A shepherd chosen by God
David was the youngest son of Jesse from Bethlehem. When Saul, Israel's first king, stopped following God, the prophet Samuel came to Jesse's family to anoint a future king. David was out caring for sheep, an unlikely candidate in human eyes. But God told Samuel that he looks beyond appearance and sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Samuel anointed David, though David did not become king immediately (1 Samuel 16:13). He served Saul and later fled when Saul became jealous. Even when David had a chance to kill Saul, he would not seize the throne by violence, because he still recognised Saul's position as king (1 Samuel 24:6). Eventually, the tribes of Israel made David their king (2 Samuel 5:3).
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
The young man who faced Goliath
David is especially remembered for facing Goliath, the Philistine warrior who terrified Israel's army. David had arrived at the camp with food for his brothers, but he was troubled that Goliath was openly defying Israel's God (1 Samuel 17:23).
David refused Saul's armour and went out with a sling and stones. He told Goliath that he came in the name of the Lord, not trusting in weapons or physical strength (1 Samuel 17:45). David also said that the outcome of the fight was in God's hands, not merely the work of a soldier (1 Samuel 17:47). His victory made him well known, but the story points beyond courage. God can work through people others dismiss.
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
King, songwriter and sinner
As king, David captured Jerusalem and made it the centre of his rule (2 Samuel 5:7). He was also a musician and poet. The Bible describes him as Israel's sweet singer, and many psalms carry his name (2 Samuel 23:1). His prayers give voice to joy, fear, grief, gratitude and trust. They are strikingly honest.
Still, David was not a spotless hero. He committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:4). He then arranged for her husband, Uriah, to be put in the most dangerous fighting and abandoned there by the other soldiers (2 Samuel 11:14-15). Uriah died as a result (2 Samuel 11:17).
When the prophet Nathan exposed David's sin, David admitted that he had sinned against God (2 Samuel 12:13). Psalm 51 reflects his plea for a clean heart and a renewed spirit (Psalm 51:10). His repentance does not lessen the harm he caused. It does show that returning to God begins with honest confession rather than excuses.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Why David matters
God promised David that a descendant from his family line would establish an enduring kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The promise gave Israel hope long after David's death. Christians understand it as ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
Matthew introduces Jesus as the son of David, placing him within David's royal family line (Matthew 1:1). Acts also says that David was a man after God's own heart, meaning he was called to carry out God's purposes, not that he never failed (Acts 13:22).
David's life contains courage, leadership, worship, failure and repentance. That makes his story both challenging and hopeful. To know him better, read 1 Samuel 16 and 17, then follow his reign through 2 Samuel and his prayers in the Psalms.