Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: At Jerusalem

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David, the second king of Israel, is one of the most significant figures in biblical history. His reign in Jerusalem marks a pivotal era in the establishment of Israel as a united and powerful kingdom. David's journey to kingship and his rule from Jerusalem are chronicled in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles.

Anointed King and Conquest of Jerusalem

David was anointed king over all Israel after the death of Saul, the first king. His ascent to the throne was marked by divine favor and military prowess. One of David's first significant acts as king was the capture of Jerusalem, which he established as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The city, previously known as Jebus, was strategically located and became known as the City of David. "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)" (2 Samuel 5:7).

The Ark of the Covenant

A key event during David's reign in Jerusalem was the relocation of the Ark of the Covenant to the city. This act symbolized the centralization of worship and the unification of the tribes under Yahweh's covenant. David's exuberant worship during the Ark's procession is well-documented: "And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, wearing a linen ephod" (2 Samuel 6:14). This event underscored David's deep devotion to God and his desire to honor Him as the true King of Israel.

Davidic Covenant

In Jerusalem, God established a covenant with David, promising that his lineage would endure forever. This covenant is foundational to the messianic hope in the Hebrew Scriptures. The LORD declared through the prophet Nathan: "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). This promise pointed to the future coming of the Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Military Campaigns and Expansion

David's reign was marked by numerous military victories, which expanded Israel's borders and secured its position among neighboring nations. From Jerusalem, David led successful campaigns against the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and other surrounding peoples. His military acumen and reliance on divine guidance were crucial to his success. "So David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people" (2 Samuel 8:15).

Personal Challenges and Family Strife

Despite his successes, David's reign was not without personal and familial challenges. His sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah brought severe consequences, including turmoil within his own household. The prophet Nathan confronted David, leading to his repentance: "Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.' Nathan replied, 'The LORD has taken away your sin; you will not die'" (2 Samuel 12:13). Nevertheless, the repercussions of his actions were felt throughout his reign, including the rebellion of his son Absalom.

Legacy and Preparation for the Temple

David's desire to build a temple for the LORD in Jerusalem was not fulfilled during his lifetime. However, he made extensive preparations for its construction, gathering materials and organizing the Levites for temple service. God revealed that David's son Solomon would build the temple: "But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign" (1 Chronicles 22:9).

David's reign in Jerusalem laid the foundation for a united Israel and established a legacy that would influence the nation's history and religious life for generations. His life and reign are a testament to the complexities of human nature, the consequences of sin, and the enduring faithfulness of God to His promises.

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2 Samuel 5:14-16
And these be the names of those that were born to him in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
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1 Chronicles 3:5-8
And these were born to him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:
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1 Chronicles 14:4-7
Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,
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Library

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... armies; nay, indeed, when they had so often failed of their purpose in these battles,
they came upon David with an ... The king of Israel therefore inquired of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... and thirty-three years over all Israel, in Jerusalem ... on Mount Moriah, one of the
hills of Jerusalem. King David had prepared for it by gathering great stores of ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... recovered the kingdom to the family of David] king Jehoash betrayed ... Joash then took
the kingdom of Israel in Samaria ... had the same name with the king of Jerusalem ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... the expedition against Samaria, in the reign of Ahab, king of Israel, concerning
whom we ... 3. Now when David had made an expedition against Damascus, and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

The History of David
... And when David had reigned forty years king of Jerusalem, over Judah and Israel,
he died in good mind, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

David.
... at last David became king. He ruled Israel for nearly forty years, making it a great
and powerful nation; and when he died he was buried at Jerusalem, which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/david.htm

Concerning the Wickedness of Jehoram King O Jerusalem; his Defeat ...
... family, because of the promise he had made to David. ... revolted from him, and slain
their former king, who was ... the wicked courses of the kings of Israel; and had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 concerning the wickedness.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... years over all Israel and Judah, 6. And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto
the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land; which spake unto David, saying ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

David's Charge to Solomon
... 'And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes ... over the hundreds, and
the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

Every Inch a King.
... He built a beautiful house for himself there, and King Hiram of Tyre sent skilled ...
Now David called together the flower of all Israel, thirty thousand men ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii every inch a.htm