One of the most endearing characteristics of that remarkable Biblical character David was his profound trust in the authority and wisdom of God. Shortly before the end of his reign he could proclaim, "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all." I Chron. 29:11.
Even as a boy David turned away from trust in human judgment and advice that were in conflict with his inner convictions. He put off the armor that the fearful King Saul wanted him to wear in his combat with Goliath. In that encounter we see his profound trust in God. Speaking directly to Goliath he said: "I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. . . . And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands." I Sam. 17:45, 47.
This trust was to be tested throughout his eventful life, and not the least in his relationship with his own monarch, Saul. If anyone had the right to take the law into his own hands and condemn his ruler, King Saul, David was that person. For many years his life was under threat from the jealousy of Saul. Despite the fact that he had to live a life in hiding with his few loyal supporters, he refused to contemplate revenge on his king.
