King David: A Legendary Leader
Following the deaths of Saul and his sons, David was anointed as king of Judah. His lineage continued to rule for about 400 years until the destruction of the First Temple.
- יעקב רביבו
- פורסם א' כסלו התשע"ד
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1. David, son of Jesse, was the third ruler of the united Kingdom of Israel, following Saul and Ish-Bosheth.
2. David was the great-grandson of Boaz and Ruth the Moabite, a convert after whom the biblical book is named. Jesse was David's father, and though his mother's name isn't recorded in the Bible, Jewish tradition names her as Nitzevet, daughter of Adael.
3. As a youth, David was anointed to kingship by the prophet Samuel, who was sent by Hashem to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons. Though impressed by the eldest, Eliab, Hashem chose David.
4. After David's anointing, King Saul was tormented by a spirit, and his servants suggested finding a harpist to soothe him. David was recommended, and Saul found him pleasing, eventually appointing him as his armor-bearer.
5. At Saul's court, David formed a strong friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son, and they made a covenant. Jonathan gave David his garments, sword, bow, and belt.
6. After David defeated Goliath and achieved military successes, Saul promoted him to a leadership position, yet Saul's jealousy of David turned deadly.
7. Saul repeatedly plotted to kill David, but on one occasion, David showed Saul the corner of his robe he had secretly cut, proving he could have killed Saul but chose not to. Saul, moved to tears, declared, "You are more righteous than I."
8. Saul promised David he would not harm him any longer, even expressing support for David’s future rule, stating, "Now I know you will surely be king, and the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands."
9. Following the deaths of Saul and his sons, David was anointed king of Judah. His dynasty ruled Judah for about 400 years until the destruction of the First Temple.
10. David's figure represents the ideal king of Israel: righteous, humble, knowledgeable in Torah, and endowed with divine inspiration. He is called "The Sweet Singer of Israel" for his book of Psalms. Messiah will descend from David's lineage, hence the prayer: "May Hashem restore the fallen booth of David."
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