April 17

Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” — 2 Sam 2:4 BSB

David spent many years being prepared for his role as king.

He was anointed as a boy, but he wasn’t ready to be king yet. He was brought to Saul’s court, where he learned about being a ruler. Saul’s jealousy seemed like a bitter disruption in David’s happy life, but it played a part in his training. It taught him patience and self-control. It pushed him out among the people, away from luxury, into caves and wilderness where he learned to understand and sympathize with the common people.

David became a better king because of the hardships he endured during those years of persecution and exile. God often uses difficulties to shape us for bigger responsibilities and a deeper character.