David

Lore & Background

David first appears in the narrative as a shepherd boy, the youngest son of Jesse, who is sent by his father to bring provisions to his brothers in Saul's army (1 Samuel 17:17-20). While there, he hears the Philistine champion Goliath defying Israel and volunteers to fight him, declaring that the LORD who delivered him from lion and bear will deliver him from the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Despite Saul's doubts about his youth, David refuses the king's armor, preferring his own shepherd's weapons (1 Samuel 17:38-39). David's earlier service to Saul is also detailed: he was brought to Saul as a musician, playing the harp to soothe Saul when an evil spirit troubled him, and Saul loved him greatly, making him his armor-bearer (1 Samuel 16:21-23). David also served as a messenger, carrying gifts from Jesse to Saul (1 Samuel 16:20). Genealogically, David is the son of Jesse, who is the son of Obed, as named by the women of Bethlehem (Ruth 4:17; Ruth 4:22). His anointing by Samuel marks the beginning of the Spirit of the LORD being with him (1 Samuel 16:13).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray David as a figure of humble origins who rises through divine favor and personal courage. He is first a shepherd, obedient to his father Jesse, who sends him on errands (1 Samuel 17:17-20). His faith is central: he credits the LORD for past deliverances from wild animals and trusts Him for victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37). David is also depicted as a skilled musician whose playing brings relief to King Saul (1 Samuel 16:23). His anointing by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13) establishes him as chosen by God, yet he remains in service to Saul as armor-bearer and messenger (1 Samuel 16:21; 1 Samuel 16:20). The passages emphasize David's youth and inexperience in warfare (1 Samuel 17:33, 1 Samuel 17:42), but also his boldness in confronting the Philistine champion (1 Samuel 17:26, 1 Samuel 17:32). His brother Eliab accuses him of pride (1 Samuel 17:28), but David responds simply, 'Is there not a cause?' (1 Samuel 17:29). Overall, David is presented as a divinely favored youth, a shepherd, musician, and warrior, whose lineage is traced through Obed and Jesse (Ruth 4:17).

Did You Know?

• David was the youngest of eight sons, and his three eldest brothers followed Saul (1 Samuel 17:14).
• David played the harp to refresh Saul when an evil spirit from God was upon the king (1 Samuel 16:23).
• Before fighting Goliath, David had killed both a lion and a bear while guarding his father's sheep (1 Samuel 17:34-36).
• David refused to wear Saul's armor because he had not proved it (1 Samuel 17:39).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"King David (d. ca. 961 BC) was according to the Hebrew Bible, the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel." — David "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, lead me in the way everlasting." — David "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me.

Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women." — David "Beni Abshalom, beni!Beni Abshalom!Mi yitten muthi ani thachteicha.Abshalom, beni! beni!" — David