David Facts & Worksheets

King David is a prominent figure in biblical history and is considered one of the most important figures in Judaism. He is best known as the second king of Israel and the ancestor of Jesus Christ, according to Christian tradition.

See the fact file below for more information on David, or you can download our 28-page David worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE

• The early life of King David is primarily described in the biblical account found in the First Book of Samuel. According to the narrative, David was born in Bethlehem, a town in the region of Judah, around the 11th century BCE.
• David was the youngest son of Jesse, a farmer, and shepherd. He had several older brothers. As a young boy, David worked as a shepherd, tending to his father’s sheep in the fields. 
• This occupation played a significant role in shaping his character and skills.
• One of the most well-known events from David’s early life is his encounter with the Philistine giant named Goliath. 
• The Philistines were enemies of Israel, and Goliath challenged the Israelite army to send out a champion to fight him in single combat. David, who was still a young shepherd at the time, volunteered to face Goliath.
• He defeated the giant by using his slingshot and a well-aimed stone, which struck Goliath in the forehead, killing him. This victory propelled David into prominence and gained him recognition among the people of Israel.
• David’s musical abilities also played a role in his early life. According to the biblical account, he played the lyre skillfully, and his music was said to have a calming effect on King Saul, who was plagued by distressing spirits. David was brought into Saul’s service as a musician and became one of his armor-bearers.
• During this period, David’s reputation continued to grow as he displayed bravery and leadership skills. He was involved in various military campaigns against the enemies of Israel and achieved several victories. 
• His popularity among the people increased, which led to feelings of jealousy and insecurity in King Saul.
• The early life of King David is marked by his humble beginnings as a shepherd, his victory over Goliath, and his rise in prominence as a musician and warrior. These experiences laid the foundation for his later role as the king of Israel and shaped his character as a man of courage and faith.

BECOMING KING DAVID

• When King Saul failed to obey God’s commandments, the prophet Samuel was sent by God to anoint a new king. 
• Samuel visited the household of Jesse, and under divine guidance, he anointed David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel. This anointing symbolized God’s selection of David as Saul’s successor.
• David’s military successes and his popularity among the people drew the attention of Saul. 
• However, as David’s fame grew, Saul’s jealousy and fear increased. Saul even attempted to kill David on multiple occasions, leading David to flee and live as a fugitive.
• During his time as a fugitive, David gathered a group of loyal supporters who became known as “David’s mighty men.” These warriors, who were dissatisfied with Saul’s rule, joined David in his exile and formed the core of his future army.
• On two occasions, David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but he chose not to harm him because Saul was still the anointed king of Israel. David respected the anointing of God and spared Saul’s life, demonstrating his loyalty and integrity.
• Eventually, Saul and his son Jonathan died in a battle against the Philistines. With the death of Saul, the way was open for David to ascend to the throne.
• After Saul’s death, David was anointed as the king of the tribe of Judah. 
• He established his capital in Hebron and reigned there for seven and a half years. 
• Eventually, the other tribes of Israel recognized David’s leadership, and he was anointed as the king over all Israel. David then moved his capital to Jerusalem and established it as the political and religious center of the kingdom.

VICTORIES OF KING DAVID

• Military Campaigns against the Philistines: King David engaged in multiple successful military campaigns against the Philistines, who were long-standing enemies of Israel. He led his army in various battles, scoring significant victories and weakening the Philistine power in the region.
• Conquest of Jerusalem: One of David’s notable achievements was the conquest of Jerusalem, which was controlled by the Jebusites at the time. 
• David and his forces attacked the city, capturing it and establishing it as his capital. Jerusalem became a central and significant city in the history of Israel.
• Defeat of neighboring nations: King David’s reign was marked by victories against several neighboring nations, including Moab, Ammon, Edom, and the Arameans. 
• He expanded Israel’s borders and brought these nations under his control, solidifying Israel’s position as a regional power.
• Subjugation of the Philistines and other enemies: David’s military campaigns resulted in the subjugation of the Philistines and other enemy nations. He effectively neutralized the threat posed by these hostile forces, bringing a period of relative peace and stability to Israel.
• Securing the Ark of the Covenant: One of David’s significant victories was the retrieval and relocation of the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized the presence of God. 
• He successfully brought the Ark to Jerusalem, signifying the spiritual unity of the Israelite tribes under his rule.

TROUBLES OF KING DAVID

• King David faced several trials and challenges throughout his life, which tested his faith, character, and leadership. 
• These trials shaped his reign and had a significant impact on his personal life. Here are some of the notable trials that King David encountered:
• Betrayal by Absalom: David’s own son, Absalom, rebelled against him and attempted to seize the throne. 
• Absalom’s rebellion caused great turmoil within David’s kingdom and led to a bitter civil war. 
• David had to navigate the complex dynamics of fighting against his own son while dealing with the emotional pain of their broken relationship.
• Personal moral failure: David’s affair with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, is one of the most well-known trials he faced. 
• He not only committed adultery with Bathsheba but also orchestrated the death of Uriah to cover up his sin. Prophet Nathan confronted David about his wrongdoing, leading to David’s deep repentance and acknowledgment of his sin before God.
• Consequences within his family: David’s actions had far-reaching consequences within his own family. The death of his and Bathsheba’s first child was a direct result of their sin. 
• Additionally, David faced subsequent family conflicts and tragedies, including rebellion, violence, and divisions among his children.
• External threats and conflicts: David’s reign was marked by ongoing conflicts with neighboring nations, including the Philistines, Ammonites, Moabites, and Arameans. He had to lead his armies into battle to protect Israel from external threats and maintain its security.

LEARNING FROM THE LIFE OF KING DAVID

• The story of King David offers several valuable lessons that can be applied to our own lives. Here are some key lessons we can learn from his story:
• The Power of Faith: David’s faith in God is a central theme in his story. He sought God’s guidance, relied on His strength, and expressed his trust and love through the Psalms. His faith teaches us the importance of cultivating a deep relationship with God and trusting in His plans, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
• The Consequences of Actions: David’s moral failure with Bathsheba and the subsequent consequences serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the repercussions of our choices. 
• His story highlights the need for personal responsibility and accountability, as well as the necessity of seeking forgiveness and making amends when we fall short.
• The Importance of Humility: David’s humility is evident throughout his story, particularly in instances where he shows respect for the office of the king, even when it was held by someone who sought his life. 
• His humility reminds us to value and honor others, acknowledge our limitations, and approach leadership and relationships with humility and grace.
• The Power of Repentance: David’s repentance after his sin with Bathsheba demonstrates the transformative power of genuine remorse and seeking forgiveness. 
• His story emphasizes the need for self-reflection, acknowledging our mistakes, and taking steps toward reconciliation and personal growth.
• Leadership with Compassion and Justice: David’s leadership style, marked by compassion and justice, serves as a model for leaders. He demonstrated concern for the welfare of his people, sought to govern with fairness, and showed mercy even to those who wronged him. 
• David’s example teaches us the importance of leading with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to the well-being of those we lead.
• God’s Redemption and Restoration: Despite David’s failures, his story reveals God’s capacity for redemption and restoration. David’s journey illustrates that no matter how far we may have strayed or how grave our mistakes, God’s grace is available to us if we genuinely repent and seek Him. 

David Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about David across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about David. King David is a prominent figure in biblical history and is considered one of the most important figures in Judaism. He is best known as the second king of Israel and the ancestor of Jesus Christ, according to Christian tradition.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. David (Bible Facts)
2. David Versus Goliath
3. Story of Friendship
4. Ultimate Test of Faith
5. The King of All Israel
6. The Ark of the Covenant
7. David and Bathsheba
8. Psalm of David
9. Psalm 23
10. Confession and Forgiveness
11. The Good Kings

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was David in the Bible?

David was a significant figure in the Bible and the second king of Israel. He was anointed by the prophet Samuel while Saul was still king, and he later succeeded Saul as king. David is known for his accomplishments as a warrior, a poet, and a composer of many psalms.

What notable event is associated with David in the Bible?

One notable event associated with David is his defeat of the giant warrior Goliath. David’s bravery and faith in God enabled him to triumph over Goliath with a single stone from his sling, which catapulted him into prominence and garnered him great favor.

What is the significance of David’s reign as king?

David’s reign marked a pivotal period in Israel’s history. Under his leadership, the kingdom of Israel experienced territorial expansion, military victories, and political stability. David is also known for establishing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and for his desire to build a temple for God, which was later fulfilled by his son, Solomon.

What are some of David’s well-known accomplishments as king?

David’s accomplishments as king include his successful military campaigns, unifying the twelve tribes of Israel, and establishing a strong and prosperous kingdom. He is also credited with bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and making preparations for the construction of the Temple.

What are some key stories involving David’s flaws or challenges in the Bible?

While David is revered as a great king, he also faced significant challenges and made notable mistakes. One well-known story is David’s affair with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, and his subsequent arranging of Uriah’s death. David faced consequences for his actions but ultimately sought forgiveness and redemption.

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