Today, we celebrate King David, the shepherd boy turned king of Israel, prophet, and poet, born in Bethlehem around 1040 B.C. He ruled from approximately 1000 to 962 B.C. David was the son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah. Initially a shepherd in Bethlehem, he became known for his skill in playing the harp, which led him to serve at the court of King Saul as his armor-bearer.
Anointed by the prophet Samuel as king during Saul’s lifetime, David did not openly rebel against Saul, respecting him as the rightful king until his death. David distinguished himself in numerous battles against the Philistines, most famously defeating the giant Goliath, which earned him Saul’s daughter in marriage and widespread favor among the Israelites but also Saul’s jealousy and enmity. After fleeing to Philistine territory, David assumed the kingship of Judah following the deaths of Saul and Jonathan in battle, and later, after defeating Ishbaal, Saul’s son, he became king of all Israel.
Under David’s reign, Israel expanded significantly through victories over the Philistines and other neighboring tribes like the Ammonites, Edomites, Moabites, and Syrians. Late in his life, he quelled a rebellion led by his own son, Absalom. David is also credited with authorship of many of the Psalms, which reflect his depth of spiritual insight and poetic expression.
In Christian belief, David is significant as an ancestor of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is called “the son of David” (Matthew 1:1). Furthermore, Revelation describes Jesus as “the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16).
King David passed away in Jerusalem around 962 B.C. and was buried on Mount Zion. He is the patron saint of miners, musicians, poets, and singers, embodying both human frailty and divine favor. His life teaches us about humility, repentance, and the enduring promise of God’s mercy.
