Timeline of King David of Israel

c. 1040 BCE David is born in the town of Bethlehem.
c. 1035 BCE Saul begins his reign as King of Israel.
c. 1025 BCE David slays Goliath, the Philistine.
c. 1020 BCE King Saul attempts to assassinate David.
c. 1010 BCE King Saul dies. David becomes King.
c. 1004 BCE King David captures the Fortress Zion in Jerusalem, establishes Jerusalem as the capital of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem
c. 970 BCE King David dies.

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King David Enters History

The Tel Dan Stele contains the first extra-biblical reference to the Davidic Dynasty. It is a fragment of a victory stele erected by Hazael, king of Aram.

"...I slew seventy kings...I killed Jehoram son of Ahab king of Israel, and I killed Ahaziahu son of Jehoram king of the House of David..."

King David Enters History

Up till 30 years ago, no empirical proof existed of King David’s existence in history. Then in 1993, a stele was discovered during excavations of the ancient Tel Dan, in northern Israel.

The Tel Dan Stele contains the first extra-biblical reference to the Davidic Dynasty and can be viewed today in the Israel Museum. It is a fragment of a victory stele created by Hazael, king of Aram, and it reads as follows:

"...I slew seventy kings...I killed Jehoram son of Ahab king of Israel, and I killed Ahaziahu son of Jehoram king of the House of David..."

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Israel Museum / Israel Antiquities Authority
Photo by Ardon Bar-Hama

Bethlehem Seal Impression

1 Samuel 17:58
"Whose son are you, young man?" Saul asked him. David said, "I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem."

A bulla (clay imprint of a stone seal) containing the name of the city of Bethlehem, Israel Antiquities Authority

David was born as the 8th son to Jesse in Bethlehem. After G-d announced that He is removing the kingship from Saul, He orders the Prophet Samuel to anoint a new king.

1 Samuel 16:1
“And the L-rd said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and set out; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have decided on one of his sons to be king”.
In this picture is the Bethlehem Seal Impression. It is known as a bulla, a clay imprint by a stone seal, and contains the name of the city of Bethlehem, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Israel Museum / Israel Antiquities Authority

David and Goliath, c. 1025 BCE

1 Samuel 17:50
“David triumphed over Goliath with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.”

City of David Megalim Institute, Courtesy of George Blumenthal and the Gol Family

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Khirbet Qeiyafa: An Israelite Fortress in the Elah Valley

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In the Valley of
David and Goliath

Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem
Photography and Virtual Tour by Ardon Bar-Hama

Listen to Amanda Weiss from the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem discuss some of the finds that were discovered during the excavation at Khirbet Qeiyafa.

King Saul at the Valley of Elah

1 Samuel 13:1, 17:2
Saul was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty two years over Israel. …

Saul and the men of Israel massed and encamped in the valley of Elah. They drew up their line of battle against the Philistines.

Tel Qeiyafa Inscription
Early Hebrew writing: “The men and the chiefs/officers have established a king..." (Most likely Saul.)

The ostracon in this picture, found at Khirbet Qeiyafa, might be the oldest Hebrew text ever found.

Known as the Tel Qeiyafa Inscription it is written in proto-Canaanite script and appears to be a letter or document in Hebrew relaying the following:
“The men and the chiefs, or officers, have established a king..."

The king that is referred to here, might very well be King Saul.

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Israel Antiquities Authority

“Shaaraim” Meaning “Two Gates”

1 Samuel 17:52

Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.

Two impressive city gates or “double gates” known as “sha’araim” in Hebrew, were found at Khirbet Qeiyafa in the Valley of Elah.

The Bible relates in 1 Samuel 17:52 Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Sha’araim road to Gath and Ekron.

Two city gates were found at Khirbet Qeiyafa in the Valley of Elah.

Bar Ilan University, Found at the Philistine City of Gath in 2005

“Goliath” Inscribed on Philistine Pottery, 950 BCE

1 Samuel 17:4
A champion of the Philistine forces stepped forward; his name was Goliath of Gath, and he was six cubits and a span tall.

The oldest Philistine inscription to date was found in Tel es-Safi, believed to be the ancient town of Gath by an expedition led by Aren Maeir of Bar-Ilan University. It is an inscription scratched on pottery bearing Goliath’s name.

1 Samuel 17:4
A champion of the Philistine forces stepped forward; his name was Goliath of Gath, and he was six cubits and a span tall.

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David and Goliath
by Rembrandt

1 Samuel 17:49
David put his hand into the bag; he took out a stone and slung it. It struck the Philistine in the forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

Becoming more and more frustrated with the Israelites’ discouraged attitude towards the giant spewing intimidating words at them, David approaches King Saul, offering to go up against the uncircumcised Philistine.

Having run out of options and time, King Saul agrees, after David assures him that he has fought off the lion and the bear with his bare hands, whilst defending his flock.

In true form, David first resets the narrative by Goliath, encouraging the Israelites by calling them the legions of the Living G-d. Refusing King Saul’s offer of his armour, David approaches the giant with merely his slingshot and five stones in his satchel that he collected from the brook nearby.

1 Samuel 17:49 David put his hand into the bag; he took out a stone and slung it. It struck the Philistine in the forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

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Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

David Presents the Head of Goliath to King Saul
by Rembrandt

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David took Goliath’s sword and cut off his head, afterward presenting it to King Saul. The Bible relates the story:

1 Samuel 17:57
So when David returned from killing the Philistine, still holding his head in his hand, Abner took him and brought him before Saul.

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Kunstmuseum, Basel

Saul and David
by Rembrandt

1 Samuel 18:10-11
The next day an evil spirit of G-d gripped Saul and he began to rave in his house, while David was playing [the lyre], as he did daily. Saul had a spear in his hand, and Saul threw the spear, thinking to pin David to the wall. But David eluded him twice.

After the historic victory, David gained national fame with King Saul’s jealousy growing daily.

1 Samuel 18:10-11

The next day an evil spirit of G-d gripped Saul and he began to rave in his house, while David was playing [the lyre], as he did daily. Saul had a spear in his hand, and Saul threw the spear, thinking to pin David to the wall. But David eluded him twice.

The Hague Museum, Netherlands

King Saul Attempts to Assassinate David,
c. 1020 BCE

1 Samuel 19:11
Saul sent messengers to David’s home to keep watch on him and to kill him in the morning. But David’s wife, Michal, told him, “Unless you run for your life tonight, you will be killed tomorrow.”

City of David Megalim Institute , Courtesy of George Blumenthal and the Gol Family

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Why King David Chose Jerusalem
as the Capital of Israel, c. 1004 BCE

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City of David Megalim Institute, Courtesy of George Blumenthal and the Gol Family

David Captures the Jebusite (Canaanite) Fortress of Zion in Jerusalem

2 Samuel 5:7
And David conquered the (Jebusite) stronghold of Zion; which is now the City of David.

Jerusalem however, due to its fortification, was not that easy to take and the Jebusites mocked King David. King David nevertheless, had a strategy that he later on records in a riddle in the chronicles of the king. It involves what is called in Hebrew a “tzinor” or a “conduit”. According to a hint in the Bible, it says “he who touches or reaches the conduit.” David was victorious and conquered Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 5:7
And David conquered the stronghold of Zion; which is now the City of David. Watch the Megalim video to learn more about how David ultimately took the city.

City of David Megalim Institute, Courtesy of George Blumenthal and the Gol Family

Jebusite Water Shaft Discovered in the City of David in 1867

2 Samuel 5:8
On that day David had said, "Anyone who conquers the Jebusites will have to use the water shaft to reach those lame and blind, who are David’s enemies.”

The shaft through which David conquered the city, made history once again, 2,800 years later, when Charles Warren, a British officer, coincidently rediscovered it in 1867. This divine coincidence led to the rediscovery of the true location of Ancient Biblical Jerusalem, which slowly disappeared for over 2,000 years.

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The City of David Archives

The Millo

2 Samuel 5:9
David occupied the stronghold and renamed it the City of David; David also fortified the surrounding area, from the Millo inward.

The Millo

2 Samuel 5:9
David occupied the stronghold and renamed it the City of David; David also fortified the surrounding area, from the Millo inward.

It is hypothesized that the stepped structure on the Eastern slope of the City of David may be the Biblical Millo. It was first excavated by Macalister in the 1920s, and later in the 1960s by Kathleen Kenyon. In the 1970’s and 80’s it was excavated by archaeologist Yigal Shiloh.

City of David Excavations

King David’s Jerusalem
The City of David
1004 BCE

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City of David Archives

King David’s Palace

2 Samuel 5:11
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.

City of David Megalim Institute, Courtesy of George Blumenthal and the Gol Family

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Column Capital from the City of David

In 1963, archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon discovered a proto-Aeolic capital broken in half when digging on the eastern slope of the City of David, above the Gihon Spring. Aeolic refers to a particular architectural style, which has two curving palmette volutes rising from the shaft and spreading outward. The palm motif is present in both ancient Israelite and Phoenician designs. Seeing that it was found in the very vicinity that is believed to be the ancient palace, the motif is strongly associated with the Davidic Dynasty. Due to this, archaeologist Eilat Mazar claimed that this was evidential to the location of King David’s palace itself.

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Israel Antiquities Authority

King David's Palace

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Shalom Kveller, City of David

King David Brings The Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 6:15
Thus David and all the House of Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with shouts and with blasts of the horn.

King David’s greatest desire was to build G-d’s Temple in Jerusalem, the seat of the Ark of the Covenant, and a testimony to G-d’s indwelling presence amongst the People of Israel. After establishing his kingship in Jerusalem, David wanted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. Following a regretful incident where a man named Uzzah lost his life during the transport of the Ark, it became clear that the Ark’s transportation was no simple task, and that it had to be escorted with great reverence and according to Jewish Law. Amending his approach and trying a second time, King David successfully and with great celebration brought the Ark to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 6:15 Thus David and all the House of Israel brought up the Ark of the L-RD with shouts and with blasts of the horn.

City of David Megalim Institute, Courtesy of George Blumenthal and the Gol Family

Israel Museum / Israel Antiquities Authority

Bronze Cymbals
11th Century BCE

2 Samuel 6:5
Meanwhile, David and all the House of Israel danced before the L-RD to [the sound of] all kinds of cypress wood [instruments], with lyres, harps, timbrels, sistrums, and cymbals.

In this picture are two Bronze Cymbals, 11th Century BCE corresponding with the time of this momentous event.

2 Samuel 6:5 Meanwhile, David and all the House of Israel danced before the L-RD to [the sound of] all kinds of cypress wood [instruments], with lyres, harps, timbrels, sistrums, and cymbals.

King David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11:2-5
Late one afternoon, David rose from his couch and strolled on the roof of the royal palace; and from the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful…

A messenger reported, “She is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite.”

Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her… And the woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.”

The Bible doesn’t pull punches when it comes to recounting the sins and mistakes made by key Biblical figures. The story of David and Bat-Sheva testifies to this. At a certain time of year, when kings wage war to conquer and establish territory, King David decided to stay home, while his army went out to battle.
2 Samuel 11:2-5 Late one afternoon, David rose from his couch and strolled on the roof of the royal palace; and from the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful… A messenger reported, “She is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her… And the woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.”

Drawing by Balage Balogh

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Nathan Admonishing David by Rembrandt
Metropolitan Museum, New York

David Receiving the News of Uriah’s Death
by Rembrandt

2 Samuel 11:14-17
In the morning, David wrote a letter to Joab, which he sent with Uriah. He wrote in the letter as follows: "Place Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest; then fall back so that he may be killed."
…
The men of the city sallied out and attacked Joab… Uriah the Hittite was among those who died.

David Receiving the News of Uriah’s Death by Rembrandt van Rijn.

David devised a plan that would cost Bat-Sheva’s husband, Uriah, his life.

2 Samuel 11:14-17 In the morning, David wrote a letter to Joab, which he sent with Uriah. He wrote in the letter as follows: "Place Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest; then fall back so that he may be killed."…The men of the city sallied out and attacked Joab… Uriah the Hittite was among those who died.

King David deeply regretted his mistake, and an ode to this regret can be read in Psalm 51. The child of their union died. King David took Bat-Sheva as his wife, and she gave birth to Solomon, the future king who would be commissioned to build the Temple.

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David and Purchases the Top of Mount Moriah

2 Samuel 24:18, 25
Gad came to David the same day and said to him, "Go and set up an altar to the L-RD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite."

...And David built there an altar to the L-RD and sacrificed burnt offerings and offerings of well-being.

After a plague struck the Israelites, King David went up to the threshing floor of Arvanah on the top of Mount Moriah and prayed for the plague to cease.

In the process, G-d showed him that this would be the site of the future Temple, so David purchased the threshing floor from Arvanah.

2 Samuel 24:18, 25 Gad came to David the same day and said to him, "Go and set up an altar to the L-RD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite." ...And David built there an altar to the L-RD and sacrificed burnt offerings and offerings of well-being.

Leen Ritmeyer

King David Is Forbidden to Build the First Israelite Temple to G-d

1 Chronicles 17:3-4

But that night the word of G-d came to Nathan, saying, “Go and tell My servant David that this is what the L-RD says: ‘You are not the one to build Me a house in which to dwell.’”

The time finally came for David to do right by his promise and desire to build G-d a House, but as he was readying himself to do so, Nathan the prophet came with unsettling news.

1 Chronicles 17:3-4
But that night the word of G-d came to Nathan, saying, “Go and tell My servant David that this is what the L-RD says: ‘You are not the one to build Me a house in which to dwell.’”

G-d told David that he was not allowed to build His House, due to the blood that was spilled during his lifetime. G-d’s House has to be built in peaceful conditions, and so David was promised that his son, Solomon, or “Shlomo” in Hebrew will be the one to finish the task. You can hear in the name “Shlomo” the word “Shalom”, which indicates Peace, Harmony, and Wholeness.

King David by Rembrandt, Private Collection, Wikimedia Commons

NEW SITE IS UP

1100 - 1000 BCE

King Saul and King David

Timeline of King David of Israel

King David Enters History

Bethlehem Seal Impression

David and Goliath, c. 1025 BCE

In the Valley of
David and Goliath

King Saul at the Valley of Elah

“Shaaraim” Meaning “Two Gates”

“Goliath” Inscribed on Philistine Pottery, 950 BCE

David and Goliath
by Rembrandt

David Presents the Head of Goliath to King Saul
by Rembrandt

Saul and David
by Rembrandt

King Saul Attempts to Assassinate David,
c. 1020 BCE

Why King David Chose Jerusalem
as the Capital of Israel, c. 1004 BCE

David Captures the Jebusite (Canaanite) Fortress of Zion in Jerusalem

Jebusite Water Shaft Discovered in the City of David in 1867

The Millo

King David’s Jerusalem
The City of David
1004 BCE

King David’s Palace

Column Capital from the City of David

King David's Palace

King David Brings The Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem

Bronze Cymbals
11th Century BCE

King David and Bathsheba

David Receiving the News of Uriah’s Death
by Rembrandt

David and Purchases the Top of Mount Moriah

King David Is Forbidden to Build the First Israelite Temple to G-d

1100 - 1000 BCE

King Saul and King David

Timeline of King David of Israel

King David Enters History

Bethlehem Seal Impression

David and Goliath, c. 1025 BCE

In the Valley of David and Goliath

King Saul at the Valley of Elah

“Shaaraim” Meaning “Two Gates”

“Goliath” Inscribed on Philistine Pottery, 950 BCE

David and Goliath by Rembrandt

David Presents the Head of Goliath to King Saul by Rembrandt

Saul and David by Rembrandt

King Saul Attempts to Assassinate David, c. 1020 BCE

Why King David Chose Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel, c. 1004 BCE

David Captures the Jebusite (Canaanite) Fortress of Zion in Jerusalem

Jebusite Water Shaft Discovered in the City of David in 1867

The Millo

King David’s Jerusalem The City of David 1004 BCE

King David’s Palace

Column Capital from the City of David

King David's Palace

King David Brings The Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem

Bronze Cymbals 11th Century BCE

King David and Bathsheba

David Receiving the News of Uriah’s Death by Rembrandt

David and Purchases the Top of Mount Moriah

King David Is Forbidden to Build the First Israelite Temple to G-d

In the Valley of
David and Goliath

David and Goliath
by Rembrandt

David Presents the Head of Goliath to King Saul
by Rembrandt

Saul and David
by Rembrandt

King Saul Attempts to Assassinate David,
c. 1020 BCE

Why King David Chose Jerusalem
as the Capital of Israel, c. 1004 BCE

King David’s Jerusalem
The City of David
1004 BCE

Bronze Cymbals
11th Century BCE

David Receiving the News of Uriah’s Death
by Rembrandt