Parenting was not one of David’s strong points. Two of his eldest sons rose up against him in battle and died violent deaths. Later, David was unaware that another son was planning to crown himself king even before David’s death. David had known that his and Bathsheba’s son Solomon was chosen by God to succeed him as king of Israel. Yet, it was Nathan the Prophet, and Bathsheba who moved to sound the alarm that would cause David to act on Solomon’s behalf.
This problem with parenting does not surprise me in one way; David’s earthly father did not appear to be engaged as a parent. David was the youngest of his siblings and was considered of no importance by them or his father, Jesse. When God’s prophet Samuel sought a son of Jesse to anoint the next king of Israel over King Saul, David’s father did not even think to call him from the field where David was keeping sheep. Yet God had Samuel command Jesse to do so and then anointed David in the midst of his brothers and father. Later, Jesse sent David to the battle line with provisions for his brothers and to bring back news of them. By this time, David had been serving Saul but would still return to feed his father’s sheep – the lowly shepherd boy. His family did not seem impressed with David’s anointing or his position in the house of King Saul. Where was David to learn about parenting other than what he knew growing up?
Yet, David loved his children; this is evident in his grief over the deaths of even the ones who rose against him. However, his permissive nature and lack of attendance to their emotional well-being and rebellious behaviors demonstrate that he may have lacked parenting skills for developing good character and family loyalty. David is redeemed, however, by his total reliance on God’s promises and wisdom in honoring his word to Bathsheba – Solomon would sit on the throne.
Also, David’s intimate relationship with God surely inspired the profound wisdom of these words to his son, Solomon: “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.” (I Chronicles 28:9, 10)
And again he said to Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God – my God – will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” (I Chronicles 28:20)
Parting words from a father to a son. Wise words from any parent to a young adult child. What do we pass on to our children? Money, possessions, memories of family vacations, interest in their school activities, and life goals? Being there when our kids need us? All these indicate good parenting, but what will our parting words really matter if focused only on what we did with our children?
Though David failed miserably with his other sons, David got it right with Solomon. He assured his son of God’s presence. He warned his son of turning away from God. Most of all, he testified about his relationship with the Lord and directed his son to also commit all his ways to God. And David’s parting words tasked his son with a great work – serving God with a loyal heart and a willing mind.
Father God, I am astonished by how You assure me that You are my Father. These many years I have deepened my understanding of Your intense love for me. How can I pass down the fullness of heart that I experience to those precious ones I love? Help me use every opportunity to testify to Your lovingkindness in ways that are enticing to the next generation. Let Your salvation, mercy, and grace be their inheritance.
jansuwilkinson
Sixty-six books in a year 