Bible NKJV. Psalms 75:6-7
[6]For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south.
[7]But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.
David’s life, as recorded in the Bible, proves the actuality of the above-referenced verses of scripture. Psalm 78:70,71 (NIV) reads, “He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance.” It is only God who can truly promote or demote a person. He is the ultimate Judge of a man or woman’s eligibility for exaltation. Let us now use the scripture quotations above to examine David’s journey to the throne of Israel, as a case for the Bible’s claim that God is the Judge, who puts one down and exalts another.
God had rejected Saul from reigning over Israel and commanded Samuel to visit Jesse the Bethlehemite, with the following assurance: “… I have provided Myself a king among his sons”(1Sam 16:1). God had demoted King Saul, though he still occupied the office. Saul’s kingdom, as far as God was concerned, had lost its legitimacy and was, therefore, over. Is it possible to functionally occupy a position and not have God’s approval? Based on Saul’s experience, the answer is ‘yes’. This is the reason why it is futile to scheme oneself into a place God has not chosen one for. We know Saul’s case was slightly different because he had actually been called and anointed by God. Over time, however, his pride led to his rejection by God. While Saul was still busy running state affairs, God had found a replacement for him.
It is interesting that God found Saul’s replacement, David, while he was tending his father’s sheep. The Bible clearly says that it was from the sheep pens that God had taken David and made him king over Israel. God did not consult anyone before making the choice of who to shepherd His people. God has shown time and again in human history that He is the ultimate Judge. We can cite numerous kindred illustrations from Scripture to prove this truth. However, suffice it to say that what is most important for us to know now is what constitutes the qualities God looks for in a potential choice, so as to position ourselves for whatever He would want to use us for. Remember, God is not a respecter of persons.
The first thing we need to note is that GOD CHOSE His servant David. It is unmistakable that David was not the one who chose himself for the position of kingship. He did not lobby for it. No wonder he did not assume the responsibility of having to remove Saul from the throne. Though Joab’s brother, Abishai, had suggested that David kill Saul when they had found the king in a vulnerable position in a cave in the wilderness, David refused (1Sam 26:1-9). A similar twist of fate had occurred earlier(1Sam 24:1-7), yet David would not take matters into his hands. David restrained his men from hurting Saul because he was God’s anointed and God would remove him when and how He chose to. Note that David’s response on both occasions was in spite of his being under unjust provocation from Saul.
Secondly, the Bible says that God chose HIS SERVANT David. Another verse of Scripture, on this same issue, says, “I have found MY SERVANT David; With My holy oil I have anointed him,” (Ps 89:20), (emphasis mine ). David placed himself at God’s disposal, for God to use him at His pleasure. The scripture reference above suggests that God searched for David. It further expresses God’s elation at having found His heart’s desire. God looks for men and women who are willing to be His servants. He is not interested in ambition of those people who only want to bear a title or occupy a position just for the fun of it. God’s purpose is His agenda for the earth, and only those willing to serve it become the object of His passionate quest.
Not only did God choose David His servant, according to the Bible, HE ALSO TOOK HIM. Anyone who is familiar with the sacred records of David’s life, knows that there was a long passage of time between when Samuel anointed David king of Israel and when he assumed the position. God’s timing is always an integral part of His programme for mankind. It is, universally, the Divine mode of operation. God usually speaks well ahead of the manifestation of His intentions. If you want to experience God’s promotion, you need to be mindful of His timing. David waited for God to take him to the throne as king of Israel. He did not scheme his way there, and neither should you nor I.
God took David FROM THE SHEEP PENS. In addition to the other character traits associated with David, as have been discussed in previous paragraphs, David had another fine quality that endeared him to God as a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). That quality was David’s ability to be faithful in little things (Lk 16:10 NLT). David displayed it as he willingly tended his father’s sheep. In fact, in Eliab’s words, those sheep were few; for he had in anger asked David, ““Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?…”1Sam 17:28). Yet, David, for the sake of those sheep, had attacked and killed a lion and a bear, who had on two separate occasions respectively, attempted to devour the sheep (1Sam 17:34-36). In God’s estimation, if anyone is not faithful in managing little, he or she is not qualified for a promotion. How we handle seemingly insignificant things entrusted to us is a reflection of our readiness or otherwise, to take on greater responsibilities. It is, therefore, imperative that we be faithful in what God has committed to us now.
In conclusion, we can see, through David’s journey to the throne as king of Israel, how God proved to be the Judge, who either promotes or demotes, as He sees fit. The Bible makes it clear that GOD BROUGHT DAVID TO BE THE SHEPHERD OF HIS PEOPLE JACOB, OF ISRAEL HIS INHERITANCE. That is how God sums up the process that led to David’s emergence as king of Israel. In the words of the Bible, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1Cor 10:11) Shalom.
