King David

[ Index | Book: 1 Samuel | Book: 2 Samuel | Book: 1 Chronicles | Old Testament Chronology ]
The account of David is recorded in the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, and 1 Chronicles in the Bible.
David was the second king of Israel from 1011 BC to 971 BC.
He united the loose confederation of 12 Israelite tribes into a strong unified Kingdom.
He established its political and spiritual center at Jerusalem, a walled city built on top of a mountain called Mount Zion.

David was a songwriter, musician, and poet, through which he expressed his unwavering trust in God.
He was a shepherd and at times a fugitive, who knew long periods of solitude and reflection.
He was a protector and a warrior who took on impossible challenges and achieved them, inspiring others to do the same.
By his submission to God and confidence before men, he attracted and united men more talented than he in the waging of Israel's military campaigns.
David was a warrior and a prophet, a ruler and a saint.
He was brilliantly effective in his role as a nation-builder for the kingdom of God.

David was spoken of as a man after God's own heart. Because of David's heart for God, God would for almost 500 years rescue Israel time after time "for the sake of my servant David."
Jesus was descended from David, making him a rightful heir to sit on the Throne of David.
Jesus was frequently referred to as the Son of David, although David prophetically foresaw the coming Messiah and addressed his own descendant in song as Lord.

David was also a tragic figure.
He committed adultery and then commited murder in order to cover it up.
For this, he and the entire nation paid a dear price.
It was nearly a year before he was confronted and exposed by Nathan the prophet.
In his repentance and spiritual recovery, David demonstrated his fundamental and enduring devotion to God.
Although he could not undo the damage, he eventually restored a measure of the purity of his heart.
His final days were occupied with great preparations for the Temple of God and conciliation to avoid division in the nation.

In short, David is one of the greatest of all men of faith.


David is a great model for us who seek to build up God's modern-day kingdom.
His greatness is summarized by His impact was multiplied because