Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Fame of

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David, the second king of Israel, is one of the most renowned figures in biblical history, celebrated for his leadership, military prowess, and deep faith in God. His fame is multifaceted, encompassing his early life as a shepherd, his anointing by the prophet Samuel, his victory over Goliath, his reign as king, and his contributions to the worship and spiritual life of Israel.

Anointing and Early Fame

David's rise to fame began with his anointing by the prophet Samuel. God instructed Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel, despite his humble beginnings as a shepherd (1 Samuel 16:12-13). This divine selection set David apart and marked the beginning of his journey to prominence.

Victory over Goliath

David's fame was solidified through his legendary encounter with Goliath, the Philistine giant. Armed with only a sling and five smooth stones, David defeated Goliath, declaring, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:45). This victory not only demonstrated David's courage and faith but also established him as a national hero.

Military Success and Popularity

David's military successes further enhanced his fame. As a commander in King Saul's army, David achieved numerous victories over Israel's enemies, earning the admiration of the people. The women of Israel sang, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7), highlighting his growing popularity and the favor he found among the Israelites.

Reign as King

David's fame reached its zenith during his reign as king. After Saul's death, David was anointed king over Judah and later over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). His reign was marked by the unification of the tribes of Israel, the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual capital, and the expansion of Israel's borders through successful military campaigns.

Spiritual Leadership and Legacy

David's fame was not limited to his military and political achievements; he was also a spiritual leader. He is credited with composing many of the Psalms, which express a deep and personal relationship with God. David's commitment to worship and his desire to build a temple for the LORD (2 Samuel 7:1-2) further solidified his legacy as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

Enduring Influence

David's fame endured beyond his lifetime, influencing subsequent generations and becoming a central figure in Jewish and Christian traditions. His lineage was prophesied to bring forth the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1). David's life and legacy continue to be a source of inspiration and reflection for believers, exemplifying the complexities of human nature and the transformative power of faith in God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 14:17
And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him on all nations.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Story of David
... Saul, the King of Israel, sat day after day in his darkened tent ill ... a cunning player
on a harp," they said to the king, "and it ... Illustration: David drew magic ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

The King in Exile
... a scornful reductio ad absurdum of His claims to be King of Israel This explanation ...
The meaning of the prophecy is that the offspring of David, who should ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the king in exile.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

Note F. --Chap. xviii the Whole Heart
... Hear David (ix.1, cxi.1, cxxxviii.1): "I will praise Thee with my whole heart."
And in Psalm 119. ... HE HATH CAST OUT THINE ENEMY; THE KING OF ISRAEL, THE LORD ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/note f chap xviii the whole.htm

Solomon
... "And all Israel . ... feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him ...
the people were turned toward Solomon, as they had been toward David, and they ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... As long as Nahash lived, there was peace between him and David. ... The King of Judah
had become King of Israel, and his general, Joab, had subdued the ...
/.../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

The Perfect Heart.
... Hast thou forgotten who the God of Israel was? ... about the nation where you once reigned
as king, in disgrace ... No; you would remember, as David did, the man who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter viii the perfect heart.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... than ever: "Blessed be the Kingdom of David which again ... his efforts, he will proclaim
himself King of Israel ... view, and be the deliverer of Israel, and undying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

John i. 49, 50
... For on Him as on the King's own Son, the royal ministers ... not; but that He should
be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I ... "A brother," saith David, "doth not ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxi john i 49.htm