Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Writes

◄ David: King of Israel: 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, poet, and ruler. His life and reign are detailed primarily in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. David is also credited with composing many of the Psalms, which reflect his deep faith and complex emotional life.

Early Life and Anointing

David was the youngest son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite of the tribe of Judah. His early life as a shepherd prepared him for his future role as king. The prophet Samuel anointed David as king while Saul was still reigning, signifying God's choice of David over Saul due to Saul's disobedience (1 Samuel 16:1-13). This anointing marked the beginning of David's journey to the throne, although he would not assume kingship immediately.

David and Goliath

One of the most famous episodes in David's life is his battle with Goliath, the Philistine giant. Armed only with a sling and his faith in God, David defeated Goliath, demonstrating his courage and trust in the Lord (1 Samuel 17:45-47: "David said to the Philistine, '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.'"). This victory catapulted David into national prominence and endeared him to the people of Israel.

Fugitive and King

Despite his growing popularity, David spent years as a fugitive, fleeing from King Saul, who saw him as a threat to his throne. During this time, David gathered a loyal following and demonstrated his leadership and reliance on God. After Saul's death, David was anointed king over Judah and later over all Israel (2 Samuel 2:4, 5:3).

Reign as King

David's reign was marked by military conquests, the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel, and the unification of the tribes. He brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, signifying the city's central role in Israel's worship (2 Samuel 6:12-15). David's desire to build a temple for the Lord was not fulfilled in his lifetime, but God promised that his son Solomon would build it and that David's dynasty would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Personal Life and Challenges

David's personal life was tumultuous, marked by both triumphs and failures. His sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah brought severe consequences, including turmoil within his own family (2 Samuel 11-12). Despite these failings, David's repentance and heartfelt prayers, as seen in Psalm 51, highlight his deep relationship with God.

Legacy

David's legacy is profound, as he is remembered as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). His life exemplifies the complexities of human nature and the power of divine grace. David's lineage is significant in biblical prophecy, as it is through his line that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, is born, fulfilling God's covenant promise.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 57:1
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me: for my soul trusts in you: yes, in the shadow of your wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over.
Nave's Topical Index

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
... "We find," writes one of ... 15:18), and afterwards confirmed to the children of Israel
(Exodus 23:31). ... approach to it was during the reign of King David, when the ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 1 palestine eighteen centuries.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 Bible
... Son of Abraham. Son of David. Son of Mary. Son of Man. God the Son. King of the
Jews. King of Israel. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. God the Creator. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.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

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... Lord that he had anointed Saul to be king over Israel ... know not the Lord, neither
will I let Israel go;" [3955 ... which I have spoken shall be done." David too says ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61.
... accountable for his acts as king, though he had deprecated the throne, [410]61;
king of Israel referred to, [411]113; his treatment of David, [412]230. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/aaron his office no palliation.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... of Eli with the accompanying sign (1:Sam.2:34); the warning that David received
by ... Thus when Samuel anointed Saul as the future king of Israel, he foretold ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... He anointed David. ... He anointed Saul as king, who was the first that bore regal sway
over Israel after the judges; the whole duration of whom, down to Saul ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.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