King David of Israel

David was born between 1040-1030 BC, as the eighth and youngest son of the rich farmer, Jesse from the tribe of Judah, and his wife, Nitzevet (according to the Talmud). He lived the first part of his childhood as a shepherd in Bethlehem. A lot of his early writings were written about his faith in God. When he was between 10-12 years old, the prophet Samuel called him out of the field and anointed him as the future king of Israel, without the current king, Saul, knowing.

It was later when David first interacted with Saul, as the king wanted someone to play music for him, and had heard of David skill with the harp. The kings attendant summoned David from the

fields. Pleased with David’s music, King Saul kept him in his service as a musician. David would tend to his father’s sheep, but come to Saul when needed. At this time, Israel was at war with the Philistines.

In 1020 BC, likely at 15-17 years of age, the Philistines sent their champion warrior Goliath, to which no one was willing to fight. David volunteers, and kills Goliath with a single shot from his sling, as written in the seventeenth chapter of the historical document: 1 Samuel.

At about 25 years old, in 1010 BC, King Saul removes David from his court and makes him a commander in his army. His success as a warrior won him the hand of Michal, the young daughter of King Saul, and it was around the same time that David became closely acquainted with Saul’s son, Jonathan. The two men agreed on a covenant stating that Jonathan was to be second in command in David’s future reign, and David was to protect Jonathan’s family.

At Jonathan and Michal’s warning, David flees from Saul to Samuel at Ramah, in 1007 BC. Michal remains behind with Saul. An evil spirit caused Saul to pursue David, but he was stopped by the Spirit of God at Ramah. After conferring with Jonathan, in 1006 BC, David fled to Nob and is helped by the priest known as Ahimelech, who gives David the sword of Goliath. He then fled to Achish, king of the Philistine city of Gath. The king became suspicious as to whether this David was the same as the David future king. To protect himself, he pretends to be mad, and the king dismisses him.

In 1005 BC, David liberates Keilah from the Philistines, but later learns that its people will betray him to Saul, so he flees again. Jonathan visits David again at Ziph, before the Ziphites betray him. He hides from Saul in the Desert of Ziph. At En-Gedi, David finds Saul in a cave and cuts off the corner of his robe. When Saul leaves the cave, David appeals to him, explaining his intent not to harm him.

Soon after, David marries Ahinoam of Jezreel, the farmer Nabal dies, and David married his widowed wife. Polygamy was widely accepted throughout the world until the Roman Empire and the Roman Catholic Church imposed the rules of having just one wife. In David’s absence, Saul gave Michal to Paltiel in Gallim.

It wasn’t until 1004 BC, and David sparing his life a second time, that Saul stops his pursuit of David. And then, in 1000 BC, in a battle with the Philistines on Mt. Gilboa, three of Saul’s sons die and Saul, wounded, falls on his sword. Meanwhile, David, with the help of his allies, assumes control of Judah, and is anointed its king. While there, he marries Maacah, the daughter of the king of Geshur. He also marries Haggith, Abital, and Eglah, having sons and daughters by all, but Michal.

In 998 BC, Michal is returned to David, and the year after, he conquers Jerusalem. He rebuilds it and moves there from Hebron. When Ishbosheth, king of northern Israel, is murdered, David is publically anointed king over all of Israel, north and south. His total kingship lasts 40 years. In his time, David began building a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant, solidified his empire, and honored his pledge to Jonathan by finding and protecting his son, Mephibosheth.

In 980 BC, David slept with Bathsheba, falling prey to temptations. The next year, Solomon was born, becoming future heir to the throne. In 979 BC, David conquered Rabbah-Ammon. Amnon raped his half-sister (Tamar) the year after, causing Absalom to murder him, and for Absalom to be banished from the king’s presence, to Geshur. It was in 969 BC that Absalom was slain by Joab, against David’s wishes. David mourns his son’s death.

In 965 BC, David is almost killed in a battle against the Philistines, and three years later, his health begins to fail him. Solomon later became king, and in 961 BC, David died a natural death at around 70-75 years of age. David was buried in Jerusalem.

David’s parents were Jesse and Nitzevet, daughter of Adael. His known siblings included Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, Nethaneel, Raddai, Ozem (brothers), Zeruiah and Abigail (sisters). Another brother has been referenced in historical texts, but his name is unknown. This could be due to him dying before having children. David’s wives include Michal, Ahinoam of Jezreel, Abigail (Nabal’s widow), Maacah the Caananite, Haggith, Abital, Eglah and Bathsheba. King David’s sons include, Amnon, Daniel, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, Ithream, Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet. Tamar is the only daughter of David mentioned in any historical texts.