Bible character overview - David
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Time to read 7 min
Introduction:
Welcome to an insightful character overview of David. Here you'll learn about who David was, what he did, and his strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of David to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.
Who was David from the Bible?
Key facts
- When: roughly around 1000 B.C
- Where: Bethlehem
- Name meaning: 'Beloved'
Glimpse: David came from nothing and God elevated him to the king of Israel. His life is full of ups and downs but his love of God brings him through even the worst of situations. David was skilled even from a young age and God used these talents to not only bring victory but also to bring glory to the God of Israel.
1 Samuel 13:14 says 'The Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart'.
Anointed by Samuel
David was the eighth son of Jesse and worked as a shepherd boy. Described in 1 Samuel 16 as "glowing with health and having a fine appearance and handsome features," David was chosen by God to be the next king of Israel after Saul had been rejected.
God instructed the prophet Samuel to go to Jesse in Bethlehem and anoint one of his sons as king. Despite being the youngest and least expected, David was chosen over his older brothers. Samuel anointed David, and from that moment, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him.
At this time, the Spirit of the Lord had departed from King Saul, leaving him troubled and tormented. Saul sought relief and requested someone skilled in music to soothe him. David, known for his musical talent, was brought to the court. Whenever David played the lyre, it provided Saul with relief from his tormenting spirits.
Questions
→ What gift/talent do you believe God has given you?
→ Do you think music is powerful? Why do you think music has such an influence on people?
"Whenever God’s spirit came to Saul, David took the lyre and strummed a tune. Saul got relief from his terror and felt better, and the evil spirit left him."
The giant
The Philistines and Israelites were at war, with each army positioned on opposite hills and a valley between them. Among the Philistines was a giant named Goliath, estimated to be nearly 10 feet tall. Goliath issued a challenge to the Israelites, saying:
“Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us. This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.”
The Israelites were terrified, and no one was willing to confront the giant.
One day, Jesse sent his youngest son David to the battlefield to bring food and supplies to his brothers and offer them encouragement. While there, David heard Goliath's defiant challenge and began discussing it with those around him, expressing his desire to fight the giant. Word of David's boldness reached King Saul, who summoned him.
David assured Saul that he was willing to fight Goliath, recounting his past experiences of defeating lions and bears with God’s help. Saul agreed to let David fight, and David prepared for battle with just his staff, five smooth stones, and his sling.
Questions
→ How had God prepared David leading up to his encounter with Goliath?
→ Do you have any 'giants' in your life that you either want to overcome or have overcome?
"Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.''
David vs Goliath
When Goliath saw David approaching, he was contemptuous and exclaimed:
“Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” The Philistine cursed David by his gods, adding, “Come here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!”
David, undeterred, responded:
“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”
As Goliath moved forward to fight, David slung a stone with precision, striking the giant in the forehead. Goliath fell, and David then took the Philistine’s sword and cut off his head.
David's victory over Goliath propelled him to great success on the battlefield, which made King Saul increasingly fearful of him. Saul’s jealousy led him to attempt to kill David. Consequently, David fled and sought refuge with the prophet Samuel in Ramah. Saul continued to pursue David relentlessly. Throughout this time, David not only remained victorious in battles against his enemies but also evaded Saul’s forces.
Questions
→ In what way does the battle against Goliath inspire you?
→ Why do you think David was able to overcome Goliath?
“David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem; he put the Philistine’s weapons in his own tent.”
The might of David in battle
Eventually, Saul died in battle, and David was anointed king of Judah. This marked the beginning of a conflict between David and the house of Saul. After some time, David became the king of all Israel at the age of 30. As king, David achieved significant victories, including the conquest of the Philistines and Moabites.
A notable event in David's life is his encounter with Bathsheba, which you can read about in the related blog titled "Bible Character Overview: Bathsheba.".
Later, David's son Absalom conspired against him. Absalom's rebellion gained considerable support, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. Despite this, David managed to rally his troops and eventually defeated Absalom in battle, leading to Absalom’s death. David returned to Jerusalem, restored his leadership, and regained the support of the people.
In his later years, as he grew old and weary, David appointed his son Solomon as his successor. David died in the city of David, leaving behind a legacy of a united and powerful Israel.
Questions
→ In what ways do you relate to David?
→ What things can you apply to your life from the story of David?
“As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
Strengths:
- Mighty: David was mighty even from a young boy. As he grew, he grew into a great warrior
- After God's own heart: David knew to run to God every time he made a mistake. He led Israel in the Spirit of God and
- Poetry: David provided us with many of the Psalms. These God-inspired poems have allowed us to see more of the heart of God and of who He is
Weaknesses:
- Temptation: David gave into temptation which led to many disasters in his life including the murder of Uriah and the death of his baby
- Pride: Pride also crept into David's heart as his army grew bigger and he became mightier
Conclusion
David was anointed by God to become the greatest king of Israel and lead a nation to victory. David grew in stature and leadership and despite his human nature causing him to fall at times, he pleased God and was greatly used.
''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''
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