AI illustration: David - King of Israel

Who was David?

Shepherd anointed by Samuel who killed Goliath, reigned forty years over Judah and Israel, and received God's promise of an enduring dynasty.

From: Bethlehem
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The story of David

David is the second king of Israel, the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse of Bethlehem, and a descendant of Ruth and Boaz through Obed (Ruth 4:17, Ruth 4:22; 1 Samuel 17:12-14). While he is still a shepherd, Samuel anoints him among his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him (1 Samuel 16:13). He then enters Saul's service as harpist and armourbearer (1 Samuel 16:21-23).

He kills the Philistine champion Goliath of Gath with a sling and a stone, declaring that he comes in the name of the LORD of hosts (1 Samuel 17:45, 1 Samuel 17:50). Jonathan, Saul's son, loves him (1 Samuel 18:1), but Saul seeks his life (1 Samuel 19:15). David refuses to harm Saul, whom he calls the LORD's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6).

After Saul's death, the men of Judah anoint David king at Hebron, and later all the elders of Israel do the same (2 Samuel 2:4, 2 Samuel 5:3). He begins to reign at thirty and reigns forty years, seven and a half in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:4-5). He takes the stronghold of Zion, called the city of David (2 Samuel 5:7), and brings the ark of the LORD there (2 Samuel 6:17).

Through Nathan, God promises that David's house and kingdom will be established for ever (2 Samuel 7:16). David defeats Moab and other enemies (2 Samuel 8:2). He takes Bathsheba and arranges the death of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11:15).

When Nathan confronts him, he confesses his sin (2 Samuel 12:13). He later flees the rebellion of his son Absalom and mourns bitterly at Absalom's death (2 Samuel 15:14, 2 Samuel 18:33). Because he has shed much blood in great wars, God gives the task of building the temple to his son Solomon, a man of rest.

David gathers materials for it before his death (1 Chronicles 22:5, 1 Chronicles 22:8-9). He has Solomon made king (1 Kings 1:43), then dies and is buried in the city of David (1 Kings 2:10-11). He is called the sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1), and many psalms bear his name (Psalms 34:1).

The New Testament calls him a man after God's own heart and names Jesus the seed of David (Acts 13:22, Romans 1:3).

Name meaning
Beloved
Name origin
Hebrew
Role
King of Israel
First mention
Ruth 4:17
Appearances in the Bible
968 mentions

Family of David

Parents
Spouse
Children
Siblings
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Questions about David

Who was David in the Bible?

David is the second king of Israel, the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse of Bethlehem, and a descendant of Ruth and Boaz through Obed (Ruth 4:17, Ruth 4:22; 1 Samuel 17:12-14). While he is still a shepherd, Samuel anoints him among his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him (1 Samuel 16:13). He then enters Saul's service as harpist and armourbearer (1 Samuel 16:21-23). He kills the Philistine champion Goliath of Gath with a sling and a stone, declaring that he comes in the name of the LORD of hosts (1 Samuel 17:45, 1 Samuel 17:50). Jonathan, Saul's son, loves him (1 Samuel 18:1), but Saul seeks his life (1 Samuel 19:15). David refuses to harm Saul, whom he calls the LORD's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6). After Saul's death, the men of Judah anoint David king at Hebron, and later all the elders of Israel do the same (2 Samuel 2:4, 2 Samuel 5:3). He begins to reign at thirty and reigns forty years, seven and a half in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:4-5). He takes the stronghold of Zion, called the city of David (2 Samuel 5:7), and brings the ark of the LORD there (2 Samuel 6:17). Through Nathan, God promises that David's house and kingdom will be established for ever (2 Samuel 7:16). David defeats Moab and other enemies (2 Samuel 8:2). He takes Bathsheba and arranges the death of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11:15). When Nathan confronts him, he confesses his sin (2 Samuel 12:13). He later flees the rebellion of his son Absalom and mourns bitterly at Absalom's death (2 Samuel 15:14, 2 Samuel 18:33). Because he has shed much blood in great wars, God gives the task of building the temple to his son Solomon, a man of rest. David gathers materials for it before his death (1 Chronicles 22:5, 1 Chronicles 22:8-9). He has Solomon made king (1 Kings 1:43), then dies and is buried in the city of David (1 Kings 2:10-11). He is called the sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1), and many psalms bear his name (Psalms 34:1). The New Testament calls him a man after God's own heart and names Jesus the seed of David (Acts 13:22, Romans 1:3).

What does the name David mean?

The name David means “Beloved”. Origin: Hebrew.

Where is David first mentioned in the Bible?

David is first mentioned in Ruth 4:17.

How many times is David mentioned in the Bible?

Number of mentions in the Bible: 968.

Who were the parents of David?

Parents: Jesse.

Who was the spouse of David?

Spouse: Michal, Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah, and Bathsheba.

Who were the children of David?

Children: Amnon, Chileab, Absalom, Tamar, Adonijah, Shephatiah, Ithream, Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

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