David was one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament. He is introduced in 1 Samuel 16 as the youngest son of Jesse from Bethlehem. When the prophet Samuel goes to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king of Israel, David – though insignificant in the eyes of his own family – is chosen by God.
David soon gained fame as a courageous warrior who trusted in God to deliver him from physically superior foes. As a boy, he killed the Philistine giant Goliath with just a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17). He went on to succeed Saul as king of Israel, establishing Jerusalem as his capital city. God promised that the Messiah would come from the lineage of David.
Here is an overview of David’s life and accomplishments according to the Bible:
David the Shepherd
As the youngest son of Jesse, David worked as a shepherd while his older brothers went to war against Israel’s enemies. This humble background prepared David for leadership by teaching him courage, integrity, and resourcefulness. As a shepherd, David needed to protect his flock from wild animals (1 Samuel 17:34-36). His solitary work in nature also helped develop his skill with the lyre, which he used to compose psalms of praise to God (Psalm 23).
David vs. Goliath
When David was still a young man, the Philistine champion Goliath challenged the Israelite army to send forth a champion for single combat (1 Samuel 17:4-10). But King Saul and all the other Israelites were afraid to face the giant. David was bringing food to his older brothers in the army when he heard Goliath’s taunts. Outraged at this insult to God’s people, David accepted the challenge. Armed with only a sling, he struck Goliath in the head with a stone and cut off his head with the giant’s own sword (1 Samuel 17:49-51). David’s defeat of the seemingly invincible Goliath made his reputation as a warrior of unmatched bravery.
David’s Friendship with Jonathan
One of David’s closest friendships was with Saul’s son Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1). Though he was Saul’s heir, Jonathan willingly gave up his claim to the throne out of loyalty to David. Jonathan helped protect David on several occasions when Saul tried to take his life out of jealous rage. David’s touching lament over Jonathan’s death shows the depth of their friendship (2 Samuel 1:25-27).
David’s Marriage to Michal
Saul offered his daughter Michal in marriage to David as a reward for David’s military exploits (1 Samuel 18:20-27). This solidified David’s position in the royal court. However, Saul later took Michal away from David and gave her to another man (1 Samuel 25:44). Much later, after Saul’s death, David insisted that Michal be returned to him (2 Samuel 3:13-16). This story reveals the complex domestic politics involved in David’s rise to power.
David’s Exile from Saul’s Court
Saul turned against David out of jealousy over his military victories and popularity. David was forced to become a fugitive on the run. During this time he evaded capture by Saul’s forces and had to seek refuge and aid from enemies of Israel. Though he had opportunities to kill Saul, David repeatedly spared his life out of respect for God’s anointed king (1 Samuel 24, 26). His exile lasted until the deaths of Saul and Jonathan at Mount Gilboa.
David Anointed King of Judah and Israel
After Saul’s death, David was anointed king by the elders of Judah, while Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth contested the throne (2 Samuel 2:1-4). A civil war ensued, ending with the assassination of Ish-Bosheth by two of his captains (2 Samuel 4). David then became king over a united Israel and Judah in about 1010 BC (2 Samuel 5:1-3). He went on to capture Jerusalem from the Jebusites and established it as his royal city (2 Samuel 5:6-10).
David’s Conquests
As Israel’s king, David was very successful in battle against the Philistines, Moabites, Arameans, Edomites, and Ammonites, expanding the borders of the kingdom of Israel (2 Samuel 8). He also showed kindness to enemies, like sparing the life of Merib-Baal, the disabled son of Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 9). David came to control territory stretching from Egypt to the Euphrates River.
David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem
After becoming king in Jerusalem, David sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant there to make the city the religious center of the nation as well as the political capital (2 Samuel 6). However, when the man moving the ark touched it to steady it, God struck him dead for his irreverence. This halted the joyous procession, and David left the ark in the house of Obed-Edom for three months.
Later, David successfully brought the ark into Jerusalem in a more reverent ceremony (2 Samuel 6:12-15). He worshipped God ecstatically in the streets, dancing nearly naked, humbling himself and bringing jubilation to the people. His wife Michal despised him for this, and they grew apart after that.
David’s Sin with Bathsheba
One evening David saw a beautiful woman bathing and summoned her to him, committing adultery with her (2 Samuel 11:2-4). The woman, Bathsheba, later told David she was pregnant with his child. David first commanded her husband Uriah to come back from battle and lie with her so it would seem the child was his. But Uriah’s sense of duty was too strong for this deceit (2 Samuel 11:6-13).
So David arranged to have Uriah sent to the most heated battle, where he was killed (2 Samuel 11:14-17). David then took Bathsheba as one of his wives. The first son born to them died, which David accepted as God’s punishment (2 Samuel 12:15-18). Their next son was Solomon, who succeeded David as king.
David’s Rebellion of Absalom
One consequence of David’s sin with Bathsheba was rebellion in his own household. His son Absalom stirred up discontent over David’s failure to administer justice (2 Samuel 15:2-6). He formed a conspiracy and sent word for David to flee Jerusalem. At first David wanted to stay and fight, but accepted retreat when it became clear that many sided with Absolom (2 Samuel 15:13-14).
Absalom publicly took David’s concubines as a sign of his claim to be new king in Hebron (2 Samuel 16:21-22). David’s forces later defeated Absalom’s army. But David had commanded his men to deal gently with Absalom. The prince was caught by his long hair in a tree and killed against David’s wishes (2 Samuel 18:9-15). David deeply mourned the loss of his son, even though he had rebelled.
David’s Military Census and Plague
Late in his reign, David ordered a census of potential fighting men throughout the kingdom (2 Samuel 24:1-9). This action displeased God, and Gad the prophet gave David a choice of punishments from God. David chose three days of plague, which killed 70,000 men. David repented of his pride and took responsibility for the people’s suffering. He saw the angel of the Lord standing with his sword drawn over Jerusalem and pleaded with God to show mercy (2 Samuel 24:15-17).
David’s Preparations for the Temple
David desired to build a magnificent temple in Jerusalem, a more permanent dwelling place for the ark of the covenant (2 Samuel 7). But God denied David the honor of constructing a temple, saying it would be built by his son Solomon. David accepted this and still made extensive plans and provisions for the future temple (1 Chronicles 22 – 27).
David’s Psalm Writing
David is traditionally considered the author of most of the book of Psalms. The inscriptions of 73 different psalms attribute them to David. These psalms of praise demonstrate David’s abiding faith through times of danger, hardship, repentance, and celebration. They have brought comfort and inspiration to readers for millennia. Some of the most well known psalms attributed to David include Psalm 23 and Psalm 51.
David’s Last Words
As David neared death, he spoke his last words (2 Samuel 23:1-7). He reviewed his career as one whom God helped and who ruled justly over Israel. David expressed trust in the everlasting covenant God made with him. He spoke of a coming ruler who would be both divinely appointed and abundantly blessed. Christians see this as a prophecy about Jesus Christ.
David’s Death
David died at the advanced age (for his time) of 70 years old, after ruling Israel for 40 years (2 Samuel 5:4-5; 1 Kings 2:10-11). He was succeeded on the throne by his son Solomon, who built the temple which David had long desired. Both biblical and archaeological evidence confirms that David was a historical king of Israel. His legacy endured through all later dynasties because of God’s promise to perpetuate his dynasty.
Key Lessons from David’s Life
David’s life teaches us many valuable lessons, including:
- God can use humble beginnings for great purposes
- Courage comes from trusting fully in God
- True friendship requires sacrifice
- Waiting on God’s timing avoids sinful compromise
- Repentance and contrition can redeem us from failure
- Suffering often results from sinful choices
- God desires our wholehearted worship
- A right heart toward God is more crucial than outward appearances
Though flawed, David served as an inspiring example of one whose heart belonged fully to God. His devotion led him to be called “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). God promised that David’s descendants would rule Israel forever, culminating in the coming Messiah Jesus Christ.
Summary of David’s Life
In summary, David began as an obscure shepherd boy and rose to become one of Israel’s greatest kings. He defeated the Philistine Goliath as a youth. King Saul first favored David, then repeatedly tried to kill him out of jealousy. But David refused to seize the throne by violence. He became king only after Saul’s death in battle. As king, David united the tribes of Israel, led the nation to military dominance, and made Jerusalem his capital. His triumphs were marred by sins of adultery and murder. David repented, accepting consequences including rebellion by his own son. His plans to build the temple were fulfilled by his heir Solomon. David was the heroic founder of Jerusalem and the spiritual fountainhead of the royal line that lasted until the time of Christ.
David’s Enduring Legacy
David left a lasting legacy in several ways:
- As Israel’s model king, warrior and psalmist
- As the progenitor of the messianic lineage leading to Jesus
- As inspiration for enduring art, music and literature
- As an example of how God can work through imperfect people
Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions all revere David. Many of Israel’s later kings were evaluated by how faithfully they followed his example. The New Testament connects David to the promise of a forever kingdom under the Messiah. Ancient legends and medieval stories celebrated David’s character. Michelangelo’s famous statue of David stands as one of humanity’s great artistic achievements. For these reasons and more, David remains one of history’s most captivating and important figures.