DAVID

David was the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem. He tended sheep for his father when he was very young.


He was an accomplished harpist. King Saul often called him to play when he was troubled or worried.

As a young man David volunteered to meet the challenge of their enemy, the Philistines, and take on Goliath, the giant. He slew him with a stone from his sling and the Philistine army fled in fear.

He was made commander of part of Saul's army and defeated all he faced. He was given Saul's daughter, Michal, in marriage. David became so popular that Saul grew to fear him and ordered that he be killed. David, being warned of Saul's intentions, fled into the wilderness.


Saul and one of his sons were killed in battle. David was made king of Judah and another of Saul's sons was named king of the tribes of Israel. A war ensued between the two and Saul's son was killed. David united all of the kingdom and became King of all of Israel.


As king, David conquered the people of Jerusalem and made it his capital city. From there, David's armies conquered all the lands around him and all that challenged him.



As with all men, David had his faults. He had at least eight wives. He had children by many other women. He laid down with the wives of many of those that he defeated in battle.


David is honored as a prophet by Christian, Jew and Muslim alike. He has been immortalized by Rembrandt, Michelangelo and hundreds of others.

Jesus of Nazareth, was born of the House of David. It was this lineage that brought His mother and father to Bethlehem for His birth.

The most tangible artifacts that we have of David, and will have forever, are his psalms. These 150 or so verses are a great gift to the human race. Psalms are little songs made to be accompanied by harp. They are a treasure.

If you are ever pensive, worried or lacking in hope, find a Bible and turn to the Book of Psalms. Psalm 23, The Lord is My Shepherd or Psalm 51, Have Mercy on Me Oh God would be a good place to start.