And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "a man after my heart" isn't about David's perfect private life, but God finding a king whose reign would consistently seek to do God's will, in contrast to Saul's disobedience. This highlights that God prioritizes faithful leadership and obedience in those He raises up for His purposes, even if they, like David, are flawed individuals.
And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is recounting Israel's history in the synagogue, highlighting God's faithfulness through judges and kings. After Saul's rejection for disobedience, God chose David as king, a man described as "after my own heart" because he would faithfully execute God's will, setting the stage to introduce Jesus as David's ultimate descendant and fulfillment.
Ever feel like you don't measure up? This verse shows us God's perspective on choosing leaders, and it might surprise you.
Paul highlights that God found David. This wasn't about David's status or perfect record, but God actively seeking and identifying someone suitable for His purposes.
A Deliberate Search
When God 'removed' Saul due to disobedience, He didn't leave Israel without a king. Instead, He initiated a search and 'raised up' David. This emphasizes that God's leadership plans are deliberate and purposeful.
'A Man After My Heart'
This phrase doesn't mean David was sinless. The scholars point out it primarily refers to David's public character and his reign: he consistently sought to govern according to God's will, unlike Saul who became self-willed. It means David's overall disposition and desire was to please God, even when he failed.
What does it truly mean to 'do all my will'? It's more than just following rules; it's about a deep alignment with God's desires.
The phrase 'who will do all my will' points to David's core commitment as a leader. It wasn't about completing a single task, but about a sustained dedication to God's commands throughout his reign.
A Comprehensive Commitment
Scholars note that 'all my will' refers to the many commands and desires of God, covering the breadth of governing and leading.
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A Contrast to Saul
This commitment is powerfully contrasted with Saul's disobedience. David's life, despite his flaws, was marked by a prevailing desire to align his actions, especially in his public role, with God's heart.
An Ongoing Journey
This doesn't imply David never stumbled. However, his life demonstrated a deep repentance and a persistent striving to follow God's path, making him a model of what it means to be dedicated to God's will.
Understand the original words
metastēsas · Greek Verb
To displace, take away, or cause to depart. In a theological sense, it often refers to God's sovereign action in ending an individual's or nation's tenure or life.
ēgeiren · Greek Verb
To raise up or set up, often used of God establishing a leader, prophet, or the Messiah to fulfill His redemptive purposes.
emartyrēsen · Greek Verb
To bear witness or affirm a truth. In the New Testament, it frequently refers to God providing divine validation or endorsement of persons or the message of Christ.
kilebabi · Hebrew Noun/Phrase
A figurative expression indicating alignment with God's desires, priorities, and character. It denotes a person whose intentions and actions are deeply shaped by devotion to God.
thelēmata · Greek Noun
The divine purpose, desire, or sovereign decree for humanity and creation. It encompasses God's moral commandments and His ultimate plan for redemption.
The verse highlights that 'a man after God's own heart' is defined not by perfection, but by a prevailing commitment to doing God's will, even amidst human flaws. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this ideal.
c. 1077 BC
Rejection of Saul as King
God rejects Saul as king due to his disobedience in sparing the Amalekites and their king. This marks a turning point in Saul's relationship with God.
c. 1077 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel the prophet anoints David, the son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel, signifying God's choice of a new leader.
c. 1050 BC
Saul's Death
King Saul dies in battle against the Philistines, effectively ending his reign and the immediate turmoil surrounding his rejection.
c. 1050 BC - 1010 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King
David rules as king over Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and consolidating the kingdom. His reign is characterized by both triumphs and significant moral failures.
c. 970 BC
Death of David
David dies after a long and impactful reign, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved, albeit flawed, king who followed God's will.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Succeeds David
Solomon, David's son, becomes king, continuing the Davidic dynasty and building the first Temple in Jerusalem.
This passage is the direct source for the phrase 'a man after my own heart,' showing God's criteria for leadership goes beyond mere human expectation.
Psalm 89:20This Psalm also describes David as chosen and favored by God, highlighting God's perspective and selection process for His anointed.
1 Kings 14:8This verse echoes the sentiment of David being a faithful servant who did God's will, contrasting him with disobedient kings and reinforcing his exemplary status.
Romans 2:13This New Testament passage emphasizes that true righteousness comes from obedience to God's law, aligning with the idea that David, 'a man after God's own heart,' would fulfill God's will.
Acts 13:36This verse immediately following shows how David's 'service in his own generation' (Acts 13:22) ultimately pointed forward to Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God's will.
barnesActs 13:22: "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."
And when he had removed him - This was done because he rebelled against God in sparing the sheep and oxen and valuable property of Amalek, together with Agag the king, when he was commanded to destroy all, 1 Samuel 15:8-23 . He was put to death in a battle with the Phil…
meyerActs 13:22: "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."
Acts 13:22 . Μεταστ . αὐτόν ] cannot be explained of the death of Saul (Grotius, de Wette, also my former interpretation), because there is no ἐκ τοῦ ζῆν (3Ma 6:12; Polyb. xxxii. 21. 3) or the like added, or at least directly suggested, from the context. The word is rat…
The phrase "a man after my heart" isn't about David's perfect private life, but God finding a king whose reign would consistently seek to do God's will, in contrast to Saul's disobedience. This highlights that God prioritizes faithful leadership and obedience in those He raises up for His purposes, even if they, like David, are flawed individuals.
Paul is recounting Israel's history in the synagogue, highlighting God's faithfulness through judges and kings. After Saul's rejection for disobedience, God chose David as king, a man described as "after my own heart" because he would faithfully execute God's will, setting the stage to introduce Jesus as David's ultimate descendant and fulfillment.
Paul is recounting Israel's history in the synagogue, highlighting God's faithfulness through judges and kings. After Saul's rejection for disobedience, God chose David as king, a man described as "after my own heart" because he would faithfully execute God's will, setting the stage to introduce Jesus as David's ultimate descendant and fulfillment.
"And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’" — The phrase "a man after my heart" isn't about David's perfect private life, but God finding a king whose reign would consistently seek to do God's will, in contrast to Saul's disobedience. This hig…
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Last reviewed October 2026