“Is There Not a Cause?” David’s Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

When I think of a person in Scripture who exemplified this idea of hungering and thirsting after righteousness, I think of David. Although he was not at all perfect, he nevertheless displayed a heart that longed to do things right: that was willing to fight for righteousness, literally and figuratively, and that mourned when he failed to live out the righteousness he knew God expected of him.

There are several moments throughout David’s life where his hunger and thirst for righteousness are clearly displayed. The first is his reaction to Goliath’s challenge and the Israelite army’s blatant fear. In 1 Samuel 17, David asks,

“who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v.26)

And when taunted by his elder brother, he responds,

“What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (v.29)  

David’s confidence in the God of Israel was in sharp contrast to the cringing cowardice of King Saul and his army, and yet David’s heart in going to fight Goliath was not to gain fame for himself or showcase his own might or bravery: it was for the purpose of showing forth God’s might and God’s defense of His people. As David said of his defeat of Goliath, it was

“That all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword or spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:46-47)

Later on, when David was on the run from the jealous rage of King Saul, he again showed that hunger and thirst for righteousness in his treatment of the very king who had attempted to murder him on multiple occasions and was now hunting him down like a criminal.

When David found himself in the perfect position to kill the man who considered himself David’s worst enemy, he would not. Despite the urgings of the group of men he was leading, he would not kill the man God had chosen to be king –even though God had already chosen David to succeed him. All David would do is cut off a small piece of David’s robe, so he could prove he had been that close to the king, but his conscience was grieved even at that small act. (1 Samuel 24)

This firm commitment to do right is seen throughout David’s life, and yet, he was not without fault. In the matter of Bathsheba he sinned grievously, and as he tried to cover up his sin with more sin, his wrongdoing snowballed on and on, until Nathan came and gave the Lord’s rebuke and declaration of judgement.

I don’t know of a passage that speaks more to hungering and thirsting after righteousness than Psalm 51. It was written by David after Nathan’s confrontation of his sin. Notice the emphasis on confession and restoration to righteousness.

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

Against Thee, and Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightiest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest.

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.

Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinner shall be converted unto Thee.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness.

O Lord, open Thou my lips: and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.

For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.”

Psalm 51

This psalm is an important part of our understanding of David’s hunger and thirst after righteousness. It shows us that we do not have to begin in the place of righteousness. Part of hunger and thirst is feeling our need, being fully convinced of our urgent need, and our inability to survive unless it is met.

As David faced the reality of his sin, he humbled himself to accept God’s view of the matter, he mourned over his sin, and he yearned to be made right with God: he longed to be righteous and felt the urgency of having his relationship with God restored.

Too often, we skim over the confession of our sins, asking for forgiveness almost flippantly, with no sense of urgency.

A heart that hungers and thirsts for righteousness, especially when it has failed, is a heart that will be filled: its cravings fully satisfied with the righteousness of God.

“O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.”

(Psalm 63:1)