According to biblical literature, God’s process of making King David involved several key events and divine interventions:
- Anointing by Samuel: David was anointed king of Israel by the prophet Samuel, as directed by God, while he was still a young shepherd. This anointing occurred because King Saul, Israel’s first king, had fallen out of favor with God due to his disobedience. Samuel anointed David in Bethlehem, signifying God’s choice for the future king (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
- Divine Favor and Success: After David’s anointing, he gained fame by defeating Goliath, which showcased his courage and faith in God. This victory led to his rise in King Saul’s court, where he initially served as a musician to soothe Saul’s troubled spirit. David’s military successes continued, increasing his reputation and popularity among the people, which was seen as a sign of God’s favor (1 Samuel 17, 18:7).
- Covenant with David: God made a covenant with David through the prophet Nathan, promising that David’s throne would be established forever. This covenant was significant as it not only confirmed David’s kingship but also promised that his lineage would continue to rule, which is interpreted as a precursor to the Messiah in Jewish and Christian traditions (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
- David’s Character and Repentance: David was known for his piety and deep connection with God, often expressed through his psalms. Despite his flaws, such as his affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah, David’s repentance and his acknowledgment of his sins led to God’s forgiveness. This aspect of his relationship with God highlights the theme of divine grace and the human capacity for redemption (2 Samuel 12, Psalm 51).
- Establishment of Jerusalem: David conquered Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it his capital, bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the city. Although he was not allowed to build the temple due to his life of warfare, his son Solomon would later fulfill this task, further establishing the divine promise to David’s lineage (2 Samuel 5:6-10, 6:12-19).
David’s rise to kingship was thus marked by divine selection, military prowess under God’s blessing, a covenantal promise, personal repentance, and the establishment of a significant religious and political center. This narrative underscores the belief in divine providence and the complex interplay between human actions and God’s will in biblical theology.