David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, renowned for his leadership, military prowess, and deep devotion to God. His life and reign are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. David's contributions to the spiritual and cultural heritage of Israel are significant, particularly through his psalms, which express a wide range of human emotions and theological insights.

Background and Reign

David was anointed by the prophet Samuel while still a young shepherd in Bethlehem, chosen by God to succeed King Saul (1 Samuel 16:1-13). His early life was marked by his victory over Goliath, which established his reputation as a formidable warrior (1 Samuel 17). David's ascent to the throne was fraught with challenges, including Saul's jealousy and multiple attempts on his life. Despite these trials, David remained steadfast in his faith and respect for God's anointed king, refusing to harm Saul even when given the opportunity (1 Samuel 24:6).

Upon Saul's death, David was anointed king over Judah and later over all Israel (2 Samuel 2:4, 5:3). His reign was characterized by military conquests that expanded Israel's territory and secured its borders. David established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel, bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the city with great celebration (2 Samuel 6:12-15).

David's Writings

David is traditionally credited with composing many of the Psalms, which are poetic expressions of worship, lament, thanksgiving, and supplication. These writings reflect his personal relationship with God and his experiences as a shepherd, warrior, and king. The Psalms attributed to David often reveal his deep trust in God's sovereignty and his reliance on divine guidance.

One of the most beloved psalms, Psalm 23, illustrates David's understanding of God as a shepherd who provides, guides, and protects: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters" (Psalm 23:1-2). This imagery draws from David's own experience as a shepherd and conveys a profound sense of peace and security in God's care.

In Psalm 51, David's penitential psalm, he expresses heartfelt repentance following his sin with Bathsheba: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). This psalm highlights David's acknowledgment of his sin and his plea for God's mercy and forgiveness, demonstrating his humility and contrition.

Theological Significance

David's writings are not only personal reflections but also prophetic and messianic in nature. Many psalms foreshadow the coming of the Messiah, a descendant of David, who would establish an everlasting kingdom. Psalm 110, for instance, is frequently cited in the New Testament as a messianic prophecy: "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet'" (Psalm 110:1).

David's life and writings have had a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian traditions. His psalms continue to be a source of inspiration and comfort for believers, offering insights into the nature of God, the human condition, and the hope of redemption. Through his psalms, David's legacy as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) endures, providing a model of faith and devotion for generations.Psalm 59:1
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
Nave's Topical Index

Introduction.
... and especially all mention of the house of David, which would ... look forward to the
re-gathering of Israel and the ... men; and there shall come a pure King to hold ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... 4:27: "And many lepers were in Israel in the ... It was not lawful for David, nor for
his companions to ... kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... splendid but corrupt reign of the son of David; the secession ... Hoshea began to reign
in Israel (2 Kings 15:30 ... in the twentieth year of Jotham the king of Judah. ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
... approach to it was during the reign of King David, when the ... way; the two kingdoms
of Judah and Israel existed no ... in our days, raged even at the time of our Lord ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 1 palestine eighteen centuries.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... He anointed David. ... He anointed Saul as king, who was the first that bore regal sway
over Israel after the judges; the whole duration of whom, down to Saul ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... of Eli with the accompanying sign (1:Sam.2:34); the warning that David received
by ... Thus when Samuel anointed Saul as the future king of Israel, he foretold ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ...
... while the second, the Son of David, would carry ... thus instituted, the Messiah would
be King, [5450] [5451 ... of them, have again and again roused Israel during the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the evening of.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... In that honor David (the Son of David) weeps, and says ... then remarks that in the year
when the King Messiah shall ... to the nations for the sake of Israel, and Thou ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... In 1 Chronicles 28:4, David says: "And the Lord God of Israel chose me out of all
the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever; for He hath ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... And this was succeeded by a long war, before David was acknowledged as king over
all ... future time of great glory for the nation of Israel in their ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Did David rape Bathsheba? | GotQuestions.org

Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? | GotQuestions.org

David: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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