Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Chapter 73
A Man After God's Own Heart
This chapter is based on 2 Samuel 24; 1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles
21; 28; 29.
Absalom's overthrow did not bring peace at once. So much of
the nation had joined in revolt that David would not return to his
capital and take up the kingship again without an invitation from the
people. There was no prompt, firm action to return the king, and
when the tribe of Judah finally set about to bring David back, the
action stirred up the jealousy of the other tribes. A counterrevolution
followed, but it was quickly put down, and peace returned to Israel.
Dangers from power, riches, and worldly honor threaten the
soul. God had designed that David's early life--with a shepherd's
lessons of humility, patient toil, and tender care for his flocks; with
the scenes of nature in the solitude of the hills directing his thoughts
to the Creator; with the long discipline of his wilderness life--would
prepare him for the throne of Israel. And yet worldly success and
honor weakened the character of David so much that he was
overcome by the tempter.
David Falls Again to the Sin of Pride
Dealings with heathen peoples led to a desire to follow their
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