Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Death of

◄ David: King of Israel: Death of ►

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David, the second king of Israel and a central figure in biblical history, is renowned for his leadership, psalms, and his heart for God. His death marks the end of an era in Israel's history and the transition to the reign of his son Solomon.

Final Days and Succession

As David aged, his health declined, and he became bedridden. During this time, a power struggle emerged over his succession. Adonijah, David's son by Haggith, attempted to seize the throne, declaring himself king without David's approval (1 Kings 1:5). However, the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, intervened. They reminded David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him as king. David reaffirmed this promise, instructing that Solomon be anointed as king (1 Kings 1:28-30).

David's final instructions to Solomon were filled with wisdom and guidance. He charged Solomon to remain faithful to God's commandments and to walk in His ways, emphasizing the importance of obedience to the covenant (1 Kings 2:1-4). David also provided specific instructions regarding certain individuals, such as Joab and Shimei, ensuring that justice and stability would be maintained in the kingdom (1 Kings 2:5-9).

Death and Burial

David reigned over Israel for forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem (1 Kings 2:11). His death is recorded in 1 Kings 2:10: "Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David." The phrase "rested with his fathers" signifies his passing and burial in the traditional manner of the Israelite kings, indicating a peaceful transition to the afterlife.

David's burial in the City of David, which is part of Jerusalem, underscores his significance and the honor accorded to him as a revered king. His tomb became a notable landmark, symbolizing his enduring legacy in the history of Israel.

Legacy

David's death marked the end of a significant chapter in Israel's history. His reign was characterized by military conquests, the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center, and the preparation for the building of the Temple. Despite his personal failings, David is remembered as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), a testament to his deep relationship with God and his role in the divine plan for Israel.

The transition to Solomon's reign was a pivotal moment, as Solomon would go on to build the Temple that David had envisioned. David's legacy continued through the Davidic Covenant, which promised that his descendants would rule Israel, ultimately pointing to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1).

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1 Kings 2:10
So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
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1 Chronicles 29:28
And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.
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Acts 2:29,30
Men and brothers, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us to this day.
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Library

Faithful unto Death.
... Saul was afraid of David. He was afraid that God was preparing him to be king over
Israel, so he sent him into battle, hoping he would be killed, but the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxi faithful unto death.htm

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 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/david.htm

The Shepherd King of Israel
... from the quiet sheep-cotes to rule over Israel, sings this ... of Him who is the true
Shepherd and King of men ... We do not know at what period of David's life it was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the shepherd king of israel.htm

The History of David
... Then said Nathan to David: Thou art the same man that hath done this thing. This
said the Lord God of Israel: I have anointed thee king upon Israel, and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.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

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
... that Ishbosheth exercised sovereignty over his part of Israel. It is singular that
David should have been left ... which had sprung up between Achish, king of Gath ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

Sacrifice Renewed
... unto the Lord with the words of David, and of ... the presentation of a 'sin offering.'
The king and the ... it to Jehovah), made 'atonement for all Israel.' We note ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sacrifice renewed.htm

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
... II Kings 22 and 23. 13. Name the first and last king of Israel, also of Judah. VII.
What of Christ? (a) Symbol. ... John 2:19. (b) Types. David. Matt.9:27. ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv and v the kingdom.htm

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