Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Probably Writes

◄ David: King of Israel: Probably Writes ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

David, the second king of Israel, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his multifaceted role as a shepherd, warrior, king, and poet. 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 biblical canon, particularly through the Psalms, highlight his deep spiritual insight and enduring legacy.

Early Life and Anointing

David was the youngest son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite, and was initially a shepherd by trade. His early life was marked by his anointing by the prophet Samuel, who was sent by God to find a successor to King Saul. Despite being the youngest and seemingly least likely candidate, David was chosen by God for his heart and character. "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart'" (1 Samuel 16:7).

David and Goliath

David's faith and courage were first publicly demonstrated in his encounter with Goliath, the Philistine giant. Armed only with a sling and his trust in God, David defeated Goliath, securing a significant victory for Israel. This event catapulted him into national prominence and favor with King Saul, although it eventually led to Saul's jealousy and David's subsequent trials.

Reign as King

David's ascent to the throne was fraught with challenges, including Saul's relentless pursuit and the political complexities of uniting the tribes of Israel. After Saul's death, David was anointed king over Judah and later over all Israel. His reign was marked by military conquests, the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual capital, and the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to the city. "David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel" (2 Samuel 5:12).

David's Writings and Psalms

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 leader and believer. The Psalms attributed to David reveal his deep emotional and spiritual life, offering insights into his character and faith. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1) is one of the most beloved and well-known Psalms, illustrating David's trust in God's provision and care.

Moral Failures and Repentance

Despite his successes, David's life was not without moral failures. His adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah, are significant blemishes on his record. However, David's response to his sin is noteworthy; he demonstrated genuine repentance and sought God's forgiveness. Psalm 51 is a poignant expression of his contrition: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

Legacy and Covenant

David's legacy is profound, not only as a king but also as a central figure in the messianic lineage. God made a covenant with David, promising that his throne would be established forever. This covenant is foundational to the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David." "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16).

David's life and writings continue to inspire and instruct believers, offering a model of faith, leadership, and repentance. His account is a testament to God's grace and the enduring power of a heart devoted to Him.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 18:1
I will love you, O LORD, my strength.
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Psalm 20:1
The LORD hear you in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
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Psalm 21:1
The king shall joy in your strength, O LORD; and in your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
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Library

Introduction.
... especially all mention of the house of David, which would ... look forward to the
re-gathering of Israel and the ... there is no further mention of this King, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
... it was during the reign of King David, when the ... the title of ethnarch instead of
king, promising him ... by way of accommodation, to preserve Israel from lapsing ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 1 palestine eighteen centuries.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 Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... are heard to insinuate astonishment that the King who so ... is found to have drawn down
upon David unmitigated wrath ... a wall to the children of Israel, on their ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... "For," it is said, [2094] "from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from
David to the ... 2055] By a strange mistake Hosea king of Israel is reckoned ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the ... of the earth, unto Jerusalem to worship
the King, the Lord ... forth, where the great Antitype of David reigns, that ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The Old Testament and Modern Criticism
... In the Epistle to the Hebrews,[21] a psalm is referred to as "David," which is not
even by the title assigned to the great king of Israel.[22] Might it ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iii the old testament.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

Book 1 Footnotes:
... and should be among them an eternal king." Nor is ... the son of Abraham, the son of
David, etc., which ... century, in Egypt and elsewhere, interpreted Israel to be a ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 1 footnotes .htm

The Ascension of Isaiah.
... It is true that David is said to have put the Ammonites ... saws; but these were not
martyrs, but enemies of Israel, and it ... (And Isaiah spake unto King Hezekiah in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the ascension of isaiah.htm