Humans are complicated creatures. So far in the story, David is the good guy, doing most things right. But as he consolidates power as King of Israel and builds a palace, he takes on some of the characteristics of the kings around him.

2 Samuel 5:13 says that David took more concubines and wives for himself in Jerusalem. More children are born to him. This isn’t something to be admired. This was something God had warned the Israelites about in Deuteronomy 17.

But in the 1 Chronicles passages, it’s clear that God is listening to David’s inquiries and blessing him. So what’s the deal?

There are no perfect characters in the Bible. And David’s imperfections will continue to be revealed. This is discouraging if we want to pin all our hopes on David, our hero. But it’s encouraging because David resembles many of us, imperfect and complicated, but sincere in our desire to follow God.

Encouraging most of all is that God doesn’t base his actions towards David on his obedience but on his gracious covenant with his people.