Topical Encyclopedia David, the son of Jesse, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his rise from humble beginnings to become the second king of Israel. His life and reign are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. David's account is a testament to God's sovereign choice and the fulfillment of His promises.Anointing and Early Life David's rise begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel. God rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience and sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons. Despite being the youngest and seemingly least significant, David was chosen by God. "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). This anointing marked the beginning of David's divine appointment as king. Service in Saul's Court David's rise continued as he entered King Saul's service. Initially brought to play the harp and soothe Saul's troubled spirit, David quickly gained favor. His bravery and faith were further demonstrated when he faced Goliath, the Philistine giant. David's victory over Goliath, achieved with a sling and a stone, showcased his reliance on God and his courage. "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'" (1 Samuel 17:45). Fugitive and Leader Despite his service, Saul's jealousy forced David to flee for his life. During this period, David gathered a group of loyal followers and became a leader of men. His time as a fugitive was marked by reliance on God for protection and guidance. David's respect for God's anointed is evident in his refusal to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity. "But David said to Abishai, 'Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?'" (1 Samuel 26:9). King of Israel After Saul's death, David was anointed king over Judah and later over all Israel. His reign was characterized by military victories, the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital, and the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to the city. David's desire to build a temple for God was met with the promise of an everlasting dynasty. "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). Personal Failures and Repentance David's life was not without personal failures. His sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah brought severe consequences. However, David's genuine repentance is captured in Psalm 51, where he pleads for God's mercy and forgiveness. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). Legacy David's legacy is profound, as he is remembered as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His psalms continue to inspire worship and devotion. Moreover, David's lineage is significant in the biblical narrative, as it leads to the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, fulfilling God's covenant with David. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 17:20And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. Nave's Topical Index Library I am Told, Further, that You Touch with Some Critical Sharpness ... Psalm 2 Translated According to the Divine Pattern, Acts 4:24, Etc ... Whether Christ was the First to Rise from the Dead? King David's Little Boy. And when He was Thinking of Rising up and Hiding Himself... St. Ambrose, Speaking of Tears, Explains David's Saying, "Every ... The Arians are Condemned by the Holy Spirit through the Mouth of ... Among the Orderlies at the Castle was one David... The Adventures of Saint David of Wales. David's Dying Prayer Resources Is Jesus a myth? Is Jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient religions? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus a copy of Dionysus? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus rose “again”? | GotQuestions.org Rising: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |