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People of the Bible
Who Was King David?
In short
David began as a shepherd boy who defeated the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone. He became the second king of Israel and is called 'a man after God's own heart.'
David wrote many of the Psalms, the prayers and songs at the center of the Bible. Though he sinned deeply, his repentance and faith made him a model of a heart turned back to God.
“And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”
Acts 13:22 · King James Version (public domain)
King David at a glance
| Name | King David |
|---|---|
| Where to read about them | 1 & 2 Samuel, Psalms |
| Key passage on this page | Acts 13:22 |
| Passages linked to that verse | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Scripture explains Scripture. These passages are linked to this one most often by readers.
- 1 Samuel 13:13-14
- 1 Kings 15:5
- Psalms 78:70-72
- 1 Samuel 16:13
- 1 Samuel 16:1
- 1 Samuel 15:26
- Ezekiel 37:24-25
- 1 Samuel 15:28
- Psalms 89:19-37
- Hosea 13:10-11
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where can I read about King David in the Bible?
King David appears in 1 & 2 Samuel, Psalms. Start with the key passage on this page, then read the whole chapter around it.
What other passages sit beside Acts 13:22?
Readers most often set it next to 1 Samuel 13:13-14, 1 Kings 15:5, Psalms 78:70-72, 1 Samuel 16:13.
Why does King David matter to Christians today?
Because the story of King David is told to point to Christ and to teach us to love one another. Read it as part of the one story of Scripture, not as a stand-alone biography.
Pray this
Lord Christ, you love the people of King David more than we can. We bring you King David, 1 & 2 Samuel, Psalms. Make us people who love one another there. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Where to begin this week.
- Read the key passage, Acts 13:22, aloud once today.
- Write one sentence about what King David's story says about God, not only about King David.
- Tell one person what you noticed, and ask what Bible story has stayed with them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Christ meets people in a place, and then walks on with them. Here are doors that walk on.
Read the story of King David
You can read the story of King David in 1 & 2 Samuel, Psalms on The Living Bread, free, with audio, and with Simon to answer your questions along the way.
