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David was from the tribe of Judah, with his genealogy being given in Ruth 4:18-22. It is held that it is this tribe  that Genesis 49:10 speaks of the [[Messiah]] coming from.<ref>http://www.letusreason.org/Juda1.htm</ref> (Genesis 49:10; cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matt.1:2, Heb. 7:14-17).  David was the youngest of 8 sons of Jesse, who also had 2 daughters. (1Sam. 16:8-12; 17:2; 1Chr. 2:13-16<ref>see Keil & Delitzsch, 1Chrn. 2:9-41</ref>) The name ''David'', like the similar name Jedidish (2Sam. 12:25), comes from a root meaning “to love." David is the only person who bears that name in the Bible. David's ancestor Nahshon was chieftain of the whole tribe of Judah, (Num. 1:7; 2:3; 1Chr. 2:10) and brother-in-law of Aaron the high priest. (Exo. 6:23) The name of David's mother is not given, but it is recorded that David later placed his parents under the protection of the king of Moab, which some surmise may indicate that his mother was from that country, as the mother of his grandfather Obed was Ruth the Moabitess.<ref>International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on David, James Orr, M.A., D.D., General Editor</ref> (1Sam. 22:3; 22:1) It appears that David had a devoted father, thus giving David a good spiritual heritage.

David was from the tribe of Judah, with his genealogy being given in Ruth 4:18-22. It is held that it is this tribe  that Genesis 49:10 speaks of the [[Messiah]] coming from.<ref>http://www.letusreason.org/Juda1.htm</ref> (Genesis 49:10; cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matt.1:2, Heb. 7:14-17).  David was the youngest of 8 sons of Jesse, who also had 2 daughters. (1Sam. 16:8-12; 17:2; 1Chr. 2:13-16<ref>see Keil & Delitzsch, 1Chrn. 2:9-41</ref>) The name ''David'', like the similar name Jedidish (2Sam. 12:25), comes from a root meaning “to love." David is the only person who bears that name in the Bible. David's ancestor Nahshon was chieftain of the whole tribe of Judah, (Num. 1:7; 2:3; 1Chr. 2:10) and brother-in-law of Aaron the high priest. (Exo. 6:23) The name of David's mother is not given, but it is recorded that David later placed his parents under the protection of the king of Moab, which some surmise may indicate that his mother was from that country, as the mother of his grandfather Obed was Ruth the Moabitess.<ref>International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on David, James Orr, M.A., D.D., General Editor</ref> (1Sam. 22:3; 22:1) It appears that David had a devoted father, thus giving David a good spiritual heritage.

== Before becoming King ==

 

 

=== Before becoming King ===

David worked as a shepherd of sheep, and which would require both tending to the needs of sheep as well as defending them, not only against marauders from the surrounding deserts, but also from the lions and bears which inhabited the country. This was work which, while then unknown to him, helped prepare him to later defend and lead Israel. The descriptions given of him in this regard indicates obedience to his father and diligence in his work.

David worked as a shepherd of sheep, and which would require both tending to the needs of sheep as well as defending them, not only against marauders from the surrounding deserts, but also from the lions and bears which inhabited the country. This was work which, while then unknown to him, helped prepare him to later defend and lead Israel. The descriptions given of him in this regard indicates obedience to his father and diligence in his work.

David continued to play the harp for Saul, but it did not have the same affect. One day when David was playing Saul threw a spear at him to try to kill him; it missed.  With the help of Saul's son [[Jonathan]], who was David's best friend, David fled the palace and went into hiding. David fled Israel twice due to being hunted by Saul, gaining refuge with the Philistines. (1Sam. 21:10; Ps. 34:1; 1Sam. 27:1,2) Almost all commentators see these instances as acts of weakness and deception.<ref>Adam Clarke, LL.D., F.S.A, Matthew Henry</ref> During the latter stay in Philistine territory David attacked Canaanites which Israel was to have destroyed previously, while keeping the full reality of it from Achish.<ref>Keil & Delitzsch, 1Sa 27:8-9</ref>  As a result of his alliance with the Philistines, David almost became part of the battle in which Saul and Jonathan were slain, but was Providentially delivered from this battle. (1Sam. 29) Being sent back by the Philistine's king Achish, David and his men discovered that the Amalekites had taken captive all their wives, and their sons, and their daughters. At this point, David was in danger of being stoned by his own people, but "David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." (1Sam. 29) Twice David could have killed Saul, and though he was urged to do so, his deep reverence for the Lord's anointed would not allow it. Instead, David cut off a piece of his robe (which he later felt was itself wrong) the first time, and the second time he took Saul's spear and the cruise of water, to demonstrate his innocence to Saul. (1Sam. 24; 26) After the first instance Saul was contrite, but soon he pursued David and his followers again. After the second instance Saul pursued David no more.  Finally, Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle with the Philistines. (2Sam. 31) David grieved, executed the man that actually killed Saul (a case of assisted suicide), and he became king of [[Judah]]. (2Sam. 1; 2) There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. (2Sam. 3:1) Finally Saul's son [[Ish-Bosheth]] was murdered in his own bed. The killers took the head to David seeking a reward, but instead David executed them for unjustly killing their own king. (2Sam. 4) Such killers are set in contrast to David, whose actions show his reverence towards those whom God appointed, and that he was not one who grasped at power or riches.

David continued to play the harp for Saul, but it did not have the same affect. One day when David was playing Saul threw a spear at him to try to kill him; it missed.  With the help of Saul's son [[Jonathan]], who was David's best friend, David fled the palace and went into hiding. David fled Israel twice due to being hunted by Saul, gaining refuge with the Philistines. (1Sam. 21:10; Ps. 34:1; 1Sam. 27:1,2) Almost all commentators see these instances as acts of weakness and deception.<ref>Adam Clarke, LL.D., F.S.A, Matthew Henry</ref> During the latter stay in Philistine territory David attacked Canaanites which Israel was to have destroyed previously, while keeping the full reality of it from Achish.<ref>Keil & Delitzsch, 1Sa 27:8-9</ref>  As a result of his alliance with the Philistines, David almost became part of the battle in which Saul and Jonathan were slain, but was Providentially delivered from this battle. (1Sam. 29) Being sent back by the Philistine's king Achish, David and his men discovered that the Amalekites had taken captive all their wives, and their sons, and their daughters. At this point, David was in danger of being stoned by his own people, but "David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." (1Sam. 29) Twice David could have killed Saul, and though he was urged to do so, his deep reverence for the Lord's anointed would not allow it. Instead, David cut off a piece of his robe (which he later felt was itself wrong) the first time, and the second time he took Saul's spear and the cruise of water, to demonstrate his innocence to Saul. (1Sam. 24; 26) After the first instance Saul was contrite, but soon he pursued David and his followers again. After the second instance Saul pursued David no more.  Finally, Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle with the Philistines. (2Sam. 31) David grieved, executed the man that actually killed Saul (a case of assisted suicide), and he became king of [[Judah]]. (2Sam. 1; 2) There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. (2Sam. 3:1) Finally Saul's son [[Ish-Bosheth]] was murdered in his own bed. The killers took the head to David seeking a reward, but instead David executed them for unjustly killing their own king. (2Sam. 4) Such killers are set in contrast to David, whose actions show his reverence towards those whom God appointed, and that he was not one who grasped at power or riches.

==David's character and call==

===David's character and call===

David is revealed as a type of person who was "lovable." It is recorded that both Saul and Jonathan loved David, (1Sam. 16:21; 18:1,3; 20:17) as did all Saul's servants, (1Sam. 18:20,28) and all Israel and Judah, (1Sam. 18:16) and Saul's daughter, Michal. (1Sam. 18:20,28) David overall expressed great love for God, love toward others, and even toward personal adversaries, though he was also a mighty man of war. (Ps. 23; 73; 35; 69; 18) In addition, he was a man who served in many functions and situations, and manifested different gifts, and was called "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2Sam. 23:1,2) who spoke by the Spirit of God.<ref>International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</ref>

David is revealed as a type of person who was "lovable." It is recorded that both Saul and Jonathan loved David, (1Sam. 16:21; 18:1,3; 20:17) as did all Saul's servants, (1Sam. 18:20,28) and all Israel and Judah, (1Sam. 18:16) and Saul's daughter, Michal. (1Sam. 18:20,28) David overall expressed great love for God, love toward others, and even toward personal adversaries, though he was also a mighty man of war. (Ps. 23; 73; 35; 69; 18) In addition, he was a man who served in many functions and situations, and manifested different gifts, and was called "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2Sam. 23:1,2) who spoke by the Spirit of God.<ref>International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</ref>

While David was appointed to be Saul's armorbearer (perhaps one of many), it is not recorded that he served as such in any battles, and the character and ability of David as a soldier is most fully provided in 1 Samuel 17. David's real ministry is manifested as that of his anointed playing of a harp type instrument, which drove the evil spirit away when he played so that Saul became well for a time.  (1Sam. 16:14-23) However, as seen in the next chapter where David is back home, his service here appears to have been temporary, perhaps for now going backwards and forwards from Saul to feed his father's sheep in Bethlehem as needed.<ref>Keil & Delitzsch, 1Sa 17:1-54</ref>

While David was appointed to be Saul's armorbearer (perhaps one of many), it is not recorded that he served as such in any battles, and the character and ability of David as a soldier is most fully provided in 1 Samuel 17. David's real ministry is manifested as that of his anointed playing of a harp type instrument, which drove the evil spirit away when he played so that Saul became well for a time.  (1Sam. 16:14-23) However, as seen in the next chapter where David is back home, his service here appears to have been temporary, perhaps for now going backwards and forwards from Saul to feed his father's sheep in Bethlehem as needed.<ref>Keil & Delitzsch, 1Sa 17:1-54</ref>

==David and Goliath==

===David and Goliath===

[[File:David-goliath.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|David slew Goliath with a stone from his sling and then beheaded Goliath with a sword.]]

[[File:David-goliath.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|David slew Goliath with a stone from his sling and then beheaded Goliath with a sword.]]

The story of David and [[Goliath]] is one of the most famous stories of the Bible, and reveals much about David's faith and courage.  

The story of David and [[Goliath]] is one of the most famous stories of the Bible, and reveals much about David's faith and courage.  

Saul then inquires as to whose son this hero was, and which seems odd considering that David had been chosen to serve him previously, (1Sam. 16:23), but which many commentators see as due to Saul's troubled mind. Says Henry, “Saul had forgotten him, being melancholy and mindless, and little thinking that his musician would have spirit enough to be his champion; and therefore, as if he had never seen him before, he asked whose son he was. Abner was a stranger to him, but brought him to Saul (1Sam. 17:57), and he gave a modest account of himself, 1Sam. 7:58. And now he was introduced to the court with much greater advantages than before, in which he owned God's hand performing all things for him.”  Other objections to the text are also made and dealt with.<ref>[http://www.tektonics.org/af/davegol.html Smooth Stones, James Patrick Holding]</ref><ref>[http://www.carm.org/bible-difficulties/joshua-esther/who-killed-goliath-david-or-elhanan Who killed Goliath, David or Elhanan?, Matthew J. Slick]</ref>

Saul then inquires as to whose son this hero was, and which seems odd considering that David had been chosen to serve him previously, (1Sam. 16:23), but which many commentators see as due to Saul's troubled mind. Says Henry, “Saul had forgotten him, being melancholy and mindless, and little thinking that his musician would have spirit enough to be his champion; and therefore, as if he had never seen him before, he asked whose son he was. Abner was a stranger to him, but brought him to Saul (1Sam. 17:57), and he gave a modest account of himself, 1Sam. 7:58. And now he was introduced to the court with much greater advantages than before, in which he owned God's hand performing all things for him.”  Other objections to the text are also made and dealt with.<ref>[http://www.tektonics.org/af/davegol.html Smooth Stones, James Patrick Holding]</ref><ref>[http://www.carm.org/bible-difficulties/joshua-esther/who-killed-goliath-david-or-elhanan Who killed Goliath, David or Elhanan?, Matthew J. Slick]</ref>

==David and Jonathan==

===David and Jonathan===

{{See also|David and Jonathan}}

{{See also|David and Jonathan}}

In response, traditional exegesis evidences that the Bible makes basic laws as well as human sexual behavior (in particular) evident, in their respective contexts, with David and Jonathan's love being manifest a supreme  example of non-sexual brotherly love, with all accounts of their affection critically lacking the descriptions needed to postulate or establish erotic love. As manifested by his sacrificial loyalty to David, holy brotherly affection, and commitment to the future of the kingdom, Jonathan's love for David is seen as being of a superior platonic kind than that the mere romantic or erotic “love of women”.<ref>Matthew Henry</ref>  And that such homoeroticism expression would be radically contrary to explicit commands and the transcendent ethos of Israel. (See [[Homosexuality and biblical interpretation]])  It is also nonsensical to suggest that David was a homosexual, since the Bible clearly documents the contrary (see, e.g., 2 Samuel 5:13<ref>[http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Sa&c=5&v=13&t=KJV#13 2 Samuel 5:13 (KJV)]</ref>).

In response, traditional exegesis evidences that the Bible makes basic laws as well as human sexual behavior (in particular) evident, in their respective contexts, with David and Jonathan's love being manifest a supreme  example of non-sexual brotherly love, with all accounts of their affection critically lacking the descriptions needed to postulate or establish erotic love. As manifested by his sacrificial loyalty to David, holy brotherly affection, and commitment to the future of the kingdom, Jonathan's love for David is seen as being of a superior platonic kind than that the mere romantic or erotic “love of women”.<ref>Matthew Henry</ref>  And that such homoeroticism expression would be radically contrary to explicit commands and the transcendent ethos of Israel. (See [[Homosexuality and biblical interpretation]])  It is also nonsensical to suggest that David was a homosexual, since the Bible clearly documents the contrary (see, e.g., 2 Samuel 5:13<ref>[http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Sa&c=5&v=13&t=KJV#13 2 Samuel 5:13 (KJV)]</ref>).

== David as King ==

=== David as King ===

David greatly expanded the borders of Israel, defeating every foe he faced.  However, his own life was not without controversy.  He lost his child due to his [[adultery]] with [[Bathsheba]]; one of his sons [[Absalom]] killed his brother [[Amnon]] after he raped and discarded his sister [[Tamar]]; later Absalom rebelled against David and forced him to flee.  David took back his throne, but Absalom was killed even though David had ordered his life to be spared.  David also had to live through a revolt by [[Sheba]], but he too was vanquished. Furthermore, because David sinned in taking a census of the land, 70 thousand people fell to pestilence.  And yet through it all, David was called a man after God's own heart, due to his true and deep grievings for his wrongs.  In fact, Scripture records that <blockquote>"David did [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any [thing] that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite."<ref>[http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=1Ki&chapter=15&verse=5&version=kjv#5 I Kings 15:5 (KJV)]</ref></blockquote>  David wrote most of the [[Psalms]] in the Bible including the famous Psalm 23, ''The Lord is my Shepherd''

David greatly expanded the borders of Israel, defeating every foe he faced.  However, his own life was not without controversy.  He lost his child due to his [[adultery]] with [[Bathsheba]]; one of his sons [[Absalom]] killed his brother [[Amnon]] after he raped and discarded his sister [[Tamar]]; later Absalom rebelled against David and forced him to flee.  David took back his throne, but Absalom was killed even though David had ordered his life to be spared.  David also had to live through a revolt by [[Sheba]], but he too was vanquished. Furthermore, because David sinned in taking a census of the land, 70 thousand people fell to pestilence.  And yet through it all, David was called a man after God's own heart, due to his true and deep grievings for his wrongs.  In fact, Scripture records that <blockquote>"David did [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any [thing] that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite."<ref>[http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=1Ki&chapter=15&verse=5&version=kjv#5 I Kings 15:5 (KJV)]</ref></blockquote>  David wrote most of the [[Psalms]] in the Bible including the famous Psalm 23, ''The Lord is my Shepherd''

David died after ruling 40 years, 33 of them in Jerusalem, and set up his son [[Solomon]] as his successor.  David was not allowed to build the temple because he was a man of 'blood' (a military commander), but his son could.  David was part of the lineage of [[Jesus]].

David died after ruling 40 years, 33 of them in Jerusalem, and set up his son [[Solomon]] as his successor.  David was not allowed to build the temple because he was a man of 'blood' (a military commander), but his son could.  David was part of the lineage of [[Jesus]].

===Historicity of David===

==Historicity of David==

Between 1966-1998, [[Avraham Biran]] lead excavations at a site known as Tel Dan, located in northern Israel. In 1993, an ancient Aramaic inscription dating to the 9th century BC was found containing thirteen lines of text that mention the 'House of David' (bytdwd).<ref>Biran, Avraham, and Joseph Naveh. "An aramaic stele fragment from Tel Dan." Israel Exploration Journal (1993): 81-98.</ref><ref>Biran, Avraham, and Joseph Naveh. "The Tel Dan inscription: a new fragment." Israel Exploration Journal (1995): 1-18.</ref> Preceding this discovery, the historicity of David was doubted by critics of the historicity of the Bible, however this discovery ended virtually all discussion on the historicity of King David, and is one of the greatest archaeological finds in recent times. One year later, André Lemaire published a paper where he found that the name of David also appears in the Mesha Inscription,<ref>Lemaire, André. "House of David; Restored in Moabite inscription." The Biblical archaeology review 20.3 (1994): 30-37.</ref> which dates to about c. 840 BC. That same year, Emile Puech also independently came to the same conclusion.<ref>La stèle de Dan: Bar Hadad II et la coalition des Omrides et de la maison de David. Revue Biblique 101: 215–41</ref>

Between 1966-1998, [[Avraham Biran]] lead excavations at a site known as Tel Dan, located in northern Israel. In 1993, an ancient Aramaic inscription dating to the 9th century BC was found containing thirteen lines of text that mention the 'House of David' (bytdwd).<ref>Biran, Avraham, and Joseph Naveh. "An aramaic stele fragment from Tel Dan." Israel Exploration Journal (1993): 81-98.</ref><ref>Biran, Avraham, and Joseph Naveh. "The Tel Dan inscription: a new fragment." Israel Exploration Journal (1995): 1-18.</ref> Preceding this discovery, the historicity of David was doubted by critics of the historicity of the Bible, however this discovery ended virtually all discussion on the historicity of King David, and is one of the greatest archaeological finds in recent times. One year later, André Lemaire published a paper where he found that the name of David also appears in the Mesha Inscription,<ref>Lemaire, André. "House of David; Restored in Moabite inscription." The Biblical archaeology review 20.3 (1994): 30-37.</ref> which dates to about c. 840 BC. That same year, Émile Puech also independently came to the same conclusion.<ref>La stèle de Dan: Bar Hadad II et la coalition des Omrides et de la maison de David. Revue Biblique 101: 215–41</ref>

The preserved text of the Tel Dan Inscription reads as follows;

The preserved text of the Tel Dan Inscription reads as follows;