King David

A journey · 8 stops

See the journey on the map

King David · −1010 – −970

1. Bethlehem −1040 – −1026
The youngest of Jesse's sons, tending the flocks. Samuel comes looking for a new king and anoints the shepherd boy in front of his brothers.
2. Valley of Elah −1025 – −1025
Goliath of Gath challenges Israel for forty days. David comes with food for his brothers, picks five stones from the brook, and brings the giant down.
3. Gibeah −1024 – −1020
At Saul's court he plays the harp, wins battles, marries Michal and becomes Jonathan's closest friend. Saul's jealousy turns murderous and David escapes.
4. Adullam −1019 – −1019
A cave becomes his hideout. His family joins him, along with some four hundred men in debt or distress, the start of his army.
5. En Gedi −1018 – −1017
Saul hunts him through the desert and enters a cave where David is hiding. David could kill him, but only cuts the corner of his robe.
6. Ziklag −1016 – −1011
He takes refuge with the Philistine king Achish, who gives him this town. Here he learns that Saul and Jonathan have fallen on Mount Gilboa, and laments them.
7. Hebron −1010 – −1004
The men of Judah anoint him king. He reigns here for seven years, while civil war with Saul's house slowly ends in his favour.
8. Jerusalem −1003 – −970
He captures the Jebusite city, makes it his capital and brings up the Ark. Here come the psalms, Bathsheba, Absalom's revolt, and the promise of a lasting dynasty.