Premium Essay

King David

In: Religion Topics

Submitted By Bjay50
Words 2890
Pages 12
11/13/2015
King David
Introduction
King David is one of the most popular leaders of Israel in the Old Testament. Also, King David was a skillful warrior who killed Goliath the most feared fighter on the Philistine side. At the age of thirty David ruled the great nation of Israel for forty years between the years 1010 and 970 BC. King David revolutionized leadership, worship as well as the lifestyle of the Israelites. His wisdom was admirable, and it is disputed that he got it from reading various books in the Old Testament including 1st Samuel, 1st Kings and Chronicles (Wolpe, 2014). These books were written by the prophets that lived before him. King David was the last born to his family, and his father Jesse was from the tribe of Judah. Leadership was in his blood as he came from Ruth's lineage who was a Moabite. The Lord chose him to be king after he was anointed by Prophet Samuel. This paper gives a comprehensive evaluation of some of the key events in King David's life chronologically.
Background
King David's ascent to power was difficult as he faced major challenges for the first part of his life running away from King Saul. This being said, his faith in God was strong and saw him conquer all the difficulties he faced. His life struggles made him one of the most liked opeople in Israel way before he was chosen as king. When he was sixteen, he killed Goliath in the war against the Philistines. This made him popular with the masses as it was believed that it was his contribution that resulted in the victory against the Philistines (Martin, 1980). His fame was short-lived as King Saul became increasingly envious of the king and attempted to kill him on different occasions causing him to go exile. King David was in exile for close to fifteen years as he feared that King Saul would kill him if he went back to Israel. It is commonly thought that his rise

Similar Documents

Free Essay

King David

...King David Jose A. Martinez BUS452A Organizational Behavior, CCU Prof. Wallace January 27, 2015 David was a great leader, and furthermore was devout to God. God looked on David’s heart and chose him to be Saul’s successor as king of Israel, and prepared him to take the kingdom. David was very different from Saul. Saul might have looked like a king, but lacked the heart and lost God’s favor. David’s accomplishments were many, but his failures will bring consequences to him and the nation of Israel. Besides his failures, David’s example is one that we all should learn from and apply to our lives. David’s preparation and credibility David’s secret anointing, pouring oil on his head, stood for holiness. Even though he was anointed to be king, he had to wait, to learn and grow in his circumstances. “People want leaders who are honest, forward-looking, inspiring and competent” (Tubbs, 1943, p. 277). God started preparing David for his future responsibilities. “David did receive something even more valuable – God’s Spirit” (Arnold & Beyer p. 201). He was chosen by Saul to be his musician, got him to be close to the current king, and that gave him a better understanding of how to run a kingdom. David bursts onto the scene with integrity, faith, courage, tenderness, and uncommon valor. He is the poet-warrior who changed the landscape of a nation. Differences David was the ultimate Jewish leader. He was courageous and strong in war, as well as an intelligent...

Words: 838 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

King David

...King David- A Man After God’s Own Heart Wisconsin Lutheran College ADU-302 Servant Leadership 08/09/2012 Jason Flejter King David was an extremely influential person in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic doctrine and will always be considered a pillar in the foundation of all three cultures. King David was known for being “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). He has been portrayed as not only a righteous King, but as a shepherd, noble warrior and poet as well. He is accredited with many of the psalms in the Holy Bible and is best known for reuniting the people of Israel. Character Traits Displayed by David David was born the youngest child of Jesse, a descendant from the tribe of Judah. Being the youngest child, David grew up with little respect from his siblings. As a shepherd attending his family’s flock David learned to be brave and courageous. “When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine (1 Samuel 17: 34-37). It is with character trait by the blessing of God that David faced and defeated Goliath. While David is best known...

Words: 1175 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

David Hero King and Prophet

...Chris Newman Michael Ritter REL124 16 December 2012 David: Hero, King and Prophet There is no doubt that King David is one of the most outstanding biblical and historical figures, who also inspired artists of all epochs to make him a hero of their work. His role was special as the second King of Israel and as a human ancestor of Jesus Christ. Thus, one can state for sure that this personality is of great importance both for Judaism and Christianity and embodies devotion to God and the idea of authority blessed by God as well. Most of information on David can be found in the Books of Samuel and Ruth. Historically, David was one of eight sons of Jesse, who in his turn descended from Judas. In the Old Testament books, it is mentioned that he was handsome, physically strong, had red hair and was an outstanding musician. He started by helping his father to care about the herd and quite succeeds in doing so. Even at a young age, he demonstrates courage as a shepherd when a lion and bear attack the herd. He conquers in the battle with beasts, for which he gains his first glory. In fact, it should be mentioned, that being a shepherd is more than a narrative element which is mentioned in the Bible. In fact, this role of David is foreshadowing his future position of Israeli ruler. In the scriptures, a shepherd is often a positive idea that implies being in charge of people. Even God has been compared to a shepherd not once like for instance in the following passage: ‘Then he blessed...

Words: 3320 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

King David Research Paper

...The theme of protection and guidance is extremely prevalent throughout The Bible and provides a powerful message of self-sacrifice and accountability in the face of adversity. The way King David speaks to, and about GOD (Yahweh) provides insight as to how he was more intimate with him; as is a father with his child. King David states, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalms 23:1). He, GOD, provides for us and does not dissuade us from the gift of eternity, but welcomes us fully. Referencing the Book of Psalms, the underlying factor is King David taking accountability for his sins and ultimately repenting. King David states, “He restores my soul; he guides me in the path of righteousness, for his name’s sake” (Psalms 23:3). Ultimately this is a portrayal of King David at his lowest low, wallowing in sorrow; but pronouncing the great mercies of the LORD....

Words: 464 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Samuel Anoints David as King

...Samuel Anoints David as King 1 Now the Lord said to Samuel, “You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.” 1. Why was he morning? 2 But Samuel asked, “How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” “Take a heifer with you,” the Lord replied, “and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you which of his sons to anoint for me.” 1. God gives Samuel a plan a. Samuel was a afraid, (If Saul hears about it, he will kill me. b. God Lays out 4 So Samuel did as the Lord instructed. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town came trembling to meet him. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?” 1. 5 “Yes,” Samuel replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too. 6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. TheLord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lordlooks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to...

Words: 462 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

King Saul, David, and Solomon

...Essay 2: Saul, David, and Solomon Micheal Coffin September 18, 2015 1 Introduction This essay will examine the transition period in Israel, going from judges to kings. 1 We will look at the four questions asked here. These arise during the time of Samuel, the prophet, priest, and last of the judges in Israel. The four questions we must answer are: 1. Why did the people of Israel desire a king? 2. Why was Saul chosen, and, ultimately rejected? 3. What attribute did David display that made him a better king than Saul? 4. What sin did Solomon commit that ultimately led to the division of Israel after his death? 1. Why did the people of Israel desire a king? Under the reign of the judges, Israel had many troubled times. They had battles with the Philistines and even lost the ark of God (1Sam 4:10-11). To the Israelites, this meant disobedience to God and a total disconnect from God’s presence and the mosaic covenant.2 With all the confusion and turmoil in the land, the Israelites decided they should have a king “to judge us like all the nations” (1Sam 8:5). This action is contrary to the divine will for Israel and the result of the worldly desire of Israel to be like other peoples. 3 The basic difficulty is the nature of the kingship that the elders have in view. Kingships like that of the other nations would be dynastic, bureaucratic, tightly regulated, and thus in direct 1. Ed Hindson, Essence of the Old Testament: A Survey (Nashville, TN: B&H...

Words: 1357 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

King David in the Old Testment

...Character of David in Old Testament Journals 1. David as Reader: David’s Understanding and interpreting 2. David and God: Who is David? Summary of the Journals David is considered as a reader by the author of this journal because the journal evaluates understanding of people in relation to David’s character. The journal also evaluates the importance of David’s character as a reader and how the text is crucial in the investigation of David’s qualities in reading. The author also describes David as an image of a reader because the biblical stories illustrate this aspect in the book of Samuel. The journal describes David characters in the books of Samuel as literary texts because they evaluate their meaning hence raising criticisms. The author argues that David emphasis on the understanding rather than reading hence the reading is vital for people to understand the character of David as a reader. The journal discusses reading process and how people may adapt the character of David as a reader to overcome major biblical interpretation challenges that they encounter (Hugh). The journal identifies interpretation aspects of the character of David as a reader in order to analyze these roles effectively. David reaction involves execution of the Amalekites because he aims at establishing the truth, which is attained through reading. The journal also describes David as a reader because it evaluates interpretation of the text and other interpretations within the...

Words: 1458 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

King David

...Burrage, Jennifer Burrage 1 REL 211-01X: Position Paper 22 JAN 2014 Combination of religious & historical/critical There are many different approaches to the Old Testament. I believe that God is the author of the Old Testament through plenary verbal inspiration and by using people to write texts that are viewed to be sacred. I believe the Old Testament could be inspired by one’s personal testimonies or life experiences, which is passed down through oral tradition. As a child in Sunday school you are taught that the stories in the Bible are true, so one must believe that scriptures of a divine nature are without contradictions and discrepancies. In Genesis, it says, Long ago, before earth and all things in it, there was only God. I believe that God was the instigator of the process from the creation that led to other writings of the Old Testament. I believe that this is evidence that the Old Testament was written from the confessional/religious approach. I believe that God spiritually inspired people to write texts in the Old Testament. These people who wrote such sacred texts, God had been at work in their lives rather it be through a vision of God, a miracle performed by God, or a conversation with God. I believe that God spoke to their heart and showed them the way to write what was asked of them. Moses had a conversation...

Words: 463 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Henry David Thoreau And Martin Luther King Comparison

...“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality” (Desmond Tutu). Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King Jr. were two men who were very passionate in what they believed in. Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, and historian. He is well-known for his essay “Civil Disobedience”, where he expresses the need for more people to be individuals and think and act on what they believe in. Martin Luther King Jr. was an activist in the civil rights movement. King was known for his writing, “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” where he, similar...

Words: 1922 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

During the Time of Samuel, Why Did the People of Israel Desire a King? Why Was Saul Chosen, and, Ultimately, Why Was He Rejected? What Attribute Did David Display That Made Him a Better King Than Saul? What Sin Did

...And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:5) This was saying that as long as the Israelites had Gods as their king and followed His commands then they would prosper. That is why, during the time of Samuel, God was angered when the people wanted a king on earth; God knew none of the kings chosen would guide the Israelites as they should be and would eventually bring on destruction. Throughout Israel’s history God had provided for them, such as when He provided mana for them to eat while they wandered through the desert. Time and time again the Israelites had chosen to go their own way instead of following the orders God gave. This cycle occurred again during the time of Samuel. During this time the people said, “Give us a king to judge us.” (Samuel 8:6) Even after Samuel had advised the people against having a king appointed, they decided that their way ultimately better than God’s way. God did not fight them, even though He knew the destruction that it would bring, instead He did what they asked. God had a plan for Israel, but the people had decided that God’s way was not efficient enough and that they knew how to govern themselves more efficiently. Saul was everything the Israelites could have wanted in a king; he was tall, good looking, and would triumph in many battles. When Saul first became king he followed God’s...

Words: 989 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

He Becomes Deeply Famous

...novels and short stories written by Brady Udall. Brady Udall type of writing is known or described as to be of fiction and literature. During his writing career Brady Udall was awarded the Spur Award for the best novelist in the west, in the year of 2002. From the years of 2010 through 2013 he was appointed residence of Idaho University. New York Times honored Mr. Udall with the best seller for his novel “The lonely Polygamist” and “Letting Loose the Hounds ” The generation of the Udall family began with Mr. David King Udall, born in St. Louis, Missouri, which is the great great great grandfather of Brady Udall. Mr. David king Udall parents were both Mormon, converted from England. Both of David King Udall parents arrived in the United States in the year of 1851. Once into the United States they settled and made Nephi, Utah their home. As David King Udall grew into adulthood he married Eliza Stewart and relocated to Kanab, Utah. After settling into Kanab, Utah David King...

Words: 1833 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

King David Case Study

...David is a man who was born with physical disabilities and because of that, he grew up with a personal debate on whether people actually appreciated his intelligence, or acknowledged him due to pity. He spent the first three to five years of his life without the ability to walk and was kept under postoperative care during that period of time. As a highly respected student, David was puzzled about whether his academic performances or his disability were recognized. Thus, only trusting acknowledgment when it came from his parents. Furthermore, he began to realize that he needed to confront his dad about simple tasks such as dressing him up. He wanted to do things independently without his disability sparking any pity. Ultimately, he wanted to...

Words: 327 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

David: a Man After God's Own Heart

...| Caleb Johnson | Old Testament Personality – David: A Man after God’s Own Heart | CSBS 1311-08 Old Testament StudyDr. Paul StriplingUniversity of Mary Hardin-Baylor | | Every sense the creation of the world, God has called specific men and women to lead and rule over land and people. For centuries people have been intrigued and captivated by the stories of powerful leaders throughout the history of the world. Powerful leaders such as The Great Pharaohs of Egypt and Chinese emperor Qín Shǐ Huáng continue to capture our attention. Even mystical stories or legends about great kings, such as the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, still have an incredibly firm grasp on our curiosity. One of the most popular and powerful kings ruled over 3,000 years ago. The story of the great ruler of Israel, King David, has continuously been a measuring stick by which leaders are measured and compared to. King David’s impact was not only present during his time period but is still evident now, in our very lives. What about David makes his life so interesting? What made him such a great leader that people still study his life in order to learn more about affective leadership? These are just a couple of the questions people ask to try to understand the cause of the impact that King David made then, and is still making today. One of the very important aspects of King David, that is typically overlooked, is that of his Spiritual gift. Spiritual gifts...

Words: 2573 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Religion

...Jothams fable, trees try to decude who will be king, the olive, fid and grape vine decline as they will have good work to do, only the bramble wants to be the king, purseus it with force. Jephthah For Gilead, operates in the Transjordan against the Ammonites- contract that if successful then we will be made a ruler After success in battle to, promises to sacrifice first person to come out of house- clearly implies human sacrifice- ends up sacrificing daughter (study of heroic faith) Samson Birth announced by angel, set aside as nazirite, thus no wine, strong drink, never cut hair, purity YHWHspirit of the lord is simply strength, martial zeal; there is no concern for national unity, covenant exodus tradition Last four chapters 17-21> in those days there was no king, slowly building the case for a king Two major concerns- first the reolocation of the tribe of dan, the second Is the conflict between tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel Stories include episodes of grisly murder and profanity, to demonstrate without intervention of YHWH, there can only be chaos- the time for the king has come. CH11 First Samuel In Hebrew, the two books of Samuel were grouped together, only in Greek and Latin translations are they separate, the Greek preserves older version of Text, the old version in Hebrew is now lost 1 Samuel covers the transition from Judges to the monarchy, the rise of David after the brief and traffic reign of Saul; the prophet Samuel mediates the story Tension...

Words: 1009 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Theology 104

...book of Genesis was Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Abraham was considered to be the “Father of Faith and Nations.” Isaac was Abraham and Sarah’s second son and the promise seed from God. Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twelve tribes of Israel came from his loins. Joseph was Jacob’s and Rachel’s first son and he was considered the favored son of all his brothers and was given the coat of many colors. The book of Genesis, should be studied by everyone that desires to learn about history and the beginning of all mankind. Person: King David The birth of David took place in the town of Bethlehem on 1040 BC and he died on 970 BC in Israel. David's parents were Jesse and Nitzevet. As a child, David was a shepherd boy and he loved to watch and care for the sheep. One of David's most memorable moments was when, he killed and lion and a bear in his youth, due to the lion and the bear, attacking the sheep he watched. David was a skilled warrior and became...

Words: 846 - Pages: 4