David
Israelite / Jew Hebrew, tribe of Judah (Bethlehem) · United Kingdom · Old Testament
- Name means
- Beloved
- Role
- Shepherd, psalmist and king of Israel
- When
- c. 1010-970 BC (traditional)
What they did
Anointed as a youth, he killed Goliath in the name of the LORD. He became king, made Jerusalem his capital, and wrote many psalms; he sinned grievously with Bathsheba and repented.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
God called him a man after His own heart and promised that his throne would be established for ever, a promise fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of David.
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Acts 13:22 (KJV)
Bible references
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13 (KJV)
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 1 Samuel 17:45 (KJV)
And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. 2 Samuel 7:16 (KJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 (KJV)
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Acts 13:22 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Jesse
- Spouse(s)
- Michal, Abigail, Ahinoam, Maacah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah, Bathsheba
- Children
- Amnon, Chileab, Absalom, Adonijah, Solomon, Nathan, Tamar, and others
- Brothers / sisters
- Eliab, Abinadab, Shimma, Nethaneel, Raddai, Ozem; sisters Zeruiah, Abigail
His brothers and sisters are listed in 1 Chronicles 2:13-16; his sons in 2 Samuel 3:2-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-9. Reigned forty years (1 Kings 2:11).
A fuller character study, with strengths, failures, lessons and a relationship diagram:
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