bible omits any description of David and simply refers to him as Saul's replacement.

"A man who thinks like Him." The Lexham English Bible uses the phrase, "according to His own heart," meaning 'David wanted his worldview to mirror God's! He wanted to be like God. He wanted God's thoughts and ways to be his.

Nowhere is it said that God was looking for a man to crown as king who wouldn't sin. He looked for a man who would do as he is told to do. That man would be "after God's own heart." He was sure to sin! Sinlessness wasn't a requirement. If it had been, God would still be searching!

David didn't disqualify himself when he murdered Uriah; nor when he committed adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah's wife. He drew closer to God through repentance (Psalm 51:2, 3, 10).

4 days ago • Report