David and Solomon reflect two different types of lives of faith. The first faced all sorts of adversities and struggles until his death, while the second one enjoyed the privileges of the inheritance he received from his father, with the advantage of having peace in his kingdom during his reign.

The image of David brings to mind the practice of pure faith—the living faith in the Living God. And it was exactly because of this kind of faith that he was considered a man of war.

Taking on the faith of the Bible—the faith of the patriarchs—demands that we take on attitudes that contradict this world. That’s when our war begins.

When we embrace the Christian faith, we simply cannot accept evil prevailing over good. How can we believe in a God so great and live a miserable life?

As with the power of God, a living faith refuses to accept or submit to the principalities, powers, rulers and spiritual forces of evil that cause diseases, misery, hunger, disgrace, social injustice, etc. Because we reject the empire of evil through faith, persecution comes upon true Christians.

For example, true faith never accepts alliances with this world because it comes from the Spirit of God. He is the Giver of this heavenly power.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” Jesus Christ

David was a man of war because he was a man of faith. And those who live by faith, live from war to war. It’s impossible to live by faith and at the same time be at peace with the world. It’s like trying to mix light and darkness.

David’s life was marked by both internal and external battles followed by a long line of victories. From the time he was a teenage shepherd, until the day he died, David was indignant because of his enemies. Yet he never bowed, submitted to or endured defeated by them—on the contrary. God honoured him in the same way that he honoured God, through his faith.