David

David was the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem. While Saul was king, God sent Samuel to Jesse's household to anoint the future king. David was chosen despite his youth and initially continued tending sheep. He later entered Saul's service and became famous after defeating the Philistine champion Goliath with a sling and stone. David's military success won public admiration but provoked Saul's jealousy. Saul repeatedly tried to kill him, forcing David into years as a fugitive. Although David had opportunities to kill Saul, he refused to seize the throne by violence against the Lord's anointed. After Saul's death, David first became king over Judah at Hebron and later over all Israel. He captured Jerusalem and made it his political and religious center, bringing the ark of the covenant into the city. God then made a covenant with David, promising an enduring royal dynasty. David expanded Israel's power and defeated surrounding enemies, but his reign was marred by grave personal sin. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband Uriah to die in battle. Confronted by the prophet Nathan, David confessed his sin. Forgiveness followed, but so did painful consequences within his family. His later years were troubled by violence among his children and the rebellion of his son Absalom. Near the end of his reign, David made preparations for the temple that his son Solomon would build and ensured Solomon's succession. David is strongly associated with the Psalms, many of which bear his name. His life combines courageous faith, worship, leadership, serious moral failure, repentance, and dependence upon God's mercy.