Topical Bible: David: King of Israel

◄ David: King of Israel ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

David, the second king of Israel, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his deep faith, military prowess, and significant role in the history of Israel. His life and reign are detailed primarily in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. David is also credited with composing many of the Psalms, which reflect his heart for God and his experiences as a shepherd, warrior, and king.

Early Life and Anointing

David was the youngest son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite of the tribe of Judah. He was anointed by the prophet Samuel while still a young shepherd, as God rejected Saul, the first king of Israel, due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 16:1-13). The Lord instructed Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This anointing signified God's choice of David as the future king.

David and Goliath

David's faith and courage were first publicly demonstrated in his battle against Goliath, the Philistine giant. Despite his youth and inexperience in warfare, David volunteered to fight Goliath, declaring, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). Armed only with a sling and five smooth stones, David defeated Goliath, showcasing his reliance on God's strength rather than human might.

Rise to Kingship

David's victory over Goliath brought him into the service of King Saul, where he became a successful military leader. However, Saul's jealousy of David's growing popularity led to a prolonged period of conflict between them. Despite Saul's attempts to kill him, David consistently refused to harm Saul, respecting him as the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6).

After Saul's death, David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4). Following a civil war with the house of Saul, David was eventually anointed king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). He established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the city (2 Samuel 6:12-15).

David's Reign

David's reign was marked by military conquests that expanded Israel's borders and secured peace. He defeated the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and other neighboring nations, establishing Israel as a dominant regional power (2 Samuel 8:1-14). David's military success was attributed to his reliance on God, as he often sought divine guidance before engaging in battle.

Despite his achievements, David's reign was not without personal and political turmoil. His adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah, brought severe consequences. The prophet Nathan confronted David, leading to his repentance and the composition of Psalm 51, a profound expression of contrition and plea for forgiveness (2 Samuel 12:1-14).

David's family life was fraught with strife, including the rebellion of his son Absalom, which temporarily forced David to flee Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13-14). Despite these challenges, David's heart remained devoted to God, and he continued to seek His will throughout his life.

Legacy

David's legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14) and a model of faith and repentance. His establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and his plans for the construction of the Temple, later completed by his son Solomon, had lasting religious and cultural significance for Israel.

David's lineage is central to biblical prophecy, as it is through his line that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, is promised to come. The covenant God made with David, promising that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16), is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1).

David's life, with its triumphs and failures, continues to be a source of inspiration and instruction for believers, illustrating the importance of faith, repentance, and reliance on God's grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 22:1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
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Psalm 31:1
In you, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in your righteousness.
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Psalm 34:1
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
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Psalm 140:1
Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

4672. Solomon -- Solomon, a son of David and king of Isr.
... Masculine Transliteration: Solomon Phonetic Spelling: (sol-om-one') Short Definition:
Solomon Definition: Solomon, son of David King of Israel, and Bathsheba. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4672.htm - 6k

1138. Dabid -- David.
... Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Dabid Phonetic Spelling:
(dab-eed') Short Definition: David Definition: David, King of Israel. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1138.htm - 6k

Library

David.
... Saul, however, was finally killed, and at last David became king. He ruled Israel
for nearly forty years, making it a great and powerful nation; and when he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/david.htm

David's Charge to Solomon
... 'And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the
captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

The History of David
... he was there he gathered people to him, and made himself king, and did do cry that
all men should obey and wait on him as king of Israel. When David heard this ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

David Appointing Solomon
... They knew that the king's name was still dear enough to all Israel to ensure ... left
the actual entrance of Solomon on office till after David's death, so ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

David's Gratitude
... Now, for the first time, He can be set forth as the king of Israel; now the width
of ... to the tribe of Judah, is still further limited to the house of David. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/davids gratitude.htm

The Power of a Pebble.
... him," said one, "the King will enrich him, and, will give him his daughter and make
his father's house free in Israel.". Then Eliab, David's eldest brother ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx the power of.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... murdered by two of his own servants, and David becoming sole ... and with anxious heed
to the will of his true King. ... and was the first to win for Israel her great ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in
Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David king over Israel.4. David was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
... 13. Name the first and last king of Israel, also of Judah. VII. What of Christ?
(a) Symbol. The temple. John 2:19. (b) Types. David. Matt.9:27. ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv and v the kingdom.htm

Every Inch a King.
... killed by an enemy, then all the other tribes came to Hebron and made a league with
him, so seven years after Saul's death David became king over all Israel. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii every inch a.htm