The Prophet and the King: David

The Prophet and the King: David

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David, the youngest son of Jesse, was one of the Israel's most famous kings. He was born in Bethlehem and before becoming a king, he was just a shepherd. In Bible, he is also mentioned as a musician, poet, soldier, statesman and a prophet. Furthermore, the name David means "beloved one" in Hebrew and briefly, he is one of the most remarkable personalities in the Scriptures. However, David's reign gives us major points in the history of Israel. By focusing on the film David by Robert Markowitz (1997), the establishment stage of Israel starts with the history of King Saul and continues with King David.

First of all, Saul was the first king of Israel. By the eleventh century B.C.E., tribes of Israel stood at a disadvantage in fighting their neighbours. The Philistines, who dominated the Palestinian seacoast and had expanded inland, posed the greatest threat. So tribes of Israel wanted a king who would join their forces as a united kingdom from God. One day while Saul's son Jonathan and nephew Abner are overseeing their mules, the mules are disappeared suddenly in a dust and rain cloud. Then, Saul and Jonathan decide to go to the city.

In the city they meet with Samuel. At that meeting, Samuel says to Saul that he is the chosen one and he will make him a king over all Israel, also adding that he must save Israel from the Ammonites and the Philistines. Additionally, Saul becomes a king through to be anointed by the Prophet Samuel. After anointing, they go to Rachel's sepulchre. There, he takes gifts such as bread, vine etc. Later, Saul as a king builds Israel army and they all make as many weapons as they could. Following this, Samuel says to Saul to go to Gilgal and stay seven days at there. But Saul does not listen to Samuel and tries to move against Philistines. Thus, he has sinned by the means of not obeying the commandments. So he begs and then Samuel wants him to attack Amalekites, the most brutal enemies of Israel. Especially he wants him to kill Agag, a man of evil. But, Saul again doesn't listen to Samuel and he lets Agag alive. Therefore, Prophet Samuel realizes that Saul is too weak to be King of Israel; he goes looking for another candidate. Also after telling the message to Saul, Samuel kills Agag. This event supports the belief that Samuel always demands destruction of the Amalekits.

Afterwards, Samuel finds himself in the town of Bethlehem, paying a call on a man named Jesse. He invites Samuel to his house. Later, Jesse presents seven of his sons, but Samuel ask if Jesse has any more sons. The Bible relates that as Samuel is admiring one of Jesse's sons, he gets a message from God: God said to Samuel, "Do not look at his countenance and at his tall stature, for I have rejected him. For it is not as man perceives it; a man sees what is visible to the eyes but God sees into the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7). Then Jesse talks about David. In this manner, Samuel pours oil on David's head and so he anoints David. But this does not mean David becomes a king. It just means he has been designated by God as next in line. Meanwhile, Saul is still a king. After David is anointed, Saul falls into a depression. To help him, his son, Jonathan decides to bring in a harp player, reasoning that listening to music will make the king feel better. By this way, David's first meeting with Saul occurred. He plays the harp beautifully and his playing relieves King Saul. Thus, he takes David into his service.

During this time Israel is constantly at war with the Philistines. And the Philistines have a champion, named Goliath. One day, Saul prepares to kill giant Goliath. At that time, David says he can kill the giant. Nobody believes this, but David uses his sling to hurl a rock at the giant's face. It hits him in the forehead and he falls to the ground, flat on his face. David then removes Goliath's sword and cuts off his head. In this way, David becomes a hero in Israel army. The adoration of David makes Saul very jealous. He wants David to marry his daughter, Michal. David accepts this desire and marries Michal. Despite this, he tries to kill him after the ceremony. But Michal warns David and he escapes. Then David starts to build his own army. At this moment, Saul still tries to hunt David. However, Joab joins David's army. They all look for new forces that will join them. So, Joab asks Nabal if he will help them. Nabal rejects this request. But his wife, Abigail wants to help David. That night, she brings food to David and his soldiers. Then Nabal dies and Abigail marries David.

Next, Saul and Abner are busted by David in a cave. In spite of this, David does not kill Saul. Nevertheless, Saul becomes repentant