For those with limited Biblical knowledge, David is probably best remembered for his encounter with a giant named Goliath of whom he killed. For the more mature Bible reader, we tend to remember David more as a Shepard, poet, great king, and perhaps, most importantly, ancestor to Jesus Christ.

However, alongside this list stands another not so harmonious list, which includes, betrayer, liar, adulterer, and murderer. The first list is one we would all prefer to be remembered by, however, the second probably describes qualities anyone of us may be guilty of at one point in our lives.

To the Jews of today, David stands as one of their greatest kings ever and it was of his character-type they waited with hopeful anticipation for their promised messiah. Because Jesus Christ did not come in the physical, conquering nature of David, they missed the initial fulfillment of their messiah.

David's accomplishments were impressive and at the age of 30 he became Israel's warrior king where he reigned for 40 years. Despite all of the David's military victories and his sins, he is best remembered for his heart for God. More than anything else David maintained his belief in the faithful and forgiving nature of his creator. David sinned many times against God but he was always quick to confess his sins. His confessions were from the heart and his repentance was genuine and he never took God's forgiveness or His blessings for granted.

Forgiveness does not remove the consequences of sin and David discovered this first hand when his adulterous encounter with Bathsheba produced a child who died in fulfillment of God's punishment for their sin. Although David sinned greatly, he did not sin repeatedly. David learned from his mistakes because of the tremendous, painful consequences they brought.