David and Nephi each wrote psalms that illustrate the process of repentance. In both psalms, remorse leads to pleading, followed by assurance. Nephi highlights God's role throughout the process, as the source of his former joy, the provider of miracles, and the only one worthy of his trust.
Wives and Concubines
David and Solomon had many wives and concubines. The Old Testament shows us the negative impact of this practice on them. The prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon adds an important dimension: casualness in intimate relationships causes pain, and God cares about the feelings of His daughters.
Hear Thou in Heaven Their Prayer
David desired to build a temple. The Lord granted that privilege to his son Solomon, who built it using the finest materials available. When Nephi and his family later established a city in their promised land, they built a temple like Solomon's, with fewer precious materials but with equal devotion to God.
Inquiring of the Lord
Nephi asked his brothers, "Have ye inquired of the Lord?" David would have answered that question with a definitive "yes." Multiple times in the Old Testament, we read that he inquired of the Lord and received clear answers. It takes faith to pray for help, and it can take more faith to pray for answers.
David and Moroni
Afflictions can either embitter us or humble us, depending on how we choose to respond to them. David and Moroni are both examples of military leaders who maintained their faith in God in spite of the complex impact of war on their souls.
David and Jonathan
Jonathan and David shared a special bond. Jonathan felt no animosity toward the man who would replace his father on the throne. David was faithful to the covenant they made with each other. Like Alma and the sons of Mosiah, their friendship was anchored in humility and faithfulness to God.
David and Ammon
Both David and Ammon trusted God's promise to fight their battles. Both of them faced formidable enemies, and in both cases, the king they served was impressed with their victory. But Saul reacted with jealousy while Lamoni humbled himself, leading to a miraculous conversion. Miracles follow faith, and with humility, conversion can follow miracles.
The Musician King
King David expressed his love for God through music. Book of Mormon prophets also emphasized worship through music. Alma associated conversion with "[singing] redeeming love." Singing requires us to overcome our self-consciousness and prioritize our love for God over our concern for what others maythink.
Anointed but Not Proven
David was young when he was anointed king. Numerous years of hardship intervened before he actually became king. Those years allowed him to grow and to prove himself. Trials and temptations can prepare us to fill roles that God has already chosen for us.
The Battle Is the Lord’s
From a humble shephered to Israel's most honored king, David's spectacular rise to power was not his own doing. God affirmed that He had established David's house, a house which would endure forever through the ultimate victory of a later member of his house: Jesus Christ.