David Aumueller

Young Shepherd

As to his personal appearance, we only know that he was red-haired, with beautiful eyes and a fair face (1 Sam. 16:12; 17:42)

He played before the king so skilfully that Saul was greatly cheered, and began to entertain great affection for the young shepherd.

On his arrival in the camp of Israel, David (now about twenty years of age) was made aware of the state of matters when the champion of the Philistines, Goliath of Gath, came forth to defy Israel. David took his sling, and with a well-trained aim threw a stone "out of the brook," which struck the giant's forehead, so that he fell senseless to the ground. David then ran and slew him, and cut off his head with his own sword (1 Sam. 17). The result was a great victory to the Israelites, who pursued the Philistines to the gates of Gath and Ekron.

David's fall. He had now reached the height of his glory. He ruled over a vast empire, and his capital was enriched with the spoils of many lands. But in the midst of all this success he fell, and his character became stained with the sin of adultery (2 Sam. 11:2-27).

David's last words are a grand utterance, revealing his unfailing faith in God, and his joyful confidence in his gracious covenant promises (2 Sam. 23:1-7). After a reign of forty years and six months (2 Sam. 5:5; 1 Chr. 3:4) David died (B.C. 1015 - error : he died in 975 BC ; 1015 BC is just the beginning of his reign) at the age of seventy years, "and was buried in the city of David." His tomb is still pointed out on Mount Zion.

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary in http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=david

David! Love the story, beautifully told! BrucePennington