King David

NAME King David

WHAT FAMOUS FOR King David is renowned as the second King of Israel, a warrior who defeated Goliath, a shepherd who became a sovereign, a musician and poet who authored many Psalms, and a central figure in biblical history.

BIRTH Born circa 1040 BC in Bethlehem, Judah, King David's exact birth date is not recorded, but his legacy began in humble origins.

FAMILY BACKGROUND David was the youngest of eight sons of Jesse, a farmer and sheep breeder from the tribe of Judah. His family lineage is traced directly to Abraham, forming a cornerstone of Israel's history.

CHILDHOOD David spent his early years tending his father's sheep in the uplands of Judah. His shepherd duties gave him a profound understanding of nature and the discipline required to protect and guide a flock.

EDUCATION Primarily self-educated, Davis learned through observation, experience. He likely had some religious instruction from local elders as he was well-versed in the Torah. His time as a shepherd provided practical and spiritual lessons that shaped his leadership style.

CAREER RECORD Shepherd

Musician in King Saul's court

Defeated Goliath

Commander of the Israelite army

David was anointed king in 993 BC, uniting Israel and establishing Jerusalem as the nation's capital.

APPEARANCE David was described in 1 Samuel 16:12 as  "ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features."

While the Bible doesn't provide extensive details about David's physical appearance he was likely athletic and strong, given his background as a shepherd and warrior.

King David Playing the Harp (1622) by Gerard van Honthorst

FASHION Though he initially wore the simple attire of a shepherd, David later donned royal garments as king. Yet, his preference for humility often shone through, as when he wore plain linen while celebrating the Ark of the Covenant's return.

When Saul gave him his tunic, a coat of armour and a bronze helmet to fight Goliath, David felt uncomfortable so resorted to his own shepherd's attire. 

CHARACTER David was known for his courage, loyalty, and devotion to God. Despite his flaws, he was called “a man after God’s own heart.”

SENSE OF HUMOUR David displayed wit and sharp thinking, often using cleverness to escape dangerous situations, including evading King Saul's wrath.

When in refuge from Saul he spotted him in a cave relieving himself. The outlaw crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe. 

RELATIONSHIPS David's first wife was Michal, daughter of King Saul. In that era, courtship customs differed significantly from today. He earned her hand by a courageous act: slaying 200 Philistines and presenting their foreskins to King Saul as a tribute.

David later married Bathsheba under controversial circumstances. He also had other wives and concubines. A consequence of this was having numerous mothers-in-law.

David fathered 19 sons and many daughters. The betrayal and tragic death of his beloved son Absalom deeply grieved the King. His most renowned son was Solomon, who succeeded him as king.

David and Jonathan, King Saul's son, shared a close and enduring friendship.

MONEY AND FAME King David amassed considerable wealth and fame during his reign, becoming one of the most powerful and influential figures in biblical history. His wealth stemmed from various sources, including military conquests that brought substantial booty and tribute, the expansion of Israel's borders, which granted control over important trade routes and resources, and the extraction of significant quantities of gold from Ophir. He also received valuable gifts from other rulers.

The scale of David's wealth was truly staggering. He bequeathed an estimated 100,000 talents of gold and 1,000,000 talents of silver for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. In modern terms, the gold alone would be worth approximately $158.63 billion, while the silver would amount to $18.051 billion. David also made a substantial personal contribution of 3,000 talents of gold and 7,000 talents of silver, valued at about $4.88 billion. These figures suggest that David's net worth easily exceeded $200 billion in today's currency.

David's fame grew rapidly throughout his life. His defeat of Goliath and subsequent military victories established him as a celebrated warrior. He was recognized as an effective leader and commander, earning admiration from both his troops and the populace. He established a significant empire, extending Israel's influence from Egypt to Lebanon and from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Desert. By bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he made the city the political and religious center of Israel. 

His reputation as a skilled musician and poet, particularly through the Psalms attributed to him, further enhanced his fame. 

David's legacy was so profound that he became the model king of Israel, mentioned more frequently than any other human in the Old Testament. His wealth, military successes, and spiritual leadership established him as a central figure in Jewish and Christian traditions, with his influence extending far beyond his own lifetime.

FOOD AND DRINK Biblical accounts reveal that during his escape across the Jordan River, David was provided with "cheese of kine" (cows' milk cheese). This suggests a well-established tradition of cheesemaking in ancient Israel. Further evidence of this can be found in 1 Samuel 17:18, where David presents ten cheeses to the captain of the army. The existence of a location near Jerusalem known as "The Valley of the Cheesemakers" further supports the development of cheesemaking skills, including the production of acid-curd cheeses, lactic cheeses, and fermented milks similar to today's unsweetened yogurt.

King David recognized the importance of olive cultivation. He placed a high value on olive trees, even appointing guards to protect the olive groves and warehouses, ensuring the safety of these trees and their precious oil.

While in the wilderness, David famously ate pressed fig cakes and raisin cakes, flavored with coriander. His meals reflected the staples of ancient Israelite cuisine.

MUSIC AND ARTS David's early life was spent as a shepherd, tending his father's flocks on the Judean hills. Undoubtedly, these solitary days were filled with music. He likely spent hours playing his flute and harp, finding inspiration in the surrounding landscapes.

Later, David was summoned to the court of King Saul to soothe the monarch's troubled spirit. Saul suffered from melancholic episodes, and David's skillful harp playing brought him great comfort, earning the young shepherd the king's affection.

A talented musician, David played the harp for King Saul throughout his youth. In Psalm 150, he passionately called upon all of creation to join in celebrating God with music and instruments of every kind.

David was also a gifted dancer, a talent that, according to his wife Michal, was somewhat excessive.

LITERATURE David is renowned for his profound poetry, particularly evident in the Psalms. Traditionally attributed with composing 73 of the 150 Psalms, his work stands out as a testament to the human condition, exploring the full spectrum of human experience – joy, sorrow, anger, and praise – with raw honesty and poetic brilliance. Often compared to a biblical Bob Dylan, David's Psalms offer profound insights into the human soul.

One of his most famous Psalms is Psalm 51, known as "The Miserere," a poignant expression of repentance written after his adultery with Bathsheba. This Psalm, with its raw vulnerability and heartfelt plea for forgiveness, continues to resonate with readers centuries later.

NATURE His experience as a shepherd instilled in David a deep respect for nature. He cultivated olive trees and ensured their protection, reflecting his agricultural acumen.

David's familiarity with nature as a former shepherd informs the imagery in his famous Psalm 23,  The Lord Is My Shepherd.

PETS David’s role as a shepherd suggests he had a close bond with sheep, which likely felt like companions during his solitary days in the fields.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS As a youth, David’s slinging skills, honed while protecting his sheep, proved pivotal in his battle against Goliath.

David's deep faith was central to his life, he dedicated time to studying religious texts

SCIENCE AND MATHS While not known for contributions to science, David displayed organizational prowess, particularly in planning Jerusalem's infrastructure and army.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY David's theology was deeply rooted in monotheism, recognizing the one true God of Israel. He saw his kingship as a divine appointment, understanding his role as God's representative on earth. After his sin with Bathsheba, David demonstrated a profound understanding of repentance and forgiveness, as evidenced in Psalm 51. He also emphasized the importance of worship, bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and initiating plans for the temple.

David was described in 1 Samuel 13:14 as a man after God's own heart. This description was given by Samuel when he rebuked Saul for his disobedience, contrasting Saul's actions with the future king (David) who would follow God's commands.

David had a strong desire to build a temple for God, but the Almighty specifically prohibited David from building the temple because he was a man of war who had shed blood. This prohibition is recorded in 1 Chronicles 28:3.

Psalm 22 is considered a prophetic psalm that vividly describes aspects of the crucifixion of Jesus, including the division of garments and casting lots for clothing. This psalm, attributed to David, demonstrates the prophetic nature of some of his writings, which were later seen as foreshadowing the suffering of the Messiah.

David's faith journey was not without its challenges. While he exhibited unwavering trust in God as a young shepherd and warrior, his faith was tested during periods of exile and war, as reflected in the anguish and steadfastness expressed in his psalms. As king, he faced new temptations and challenges, most notably the incident with Bathsheba. Despite these setbacks, David's life and writings demonstrate a deep, enduring faith that became a model for future generations.

King David In Prayer by Pieter de Grebber (c. 1640)

POLITICS King David's politics were characterized by a blend of domestic and foreign policies aimed at unifying, strengthening, and expanding the Israelite kingdom.

Domestically, David focused on unification, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and dividing Israel into twelve tribes with independent administrative structures. He also implemented a taxation system and administered justice, further solidifying his rule.

Foreign policy was marked by a combination of military expansion and diplomacy. Through successful campaigns against neighboring kingdoms, David significantly expanded Israel's territory. He also formed strategic alliances, such as with Hiram of Tyre, to enhance Israel's regional position. His foreign policy can be characterized by offensive realism, prioritizing Israel's power and security through expansion and conquest.

David's approach to governance was deeply influenced by his spiritual beliefs. He viewed his kingship as a divine appointment, seeking to balance political power with spiritual leadership. His handling of personal failures demonstrated a philosophy of sincere repentance and divine forgiveness.

David's political acumen laid the groundwork for Solomon's reign. The military successes and diplomatic marriages during David's rule enabled Solomon to focus on diplomacy and infrastructure development. Moreover, David established a strong foundation for the Davidic dynasty, shaping Israelite politics for generations to come.

SCANDAL David's relationship with King Saul was a complex one, marked by both admiration and fear. While David initially soothed Saul's troubled spirit with his music, their relationship eventually deteriorated. Saul, consumed by jealousy over David's growing popularity and military successes, attempted to kill him, forcing David to flee into the wilderness.

One of David's most significant failings occurred when he succumbed to lust. From the roof of his palace, he saw Bathsheba bathing and, despite her being married to another man, he took her. To cover up his sin, David arranged for Bathsheba's husband, Uriah, to be placed in the front lines of battle and left unsupported, ensuring his death. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David's attempts to conceal his actions were unsuccessful. The child born from their affair died, and David, consumed by guilt, penned Psalm 51, a heartfelt expression of repentance.

The Prophet Nathan rebukes King David, oil on canvas by Eugène Siberdt, 

MILITARY RECORD King David's military achievements were extensive and transformative for ancient Israel. His most famous victory occurred during the conflict with the Philistines, when he faced the giant Goliath in single combat. Refusing the king's armor, David used his sling to slay Goliath, establishing his reputation as a formidable warrior.

Saul appointed David as commander of his army, and from then on both as Saul's military commander and later as king himself, his successes were numerous. He defeated and subdued the Philistines, conquering Gath and its surrounding territories. Davidalso conquered Moab, making them tributaries to Israel. David's victories extended to the Arameans, defeating their armies and establishing garrisons in their land. He also crushed the forces of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, capturing numerous chariots and soldiers. Abishai, David's commander, further solidified their power by defeating the Edomites.

These military successes significantly expanded Israel's territory. David's conquests stretched from Egypt to Lebanon and from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Desert, granting Israel control over vital trade routes and resources. His empire even extended as far as the Euphrates River, encompassing vassal states.

David's military prowess was marked by his reliance on divine guidance, seeking the Lord's counsel before battles. He established garrisons in conquered territories to maintain control and formed strategic alliances, such as with Hiram of Tyre, to strengthen Israel's regional position.

David's military achievements laid the foundation for Israel's golden age. He transformed Israel from a small kingdom into a major regional power, providing the stability and resources necessary for his son Solomon's reign. His military successes became a model for future Israelite kings.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS David's youthful vigor as a shepherd and warrior gave way to frailty in old age, reflecting a life of physical exertion and hardship.

HOMES  David was born and raised in Bethlehem, often referred to as the "City of David." This was his family home and the place where he was anointed as the future king by the prophet Samuel.

After being pursued by King Saul, David lived a nomadic life. He spent time in caves and out under the stars, residing temporarily in various locations, including Ziklag.

Upon Saul's death, David moved to Hebron at God's instruction. He ruled there as king over Judah for seven and a half years, and several of his children were born there. This period served as an important preparation for his reign over all Israel.

Finally, David established Jerusalem as his capital. He conquered the city from the Jebusites and made it both the political and spiritual center of Israel constructing his palace on Jerusalem’s highest hill, Zion. He brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and planned to build a temple there, a task that was ultimately completed by his son Solomon. David's move to Jerusalem marked the final and most significant phase of his reign, solidifying the city's importance in Israelite history and establishing it as the enduring "City of David."

TRAVEL David’s life involved extensive travel, from tending sheep in the fields to fleeing King Saul in the wilderness and later leading military campaigns across the region.

DEATH David died in Jerusalem around 970 BC, after a 40-year reign, leaving a legacy as one of Israel's greatest kings.

The Bible states that David died after a long and eventful life. Before his death, he gave a final speech to his son Solomon, offering spiritual counsel, warnings about maintaining faithfulness to God, and instructions for handling unfinished political matters.

The Bible states that David was buried in the "City of David" (1 Kings 2:10). This refers to the original settlement of Jerusalem, located on a narrow ridge south of the Temple Mount, an area now known as Ophel.

There is significant debate about the exact location of David's tomb. A site on Mount Zion, outside the current Old City walls, is traditionally venerated as David's Tomb, but this location was likely outside the city walls during David's time.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact location, David's tomb remains a significant pilgrimage site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, reflecting the enduring legacy of this important biblical figure.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA King David has been a significant figure in various forms of media for centuries, reflecting his enduring influence in religious, artistic, and popular culture. Here’s an overview of his appearances:

1. ART King David in Prayer by Pieter de Grebber: This painting depicts David in a moment of devotion, emphasizing his spiritual connection with God.

Michelangelo’s Sculpture of David: Though primarily representing the young shepherd before battling Goliath, this iconic statue captures David's strength and contemplation.

Chagall’s Biblical Paintings: Marc Chagall included David in his vibrant depictions of biblical stories, showcasing his role as a musician and king.

2, LITERATURE Biblical Texts: David's life story, from his anointing to his reign and Psalms, is a central narrative in the 

God Knows by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel that presents David as a witty narrator reflecting on his tumultuous life.

3. MUSIC Handel’s Saul features David prominently, especially highlighting his musical skills and relationship with King Saul.

Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" alludes to David’s life, particularly his complex relationship with God and Bathsheba.

4. FILM David and Bathsheba (1951): Starring Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward, this Hollywood film dramatizes David’s moral failing and its consequences.

King David (1985): Richard Gere portrays David in this film, focusing on his rise to power and personal struggles.

The Bible: David (1997): A made-for-TV movie with Nathaniel Parker as David, offering a more comprehensive view of his life.

5. TELEVISION The Bible (2013 Miniseries): David’s story is dramatized, showcasing key moments like his battle with Goliath and reign as king.

Kings (2009): A modern reimagining of David’s story set in a fictional monarchy, with Ian McShane as King Saul and Chris Egan as David Shepherd.

THEATER King David: A Musical (1997): Written by Alan Menken and Tim Rice, this stage production explores David’s journey with a blend of drama and music.

ACHIEVEMENTS David united Israel, established Jerusalem as its capital, authored many Psalms, and was promised an eternal dynasty, fulfilled through Jesus Christ, according to Christian tradition.