David does not manifest the spirit of an unconverted man. If he had possessed the spirit of the rulers of the nations around him, he would not have borne, from Nathan, the picture of his crime before him in its truly abominable colors, but would have taken the life of the faithful reprover. But notwithstanding the loftiness of his throne, and his unlimited power, his humble acknowledgment of all with which he was charged, is evidence that he still feared and trembled at the word of the Lord. {1SP 381.2}

David viser ikke et uomvendt menneskes ånd. Hvis han havde den ånd folkenes herskere omkring ham havde, ville han ikke have frembåret billedet af sin forbrydelse fra Natan, frem for sig i sine rigtige afskyelige farver, men ville have taget den trofaste irettesættelse på sig. Men til trods for sin ophøjede trone, og hans ubegrænsede kraft, er hans ydmyge anerkendelse over for alle han har ansvar for, et bevis på at han stadig frygter og skælver ved Herrens ord.