Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Builds a Palace

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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. Among his many accomplishments, the construction of his palace in Jerusalem stands as a significant milestone in his reign, symbolizing the establishment of a unified and prosperous kingdom.

Biblical Context

David's journey to kingship was marked by divine selection and anointing by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). After years of trials and triumphs, including his famous victory over Goliath and his complex relationship with King Saul, David eventually ascended to the throne. Initially ruling over Judah from Hebron, David later became king over all Israel, capturing Jerusalem and making it his capital (2 Samuel 5:1-10).

Construction of the Palace

The construction of David's palace is recorded in 2 Samuel 5:11-12: "Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David. And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel" .

This passage highlights several key aspects of the palace's construction:

1. Alliance with Hiram of Tyre: The involvement of Hiram, king of Tyre, underscores the diplomatic relationships David fostered with neighboring nations. Hiram's provision of materials and skilled laborers reflects the mutual respect and cooperation between the two leaders.

2. Use of Cedar and Skilled Labor: The use of cedar logs, a valuable and durable material, along with the expertise of carpenters and stonemasons, indicates the grandeur and quality of the construction. This choice of materials and craftsmanship signifies the importance of the palace as a royal residence and a symbol of David's reign.

3. Divine Favor and Purpose: David's recognition that the LORD had established him as king and exalted his kingdom "for the sake of His people Israel" emphasizes the theological dimension of his kingship. The palace is not merely a personal achievement but a testament to God's covenantal promises and His role in Israel's history.

Significance in David's Reign

The building of the palace in Jerusalem marked a turning point in David's reign, solidifying his political and military achievements with a permanent royal residence. It served as a center of governance and a symbol of the unification of the tribes of Israel under a divinely appointed monarchy.

Moreover, the palace's construction foreshadowed David's desire to build a temple for the LORD, a task ultimately fulfilled by his son Solomon. This ambition reflects David's heart for worship and his commitment to establishing Jerusalem not only as a political capital but also as a spiritual center for the nation.

Legacy

David's palace, though not as extensively described as Solomon's Temple, remains an integral part of his legacy. It represents the establishment of a stable and enduring dynasty, rooted in God's promises and characterized by a commitment to justice, worship, and the welfare of the people of Israel.

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2 Samuel 5:11
And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
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2 Chronicles 2:3
And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As you did deal with David my father, and did send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me.
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Library

David's Charge to Solomon
... The speech next declares emphatically that the throne belongs to David and his ... the
rule of Solomon, making him but the viceroy of the true king of Israel. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

The Priest of the World and King of Men
... In Israel these two offices were jealously kept apart, and ... is Aaron's mitre, and
more than David's crown. ... our desecrated spirits there comes the King of Glory. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the priest of the world.htm

And ii.
... and is confirmed by the constant designation of David's faithful ones ... Threescore
heroes stand around the bed of the king, of the heroes of Israel;" and 1 ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Appendices
... cir.1225 Saul elected King of Israel cir.1020 Accession of David cir.1000 ... of Israel. ...
Mi-Amun, the great king of Egypt; Ramessu Mi-Amun, the great king of Egypt ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... are divided into three parts; one part goes to David and the ... to the generation of
the rebellion (rebellious Israel), and the third to the King Messiah, as ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

Chapter xlvii
... as Israelites did in the days of David and Solomon ... be named after a city, or both
king and city ... By contrast with the unusual provisions made for Israel and his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... girl is accordingly sought from the coasts of Israel"Abishag the Shunamite"to sleep
with the king and warm ... 1374] and call to mind David's words: "open ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lii to nepotian.htm

Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
... owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doeth not ... With what joy does David
cry, "I am thy servant, and ... is God's house: shall we abuse the King in his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/knowledge worship gratitude.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... In their last struggle with the King of Terrors they have ... the Ark, the birth of Isaac,
the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the raising of David to the ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... David kept his father's sheep near here [154] ; he used ... not appear until the time
of the children of Israel. The king showed Job great honor, and was unwilling ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm