Bucket Full of Grace

  Scripture References 1 Samuel 16–31 2 Samuel 1–24 1 Kings 1–2 Selected Psalms (e.g., Psalms 23, 51, 63, 78:70–72) First Impression and Observations David (meaning “Beloved”) was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd from Bethlehem. He is described as ruddy, handsome, and with beautiful eyes (1 Samuel 16:12). More importantly, he is called “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). David was courageous, musical, poetic, and deeply spiritual. He defeated Goliath as a youth, served King Saul faithfully, and later became Israel’s greatest king. He showed remarkable restraint by refusing to kill Saul when given the opportunity. However, he was also capable of serious moral failure, most notably in his sin with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband, Uriah. David’s life is marked by extremes—great faith and great failure, deep repentance and lasting consequences. He unified Israel, established Jerusalem as its capital, and desired to build a temple for the Lor...