Bible Character Explorer
United Monarchy • c. 1040 to 970 BC
David
Man After God's HeartThe shepherd king whose throne God promised would endure forever
"I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will."
Acts 13:22 (KJV)
Overview
David is the most fully drawn character in the Old Testament. His story spans the books of 1 Samuel through 1 Kings, with extensive commentary in 1 Chronicles, the Psalms, and the prophets. He is a warrior, a poet, a worshipper, an adulterer, a murderer, and a repentant man who never abandoned the Lord even in the depths of failure. He established Jerusalem as the capital, organized the national worship of Israel, and received the great covenant promise that his throne would endure forever through his offspring.
Gospel Connection
Matthew opens the New Testament by calling Jesus 'the son of David, the son of Abraham.' This is not incidental. It is a declaration that Jesus is the one in whom both covenants find their fulfillment. The blind men who cried 'Son of David, have mercy on us' understood something essential: the son of David would be a deliverer and a healer. Jesus's entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was greeted with 'Hosanna to the Son of David,' the crowd recognizing the covenant category he inhabited. Revelation 22:16 records Jesus himself saying, 'I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.' The shepherd boy from Bethlehem pointed forward to the Good Shepherd who would lay down his life for his sheep.
Discover More
See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.