According to the Hebrew Bible, David was the greatest of all Israelite kings and a man after God’s own heart (cf. 1 Samuel 13:14). David unified all the Israelite tribes (if only for two generations), transformed Judah and Israel into a minor empire, and established a dynasty that survived more than 400 years, one of the long-lasting dynasties in world history. His presence is felt throughout the Hebrew Bible, and his legacy continues into the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is proclaimed a descendant of David.

In this course, Dr. Spencer Allen, Instructor of Biblical History and Interpretation at the University of Arkansas, explores the rise of David from humble shepherd to greatest king, who establishes Jerusalem as his political and religious capital (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel 6). Special attention will be placed on David’s dynamic relationship with King Saul’s family (week 1), his time on the lam, hiding from the homicidal Saul (week 2), and his consolidation of power as he claims the throne over Judah and then Israel (week 3).