Acts 13:22

KJV

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had removed {G3179} him {G846}, he raised up {G1453} unto them {G846} David {G1138} to be {G1519} their king {G935}; to whom {G3739} also {G2532} he gave testimony {G3140}, and said {G2036}, I have found {G2147} David {G1138} the son of Jesse {G2421}, a man {G435} after {G2596} mine own {G3450} heart {G2588}, which {G3739} shall fulfil {G4160} all {G3956} my {G3450} will {G2307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God removed him and raised up David as king for them, making his approval known with these words, ‘I found David Ben-Yishai to be a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want.’

Berean Standard Bible

After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

American Standard Version

And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who shall do all my will.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:22, part of Paul's sermon in Antioch of Pisidia, profoundly reveals God's sovereign hand in Israel's history, specifically His removal of King Saul and His subsequent divine appointment of David. This verse highlights God's unique testimony concerning David, identifying him as "a man after mine own heart," chosen not for his perfection, but for his profound alignment with God's purposes and his commitment to fulfilling God's entire will, thereby setting the stage for the ultimate Davidic King, Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's extensive sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, recorded in [Acts 13:16-41](/acts/13-16-41 "Paul's Sermon in Antioch of Pisidia"). Paul meticulously traces the redemptive history of Israel, beginning with the Exodus, through the period of the judges, and into the monarchy. His narrative progression is purposeful: he first recounts God's giving of a king, Saul, and then Saul's subsequent rejection due to disobedience, as detailed in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "Saul's Rejection for Disobedience"). This historical backdrop serves to demonstrate God's consistent faithfulness and sovereign control over His people and their leaders, preparing the audience for the climactic introduction of Jesus as the promised Messiah from David's lineage. The transition from Saul to David is crucial as it establishes the divine precedent for a king chosen by God's heart, not by human preference or outward appearance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's sermon is delivered in a synagogue, indicating his primary audience consists of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles who would be intimately familiar with the Old Testament narratives, particularly the history of Israel's kingship. The concept of a king was central to Israelite identity and their covenant relationship with God, yet their initial demand for a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "Israel Demands a King")) led to the flawed reign of Saul. In contrast, David's anointing by Samuel ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "David Anointed King")) represented God's direct, Spirit-led choice. Culturally, the idea of a king "after God's own heart" would resonate deeply, contrasting with the self-serving or disobedient rulers they had known, and fueling the long-held expectation of a Messiah from David's royal line who would perfectly embody God's will and reign righteously.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty in Leadership**, demonstrating His ultimate authority to "remove" one leader (Saul) and "raise up" another (David) according to His divine purpose, not human merit or popular acclaim. Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of the Heart in True Leadership**, as God explicitly testifies that David was "a man after mine own heart." This phrase, rooted in [1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "Samuel's Prophecy of a King After God's Heart"), emphasizes an inner disposition of devotion, obedience, and alignment with God's will, rather than moral perfection. Thirdly, the verse points to the **Fulfillment of God's Will**, stating that David "shall fulfil all my will." This speaks to God's purposeful design for David's reign, which included establishing the kingdom, securing Jerusalem, and laying the groundwork for the Davidic Covenant, promising an eternal dynasty through his descendants ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")). Finally, it serves as a crucial **Messianic Foreshadowing**, as David's kingship and God's promises to him directly anticipate the coming of Jesus, the true Son of David, who perfectly fulfills God's will and establishes an eternal, spiritual kingdom ([Acts 13:23](/acts/13-23 "Jesus, a Descendant of David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **raised up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** (G1453) This verb signifies more than just physical elevation; it implies a divine act of awakening, rousing, or causing to appear. In this context, it emphasizes God's active and sovereign initiative in bringing David to prominence and establishing him as king, highlighting that David's ascent to the throne was not merely a political event but a divinely orchestrated appointment.
* **heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** (G2588) Beyond the physical organ, "kardia" in biblical thought refers to the very core of a person's being—their thoughts, feelings, will, intentions, and moral character. When God calls David "a man after mine own heart," it speaks to a deep spiritual affinity, a shared purpose, and a fundamental orientation of David's inner self towards God's desires, even amidst his human failings.
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** (G2307) This term denotes a determination, purpose, or decree. It refers to God's active volition and sovereign plan. David's calling was not merely to rule, but to "fulfil all my will," indicating that his kingship was instrumental in achieving God's overarching redemptive purposes for Israel and, ultimately, for humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had removed him,"**: This clause refers to God's sovereign act of deposing Saul from his kingship. It underscores divine judgment against Saul's disobedience and establishes God's ultimate authority over human rulers, demonstrating that no king reigns apart from God's allowance or removal.
* **"he raised up unto them David to be their king;"**: This signifies God's active and deliberate choice of David as Saul's successor. It highlights that David's kingship was a divine appointment, not a human election, emphasizing God's direct involvement in establishing the monarchy according to His own plan and timing.
* **"to whom also he gave testimony, and said,"**: This phrase introduces God's direct divine endorsement and public affirmation of David. It indicates that God Himself bore witness to David's character and suitability for the role, lending ultimate authority and weight to the subsequent declaration.
* **"I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart,"**: This is the core declaration, a direct quote or paraphrase from [1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "Samuel's Prophecy of a King After God's Heart"). It reveals the profound quality that made David uniquely chosen by God: his inner disposition. This does not imply moral perfection, but rather a deep, genuine desire to please God, to align his will with God's, and to seek God's glory above his own, coupled with a spirit of repentance when he failed.
* **"which shall fulfil all my will."**: This final clause states the purpose and outcome of David's reign. It means that David would be an instrument in God's hands to accomplish God's entire redemptive plan, including establishing the kingdom, preparing for the temple, and, most significantly, serving as the progenitor of the Messiah, through whom God's ultimate will for salvation would be realized.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 13:22 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Central to the verse is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Paul directly quotes or paraphrases God's testimony about David, likely from [1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "Samuel's Prophecy of a King After God's Heart"). This technique lends immense authority and biblical grounding to Paul's argument, demonstrating continuity between God's past actions and His present work. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between Saul and David; while Saul was "removed" for disobedience, David was "raised up" because he was "a man after mine own heart." This highlights the differing qualities God values in leadership. Furthermore, the verse uses **Divine Speech** ("I have found David... and said...") to emphasize that this is God's own assessment and declaration, not merely human opinion. Finally, the entire passage functions as **Foreshadowing** and **Typology**, presenting David's divinely chosen kingship and his commitment to God's will as a prefigurement of the ultimate, perfect King, Jesus Christ, who would perfectly fulfill all of God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:22 serves as a pivotal theological bridge, connecting God's historical dealings with Israel to His ultimate redemptive plan in Christ. It powerfully illustrates God's active sovereignty in human history, demonstrating His prerogative to appoint and depose leaders according to His divine purpose. The phrase "a man after mine own heart" reveals that God values an inner disposition of devotion and obedience over outward conformity or human achievement. David's life, though marked by significant failures, was characterized by a fundamental alignment with God's will and a spirit of genuine repentance, making him a suitable vessel for God's purposes. This divine selection of David, and the covenant established with him, laid the indispensable foundation for the coming Messiah, ensuring that God's promise of a righteous king from David's lineage would be fulfilled, culminating in Jesus Christ.

* [1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "Samuel's Prophecy of a King After God's Heart")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 89:20-37](/psalms/89-20-37 "God's Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:22 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God's primary concern is not with our outward achievements or perceived perfection, but with the posture of our hearts. To be "a man after God's own heart" means cultivating a deep desire to know God, obey His commands, and align our will with His. This involves a continuous process of seeking Him, listening to His Word, and being quick to repent when we stumble. David's example teaches us that even when we fail, God's grace and our genuine desire to return to Him can keep us within His purposes. This verse also encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, recognizing that He is actively at work in the world, raising up and setting down individuals and nations to accomplish His ultimate will. Our lives, like David's, are meant to be instruments for God's purposes, pointing others to His glory and His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for my heart to be "after God's own heart" in my daily life and decisions?**
* **How does David's example, with both his devotion and his failures, encourage me in my own walk with God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to surrender my own will more fully to God's will, trusting in His sovereign plan?**
* **How can my life, like David's, serve as a testament to God's purposes and point others toward Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "a man after mine own heart" truly mean, especially considering David's sins?**

Answer: The phrase "a man after mine own heart" (from [1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "Samuel's Prophecy of a King After God's Heart")) does not imply moral perfection or sinlessness. Instead, it speaks to David's fundamental orientation and disposition towards God. Unlike Saul, whose heart often prioritized his own will or the people's approval over God's explicit commands, David's deepest desire was to please God, to obey His voice, and to advance His kingdom. Even when David sinned grievously (e.g., with Bathsheba and Uriah in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "David and Bathsheba")), his response to conviction was genuine repentance and a fervent desire to return to God ([Psalm 51](/psalms/51 "Psalm 51 - A Prayer of Repentance")). It signifies a heart that is teachable, responsive to God's correction, and ultimately committed to God's purposes, even if imperfectly executed. It's about alignment of will and a deep, abiding devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:22, by highlighting God's sovereign choice of David as "a man after mine own heart" who would "fulfil all my will," powerfully foreshadows the perfect King, Jesus Christ. David, though divinely chosen and greatly used, was ultimately an imperfect type of the coming Messiah. Jesus, the true "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Genealogy of Jesus")), perfectly embodies the qualities that God sought in David, but without any blemish or sin. He is the only one whose heart was always, in every respect, perfectly aligned with the Father's will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Jesus perfectly fulfilled all of God's will, not just in His earthly ministry of teaching and healing, but supremely through His obedient life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, thereby establishing an eternal kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "The Angel's Prophecy to Mary")). Paul's sermon in Acts 13 climaxes with the proclamation of Jesus as the promised Savior from David's line ([Acts 13:23](/acts/13-23 "Jesus, a Descendant of David")), demonstrating that David's kingship and the covenant made with him ultimately find their complete and perfect fulfillment in Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 13:13

And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

1 Samuel 13:14

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee.

1 Kings 15:5

Because David did [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any [thing] that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

Psalms 78:70

He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

Psalms 78:72

So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 16:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.