Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Described to Saul

◄ David: King of Israel: Described to Saul ►

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David, the youngest son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah, emerges as a central figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. His introduction to King Saul marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as David transitions from a humble shepherd to the anointed king of Israel.

David's first encounter with Saul is orchestrated by divine providence. Saul, the first king of Israel, is tormented by an evil spirit, and his servants suggest finding someone skilled in playing the harp to soothe him. One of Saul's servants describes David to the king, highlighting his multifaceted character and abilities. In 1 Samuel 16:18 , the servant says, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave warrior, well-spoken, and handsome, and the LORD is with him."

This description of David is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores his musical talent, which becomes instrumental in calming Saul's troubled spirit. David's skill with the harp not only provides relief to Saul but also establishes a connection between the two, allowing David to enter the royal court.

Secondly, the servant's mention of David as a "brave warrior" foreshadows his future military exploits and leadership. Although David is still a young shepherd at this point, his courage and prowess in battle are soon demonstrated in his confrontation with Goliath, the Philistine giant. This act of valor not only solidifies his reputation as a warrior but also endears him to the people of Israel.

The servant also notes that David is "well-spoken" and "handsome," attributes that contribute to his favor in the eyes of both God and man. His eloquence and appearance likely aid in his interactions with Saul and others in the court, facilitating his rise to prominence.

Most importantly, the servant acknowledges that "the LORD is with him." This divine endorsement is crucial, as it sets David apart from Saul, whose disobedience has led to the withdrawal of God's favor. The presence of the LORD with David signifies his future role as the chosen king of Israel, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

David's introduction to Saul, therefore, is not merely a chance encounter but a divinely orchestrated event that sets the stage for his eventual kingship. His talents, character, and divine favor are all integral to his destiny as the leader of God's chosen people.

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1 Samuel 16:18
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Reign of David.
... Saul's kingdom having fallen, Israel assembled in great numbers at Hebron
and asked David to become king over all the nation. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

Samuel
... much welcome light on the early religious ideas of Israel. ... and Jonathan in 2 Samuel
1:19-27 is David's. ... If the "anointed king," for whom prayer is offered in v ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/samuel.htm

The King --Continued.
... whose shoes he was not worthy to unloose""the true King of Israel, to bear ... The third
characteristic of the first seventeen years of David's reign is his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xii the kingcontinued.htm

Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ
... group is pre-monarchical, and culminates in David the King ... Israel's history is regarded
as all tending towards that ... He is thought of as the first King, for Saul ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/matthews genealogy of jesus christ.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of ...
... him such royal majesty as had not been on any King before him in Israel" (1:Chron ...
and glorious reign of Solomon, following the death of David, typified the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the fact of the.htm

The Historical Books.
... people into the two kingdoms of Judah and Israel. ... read that Achish gave Ziklag to
David; "wheretofore," adds ... kings of Judah"not any particular king of Judah ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... at the time of its conquest by David; at any ... at a subsequent date of the Edomite
king Hadad "who ... their raiding bands never approached the frontiers of Israel. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... 13:4). Second, Saul was king of Israel (1:Sam ... Third, Saul was a priest-king, blatantly
performing the office ... reign was immediately before that of David, as that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

Book 3 Footnotes
... nor by prophets, 1 Samuel 28:6. Nor did any of David's successors, the ... and too little
owning the God of Israel for the supreme King of Israel, though a few ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 3 footnotes.htm

The Call of David.
... a Bethlehemite, one among the families of Israel, with nothing ... Though David received
the gift of God's Holy Spirit, yet ... at once make him a prophet or a king. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iv the call of.htm