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Kings & Prophets · Old Testament

David

Shepherd, Poet & Second King of Israel

Name meaning
Beloved
Name origin
Hebrew: דָּוִד (Dawid), commonly understood as “beloved”

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Shepherd
  • Musician
  • Warrior
  • King
  • Psalmist
Birthplace
Bethlehem
Modern-day location
Bethlehem, in the present-day West Bank.
Family
  • Son of Jesse
  • Younger brother of several sons of Jesse
  • Father of Solomon
First mention
1 Samuel 16:1–13
Last mention
1 Kings 2:10–12
Key artifacts
  • Shepherd’s sling
  • Lyre
  • Crown of Israel

Key verses

  • “for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

    1 Samuel 16:7

  • “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts.”

    1 Samuel 17:45

  • “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

    Psalm 51:10

Biography

Early Life

David was the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem. While tending sheep, he was chosen and anointed by Samuel to become Israel’s future king.

Defining Biblical Moments

David defeated Goliath with a sling and a stone, served in Saul’s court, and later united the tribes as king. He established Jerusalem as his capital and is traditionally associated with many of the Psalms. His story also includes grave moral failure, Nathan’s rebuke, and a return to God in repentance.

Strengths

David is portrayed as courageous, musically gifted, resourceful, and deeply expressive in worship and prayer.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His abuse of royal power in the account of Bathsheba and Uriah shows the harm caused by unchecked authority. The narrative emphasizes accountability, consequences, and the possibility of honest repentance.

Life Lessons for Today

Courage and faith can coexist with human failure; leadership requires accountability, and confession must be accompanied by facing the consequences of one’s actions.

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David appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #19 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

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