King David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Bible, known for his leadership, psalms, and complex family dynamics. His sons played significant roles in the biblical narrative, each contributing to the unfolding history of Israel in unique ways. The following is an overview of David's sons as recorded in the Scriptures.

Amnon
Amnon was David's firstborn son, born to Ahinoam of Jezreel. His account is marked by tragedy and sin. Amnon's lust for his half-sister Tamar led to a grievous act of rape, which is recounted in 2 Samuel 13. This act set off a chain of events that led to his murder by Absalom, Tamar's full brother, as an act of revenge. Amnon's actions and subsequent death highlight the moral and familial turmoil within David's household.

Kileab (also known as Daniel)
Kileab, also called Daniel in some texts, was David's second son, born to Abigail, the widow of Nabal. Little is mentioned about Kileab in the biblical narrative, and he does not play a prominent role in the recorded history of David's family. His absence from the narrative has led to various interpretations, but the Scriptures remain silent on his life and deeds.

Absalom
Absalom, the third son of David, was born to Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. Absalom is known for his striking appearance and charismatic personality. His account is one of ambition and rebellion. After avenging his sister Tamar by killing Amnon, Absalom fled to Geshur but later returned to Jerusalem. His rebellion against David, as detailed in 2 Samuel 15-18, nearly cost David his kingdom. Absalom's death in battle, caught by his hair in the branches of an oak tree, is a poignant moment in the narrative, illustrating the tragic consequences of his rebellion.

Adonijah
Adonijah, the fourth son of David, was born to Haggith. As David aged, Adonijah sought to claim the throne, declaring himself king without David's blessing. His attempt to usurp the throne is recorded in 1 Kings 1. Despite his initial support from key figures, his plans were thwarted by the intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. Solomon was anointed king, and Adonijah's subsequent request to marry Abishag, David's concubine, led to his execution by Solomon's order.

Shephatiah, Ithream, and Others
Shephatiah, the fifth son, was born to Abital, and Ithream, the sixth, to Eglah, David's wife. These sons are mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:4-5 but do not have significant roles in the biblical narrative. David had other sons and daughters, as noted in 1 Chronicles 3:1-9, but many are not detailed in the Scriptures.

Solomon
Solomon, perhaps the most renowned of David's sons, was born to Bathsheba. His birth is recorded in 2 Samuel 12:24-25, following the death of his older brother, the first child of David and Bathsheba. Solomon was chosen by God to succeed David as king, a decision affirmed by David himself. Solomon's reign is marked by wisdom, wealth, and the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. His account is detailed in 1 Kings 1-11 and 2 Chronicles 1-9, where his wisdom and achievements are celebrated, yet his later years are marred by idolatry and political alliances that led Israel astray.

Other Sons and Daughters
David had other sons and daughters, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:1-9. These include Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and others born to various wives and concubines. While not all are prominent in the biblical narrative, they represent the extensive lineage of David, which holds significance in the genealogical records leading to Jesus Christ, as noted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

The lives of David's sons reflect the complexities of human nature, the consequences of sin, and the unfolding of God's providential plan for Israel and the world.