SPSA Church Giving (opens in a new tab)

Questions & Answers

David the Prophet

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Holy Scripture › David the Prophet

The question

King David was depicted by God Himself as a man "after my  own heart"; who "will not give sleep to my eyes... until I find a place for the Lord"; who praised God seven times a day. However, he had seven wives besides concubines. Was he not satisfied with God, or with one wife?

The answer

King David is indeed a great hero of faith. No human being is perfect. That is why Biblical writers did not write only of King David's greatness; but also of his weakness. They showed David as someone who loved God; but at the same time was tempted by thirst for power and his own sensual desires.

King David had paid dearly for all his shortcomings. Family strife followed him later in life until his death. He dealt with his wives' jealousy and strife, his son’s rebellion, and his disputed succession.

In spite of all these tribulations, King David's virtues of devotion to God, valor in war, loyalty, and faithfulness in friendship was so inspiring; that despite his many faults, he was seen as a great king and prophet, described by God as “a man after My own heart”.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 473 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.