King James Bible Dictionary

Beloved, the eighth and youngest son of Jesse, a citizen of Bethlehem. His father seems to have been a man in humble life. His mother's name is not recorded. Some think she was the Nahash of 2 Samuel 17:25. As to his personal appearance, we only know that he was red-haired, with beautiful eyes and a fair face (1 Samuel 16:1-2; 1 Samuel 17:42).

His early occupation was that of tending his father's sheep on the uplands of Judah. From what we know of his after history, doubtless he frequently beguiled his time, when thus engaged, with his shepherd's flute, while he drank in the many lessons taught him by the varied scenes spread around him. His first recorded exploits were his encounters with the wild beasts of the field. He mentions that with his own unaided hand he slew a lion and also a bear, when they came out against his flock, beating them to death in open conflict with his club (1 Samuel 17:34, 35).

While David, in the freshness of ruddy youth, was thus engaged with his flocks, Samuel paid an unexpected visit to Bethlehem, having been guided thither by divine direction (1 Samuel 16:1-13). There he offered up sacrifice, and called the elders of Israel and Jesse's family to the sacrificial meal. Among all who appeared before him he failed to discover the one he sought. David was sent for, and the prophet immediately recognized him as the chosen of God, chosen to succeed Saul, who was now departing from the ways of God, on the throne of the kingdom. He accordingly, in anticipation, poured on his head the anointing oil. David went back again to his shepherd life, but "the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward," and "the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul" (1 Samuel 16:13, 14).

Not long after this David was sent for to soothe with his harp the troubled spirit of Saul, who suffered from a strange melancholy dejection. He played before the king so skilfully that Saul was greatly cheered, and began to entertain great affection for the young shepherd. After this he went home to Bethlehem. But he soon again came into prominence. The armies of the Philistines and of Israel were in battle array in the valley of Elah, some 16 miles south-west of Bethlehem; and David was sent by his father with provisions for his three brothers, who were then fighting on the side of the king. On his arrival in the camp of Israel, David (now about twenty years of age) was made aware of the state of matters when the champion of the Philistines, Goliath of Gath, came forth to defy Israel. David took his sling, and with a well-trained aim threw a stone "out of the brook," which struck the giant's forehead, so that he fell senseless to the ground. David then ran and slew him, and cut off his head with his own sword (1 Samuel 17). The result was a great victory to the Israelites, who pursued the Philistines to the gates of Gath and Ekron.

David's popularity consequent on this heroic exploit awakened Saul's jealousy (1 Samuel 18:6-16), which he showed in various ways. He conceived a bitter hatred toward him, and by various stratagems sought his death (1 Samuel 18-30). The deep-laid plots of the enraged king, who could not fail to observe that David "prospered exceedingly," all proved futile, and only endeared the young hero the more to the people, and very specially to Jonathan, Saul's son, between whom and David a life-long warm friendship was formed.

A fugitive. To escape from the vengeance of Saul, David fled to Ramah (1 Samuel 19:12-18) to Samuel, who received him, and he dwelt among the sons of the prophets, who were there under Samuel's training. It is supposed by some that the sixth, seventh, and eleventh Psalms were composed by him at this time. This place was only 3 miles from the residence of Saul, who soon discovered whither the fugitive had gone, and tried ineffectually to bring him back. Jonathan made a fruitless effort to bring his father to a better state of mind toward David (1 Samuel 20), who, being made aware of the fact, saw no hope of safety but in flight to a distance. We accordingly find him first at Nob (21:1-9) and then at Gath, the chief city of the Philistines. The king of the Philistines would not admit him into his service, as he expected that he would, and David accordingly now betook himself to the stronghold of Adullam (22:1-4; 1 Chronicles 12:8-18). Here in a short time 400 men gathered around him and acknowledged him as their leader. It was at this time that David, amid the harassment and perils of his position, cried, "Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem;" when three of his heroes broke through the lines of the Philistines and brought him the water for which he longed (2 Samuel 23:13-17), but which he would not drink.

In his rage at the failure of all his efforts to seize David, Saul gave orders for the massacre of the entire priestly family at Nob, "persons who wore a linen ephod", to the number of eighty-five persons, who were put to death by Doeg the Edomite. The sad tidings of the massacre were brought to David by Abiathar, a son of Ahimelech, the only one who escaped. Comp. Psalms 52.

Hearing that Keilah, a town on the western frontier, was harassed by the Philistines, David with his men relieved it (1 Samuel 23:1-14); and then, for fear of Saul, he fled to the strongholds in the "hill country" of Judah. Comp. Psalms 31. While encamped there, in the forest in the district of Ziph, he was visited by Jonathan, who spoke to him words of encouragement (23:16-18). The two now parted never to meet again. Saul continued his pursuit of David, who narrowly escaped from him at this time, and fled to the crags and ravines of Engedi, on the western shore of the Dead Sea (1 Samuel 23:29). Here Saul, who still pursued him with his army, narrowly escaped, through the generous forbearance of David, and was greatly affected by what David had done for him. He returned home from pursuing him, and David betook himself to Maon, where, with his 600 men, he maintained himself by contributions gathered from the district. Here occurred the incident connected with Nabal and his wife Abigail (1 Samuel 25), whom David married after Nabal's death.

Saul again went forth (1 Samuel 26) in pursuit of David, who had hid himself "in the hill Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon," in the wilderness of Ziph, and was a second time spared through his forbearance. He returned home, professing shame and penitence for the way in which he had treated David, and predicting his elevation to the throne.

Fighting against Israel. Harassed by the necessity of moving from place to place through fear of Saul, David once more sought refuge among the Philistines (1 Samuel 27). He was welcomed by the king, who assigned him Ziklag as his residence. Here David lived among his followers for some time as an independent chief engaged in frequent war with the Amalekites and other tribes on the south of Judah.

Achish summoned David with his men to join his army against Saul; but the lords of the Philistines were suspicious of David's loyalty, and therefore he was sent back to Ziklag, which he found to his dismay may had been pillaged and burnt during his brief absence. David pursued after the raiders, the Amalekites, and completely routed them. On his return to Ziklag tidings reached him of Saul's death (2 Samuel 1). An Amalekite brought Saul's crown and bracelet and laid them at his feet. David and his men rent their clothes and mourned for Saul, who had been defeated in battle near Mount Gilboa. David composed a beautiful elegy, the most beautiful of all extant Hebrew odes, a "lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son" (2 Samuel 1:18-27). It bore the title of "The Bow," and was to be taught to the children, that the memory of Saul and Jonathan might be preserved among them. "Behold, it is written in the book of Jasher" (q.v.).

David king over Judah. David and his men now set out for Hebron under divine direction (2 Samuel 2:1-4). There they were cordially welcomed, and he was at once anointed as king. He was now about thirty years of age.

But his title to the throne was not undisputed. Abner took Ish-bosheth, Saul's only remaining son, over the Jordan to Mahanaim, and there crowned him as king. Then began a civil war in Israel. The first encounter between the two opposing armies, led on the one side by Abner, and on the other by Joab, took place at the pool of Gibeon. It resulted in the defeat of Abner. Other encounters, however, between Israel and Judah followed (2 Samuel 3:1, 5), but still success was on the side of David. For the space of seven and a half years David reigned in Hebron. Abner now sided with David, and sought to promote his advancement; but was treacherously put to death by Joab in revenge for his having slain his brother Asahel at Gibeon (3:22-39). This was greatly to David's regret. He mourned for the death of Abner. Shortly after this Ish-bosheth was also treacherously put to death by two Canaanites of Beeroth; and there being now no rival, David was anointed king over all Israel (4:1-12).

David king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3). The elders of Israel now repaired to Hebron and offered allegiance to David in name of all the people, among whom the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. He was anointed king over all Israel, and sought out a new seat of government, more suitable than Hebron, as the capital of his empire. At this time there was a Jebusite fortress, "the stronghold", on the hill of Zion, called also Jebus. This David took from the Jebusites, and made it Israel's capital, and established here his residence, and afterwards built for himself a palace by the aid of Tyrian tradesmen. The Philistines, who had for some time observed a kind of truce, now made war against David; but were defeated in battle at a place afterwards called, in remembrance of the victory, Baal-perazim. Again they invaded the land, and were a second time routed by him. He thus delivered Israel from their enemies.

David now resolved to bring up the ark of the covenant to his new capital (2 Samuel 6). It was in the house of Abinadab at Kirjath-jearim, about 7 miles from Jerusalem, where it had been for many years, from the time when the Philistines had sent it home (1 Samuel 6; 7). In consequence of the death of Uzzah (for it was a divine ordinance that only the Levites should handle the ark, Numbers 4), who had put forth his hand to steady the ark when the cart in which it was being conveyed shook by reason of the roughness of the road, David stayed the procession, and conveyed the ark into the house of Obed-edom, a Philistine from Gath. After three months David brought the ark from the house of Obed-edom up to Jerusalem. Comp. Psalms 24. Here it was placed in a new tent or tabernacle which David erected for the purpose. About seventy years had passed since it had stood in the tabernacle at Shiloh. The old tabernacle was now at Gibeah, at which Zadok ministered. David now (1 Chronicles 16) carefully set in order all the ritual of divine worship at Jerusalem, along with Abiathar the high priest. A new religious era began. The service of praise was for the first time introduced into public worship. Zion became henceforth "God's holy hill."

David's wars. David now entered on a series of conquests which greatly extended and strengthened his kingdom (2 Samuel 8). In a few years the whole territory from the Euphrates to the river of Egypt, and from Gaza on the west to Thapsacus on the east, was under his sway (2 Samuel 8:3-13; 10).

David's fall. He had now reached the height of his glory. He ruled over a vast empire, and his capital was enriched with the spoils of many lands. But in the midst of all this success he fell, and his character became stained with the sin of adultery (2 Samuel 11:2-27). It has been noted as characteristic of the Bible that while his military triumphs are recorded in a few verses, the sad story of his fall is given in detail, a story full of warning, and therefore recorded. This crime, in the attempt to conceal it, led to anoter. He was guilty of murder. Uriah, whom he had foully wronged, an officer of the Gibborim, the corps of heros (23:39), was, by his order, "set in the front of the hottest battle" at the siege of Rabbah, in order that he might be put to death. Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 7:1-17; 12:1-23) was sent by God to bring home his crimes to the conscience of the guilty monarch. He became a true penitent. He bitterly bewailed his sins before God. The thirty-second and fifty-first Psalms reveal the deep struggles of his soul, and his spiritual recovery.

Bathsheba became his wife after Uriah's death. Her first-born son died, according to the word of the prophet. She gave birth to a second son, whom David called Solomon, and who ultimately succeeded him on the throne (2 Samuel 12:24, 25).

Peace. After the successful termination of all his wars, David formed the idea of building a temple for the ark of God. This he was not permitted to carry into execution, because he had been a man of war. God, however, sent Nathan to him with a gracious message (2 Samuel 7:1-16). On receiving it he went into the sanctuary, the tent where the ark was, and sat before the Lord, and poured out his heart in words of devout thanksgiving (18-29). The building of the temple was reserved for his son Solomon, who would be a man of peace (1 Chronicles 22:9; 28:3).

A cloudy evening. Hitherto David's carrer had been one of great prosperity and success. Now cloudy and dark days came. His eldest son Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel, was guilty of a great and shameful crime (2 Samuel 13). This was the beginning of the disasters of his later years. After two years Absalom terribly avenged the crime against Tamar, and put Amnon to death. This brought sore trouble to David's heart. Absalom, afraid of the consequences of his guilt, fled to Geshur beyond Jordan, where he remained for three years, when he was brought back through the intrigue of Joab (2 Samuel 14).

After this there fell upon the land the calamity of three years' famine (2 Samuel 21:1-14). This was soon after followed by a pestilence, brought upon the land as a punishment for David's sinful pride in numbering the people (2 Samuel 24), in which no fewer than 70,000 perished in the space of three days.

Rebellion of Absalom. The personal respect for David was sadly lowered by the incident of Bathsheba. There was a strong popular sentiment against the taking of the census, and the outburst of the plague in connection with it deepened the feeling of jealously that had begun to manifest itself among some of the tribes against David. Absalom, taking full advantage of this state of things, gradually gained over the people, and at length openly rebelled against his father, and usurped the throne. Ahithophel was Absalom's chief counsellor. The revolt began in Hebron, the capital of Judah. Absalom was there proclaimed king. David was now in imminent danger, and he left Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13-20), and once more became a fugitive. It was a momentous day in Israel. The incidents of it are recorded with a fulness of detail greater than of any other day in Old Testament history. David fled with his followers to Mahanarm, on the east of Jordan. An unnatural civil war broke out. After a few weeks the rival armies were mustered and organized. They met in hostile array at the wood of Ephraim (2 Samuel 18:1-8). Absalom's army was defeated, and himself put to death by the hand of Joab (9-18). The tidings of the death of his rebellious son filled the heart of David with the most poignant grief. He "went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept" (33), giving utterance to the heart-broken cry, "Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" Peace was now restored, and David returned to Jerusalem and resumed the direction of affairs. An unhappy dispute arose between the men of Judah and the men of Israel (19:41-43). Sheba, a Benjamite, headed a revolt of the men of Israel. He was pursued to Abelbeth-maachah, and was there put to death, and so the revolt came to an end.

The end. After the suppression of the rebellion of Absalom and that of Sheba, ten comparatively peaceful years of David's life passed away. During those years he seems to have been principally engaged in accumulating treasures of every kind for the great temple at Jerusalem, which it was reserved to his successor to build (1 Chronicles 22; 28; 29), a house which was to be "exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries" (22:5). The exciting and laborious life he had spent, and the dangers and trials through which he had passed, had left him an enfeebled man, prematurely old. It became apparent that his life was now drawing to its close. A new palace conspiracy broke out as to who should be his successor. Joab favoured Adonijah. The chiefs of his party met at the "Fuller's spring," in the valley of Kidron, to proclaim him king; but Nathan hastened on a decision on the part of David in favour of Solomon, and so the aim of Adonijah's party failed. Solomon was brought to Jerusalem, and was anointed king and seated on his father's throne (1 Kings 1:11-53). David's last words are a grand utterance, revealing his unfailing faith in God, and his joyful confidence in his gracious covenant promises (2 Samuel 23:1-7).

After a reign of forty years and six months (2 Samuel 5:5; 1 Chronicles 3:4) David died (B.C. 1015) at the age of seventy years, "and was buried in the city of David." His tomb is still pointed out on Mount Zion.

Both in his prophetical and in his regal character David was a type of the Messiah (1 Samuel 16:13). The book of Psalms commonly bears the title of the "Psalms of David," from the circumstance that he was the largest contributor (about eighty psalms) to the collection. (See PSALMS.)

"The greatness of David was felt when he was gone. He had lived in harmony with both the priesthood and the prophets; a sure sign that the spirit of his government had been throughly loyal to the higher aims of the theocracy. The nation had not been oppressed by him, but had been left in the free enjoyment of its ancient liberties. As far as his power went he had striven to act justly to all (2 Samuel 8:15). His weak indulgence to his sons, and his own great sin besides, had been bitterly atoned, and were forgotten at his death in the remembrance of his long-tried worth. He had reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem and seven and a half at Hebron (2 Samuel 5:5). Israel at his accession had reached the lowest point of national depression; its new-born unity rudely dissolved; its territory assailed by the Philistines. But he had left it an imperial power, with dominions like those of Egypt or Assyria. The sceptre of Solomon was already, before his father's death, owned from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates, and from the Orontes to the Red Sea.", Geikie's Hours etc., iii.

well-beloved, dear

1. King of Israel

Genealogy of
Ruth 4:18-22; 1 Samuel 16:11; 1 Samuel 17:12; 1 Chronicles 2:3-15; Matthew 1:1-6; Luke 3:31-38

A shepherd
1 Samuel 16:11

Kills a lion and a bear
1 Samuel 17:34-36

Anointed king, while a youth, by the prophet Samuel, and inspired
1 Samuel 16:1; 1 Samuel 16:13; Psalms 89:19-37

Chosen of God
Psalms 78:70

Described to Saul
1 Samuel 16:18

Detailed as armorbearer and musician at Saul's court
1 Samuel 16:21-23

Slays Goliath
1 Samuel 9:17

Love of Jonathan for
1 Samuel 18:1-4

Popularity and discreetness of
1 Samuel 9:18

Saul's jealousy of
1 Samuel 18:8-30

Is defrauded of Merab, and given Michal to wife
1 Samuel 18:17-27

Jonathan intercedes for
1 Samuel 19:1-7

Probably writes Psalm 11.1-7 at this period of his life
Psalms 11:1-7

Conducts a campaign against, and defeats, the Philistines
1 Samuel 19:8

Saul attempts to slay him; he escapes to Ramah, and dwells at Naioth, whither Saul pursues him
1 Samuel 19:9-24

About this time writes Psalm 59
1 Samuel 19:59

Returns, and Jonathan makes covenant with him
1 Samuel 9:20

Escapes by way of Nob, where he obtains shewbread and Goliath's sword from Abimelech
1 Samuel 21:1-6; Matthew 12:3-4

Escapes to Gath
1 Samuel 21:10-15

At this time probably writes Psalms 34, 35, Psalm 52.1-9, Psalm 56.1-13, Psalm 120.1-7
1 Samuel 19:34; Psalms 52:1-9; Psalms 56:1-13; Psalms 120:1-7

Recruits an army of insurgents, goes to Moab, returns to Hareth
Psalms 9:22

Probably writes Psalm 17.1-15, Psalm 35, Psalm 52.1-9, Psalm 58.1-11, Psalm 64.1-10, Psalm 109, Psalm 142.1-7
Psalms 17:1-15; Psalms 19:35; Psalms 52:1-9; Psalms 58:1-11; Psalms 64:1-10; Psalms 19:109; Psalms 142:1-7

Saves Keilah
1 Samuel 23:1-13

Makes second covenant with Jonathan
1 Samuel 23:16-18

Goes to the wilderness of Ziph, is betrayed to Saul
1 Samuel 23:13-26

Writes a psalm on the betrayal, Psalm 54.1-7, and probably Psalms 22, 31, 34, Psalm 140.1-13
Psalms 54:1-7; Psalms 19:22; Psalms 19:31; Psalms 19:34; Psalms 140:1-13

Saul is diverted from pursuit of
1 Samuel 23:27-28

At this time probably writes Psalm 12.1-8, 22
Psalms 12:1-8; Psalms 19:22

Goes to En-Gedi
1 Samuel 23:29

Refrains from slaying Saul
1 Samuel 9:24

Writes Psalm 57.1-11
Psalms 57:1-11

Covenants with Saul
Psalms 9:26

Marries Nabal's widow, Abigail, and Ahinoam
Psalms 9:25

Dwells in the wilderness of Ziph, has opportunity to slay Saul, but takes his spear only, Saul is contrite
Psalms 9:26

Flees to Achish and dwells in Ziklag
1 Samuel 27:1-12

List of men who join him
1 Chronicles 12:1-22

Conducts an expedition against Amalekites, misstates the facts to Achish
1 Samuel 27:8-12

At this time probably writes Psalm 141.1-10
Psalms 141:1-10

Is refused permission to accompany the Philistines to battle against the Israelitesh
1 Samuel 28:1-2; 1 Samuel 29:1-11

Rescues the people of Ziklag, who had been captured by the Amalekites
1 Samuel 9:30

Probably writes Psalm 13.1-6
Psalms 13:1-6

Death and burial of Saul and his sons
1 Samuel 31:1-13; 2 Samuel 21:1; 2 Samuel 21:14

Slays the murderer of Saul
2 Samuel 1:1-16

Lamentation over Saul
2 Samuel 1:17-27

Dwells one year and four months at Ziklag
1 Samuel 27:7

Goes to Hebron, and is anointed king by Judah
2 Samuel 2:1-4; 2 Samuel 2:11; 2 Samuel 5:5; 1 Kings 2:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3

List of those who join him at Hebron
1 Chronicles 12:23-40

Ish-Bosheth, son of Saul, crowned
1 Chronicles 10:2

David wages war against, and defeats, Ish-Bosheth
2 Samuel 2:13-32; 2 Samuel 3:4

Demands the restoration of Michal, his wife
2 Samuel 3:14-16

Abner revolts from Ish-Bosheth, and joins David, but is slain by Joab
2 Samuel 10:3

Punishes Ish-Bosheth's murderers
2 Samuel 4:1-12

Anointed king over all Israel, after reigning over Judah at Hebron seven years and six months, and reigns thirty-three years
2 Samuel 2:11; 2 Samuel 5:5; 1 Chronicles 3:4; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3; 1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 1 Chronicles 29:27

Makes conquest of Jerusalem
2 Samuel 5:6; 1 Chronicles 11:4-8; Isaiah 29:1

Builds a palace
2 Samuel 5:11; 2 Chronicles 2:3

Friendship of, with Hiram, king of Tyre
2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 5:1

Prospered of God
2 Samuel 5:10; 1 Chronicles 11:9

Fame of
1 Chronicles 14:17

Philistines make war against, and are defeated by him
2 Samuel 5:17-25

Assembles thirty thousand men to escort the ark to Jerusalem with music and thanksgiving
2 Samuel 6:1-5

Uzzah is stricken when he attempts to steady the ark
2 Samuel 6:6-11

David is terrified, and leaves the ark at the house of Obed-Edom
2 Samuel 6:9-11

After three months brings the ark to Jerusalem with dancing and great joy
2 Samuel 6:12-16; 1 Chronicles 13:1-14

Organized the tabernacle service
1 Chronicles 9:22; 1 Chronicles 15:16-24; 1 Chronicles 16:4-6; 1 Chronicles 16:37-43

Offers sacrifice, distributes gifts, and blesses the people
2 Samuel 6:17-19

Michal upbraids him for his religious enthusiasm
2 Samuel 6:20-23

Desires to build a temple, is forbidden, but receives promise that his seed should reign forever
2 Samuel 7:12-16; 2 Samuel 23:5; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14; 2 Chronicles 6:16; Psalms 89:3-4; Psalms 132:11-12; Acts 15:16; Romans 15:12

Interpretation and fulfillment of this prophecy
Acts 13:22-23

At this time, probably, writes Psalm 15.1-5, Psalm 16.1-11, Psalm 24.1-10, Psalm 101.1-8, Psalm 138.1-8
Acts 19:15; Psalms 24:1-10; Psalms 101:1-8; Psalms 138:1-8

Conquers the Philistines, Moabites, and Syria
Psalms 10:8

Treats Mephibosheth, the lame son of Saul, with great kindness
2 Samuel 9:6; 2 Samuel 19:24-30

Sends commissioners with a message of sympathy to Hanun, son of the king of Ammon; the message misinterpreted, and commissioners treated with indignity; David retaliates by invading his kingdom, and defeating the combined armies of the Ammonites and Syrians
2 Samuel 10:10; 2 Samuel 13:19

Probably writes Psalm 18, Psalm 20.1-9, Psalm 21.1-13
2 Samuel 19:18
2 Samuel 19:20

Commits adultery with Bath-Sheba
2 Samuel 11:2-5

Wickedly causes the death of Uriah
2 Samuel 11:6-25

Takes Bath-Sheba to be his wife
2 Samuel 11:26-27

Is rebuked by the prophet Nathan
2 Samuel 12:1-14

Repents of his crime and confesses his guilt
Psalms 6:1-10; Psalms 32:1-11; Psalms 19:38; Psalms 19:51

Is chastised with grievous affliction on account of his crime
Psalms 19:38; Psalms 41:1-13; Psalms 19:69

Death of his infant son by Bath-Sheba
2 Samuel 12:15-23

Solomon is born to
2 Samuel 12:24-25

Ammonites defeated and tortured
2 Samuel 12:26-31

Amnon's crime, his murder by Absalom, and Absalom's flight
2 Samuel 10:13

Absalom's return
2 Samuel 14:1-24

Absalom's usurpation
2 Samuel 10:14

David's flight from Jerusalem
2 Samuel 15:13-37

He probably writes, at this time, Psalm 5.1-12, Psalm 7, Psalm 26.1-12, Psalm 61.1-8, Psalm 63.1-11, Psalm 69, Psalm 70.1-5, 86, Psalm 143.1-12
Psalms 5:1-12; Psalms 19:7; Psalms 26:1-12; Psalms 61:1-8; Psalms 63:1-11; Psalms 19:69; Psalms 19:86; Psalms 143:1-12

Shimei curses him
Psalms 10:16

Crosses the Jordan
2 Samuel 17:21-29

Absalom's defeat and death
2 Samuel 10:18

Laments the death of Absalom
2 Samuel 18:33; 2 Samuel 19:1-4

Upbraided by Joab
2 Samuel 19:5-7

David upbraids the priests for not showing loyalty amid the murmurings of the people against him
2 Samuel 19:9-15

Shimei sues for clemency
2 Samuel 19:16-23

Mephibosheth sues for the king's favor
2 Samuel 19:24-30

Barzillai rewarded
2 Samuel 19:31-40

Judah accused by the ten tribes of stealing him away
2 Samuel 19:41-43

Returns to Jerusalem
2 Samuel 20:1-3

At this time, probably composes Psalm 27.1-14, Psalm 66, Psalm 122.1-9, Psalm 144.1-15
Psalms 27:1-14; Psalms 19:66; Psalms 122:1-9; Psalms 144:1-15

Sheba's conspiracy against David, and his death
Psalms 10:20

Makes Amasa general
2 Samuel 19:13

Amasa is slain
2 Samuel 20:4-10

Consigns seven sons of Saul to the Gibeonites to be slain to atone for Saul's persecution of the Gibeonites
2 Samuel 21:1-14

Buries Saul's bones, and his sons'
2 Samuel 21:12-14

Defeats the Philistines
2 Samuel 21:15-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8

Takes the military strength of Israel without divine authority, and is reproved
1 Chronicles 10:24; 1 Chronicles 13:21; 1 Chronicles 27:24

Probably composes Psalm 30.1-12, Psalm 131.1-3
Psalms 30:1-12; Psalms 131:1-3

Marries Abishag
1 Kings 1:1-4

Probably composes Psalm 19.1-14, Psalm 111.1-10
Psalms 19:1-14; Psalms 111:1-10

Reorganizes the tabernacle service
Psalms 13:22; 2 Chronicles 7:6; 2 Chronicles 8:14; 2 Chronicles 23:18; 2 Chronicles 29:27-30; 2 Chronicles 35:15; Ezra 3:10; Ezra 8:20

Adonijah usurps the sceptre, Solomon appointed to the throne
Ezra 11:1; 1 Chronicles 23:1

Delivers his charge to Solomon
1 Kings 2:1-11; 1 Chronicles 22:6-19; 1 Chronicles 13:28

Probably composes Psalm 23.1-6, Psalm 145
Psalms 23:1-6; Psalms 19:145

Last words of
2 Samuel 23:1-7

Death of
1 Kings 2:10; 1 Chronicles 29:28; Acts 2:29-30

Sepulchre of
Acts 2:29

Age of, at death
2 Samuel 5:4-5; 1 Chronicles 29:28

Length of reign, forty years
1 Kings 2:11; 1 Chronicles 29:27-28

Wives of
2 Samuel 3:2-5

Children born at Hebron
2 Samuel 3:2-5; 1 Chronicles 3:4

Children born at Jerusalem
2 Samuel 5:14-16; 1 Chronicles 3:5-8; 1 Chronicles 14:4-7

Descendants of
1 Chronicles 13:3

Civil and military officers of

General references
2 Samuel 8:16-18
Cabinet

Lists of his heroes, and of their exploits
2 Samuel 10:23; 2 Samuel 13:11; 1 Chronicles 12:23-40

Devoutness of
1 Samuel 13:14; 2 Samuel 6:5; 2 Samuel 6:14-18; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; 2 Samuel 8:11; 2 Samuel 24:25; 1 Kings 3:14; 1 Chronicles 17:16-27; 1 Chronicles 29:10; 2 Chronicles 7:17; Zech 12:8; Zech 19:6; Psalms 11:1-7; Psalms 13:1-6; Psalms 17:1-15; Psalms 19:22; Psalms 26:1-12; Psalms 27:7-14; Psalms 28:1-9; Psalms 19:31; Psalms 19:35; Psalms 19:37; Psalms 40:11-17; Psalms 19:42; Psalms 19:51; Psalms 19:54; Psalms 19:59; Psalms 64:1-6; Psalms 19:66; Psalms 19:69; Psalms 19:86; Psalms 101:1-8; Psalms 108:1-13; Psalms 120:1-2; Psalms 19:140; Acts 13:22

Justice in the administration of
2 Samuel 8:15; 1 Chronicles 18:14

Discreetness of
1 Samuel 18:14; 1 Samuel 18:30

Meekness of
1 Samuel 24:7; 1 Samuel 26:11; 2 Samuel 16:11; 2 Samuel 19:22-23

Merciful
2 Samuel 19:23

David as;

Musician
1 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Chronicles 15:16; 1 Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 7:6; 2 Chronicles 29:26; Nehemiah 12:36; Amos 6:5

Poet

General references
Amos 10:22
Psalms, Of David

Prophet
2 Samuel 23:2-7; 1 Chronicles 28:19; Matthew 22:41-46; Acts 2:25-38; Acts 4:25

Type of Christ
Psalms 2:1-12; Psalms 16:1-11; Psalms 18:43; Psalms 69:7-9; Psalms 69:20-21; Psalms 69:26; Psalms 69:29; Psalms 89:19-37

Jesus called Son of David
Matthew 9:27; Matthew 12:23; Matthew 15:22; Matthew 20:30-31; Matthew 21:9; Matthew 22:42; Mark 10:47-48; Luke 18:37; Luke 18:39

Prophecies concerning him and his kingdom
Numbers 24:17; Numbers 24:19; 2 Samuel 7:11-16; 1 Chronicles 17:9-14; 1 Chronicles 13:22; 2 Chronicles 6:5-17; 2 Chronicles 13:5; 2 Chronicles 21:7; Psalms 89:19-37; Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 16:5; Isaiah 22:20-25; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 33:15-26; Luke 1:32-33

Chronicles of, written by Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
1 Chronicles 29:29-30

2. A prophetic name for Christ
Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Ezekiel 37:24-25; Hosea 3:5

(well-beloved), the son of Jesse. His life may be divided into three portions:

1. His youth before his introduction to the court of Saul;
2. His relations with Saul;
3. His reign.
4. The early life of David contains in many important respects the antecedents of his future career. It appears that David was the youngest son, probably the youngest child, of a family of ten, and was born in Bethlehem B.C. 1085. The first time that David appears in history at once admits us to the whole family circle. The annual sacrificial feast is being held when Samuel appears, sent by God to anoint one of Jesse's sons as they pass before him, (1 Samuel 16:6-10) Samuel sends for the youngest, David, who was "keeping the sheep," and anoints him. (1 Samuel 16:11-13) As David stood before Samuel we are enabled to fix his appearance at once in our minds. He was of short stature, with red or auburn hair, such as is not unfrequently seen in his countrymen of the East at the present day. In later life he wore a beard. His bright eyes are specially mentioned, (1 Samuel 16:12) and generally he was remarkable for the grace of his figure and countenance ("fair of eyes," "comely," "goodly,") (1 Samuel 16:12,18; 17:42) well made and of immense strength and agility. His swiftness and activity made him like a wild gazelle, his feet like hart's feet, and his arms strong enough to break a bow of steel. (Psalms 18:33,34) After the anointing David resumes his accustomed duties, and the next we know of him he is summoned to the court to chase away the king's madness by music, (1 Samuel 16:14-19) and in the successful effort of David's harp we have the first glimpse into that genius for music and poetry which was afterwards consecrated in the Psalms. After this he returned to the old shepherd life again. One incident alone of his solitary shepherd life has come down to us

   his conflict with the lion and the bear in defence of his father's flocks. (1 Samuel 17:34,35) It was some years after this that David suddenly appears before his brothers in the camp of the army, and hears the defiant challenge of the Philistine giant Goliath. With his shepherd's sling and five small pebbles he goes forth and defeats the giant. (1 Samuel 17:40-51)

5. Relations with Saul.

   We now enter on a new aspect of David's life. The victory over Goliath had been a turning point of his career. Saul inquired his parentage, and took him finally to his court. Jonathan was inspired by the romantic friendship which bound the two youths together to the end of their lives. Unfortunately David's fame proved the foundation of that unhappy jealousy of Saul towards him which, mingling with the king's constitutional malady, poisoned his whole future relations to David. His position in Saul's court seems to have been first armor-bearer, (1 Samuel 16:21; 18:2) then captain over a thousand, (1 Samuel 18:13) and finally, on his marriage with Michal, the king's second daughter, he was raised to the high office of captain of the king's body-guard, second only, if not equal, to Abner, the captain of the host, and Jonathan, the heir apparent. David was not chiefly known for his successful exploits against the Philistines, by one of which he won his wife, and rove back the Philistine power with a blow from which it only rallied at the disastrous close of Saul's reign. He also still performed from time to time the office of minstrel; but the successive attempts of Saul upon his life convinced him that he was in constant danger. He had two faithful allies, however, in the court

   the son of Saul, his friend Jonathan, and the daughter of Saul, his wife Michal. Warned by the one and assisted by the other, he escaped by night, and was from thenceforward a fugitive. He at first found a home at the court of Achish, among the Philistines; but his stay was short. Discovered possibly by "the sword of Goliath," his presence revived the national enmity of the Philistines against their former conqueror, and he only escaped by feigning madness. (1 Samuel 21:13) His first retreat was the cave of Adullam. In this vicinity he was joined by his whole family, (1 Samuel 22:1) and by a motley crowd of debtors and discontented men, (1 Samuel 22:2) which formed the nucleus of his army. David's life for the next few years was made up of a succession of startling incidents. He secures an important ally in Abiathar, (1 Samuel 23:6) his band of 400 at Adullam soon increased to 600, (1 Samuel 23:13) he is hunted by Saul from place to place like a partridge. (1 Samuel 23:14,22,25-29; 24:1-22; 26) He marries Abigail and Ahinoam. (1 Samuel 25:42,43) Finally comes the new of the battle of Gilboa and the death of Saul and Jonathan. 1 Samuel 31. The reception of the tidings of the death of his rival and of his friend, the solemn mourning, the vent of his indignation against the bearer of the message, the pathetic lamentation that followed, will close the second period of David's life. (2 Samuel 1:1-27)

6. David's reign.

7. As king of Judah at Hebron, 7 1/2 years. (2 Samuel 2:1; 2 Samuel 5:5) Here David was first formally anointed king. (2 Samuel 2:4) To Judah his dominion was nominally confined. Gradually his power increased, and during the two years which followed the elevation of Ish-bosheth a series of skirmishes took place between the two kingdoms. Then rapidly followed the successive murders of Abner and of Ish-bosheth. (2 Samuel 3:30; 4:5) The throne, so long waiting for him, was now vacant, and the united voice of the whole people at once called him to occupy it. For the third time David was anointed king, and a festival of three days celebrated the joyful event. (1 Chronicles 12:39) One of David's first acts after becoming king was to secure Jerusalem, which he seized from the Jebusites and fixed the royal residence there. Fortifications were added by the king and by Joab, and it was known by the special name of the "city of David." (2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Chronicles 11:7) The ark was now removed from its obscurity at Kirjath-jearim with marked solemnity, and conveyed to Jerusalem. The erection of the new capital at Jerusalem introduces us to a new era in David's life and in the history of the monarchy. He became a king on the scale of the great Oriental sovereigns of Egypt and Persia, with a regular administration and organization of court and camp; and he also founded an imperial dominion which for the first time realize the prophetic description of the bounds of the chosen people. (Genesis 15:18-21) During the succeeding ten years the nations bordering on his kingdom caused David more or less trouble, but during this time he reduced to a state of permanent subjection the Philistines on the west, (2 Samuel 8:1) the Moabites on the east, (2 Samuel 8:2) by the exploits of Benaiah, (2 Samuel 23:20) the Syrians on the northeast as far as the Euphrates, (2 Samuel 8:3) the Edomites, (2 Samuel 8:14) on the south; and finally the Ammonites, who had broken their ancient alliance, and made one grand resistance to the advance of his empire. (2 Samuel 10:1-19; 12:26-31) Three great calamities may be selected as marking the beginning, middle and close of David's otherwise prosperous reign, which appear to be intimated in the question of Gad, (2 Samuel 24:13) "a three-years famine, a three-months flight or a three-days pestilence." a. Of these the first (the three-years famine) introduces us to the last notices of David's relations with the house of Saul, already referred to. b. The second group of incidents contains the tragedy of David's life, which grew in all its parts out of the polygamy, with its evil consequences, into which he had plunged on becoming king. Underneath the splendor of his last glorious campaign against the Ammonites was a dark story, known probably at that time only to a very few

   the double crime of adultery with Bath-sheba and the virtual murder of Uriah. The clouds from this time gathered over David's fortunes, and henceforward "the sword never departed from his house." (2 Samuel 12:10) The outrage on his daughter Tamar, the murder of his eldest son Amnon, and then the revolt of his best-beloved Absalom, brought on the crisis which once more sent him forth as wanderer, as in the days when he fled from Saul. (2 Samuel 15:18) The final battle of Absalom's rebellion was fought in the "forest of Ephraim," and terminated in the accident which led to the young man's death; and, though nearly heartbroken at the loss of his son, David again reigned in undisturbed peace at Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 20:1-22) c. The closing period of David's life, with the exception of one great calamity, may be considered as a gradual preparation for the reign of his successor. This calamity was the three-days pestilence which visited Jerusalem at the warning of the prophet Gad. The occasion which led to this warning was the census of the people taken by Joab at the king's orders, (2 Samuel 24:1-9; 1 Chronicles 21:1-7; 27:23,24) which was for some reason sinful in God's sight. 2 Samuel 24. A formidable conspiracy to interrupt the succession broke out in the last days of David's reign; but the plot was stifled, and Solomon's inauguration took place under his father's auspices. (1 Kings 1:1-53) By this time David's infirmities had grown upon him. His last song is preserved

   a striking union of the ideal of a just ruler which he had placed before him and of the difficulties which he had felt in realizing it. (2 Samuel 23:1-7) His last words to his successor are general exhortations to his duty. (1 Kings 2:1-9) He died, according to Josephus, at the age of 70, and "was buried in the city of David." After the return from the captivity, "the sepulchres of David" were still pointed out "between Siloah and the house of the mighty men," or "the guard-house." (Nehemiah 3:16) His tomb, which became the general sepulchre of the kings of Judah, was pointed out in the latest times of the Jewish people. The edifice shown as such from the Crusades to the present day is on the southern hill of modern Jerusalem commonly called Mount Zion, under the so-called "Coenaculum;" but it cannot be identified with the tomb of David, which was emphatically within the walls.

1. David took from the Jebusites the fortress of Mount Zion. He "dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David" (1 Chronicles 11:7). This was the name afterwards given to the castle and royal palace on Mount Zion, as distinguished from Jerusalem generally (1 Kings 3:1; 8:1), It was on the south-west side of Jerusalem, opposite the temple mount, with which it was connected by a bridge over the Tyropoeon valley. (2) Bethlehem is called the "city of David" (Luke 2:4, 11), because it was David's birth-place and early home (1 Samuel 17:12).

[JERUSALEM]