The Story of David
The story of David is actually one of the most popular stories that is in the Bible. Many films and biographies have been made on this story because of its meaning and uniqueness. David, according to the Hebrew Bible/New Testament, was the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel. He was born in Bethlehem, the same place where it is claimed Jesus Christ was born. His mother is unnamed but his father’s name was Jesse. David had eight brothers and was the youngest of them all. What is told in the bible is that Yahweh (God) was tired of King Saul’s rule of Israel. So, he sends the prophet Samuel to find a new king for his people from the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. The prophet went through all of the oldest seven sons and immediately rejected them. Then, he comes upon David and says “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.”
God then sends an evil spirit to torment Saul. Saul’s attendants suggest that they send for Saul and Saul makes David one of his armor-bearers. The evil spirit would seem to go away whenever David played his harp so David was in much service to him. Later on, the famous battle went down, David vs. Goliath. While David is bringing food to his older brothers who is with the king, he hears Goliath calling for their greatest champion. David accepts the challenge. David defeats Goliath with a stone from his sling and cuts off his head. He returns to Saul and when he asks who the hero is, David replies: “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.” (1 Samuel 17) Saul makes David commander over his armies and offers him his daughter in marriage. His popularity grew, making Saul jealous, and seeking his death. David then flees into the wilderness. David gathers a group of followers in the wilderness and becomes a champion of the oppressed.
Saul and Jonathan (Saul’s oldest son) were killed in battle with the Philistines. David mourns their death and is anointed king over Judah. This story really goes to show you that anything is possible.
