David (as King)
Category: Repentance, restraint & enduring discipline
Could avoid: Hide his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah.
“David sent someone to find out about her… and he slept with her.” (2 Samuel 11:3–4)
Cross-Refs: Numbers 32:23; James 1:15.
Chose: Confessed when confronted by Nathan.
“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’” (2 Samuel 12:13)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9.
Endured: Death of his child, family strife, Absalom’s rebellion.
“The child that is born to you will die.” (2 Samuel 12:14)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 51:17; Hebrews 12:6.
Why: Knew forgiveness only came from God’s mercy.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love.” (Psalm 51:1)
Cross-Refs: Micah 7:18; Luke 18:13.
Result: Restored fellowship with God, kingdom preserved.
“The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.” (2 Samuel 12:13)
Cross-Refs: Romans 4:7–8; Acts 13:22.
Nathan the Prophet
Category: Prophetic courage & truth-telling
Could avoid: Remain silent to avoid the king’s wrath.
“Then the LORD sent Nathan to David.” (2 Samuel 12:1)
Cross-Refs: 2 Samuel 7:2–4; Amos 7:14–15.
Chose: Confronted David with his sin through a parable.
“You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 27:6; Galatians 6:1.
Endured: Risk of rejection or execution.
“Nathan replied, ‘The LORD has taken away your sin.’” (2 Samuel 12:13)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 26:11–15; Matthew 14:3–4.
Why: Obeyed God’s command despite personal danger.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the LORD your God goes with you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Cross-Refs: Acts 5:29; Ezekiel 2:7.
Result: David repented, judgment tempered with mercy.
“Then David said… ‘I have sinned.’ Nathan replied, ‘The LORD has taken away your sin.’” (2 Samuel 12:13)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 51:1–4; Hebrews 4:12–13.
Mephibosheth
Category: Humility & covenant loyalty
Could avoid: Rebel or seek vengeance as Saul’s descendant.
“Jonathan son of Saul had a son… he was lame in both feet.” (2 Samuel 4:4)
Cross-Refs: 2 Samuel 19:24–26; Proverbs 29:23.
Chose: Submitted to David’s kindness.
“Don’t be afraid… For I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.” (2 Samuel 9:7)
Cross-Refs: Micah 6:8; Luke 14:13–14.
Endured: Disability, vulnerability, slander by Ziba.
“He has slandered your servant to my lord the king.” (2 Samuel 19:27)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 41:8–9; John 15:20.
Why: Trusted David’s covenant faithfulness.
“For I will surely show you kindness.” (2 Samuel 9:7)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 19:22; Hebrews 6:10.
Result: Restored inheritance, ate at the king’s table.
“So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.” (2 Samuel 9:11)
Cross-Refs: Luke 22:30; Revelation 19:9.
David During Absalom’s Rebellion
Category: Humility in exile & grief in loss
Could avoid: Crush Absalom quickly and secure his throne.
“Then David said… ‘Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom.’” (2 Samuel 15:14)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 3:1–2; Matthew 26:56.
Chose: Fled Jerusalem weeping, refused to retaliate against Shimei.
“But the king continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went.” (2 Samuel 15:30)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 55:6–8; Luke 22:44.
Endured: Betrayal by his son, cursing, humiliation.
“Shimei cursed as he came out.” (2 Samuel 16:5)
Cross-Refs: Job 19:19; John 1:11.
Why: Trusted God’s will and justice.
“It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing.” (2 Samuel 16:12)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 37:5–6; Romans 12:19.
Result: Kingdom restored, but grieved deeply at Absalom’s death.
“The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept.” (2 Samuel 18:33)
Cross-Refs: Luke 13:34; Revelation 21:4.