Old Testament
David
Shepherd, king, and psalmist
The shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king and wrote many of the Psalms.
The youngest son of Jesse, David was anointed by the prophet Samuel while still a boy. As a young man he faced the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, and won.
He served King Saul, was hunted by him, and in time became king of Israel himself. A gifted musician and poet, David wrote many of the Psalms. Scripture calls him a man after God's own heart, though his life also held serious failure and honest repentance.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”Psalm 23:1
Key moments
- Anointed by Samuel as a boy
- Defeats the giant Goliath
- Pursued by King Saul
- Becomes king of Israel
- Writes many of the Psalms
Read the story in 1 and 2 Samuel, Psalms.
Read on