Who is…
King David

Hebrew: דָּוִיד —transliteration: David —possible meaning: “beloved one,” assuming it was derived from דוד (DWD) which means “beloved”

David was the 8th and youngest son of Jesse, a citizen of Bethlehem of Judah. All we know about his personal appearance, is that he was considered handsome and had beautiful (or sparkling) eyes and either red hair—or a reddish brown complexion (1 Samuel 16:12; 17:42).

Shepherd

His early occupation was that of tending his father’s sheep on the uplands of Judah. From what we know of his later history, he likely played his shepherd’s flute frequently, while he absorbed many lessons from the various scenes spread around him.

His first recorded youthful exploits were his encounters with the wild beasts of the field. He mentions that he slew a lion and also a bear, when they came out against his flock, beating them to death with a club (1 Samuel 17:34-35).

• What and who is a shepherd?
• About SHEEP in the Bible
• shepherd—David’s early occupation
• slings and stones—weapon used by David
• lion and bear—killed by David

The Prophet Samuel’s visit

While David, in the freshness youth, was engaged with his flocks, God’s prophet Samuel paid an unexpected visit to Bethlehem, having been guided there 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, Samuel failed to discover the one he sought.

15 year old David was sent for, and the prophet immediately recognized him as the chosen of God, chosen to succeed King Saul, who was now departing from the ways of God, on the throne of the kingdom. In anticipation of David’s coming kinghood, Samuel poured on his head the anointing oil—signifying that David was chosen by God.

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).

David’ employment by King Saul

Not long after this, David was sent for to use his harp to soothe the troubled spirit of Saul, who suffered from a strange melancholy dejection or depression. He played before the king so skillfully that Saul was greatly cheered, and began to have great affection for the young shepherd.

After this David returned home to Bethlehem. But he soon came into prominence again.

David and Goliath

The armies of the Philistines and of Israel were in battle array in the Valley of Elah, some 16 miles southwest of Bethlehem; and David was sent by his father with provisions for his 3 brothers who were then fighting on the side of the king.

More information

• Who is Goliath?
• What is Gath? and what is its significance?
• slings and stones—weapon used by David

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. Compare Psalm 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. Compare Psalm 31.

While encamped there, in the forest in the district of Ziph, he was visited by prince Jonathan, who spoke words of encouragement to him (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 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 King 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 King Saul and Prince Jonathan might be preserved among them. “Behold, it is written in the book of Jasher”.

David, the King of 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 30 years of age when his true mission in life began.

David’s title to the throne was disputed, at first (as was Jesus’). 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—the Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel

See: 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3

The elders of Israel now went to Hebron and offered allegiance to David in the 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. Compare Psalm 24. Here it was placed in a new tent or tabernacle which David erected for the purpose.

About 70 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 era in the worship of God 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 into sexual immorality (adultery) and murder of a loyal and innocent man

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 another. He was guilty of murder. Uriah, whom he had foully wronged, an officer of the Gibborim, the corps of heros (23:8), 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 32nd and 51st 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).

A time of 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).

Dark days—God’s judgment on David and the people

So far, David’s career had mostly 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 the great and shameful crime of raping his sister (2 Samuel 13). This was the beginning of the disasters of his later years.

After 2 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, a disastrous 3 year famine fell upon the land (2 Samuel 21:1-14). Soon after, this was followed by an epidemic disease. Both of the calamities were brought upon the land as a God’s punishment for David’s sinful pride in numbering the people (2 Samuel 24). No fewer than 70,000 perished in the space of 3 days.

Rebellion of Prince 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 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.

David’s end

After the suppression of the rebellion of Absalom and that of Sheba, 10 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 favored 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 favor 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

David’s last words are a grand utterance, revealing his unfailing faith in God, and his joyful confidence in his gracious covenant promises.

“The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me;
his word is on my tongue.
The God of Israel has spoken;
the Rock of Israel has said to me:

When one rules justly over men,
ruling in the fear of God,
he dawns on them like the morning light,
like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.

For does not my house stand so with God?
For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and secure.
For will he not cause to prosper
all my help and my desire?

But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away,
for they cannot be taken with the hand;
but the man who touches them
arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear,
and they are utterly consumed with fire. —2 Samuel 23:2-7 ESV (KJV)

King David’s Tomb

After a reign of 40 years and 6 months, David died (1015 B.C.) at the age of 70 years, “and was buried in the City of David” (2 Samuel 5:5; 1 Chronicles 3:4). Of course, there are 2 places called “City of David”—one would assume burial was at the royal City of David one at Mount Zion in Jerusalem, but Bethlehem is not immediately ruled out. However, in later Scripture, Nehemiah confirms the City of David at Jerusalem as the correct location of the tombs of the House of David. In his description of the rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, he states,

…Nehemiah the son of Azbuk… made repairs as far as a point opposite the tombs of David, and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the mighty men. —Nehemiah 3:16 NASB

David’s supposed tomb on Mount Zion in the City of David is venerated by many (but not all) Jews to this day. Lacking a Jewish Temple, it has become “Israel’s primary religious site.” However, the authenticity of this tomb is very doubtful and so is the sarcophagus. We believe the real tomb was in the City of David, as the Bible states.

See: TOMBS of the Bible

Affects of losing King David

“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 33 years in Jerusalem and 7½ 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.” —John Cunningham Geikie, Hours with the Bible, or, the Scriptures in the Light of Modern Discovery and Knowledge, etc., iii

Parallels with the Messiah

David was clearly a type of the Messiah (1 Samuel 16:13)—he was a prophet of God and king.

• David was born in the humble town of Bethlehem.
• Jesus was born in the same town.
• Jesus was born 1,000 years after David was born.
• David was the chosen of God (1 Samuel 16).
• Jesus Christ was the “chosen” of God (Isaiah 42:1).
• David was anointed by God through His prophet.
• Jesus was anointed by God through His Holy Spirit which came down in the form of a dove, and stood on Christ’s head at His baptism.
• At the age of 30 years, David became the king of Judah beginning his service to God’s Chosen People.
• At the age of 30 years, Jesus Christ began his ministry, providing abundant miraculous and prophetic evidence that He was Judea’s regal Messiah.
• David’s rightful title to the throne was at first disputed.
• Jesus’ rightful title to the throne of Messiah was disputed.
• David reigned 33 years in Jerusalem and died there.
• Jesus lived 33 years and died in Jerusalem.

The Psalms of David

The book of Psalms commonly bears the title of the “Psalms of David,” because he was the largest contributor to the collection. He is named or clearly indicated as the author of the following 76 Psalms.

Also see: PSALMS

Lineage

Genealogy from Creation to David

From David to MARY, mother of Jesus

From David to Joseph, adoptive father of Jesus

David’s family

PARENTS of King David

• Jesse—David’s father
• Nitzevet bat Adael—She is not named in Scripture, but, according to the Jewish Talmud, she is David’s mother and the daughter of Adael (also not named in Scripture).

SIBLINGS of King David

1. Eliab—eldest brother
2. Abinadab—brother
3. Elihu (1 Chronicles 27:18—brother (or possibly this is another name for Eliab)
4. Shimea—brother
   He is also called Shimeah (2 Samuel 13:3), Shammah (1 Samuel 17:13), Shimei and Shimma (1 Chronicles 2:13).
5. Nathaneel (Nethanel)—brother
6. Raddai (1 Chronicles 2:14)
7. Ozem—brother
8. Abigail—sister
9. Zeruiah—sister

WIVES of King David

1. Michal—daughter of King Saul
2. Abigail—the Carmelitess
3. Ahinoam—the Jezreelitess
4. Abital
5. Bathsheba, also known as Bathshua—daughter of Ammiel
6. Eglah
7. Haggith
8. Maacah—daughter of Talmai

Does God approve of bigamy and polygamy? Answer

What does it mean to be “the husband of one wife?” Answer

SONS of King David

1. Amnon—eldest son (mother: Ahinoam)
2. Absalom
3. Adonijah
4. Chileab, also known as Daniel
5. Eliada
6. Eliphelet
7. Eliphelet
8. Elishama
9. Elishama
10. Ibhar
11. Ithream—by Eglah (1 Chronicles 3:5; 2 Chronicles 3:3)
12. Japhia
13. Jerimoth
14. Mephibosheth—son of Jonathan, adopted by David (2 Samuel 9:11). He was also known as Merib-baal.
15. Nathan—by Bathshua (Bathsheba)
16. Nepheg (1 Chronicles 3:7
17. Nogah (1 Chronicles 3:7
18. Shephatiah—by Abital
19. Shimea (1 Chronicles 3:5), also called Shammua (14:4)—by Bathshua (Bathsheba)
20. Shobab—by Bathshua (Bathsheba)
21. Solomon—by Bathshua (Bathsheba). He succeeded David and was chosen by God to build the Temple.

22. unnamed infant son by Bathshua (Bathsheba)

    As a divine punishment for David’s sins of adultery and murderous treachery, this son became sick and died at 7 days old. During the illness, David lamented and fasted in earnest prayer for his recovery (2 Samuel 12).

There were also various sons (not named in Scripture) conceived not by David’s wives, but by his concubines (I Chronicles 3:9).

DAUGHTERS

• Tamar—by Maachah

  Tamar was raped by her half-brother Amnon—David’s firstborn son.

• David’s other daughters are not numbered or named in Scripture.

List of Davidic kings

1. King David — son of Jesse
2. King Solomon — son of David and Bathsheba
3. King Rehoboam — son of Solomon and Naamah
4. King Abijaham (Abijah) — son of Rehoboam and Micaiah (Maacah)
5. King Asa — son of Abijam
6. Jehoshaphat — son of Asa and Azubah
7. King Jehoram — son of Jehoshaphat
8. King Ahaziah — son of Jehoram and Athaliah, daughter of evil Queen Jezebel and King Ahab
9. Qheen Mother Athaliah — daughter of evil Queen Jezebel and King Ahab
10. King Jehoash (Joash) — son of Ahaziah and Zibiah of Beersheba; grandson of Queen Mother Athaliah
11. King Amaziah — son of Jehoash and Jehoaddan of Jerusalem
12. King Uzziah — son of Amaziah and Jecoliah of Jerusalem
13. Jotham (regent) — son of Uzziah and Jerusha (Jerushah) daughter of Zadok
14. King Ahaz — son of Jotham
15. King Hezekiah — son of Ahaz and Abijah daughter of Zechariah
16. King Manasseh — son of Hezekiah and Hephzibah
17. King Amon — son of Manasseh and Meshullemeth
18. King Josiah — son of Amon and Jedidiah
19. King Jehoahaz — son of Josiah and Hamutal
20. King Jehoiakim (Eliakim) — son of Josiah and Zebidah
21. King Jehoiachin (Coniah; Jechoniah) — son of Jehoiakim and Nehushta (Nehusta)
22. King Zedekiah — son of Josiah and his consort Hamutal (Hamital)
23. Jesus Christ, the prophecied Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords

• Who are the Davidic kings?
• What is the line of lineage from David to Jesus Christ, through Joseph the adoptive father of Jesus?
• What is the line of lineage from David to Jesus Christ, through Mary?
• Who is King Jeconiah (aka Jechonias, Jehoiachin, Jekonjah, Coniah)?
• What is the Kingdom of Judah?
• What is the Tribe of Judah?
• What is Jerusalem?
• What are the exiles?
• Who is King Nebuchadnezzar?
• What is Babylon / Babel?
• What is the Kingdom of Babylon?
• What are tablets?
• What is cuneiform writing?
• What and who is the promised Messiah?
• Who is King Baasha whose throne was forever cut-off?

PLACES associated with David

• Bethlehem—town where David lived
• City of David
• Engedi—David fled there
• Gath—originally a Philistine city, David fled there, and later conquered it—making it a Judean city
• Hebron—once David’s royal residence
• Jerusalem
• Judah—his tribe
• Kingdom of Judah—David’s nation
• Kingdom of Israel—David’s nation
• Ziklag—David fled there
• What is ZION? Answer

Archaeological evidence of David

• Ancient Slingshots
• The Gath Ostracon
• What is Gath?
• Hebron (Tell Hebron / Tell Rumeide)
• Geshur (et-Tell)
• Large Stone Structure—King David’s Palace in Jerusalem
• Archaeology of Judahite fortified cities such as Khirbet Qieyafa and Tel 'Eton
• Archaeological evidence of the Davidic kings such as Solomon, Ahaziah, Uzziah, Ahaz, Jotham, Hezekiah, Manasseh, and Jehoiachin
• Seals in the Bible
• Who are the Davidic kings?
• David’s name found in numerous ancient inscriptions
• Stele of King Mesha of Moab (Moabite Stone)—describes events of 2 Kings 3 and mentions House of David
• Who is King Mesha?
• Tel Dan Stele (Stela) mentions mentions the “House of David” (his dynasty) and describes the victory of the King of Aram (likely Hazael) over the King of Israel, and his ally, the king of the “House of David” (9th century B.C.). “[I killed Jo]ram son of [Ahab] king of Israel, and [I] killed [Ahaz]iahu son of [Jehoram kin]g of the House of David.”
• What is Dan?

More information

• King David’s thankfulness to God
• Psalms—many were written by David
• flute—a musical instrument played by David
• harp—a musical instrument played by David
• King Saul—father-in-law of David and royal predecessor
• prophet Samuel—recognized David as chosen by God
• Goliath—enormous Philistine champion killed by David
• Jonathan—dearest friend and brother-in-law of David
• Prophet Nathan—confronted David
• Messiah—a royal descendant of David
• Kings of the Bible
• David and Goliath coloring page