David, the youngest son of Jesse, had seven brothers who are mentioned in the Bible. These brothers played significant roles in the narrative of David's life, particularly in the context of his early years and his rise to prominence as the future king of Israel. The account of David and his brothers is primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

Eliab
Eliab was the eldest of David's brothers. He is first introduced in 1 Samuel 16:6-7 when the prophet Samuel visits Jesse's house to anoint the next king of Israel. Upon seeing Eliab, Samuel initially assumes that he is the chosen one due to his appearance and stature. However, the LORD corrects Samuel, saying, "Do not consider his appearance or 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). Eliab later appears in the narrative of David and Goliath, where he expresses anger and jealousy towards David, questioning his motives for coming to the battlefield (1 Samuel 17:28).

Abinadab
Abinadab is the second son of Jesse. He is mentioned briefly in the selection process for the king, as Samuel passes over him after Eliab (1 Samuel 16:8). Abinadab also appears in the account of the battle against the Philistines, where he is listed among the brothers present at the scene (1 Samuel 17:13).

Shammah
Shammah, the third son, is similarly passed over by Samuel during the anointing process (1 Samuel 16:9). Like his brothers, he is present at the battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:13).

Nethanel, Raddai, Ozem, and David
The remaining brothers, Nethanel, Raddai, and Ozem, are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:13-15, which provides a genealogical record of Jesse's family. These brothers do not play prominent roles in the biblical narrative, and little is known about their individual lives or actions.

Significance in David's Life
David's relationship with his brothers is marked by a mix of familial loyalty and tension. The initial rejection of Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah during the anointing of David highlights the LORD's preference for inner character over outward appearance. This theme is central to the biblical portrayal of David as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

The interactions between David and his brothers, particularly Eliab, during the confrontation with Goliath, underscore the skepticism and misunderstanding David faced even within his own family. Despite this, David's faith and courage set him apart, leading to his eventual rise as king.

Cultural and Historical Context
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the eldest son typically held a position of prominence and inheritance rights. The LORD's choice of David, the youngest, subverts these cultural norms and emphasizes divine sovereignty in the selection of leaders. This choice serves as a reminder of God's ability to use the least likely individuals to fulfill His purposes.

The narrative of David and his brothers offers insights into the dynamics of family, leadership, and divine election, themes that resonate throughout the biblical text.