Acts 13:22 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

The character of David.

"And when he had removed him," etc. Divine testimony to the character as one of the most wonderful.

I. All grew out of CONSECRATED GROUND . No evolution explains such a man. The grace of God from a child. Converse with nature in his shepherd life (see Wordsworth's 'Excursion'). Forgetfulness of self. Patience. Courage and fortitude. But all led up to Divine anointing.

II. Fashioned by PROVIDENTIAL DEALINGS . Sufferings in the school of affliction. His discipline in conflict with Saul.

III. A MINGLED CHARACTER . Great faults beside great virtues. Tempted by luxury. Yet illustrating in his recovery that same grace which had raised him to the height. Goodness and severity of God. Our David is perfect.—R.