Era: The beginning of the monarchy in Israel; he reigned forty years (2 Samuel 5:4-5; 1 Kings 2:11)
David
The shepherd from Bethlehem who became king of Israel
David was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd from Bethlehem. Samuel anointed him while he was still keeping sheep, and he soon became known: he played the harp for King Saul, defeated the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, and had to flee when Saul sought to kill him, though he refused to harm the king.
He reigned forty years, made Jerusalem the city of David and brought the ark of God there. The Bible does not hide his sins or his family sorrows, but it remembers him as a king to whom God promised a kingdom for ever. Many psalms bear his name, and Jesus is called the son of David.
Keep getting to know this character
Sign up free to see where they appear in the Bible, what Scripture says about their life and what tradition adds. Already signed up? Enter your email to get right back in.
Reviewed by Jon J ·