Topical Bible: Kings: Who Reigned Over all Israel: David

◄ Kings: Who Reigned Over all Israel: David ►

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Introduction:
David, the second king of Israel, is one of the most significant figures in biblical history. His life and reign are detailed in the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. Known for his deep faith, military prowess, and poetic contributions, David's legacy is foundational to both Jewish and Christian traditions.

Anointing and Rise to Power:
David was the youngest son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite. He was anointed by the prophet Samuel while Saul was still king, as God had rejected Saul due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 16:1-13). David's early life was marked by his service in Saul's court, his victory over Goliath, and his subsequent rise in popularity, which led to Saul's jealousy and multiple attempts on David's life.

Reign as King:
David's reign began in Hebron, where he was anointed king over the tribe of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4). After a prolonged conflict with the house of Saul, David was anointed king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). His reign lasted for forty years, seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem (1 Kings 2:11).

Military Achievements:
David was a formidable military leader, expanding Israel's territory and securing its borders. He defeated the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and other neighboring nations, establishing Israel as a dominant regional power (2 Samuel 8:1-14). His military campaigns are often seen as divinely sanctioned, with David frequently seeking God's guidance before battle.

Religious Contributions:
David is credited with bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing the city as the religious and political center of Israel (2 Samuel 6:12-15). He expressed a deep desire to build a temple for the Lord, though God reserved this task for his son Solomon (2 Samuel 7:1-13). David's psalms, many of which are found in the Book of Psalms, reflect his profound spirituality and are integral to both Jewish and Christian worship.

Moral Failings and Repentance:
Despite his successes, David's reign was marred by personal failings. His adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah are notable transgressions (2 Samuel 11). However, David's sincere repentance, as recorded in Psalm 51, is often highlighted as a model of contrition and restoration.

Legacy:
David's legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22), a warrior king, a poet, and a flawed but repentant sinner. His lineage is significant in biblical prophecy, as the Messiah is foretold to come from the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 9:7). In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently referred to as the "Son of David," underscoring the enduring importance of David's dynasty (Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32).

Conclusion:
David's life and reign are a testament to the complexities of human nature and the grace of God. His account continues to inspire and instruct believers in faith, leadership, and repentance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 2:4-1Ki:2:11
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 11:1-29:30
Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... who was become very potent; he reigned over Damascus, and ... the most excellent of all
their kings in strength ... When Hadad was dead, his posterity reigned for ten ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

The Reign of David.
... During this period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the ... there was
constant warfare between these two rival kings. ... His Reign Over All Israel. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... when the mysterious priest-king, Melchizedek, reigned there in ... Even David had been
like the kings of other ... his last was a mournful lamentation over the vanity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... upon the great altar, and the sacrifice was consumed, and all over the great ... of Israel;
but after the kingdom was divided no kings ever reigned who could ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... Mahanaim, but by the reckoning that David reigned for seven ... I pass over topographical
questions, which need not ... be one of God's crowned kings, however obscure ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

The New Garment Bent
... And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty ... of David
his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.'"1 Kings 11:26-43 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

The History of David
... to David in Hebron, and anointed him king over them ... and six months, and in Jerusalem
he reigned thirty-three ... made war again unto him and other kings were aiding ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... Omri's ruling had beaten Tibni, Omri reigned over all the multitude ... and branch; for
many of these kings of Israel ... and died happily, when he had reigned forty and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

How to Split a Kingdom
... So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the ... of Israel which
dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.'"1 Kings 12:1 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/how to split a kingdom.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... Reigned IS years and died ... During this time the kings of Judah cherished the hope
that they would regain ... (1) Jehovah rules not only in Israel but over all peoples ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm