David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible, known for his complex character and deep relationship with God. His life, as recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles, provides numerous instances where his anger and judgment are prominently displayed. These moments reveal both his human frailty and his commitment to justice and righteousness.

1. Anger Against Nabal (1 Samuel 25):
One of the most notable instances of David's anger is his encounter with Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man. After Nabal insulted David's men and refused to provide them with provisions, David became enraged and set out to destroy Nabal and his household. "David said to his men, 'Each of you strap on your sword!' So they did, and David strapped on his own as well" (1 Samuel 25:13). However, Nabal's wise and discerning wife, Abigail, intervened, bringing gifts and pleading for mercy. Her actions calmed David's anger, and he praised God for sending her to prevent him from shedding blood unjustly.

2. Judgment on the Amalekite (2 Samuel 1):
After the death of Saul, an Amalekite came to David claiming to have killed Saul, expecting a reward. David's response was swift and severe. He asked, "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?" (2 Samuel 1:14). David then ordered the Amalekite to be executed for his actions, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed king and his commitment to justice.

3. Anger at Joab and Abner (2 Samuel 3):
David's anger is also evident in his dealings with Joab, his military commander, who killed Abner, the commander of Saul's army, in an act of vengeance. David publicly condemned Joab's actions, saying, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner" (2 Samuel 3:28). David's judgment here reflects his desire to distance himself from bloodshed and maintain justice in his kingdom.

4. The Census and God's Judgment (2 Samuel 24):
David's decision to conduct a census of Israel, against God's will, led to divine judgment. After realizing his sin, David's heart was troubled, and he confessed, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly" (2 Samuel 24:10). God's anger resulted in a plague, but David's repentance and intercession led to the cessation of the plague, highlighting the interplay between divine judgment and mercy.

5. Anger at the Death of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6):
When Uzzah touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it and was struck dead by God, David was initially angry and afraid. "David was angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah" (2 Samuel 6:8). This incident caused David to pause and reflect on the holiness of God and the proper way to handle sacred things, leading to a renewed reverence for God's commands.

6. Judgment on the Gibeonites' Behalf (2 Samuel 21):
During a famine, David sought the LORD and learned it was due to Saul's unaddressed sin against the Gibeonites. David's judgment involved handing over seven of Saul's descendants to the Gibeonites for execution, as reparation for Saul's breach of Israel's oath. This act, though harsh, was seen as necessary to restore justice and bring an end to the famine.

David's life is a testament to the complexities of leadership and the challenges of balancing anger and judgment with mercy and righteousness. His experiences serve as lessons in the importance of seeking God's guidance and maintaining a heart aligned with divine principles.