In the light of his dealings with Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah, how could David be regarded by the Lord as a servant whose heart was “perfect” before Him (1 Kings 11:4)?
Even before David became king of Israel, he had committed several sins and offenses to his discredit. His affair with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, and the subsequent cover-up were by no means the only shameful blots on his record, even though they are doubtless the best known. From these considerations it is quite apparent that David did not gain God’s favor or approval because of a sinless life. Although his conduct was for the most part exemplary and his courage and ability as a leader beyond comparison, it was not because of these things that he especially pleased God. It was rather because of this tremendous faith in the power and grace of God that his heart was adjudged to be salem (“fully devoted”) with Yahweh his God (1 Kings 11:4; 15:3). The adjective salem basically means “complete, whole, sound, finished” or even “at peace with [’im] someone.” That is, David’s heart was all there for God, and God was his very reason for living. Many of his psalms eloquently express his deep attac
