Why Did David Praise God So Much?
King David is one of the most well-known figures in the Bible, remembered for his deep faith, poetic Psalms, and eventful life. Throughout his life, David repeatedly turned to praising God in good times and in bad.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: David praised God constantly because he had a profound, personal relationship with God and saw God’s sovereignty, protection, blessings, and forgiveness repeatedly in his eventful life.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we will explore David’s motivation and reasons for praising God so effusively by looking deeper at his close walk with God, his raw prayers, God’s protection and help to him, and how David repented when he sinned.
David’s Close Walk with God Motivated His Praise
David’s Anointing and Special Relationship with God
As a young shepherd boy, David was anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). This special calling gave David a unique and close relationship with God from an early age. The anointing symbolized God’s Spirit coming upon him and empowering him for leadership when the time was right.
David saw God’s faithfulness time and again throughout his rise to power – defeating Goliath as a youth, becoming popular among the people through his battle victories, escaping Saul’s jealous attempts to kill him, and eventually securing the throne.
These pivotal events cemented David as a man “after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).
Further, David was inspired by God to develop skill in music, poetry, and songwriting. God blessed David’s musical gifts which he poured out in heartfelt praise and thanks to his Creator (2 Samuel 23:1). David’s life-defining moments cultivated an attitude of awe and gratitude toward God.
David’s Reputation for Praising and Depending on God
The book of Psalms in the Bible, traditionally held to be authored by King David, offers the clearest picture of his lifestyle of praise. The variety of psalm types – including praise, lament, confidence, wisdom, and gratitude psalms – reflect how wholeheartedly David cast both his troubles and blessings before God’s throne.
In times of joy or peace and times of fear or despair, “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6 ESV).
One example, Psalm 63, reveals David’s passion for God’s presence exceeding even his desire for food and drink. His soul “longs for God” (Psalm 63:1) and his lips praise God joyfully (verse 3). This sincere devotion earned David the description in Acts 13:22 as “a man after my own heart.
“ Legends of David’s exuberant dancing while parading the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem also picture this king holding nothing back in worship (2 Samuel 6:12-15).
Further evidence of David’s God-dependency appears in 1 and 2 Samuel. When facing threats from Saul or enemy armies, David frequently inquires of the Lord before acting (1 Samuel 23:2, 30:8). God also sends prophets to advise David at critical junctures, like Nathan confronting his sin with Bathsheba.
“David acknowledges the correcting hand of God in his life” (https://www.gotquestions.org/life-David.html). He praised God through it all.
David Praised God for Protection and Deliverance
God Saving David from Saul and Other Enemies
David faced many enemies throughout his life, but God faithfully protected him and delivered him from their hands. One of David’s most dangerous foes was King Saul, who grew jealous and tried multiple times to kill David (1 Samuel 18-26). Yet God foiled Saul’s plans, helping David evade capture.
This included directing David to hide in the wilderness, warning him to flee Saul’s presence, and confusing Saul’s men during their pursuit of David.
In addition to Saul, David had to contend with foreign enemies like the Philistines. He likely wrote Psalm 18 after God gave him victory over them. David praised God for rescuing him from his strong enemies, supernaturally intervening to save him from destruction (Psalm 18:17).
Without the Lord’s protection and deliverance, David knew he would have been killed long ago.
God Protecting David in Battle
David often found himself on the battlefield, facing incredible odds. But he consistently praised God for shielding him in the fight. For instance, before battling Goliath, David testified that “the battle is the Lord’s,” trusting that God would deliver the giant into his hand (1 Samuel 17:47).
God honored David’s faith, guiding the stone to strike down Goliath.
In Psalm 3, David wrote about fleeing from his rebellious son Absalom and preparing for war. Despite the immense stress, David took confidence in the Lord as his shield and glory, the One who would lift up his head (Psalm 3:3). God protected David and gave him victory that day.
God Rescuing David from Danger and Suffering
Besides enemies, David also faced natural dangers and hardships throughout his life. Yet God faithfully rescued him from perilous situations. For example, in Psalm 34 David recalls how God delivered him when he feigned madness before the Philistine king Achish (1 Samuel 21:10-15).
Achish drove him away but God kept him from harm.
David also suffered family heartache, betrayal, and physical affliction. During times of deep anguish, David consistently brought his pain to the Lord. He praised God as his rock of refuge, shepherd, and source of blessing in the midst of trial.
Because of God’s faithfulness, David could testify that weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
David Praised God for Forgiveness when He Sinned
David’s Adultery and Murder
King David committed grievous sins of adultery and murder that brought great shame to God’s name. David’s adultery with Bathsheba and his murderous plot against her husband Uriah showed how even the man after God’s own heart was capable of heinous evil (2 Samuel 11).
David tried to cover up his sins through deception and manipulation, but the Lord saw it all.
David deserves condemnation for how he betrayed his calling as Israel’s king. However, we should also remember that temptation is common to mankind (1 Corinthians 10:13). David’s example reminds us of our need for God’s mercy and grace.
David’s Repentance and God’s Forgiveness and Restoration
When the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin, David responded with deep repentance and contrition (Psalm 51:1-5). He acknowledged the magnitude of his wrongdoing and sought the Lord’s forgiveness and cleansing. Amazingly, the Lord forgave David’s sins and restored him to fellowship.
Though there were ongoing consequences because of David’s actions, the Lord did not utterly reject him or remove him from being king.
David’s experience shows how the Lord responds to genuine repentance with abundant mercy and grace. It gives hope to all who have failed morally but who turn to God with a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).
Just as David prayed, they too can pray for God to “blot out my transgressions” and “cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1, 2).
David’s Psalms Showing His Repentant Heart
Many of the psalms that David wrote give insight into his repentant heart following his sins of adultery and murder. Psalm 51 is his classic psalm of repentance where he pleads for God’s forgiveness and restoration. But David’s repentance also echoes through many other psalms:
- Psalm 32 – David celebrates the blessing of God’s forgiveness.
- Psalm 38 – David agonizes over his sin and its effects.
- Psalm 39 – David considers the brevity of life and seeks the Lord’s deliverance.
- Psalm 40 – David waits patiently for the Lord’s help and salvation.
David’s psalms model what sincere repentance looks like. They display raw honesty about sin and also deep trust in God’s mercy. For believers today, David’s prayers provide language for expressing our own repentance to the Lord.
David Praised God for Blessings and Favor
God Blessing David as King
David had many reasons to praise God during his life. One major reason was that God blessed David by making him king of Israel. After Saul’s death, David was anointed as king over the tribe of Judah. Later, all the tribes of Israel came together to anoint David as king over the united kingdom.
What an amazing blessing that must have been for David! He went from being a humble shepherd to becoming the king of God’s chosen nation. Throughout his reign, David gave credit to God for establishing him as king.
He recognized that it was by God’s favor, not his own ability, that he ruled over Israel.
As king, David experienced God’s blessings in many ways. He was successful in battle against Israel’s enemies, such as the Philistines. He unified the kingdom of Israel and brought peace between the tribes. Under his leadership, the nation grew strong and prosperous.
David praised God for these blessings, knowing they came from the Lord’s hand. He relied on God for guidance and strength in leading the people. Even when David sinned and suffered consequences, he continued to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and blessings over his life.
God’s Covenant and Promises to David
Another major reason David frequently praised God was because of the covenant God made with him. God promised that one of David’s descendants would rule as king over Israel forever. This was a reference to the coming Messiah who would establish an eternal kingdom.
What an incredible promise for David and his future lineage! Through the prophet Nathan, God said He would make David’s name great and establish Israel in the Promised Land. God also promised to be with David, protect his kingdom, and give him victory over enemies.
These were conditional promises based on David and his sons following the Lord.
When David heard these promises, he was humbled and thankful. He praised God for His mercy and amazing grace in choosing him. David recognized that even though he was king, he was still subservient to the Lord God Almighty.
The covenant gave David hope not only for himself, but also for the future Messiah who would come from his bloodline. David was confident that God would keep His promises, which caused Him to praise the Lord.
Throughout his Psalms, David declared praises to God for His covenant faithfulness and blessings. Even during times of trouble, David praised God by remembering His promises.
Conclusion
In exploring the profound reasons behind David’s praise of God, we find his motivation stemmed not from superficial or momentary blessings, but from David’s close and dependent walk with his Lord. Even when David failed greatly, he knew God to be merciful and sovereign.
David experienced repeated and undeserved favor that he praised God for joyfully. As sinners redeemed by God’s grace, we would do well like David to offer grateful praise, whether hearts are carefree or heavy.
