David

Definition and Meaning

David was the second king of ancient Israel in the Old Testament. He was the youngest son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite of the tribe of Judah. His name is commonly interpreted to mean "beloved." The New Testament describes him as "a man after mine own heart" (Acts 13:22).

Biblical and Historical Background

David's life is recorded chiefly in 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, the opening chapters of 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles.

• While still a shepherd, he was anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16). Anointing was the act of pouring oil on a person's head as a sign of installing him as king. He later struck down the Philistine champion Goliath with a sling and stone (1 Samuel 17).
• After a period of being pursued by King Saul, he became king of Judah at Hebron. He later became king over all Israel and made Jerusalem his capital (2 Samuel 5).
• Through the prophet Nathan, God promised that David's throne would endure forever (2 Samuel 7). This promise is commonly called the "Davidic covenant."
• After David committed adultery with Bathsheba and brought about the death of her husband, Uriah, he was rebuked by Nathan and repented. Psalm 51 is traditionally regarded as his confession from this time. He also endured the rebellion of his son Absalom, and he was succeeded on the throne by Solomon.

In the Hebrew text, 73 of the Psalms bear the superscription "A Psalm of David." The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as "the son of David" (Matthew 1:1). Historians generally date David's time to around the tenth century BC.

Practice in Korean Churches

• Education and preaching: "David and Goliath" is one of the best-known stories in Sunday school and vacation Bible school. In sermons, it is frequently cited as an example of overcoming hardship through faith.
• Funerals and comfort: Psalm 23, "The LORD is my shepherd," is widely read at funeral services.
• Praise and worship: David danced and praised God before the ark (2 Samuel 6). Because of this scene, he is regarded as a model worshiper, and his name is often used for worship teams and worship ministries.
• Interpretation of the Davidic covenant: Presbyterian and Reformed churches that follow covenant theology tend to view this promise as fulfilled in the reign of Christ. Churches influenced by dispensationalism may instead expect it to be literally restored during the millennial kingdom.
• "The tabernacle of David": Some in the Pentecostal and charismatic movements interpret "the tabernacle of David" in Amos 9:11 and Acts 15:16 as the restoration of unceasing praise and worship. Others hold that, in the context of the passage, it refers to the inclusion of the Gentiles among the people of God.