16 Facts About King David

Angel Studios’ Young DAVID miniseries and DAVID movie beautifully depict the life of the biblical shepherd and king. 

Read on to discover 16 facts about this incredibly influential biblical figure, whose story has been told and learned from for centuries.

Ancestral Roots 

Fact 1: Tribe of Judah 

Of the twelve tribes of Israel, David belonged to the Tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:15) 

Fact 2: Great Grandson of Ruth 

David descended from some incredible biblical figures, including Ruth. David was Ruth’s great-grandson, through his father Jesse, and paternal grandfather, Obed. (Ruth 4:17) 

Early Life and Background 

Fact 3: Birthplace - Bethlehem 

As recorded in the Bible, the prophet Samuel was told by the Lord that one of the sons of Jesse—which would turn out to be David—would become king of Israel. David was born into Jesse’s family in Bethlehem. (1 Samuel 16:1) 

Fact 4: Shepherd in Youth 

As a boy and young man, David served as a shepherd. He risked his safety to defend his sheep, even rescuing them from the clutches of lions and bears on occasion.  (1 Samuel 17:34-35) 

David’s Artistic Side

Fact 5: Musician - Lyre Player 

David was a gifted musician and lyre player. In his duties to Saul, David often played for him to offer peace and spiritual inspiration. (1 Samuel 16:23) 

Fact 6: Psalmist - Writer of Many Psalms 

In addition to being a talented musician, David was also a remarkable poet and wrote 73 biblical psalms (e.g., Psalm 23). 

David’s Rise to Power 

Fact 7: Anointed by Samuel 

Long before he became a leader and king, David was anointed by none other than the biblical prophet Samuel, at the direction of the Lord. (1 Samuel 16:12-13) 

Fact 8: Saul’s Armor-Bearer 

David worked for Israelite military leader Saul, with whom he had incurred favor. David served as one of his armor-bearers. (1 Samuel 16:21) 

Fact 9: Defeated Goliath 

While employed by Saul, David became involved in a battle between the Israelites and Philistines. A large, intimidating Philistine named Goliath challenged the army, asking them to send out an opponent for him. Whoever won the fight, he explained, would win the war. 

Though significantly smaller and weaker than Goliath, David volunteered to face off with the Philistine giant. Saul reluctantly agreed.

Armed with only a stone and a sling, David met Goliath on the battlefield and killed him with a single shot to his forehead. (1 Samuel 17:49-50) 

Leadership and Reign

Fact 10: King of Judah

David eventually became King of Judah. (2 Samuel 2:4)

Fact 11: King of Israel 

Because of his military triumphs and a prophecy from the Lord, Israel’s tribes came together and anointed David King of Israel.  (2 Samuel 5:3) 

Fact 12: Captured Jerusalem 

After becoming King of Israel, David and his men marched on Jerusalem. Despite resistance from the people, David captured Jerusalem, calling it the City of David. (2 Samuel 5:6-9)

Spiritual Legacy

Fact 13: Brought the Ark to Jerusalem 

Knowing it would bless his household and rule, King David brought the ark of God to Jerusalem. David and his men observed the customs and commandments related to transporting the ark, and he danced and praised the Lord. (2 Samuel 6:12-15)

Fact 14: Covenant with God 

The prophet Nathan delivered a message to David from the Lord, detailing his covenant with the king. If David built a temple to the Lord, the Lord would establish his kingdom, and give him posterity. The Lord promised to love and scold David as a father would his son and establish his rule forever. (2 Samuel 7:12-16) 

Personal Struggles and Triumphs

Fact 15: Sin with Bathsheba and Repentance 

David famously gave into temptation and had an affair with Bathsheba, a married woman, resulting in her pregnancy. (2 Samuel 11:2-5)

Realizing what he’d done was a sin against God, David repented and pleaded with God for forgiveness. He recorded his pleadings in a psalm. (Psalm 51) 

Fact 16: Family Troubles - Rebellion of Absalom 

David led an escape from Jerusalem, after a rebellion orchestrated by his son Absalom. (2 Samuel 15:13-14) 

See David Brought to Life On-Screen 

For thousands of years, King David’s life has supplied inspirational and cautionary tales to believers and nonbelievers alike. 

Watch the life of a young boy destined to be a slayer of giants and a leader of men in Angel Studios’ Young DAVID, a beautiful miniseries filled with inspirational messages and stunning visuals, in the Angel app. Enjoy episodes 1-3 for free, and join the Angel Guild to access episodes 4-5 and more exclusive content.

Fans of Young DAVID can look forward to the 2025 release of DAVID, a gorgeous animated film from Angel Studios and Minno all about the life and experiences of David. 

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