Introduction:
The death of King David marks the end of an era in the history of Israel. As the second king of Israel, David's reign was characterized by military conquests, the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center, and the preparation for the building of the Temple. His death is recorded in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles.

Biblical Account:
David's death is detailed in 1 Kings 2:10-12 and 1 Chronicles 29:26-30. According to 1 Kings 2:10-12 , "Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established."

1 Chronicles 29:26-28 provides a similar account: "Thus David son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. The length of his reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor. And his son Solomon reigned in his place."

Context and Significance:
David's death occurred after a long and eventful reign. He was anointed king by the prophet Samuel while Saul was still on the throne (1 Samuel 16:1-13). David's early years were marked by his victory over Goliath and his complex relationship with King Saul. After Saul's death, David became king of Judah and later of all Israel.

David's reign was significant for several reasons. He established Jerusalem as the capital, bringing the Ark of the Covenant there, which symbolized God's presence among His people (2 Samuel 6). David's military campaigns expanded Israel's borders and secured peace for the nation. Despite his personal failings, including the incident with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), David was known as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).

Preparation for Succession:
Before his death, David took steps to ensure a smooth transition of power to his son Solomon. In 1 Kings 1, we read about the attempted coup by Adonijah, David's son, which was thwarted by the intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. David's decisive action in proclaiming Solomon as king (1 Kings 1:28-40) was crucial in establishing Solomon's rule.

David also provided Solomon with instructions and resources for building the Temple, a task David was not permitted to complete due to his history as a warrior (1 Chronicles 22:6-10). David's preparations included gathering materials and organizing the Levites and priests for temple service (1 Chronicles 22-28).

Legacy:
David's legacy is profound in biblical history. He is remembered as the ideal king, a warrior, a poet, and a man of deep faith. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David, continue to be a source of spiritual inspiration. His lineage is significant in the messianic prophecies, as Jesus Christ is often referred to as the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32).

David's death marked the end of his earthly journey but set the stage for the golden age of Israel under Solomon. His life and reign are a testament to God's grace and the complexities of human leadership under divine guidance.