King David Research Paper

As we examine the heroes of the faith outlined for us in the Old Testament, we would be hard pressed to find a more faithful man that King David. After the death of King Saul, David became the King of the Hebrew people. David, who was meek and pious, steadfastly believed in the true God and tried to do His will. He had endured much persecution from Saul and other enemies but did not become bitter, did not lift his hand against Saul, as he was the Lord’s anointed, but placed all his hope in God, and the Lord delivered him from all his enemies.

In 2 Samuel the narrative shifts to the reign of David as he rises above Saul’s son Ish-bosheth to become the king, first of Judah and then of all the tribes of Israel (5:1–4). The book records David’s wars of conquest including the capture of Jerusalem and the relocation of the ark of the covenant to the City of David (6:1–19). But the author also records David’s failures: his adultery with Bathsheba (11:1–26), Absalom’s rebellion (15:1–18:30), Sheba’s revolt (20:1–26), and the disastrous census (24:1–25). Like all the prophetic writers, the author presents a portrait of his historical figures from the perspective of their faithfulness to God’s covenant.

From that day on David showed his loyalty to God, by speaking victory into existence. For example, before David battled Goliath, he consulted how the Lord will help him have the strength to kill the mighty giant, and let it be known that there is a God among them. The end results were David being triumphant over Goliath. People saw him differently, no longer a shepherd boy but a warrior, and a future king of Israel.

David from his appearance and had little belief in him to do anything about the situation with

As future king and the hero who slew Goliath, David’s life had star quality. Like public figures today, there was interest in his life. News today spreads faster, but the news about the famous always discovered by the people.

Saul was the ideal king the Israelites desired. David was the king Israel needed. David was not tall or handsome but he was a man of God. When David defeated Goliath, not only did he fully trust God, David gave all the glory of his victory to God. David possessed the vital attribute that Saul never had, obedience to God. David trusted in God’s timing and plan. Despite David having the opportunity to kill Saul and reign over Israel , David continued to follow God's commands. In 1 Samuel 24:19-20 Saul said to David after spearing his life, “ When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands (NIV).” Unlike Saul David was obedient to God. God rewarded David for his obedience by anointing him King and later

According to the New Living Translation (1996) King David lived halfway between the lives of Abraham and Jesus, in addition to becoming one of the most important leaders for Israel and "a man after God's own heart" ( 1 Samuel 13:14). David's place of birth was Bethlehem, City of David Jerusalem where he grew up as a shepherd, but he is better known for his youthful triumph over Goliath, as well as being a poet, musician, soldier, and a king (Holy Bible, NLT, 1996). King David died at the age of seventy after ruling for forty years.

King David had sworn to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, that her son would be king following him. Solomon was a wise man. When the Lord came to Solomon and allowed him to ask whatever he wanted Solomon asked for more wisdom. “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10). Solomon ruled with greatness and that was evident in the cities he built, the number of followers he had. Another sign of his greatness was the fact that the queen of Sheba ventured to Jerusalem just so she could lean at his feet and gained wisdom.

God.” Jonathan celebrates what he still has rather than regretting what he has lost. For example, he gives thanks for the lives of his wife and three living children, instead of sadness for the son he buried.

1 When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beer-sheba. 3 Yet his sons did not follow in his ways, but turned aside after gain; they took bribes and perverted justice. 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, “You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to govern us.” Samuel prayed to the Lord,

Goliath laughs at the size of David while David is confident with God by his side. David then uses his sling-shot to launch a stone at Goliath’s head which knocks him down on his face. The giant fell allowing David to take his sword and behead Goliath with it. David took advantage of Goliaths mistakes. He underestimated David’s ability and failed to move out of the way of the rock. If you are prepared for all obstacles and keep an open mind you are more likely to come out victorious. David’s own intellect and knowledge of his own abilities made Goliath the smaller, but stronger opponent.

fully equipped with good armor and was prepared to fight the Israelites. Goliath was a part of the

The nation of Israel was set apart as holy to the LORD. But they When the children of Israel demanded a king, they did so to be like the other nations. The first three kings were Saul, (outwardly tall, handsome and strong—a seemingly good choice for a king, but inwardly arrogant, proud and unrepentant—not God’s choice), David (a man after God’s own heart who repented of his sins and as such was God’s choice), and Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived, but because of covenant disobedience became the catalyst for the division and ultimate exile of Israel.

The ultimate goal here is to challenge the writer find a definitive reason for the downfall of King David who is said to be a man after God’s own heart.

David, on the other hand, is depicted as a character that is lacking brute strength and weaponry. We are told through the voice of Goliath that he is “only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance” (1 Samuel 17: 42). It is evident that David is meant to appear as an average kid with no exceedingly superior or spectacular qualities. This simple portrayal of David is significant because it sets in motion the development of realistic empathy from the implied reader towards David. It is important for the implied reader to feel empathetic towards David because even though David kills Goliath in the end, we are meant to view him as a hero, not a murder. Building a connection between the implied reader and David makes this possible.