The Story of Absalom Stealing the Kingdom in the Bible

The story of Absalom stealing the kingdom — a charming prince stood at the city gate day after day, quietly winning the people’s loyalty until he had enough of it to seize his own father’s throne.

This account is found in 2 Samuel 15, when Absalom turned the hearts of Israel against King David and David fled Jerusalem to escape his son.

The Story of Absalom Steals the Kingdom

Absalom was one of King David’s sons, and he set out to make himself popular. He got chariots and horses and fifty men to run before him, so that everyone would notice him wherever he went.

Early each morning he stood beside the road that led to the city gate, where people came to bring their disputes to the king. When a man arrived looking for justice, Absalom would call him over, listen kindly, and tell him his case was good, but that no one had been appointed to hear him. He wished aloud that he himself were judge, so every person could be treated fairly. When people came to bow before him, he reached out and took hold of them and kissed them.

He did this with everyone who came for judgment, and little by little he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. Their loyalty quietly shifted from the king to his son.

After four years Absalom asked David for permission to go to Hebron, saying he needed to keep a vow he had made to the LORD. David let him go in peace. But it was a cover for rebellion. Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, telling them that as soon as they heard the trumpet, they should shout that Absalom was reigning in Hebron. The conspiracy grew strong, and more and more people joined him.

When word reached David that the hearts of Israel had gone after Absalom, he knew Jerusalem was no longer safe. He told his servants to rise and flee, so the city would not be destroyed. David left on foot with his household and his loyal followers. He crossed the brook Kidron and climbed the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, his head covered and his feet bare, while the people with him wept too. As he went he prayed and made plans, trusting God with whatever would come.

Key Verses

“So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel” 2 Samuel 15:6

“Absalom reigneth in Hebron” 2 Samuel 15:10

“Arise, and let us flee … make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly” 2 Samuel 15:14

“Wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot” 2 Samuel 15:30

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of Absalom Steals the Kingdom Teaches Us

The story is a sober picture of how loyalty can be won by flattery rather than by truth. Absalom did not lead by serving; he told people what they wanted to hear and used their frustration to build a following for himself. It is a warning to watch what is behind charm and easy promises.

It also shows a striking humility in David. Instead of clinging to power at any cost, he left his own city to spare it, and he wept and prayed rather than raged. Even betrayed by his own son, David placed himself in God’s hands and kept walking forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the story?

In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom wins the loyalty of Israel by standing at the city gate and flattering the people. He then has himself proclaimed king in Hebron, and David flees Jerusalem to escape him.

How did Absalom win the people over?

He met people at the gate as they came for justice, listened to them, told them their cause was good, and complained that no one would hear them. He acted humble and kissed those who bowed to him, and so he stole their hearts.

What did Absalom do in Hebron?

He asked David for leave to keep a vow in Hebron, then used that trip to launch his rebellion. He sent spies through the tribes to announce by trumpet that he reigned as king in Hebron.

Why did David leave Jerusalem?

When David learned the people had turned to Absalom, he chose to flee rather than let the city be attacked. He crossed the brook Kidron and went up the Mount of Olives, weeping and barefoot.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 2 Samuel 15.

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The Story of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom in the Bible

The story of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom — a great evil in King David’s own household led to years of silent anger, a brother’s revenge, and a family torn by grief.

This account is found in 2 Samuel 13-14, among the sons and daughters of King David.

The Story of Amnon, Tamar and Absalom

King David had many children. Among them were Amnon, Absalom, and their sister Tamar. Amnon set his heart on his half-sister Tamar in a way that was wrong, and he grew sick with his own sinful desire.

By a cruel trick, Amnon got Tamar alone in his house. There he wickedly wronged her and violated his sister, treating her with shame. It was a great evil. When it was over, he sent her away, and Tamar was left desolate and grieving. Her brother Absalom took her into his house and cared for her, and Tamar lived there, broken by what had been done to her.

When King David heard of it, he was very angry. But he did not bring justice for Tamar, and the wrong was left unanswered. Tamar’s brother Absalom said nothing to Amnon, neither good nor bad, yet inside he hated Amnon for what he had done to his sister.

Absalom carried that anger quietly for two full years. Then he made a feast for the king’s sons and invited them all. He told his servants that when Amnon was merry with wine, they should strike him down. At Absalom’s command they killed Amnon, and the other sons fled home in fear. David wept bitterly, thinking at first that all his sons were dead, until word came that only Amnon had died.

Absalom fled far away and stayed in exile for three years, afraid to return. In time David’s heart longed for him. Through a wise plan carried out by Joab, Absalom was finally brought back to Jerusalem, though for a while the king still refused to see his face. At last David sent for him, and when Absalom bowed before him, the king kissed his son. The family was together again, but the wounds of this story ran deep.

Key Verses

“Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her” 2 Samuel 13:1

“Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar” 2 Samuel 13:22

“Smite Amnon; then kill him” 2 Samuel 13:28

“The king kissed Absalom” 2 Samuel 14:33

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of Amnon, Tamar and Absalom Teaches Us

This story tells the truth about sin without excusing it. A terrible wrong was done to Tamar, and the Bible calls it a great evil. It treats her suffering seriously and with compassion, and it does not pretend that the powerful are innocent. When wrong is ignored instead of faced, the pain does not simply go away.

It also shows how anger left to grow can turn into more harm. Absalom’s revenge did not heal his sister or bring peace; it added death and grief to an already broken family. The account is honest that even in a household chosen by God, human choices can cause deep and lasting damage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in this story?

In 2 Samuel 13-14, Amnon wickedly wrongs his half-sister Tamar. Her brother Absalom, full of anger, waits two years and then has Amnon killed. Absalom flees, and is later brought back to Jerusalem.

Who were Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom?

They were all children of King David. Amnon and Absalom were half-brothers, and Tamar was Absalom’s sister, whom Amnon wronged.

Why did Absalom kill Amnon?

Absalom hated Amnon for the great evil he had done to their sister Tamar. After David failed to bring justice, Absalom took revenge himself two full years later.

What happened to Absalom afterward?

Absalom fled and lived in exile for about three years. Through Joab’s help he was later brought back to Jerusalem, and in time David welcomed him and kissed him.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 2 Samuel 13-14.

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The Story of David and Bathsheba in the Bible

The story of David and Bathsheba — a king who should have been at war stayed home instead, and a single choice led him into deep sin and a cover-up that cost a good man his life.

This account is found in 2 Samuel 11, during the years when David reigned as king over Israel.

The Story of David and Bathsheba

It was springtime, the season when kings went out to war. David sent his commander Joab and the army of Israel to fight the Ammonites and besiege the city of Rabbah. But David himself stayed behind in Jerusalem.

One evening David got up from his bed and walked on the roof of his house. From there he saw a woman, and he learned that her name was Bathsheba and that she was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of his own soldiers. David sent for her and sinned by taking another man’s wife. Later, Bathsheba sent word that she was expecting a child.

David tried to hide what he had done. He called Uriah home from the battle, hoping Uriah would go to his own house so the child would seem to be his. But Uriah was a loyal soldier. He refused to enjoy the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers were camped in open fields, so he slept at the door of the king’s house instead.

When his plan failed, David chose a darker path. He wrote a letter to Joab and had Uriah carry it back himself. The letter ordered Joab to place Uriah at the front of the fiercest fighting and then pull back from him, so that he would be struck down and die. Joab obeyed, and Uriah the Hittite was killed in the battle.

When the time of mourning was over, David sent for Bathsheba and made her his wife, and she bore him a son. But nothing is hidden from God. The thing that David had done displeased the LORD, and this sin would bring hard consequences that God’s prophet Nathan would soon lay before the king.

Key Verses

“But David tarried still at Jerusalem” 2 Samuel 11:1

“Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 2 Samuel 11:3

“Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle … that he may be smitten, and die” 2 Samuel 11:15

“The thing that David had done displeased the LORD” 2 Samuel 11:27

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of David and Bathsheba Teaches Us

The story shows how one unchecked choice can grow into much greater harm. David did not set out to have a man killed, but staying where he should not have been led to sin, and the effort to cover that sin led him to arrange Uriah’s death. Small compromises left unaddressed can carry a person far.

It also reminds us that God sees what people try to hide. David was the most powerful man in the land, yet he could not conceal his sin from the LORD. The account does not excuse David because he was king. It tells the truth plainly, which is part of why the Bible can be trusted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the story?

In 2 Samuel 11, King David stays home from war, takes Uriah’s wife Bathsheba, and then arranges for Uriah to be killed in battle to cover up his sin. The thing David had done displeased the LORD.

Who was Uriah?

Uriah the Hittite was one of David’s soldiers and the husband of Bathsheba. He was a loyal man who refused to rest at home while his fellow soldiers were still in the field.

How did David try to hide his sin?

David called Uriah home from the battle hoping he would go to his own house. When Uriah refused, David sent orders that placed Uriah at the front of the hardest fighting so he would be killed.

Did David face consequences?

Yes. The Bible says the thing David had done displeased the LORD, and God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him. The story makes clear that David’s power did not put him above accountability to God.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 2 Samuel 11.

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The Story of Abigail in the Bible

The story of Abigail — a wise woman rode out alone to meet an armed band of men, and with humble words she turned away a slaughter that was already on its way.

This account is found in 1 Samuel 25, during the years David spent in the wilderness.

The Story of Abigail

There was a very rich man named Nabal who lived near Carmel, with three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was harsh and mean in his dealings, but his wife Abigail was wise and beautiful. While David and his men were in the wilderness, they had protected Nabal’s shepherds and flocks.

At shearing time David sent young men to greet Nabal and ask kindly for food. Nabal insulted them and refused, acting as if he did not know who David was. When the men returned and reported his answer, David was angry.

David told his men to strap on their swords, and about four hundred men went up with him to destroy Nabal and every male in his household. Revenge was already on the road.

One of the servants warned Abigail. She quickly gathered a large gift of bread, wine, dressed sheep, grain, raisins, and figs, loaded them on donkeys, and rode out to meet David. When she saw him, she got down and bowed to the ground before him.

Abigail took the blame on herself and begged David not to shed blood or avenge himself with his own hand. David listened, blessed her wise advice, and turned back. About ten days later the LORD struck Nabal and he died, and David later took Abigail as his wife.

Key Verses

“She was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish” 1 Samuel 25:3

“Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine” 1 Samuel 25:18

“Which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood” 1 Samuel 25:33

“The LORD smote Nabal, that he died” 1 Samuel 25:38

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of Abigail Teaches Us

The story shows how gentle, humble words can turn away anger. Abigail did not argue or fight; she took responsibility, brought a peace offering, and appealed to David’s conscience, and a killing was stopped.

It also shows that vengeance is better left in God’s hands. David was kept from staining his own hands with blood, and in time the LORD dealt with Nabal without David lifting a sword.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the story?

In 1 Samuel 25, a rich man named Nabal insults David, David sets out to destroy his household, and Nabal’s wife Abigail rides out with a gift and wise words that stop the bloodshed.

Who was Nabal?

Nabal was a very wealthy but harsh man of Maon whose flocks were in Carmel. He refused to help David and his men after they had protected his shepherds.

Why did David want to attack Nabal?

David had guarded Nabal’s shepherds, but when he asked for food in return, Nabal insulted him and refused, so David set out with about four hundred men to take revenge.

What happened to Nabal in the end?

About ten days after Abigail met David, the LORD struck Nabal and he died. David later married Abigail.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 1 Samuel 25.

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The Story of David Becoming King in the Bible

The story of David becoming king — after years of waiting, running, and hiding, the shepherd who was anointed as a boy finally sits on the throne over all Israel.

This account is found in 2 Samuel 5, after the death of Saul.

The Story of David Becomes King

After Saul died, all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron. They told him plainly that they were his own bone and flesh, and that even in Saul’s day it was David who had led Israel out and brought them home.

The elders reminded David of the LORD’s promise: that he would feed God’s people Israel and be a captain over them. So the elders made a covenant with David at Hebron before the LORD, and there they anointed him king over all Israel.

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. He ruled over Judah from Hebron for seven and a half years, then over all Israel and Judah from Jerusalem for another thirty-three years.

David and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who held the land. They mocked him, saying even the blind and lame could keep him out, but David captured the stronghold of Zion. He lived in the fort and called it the City of David.

David grew greater and greater, because the LORD God of hosts was with him. When the Philistines came against him, he asked the LORD before each battle, and God gave him the victory and established his kingdom.

Key Verses

“They anointed David king over Israel” 2 Samuel 5:3

“David was thirty years old when he began to reign … he reigned forty years” 2 Samuel 5:4

“David took the strong hold of Zion” 2 Samuel 5:7

“David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts” 2 Samuel 5:10

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of David Becomes King Teaches Us

The story shows a promise finally kept. Years earlier God had chosen David, and now, in God’s own time, the whole nation recognized what the LORD had already decided.

It also shows where David’s strength came from. He grew great not because of his own skill alone, but because the LORD God of hosts was with him, and he sought God before he acted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in this story?

In 2 Samuel 5, all the tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron and anoint him king. He then captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it the City of David.

How old was David when he became king?

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all.

What city did David capture?

David took the stronghold of Zion from the Jebusites and named it the City of David. It became Jerusalem, his capital.

Why did David succeed as king?

The Bible says David grew greater and greater because the LORD God of hosts was with him.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 2 Samuel 5.

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The Story of Uzzah and the Ark in the Bible

The story of Uzzah and the ark — a man reached out to keep the ark of God from falling, and that single touch cost him his life.

This account is found in 2 Samuel 6, when David set out to bring the ark up to Jerusalem.

The Story of Uzzah and the Ark

David gathered Israel to bring the ark of God up to the city of Jerusalem. Instead of carrying it the way the law commanded, they set the ark on a new cart. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, guided the cart as it left their father’s house.

The procession moved with music and celebration. But when they came to the threshingfloor of Nachon, the oxen stumbled and the ark was shaken.

Uzzah put out his hand and took hold of the ark to steady it. The anger of the LORD was kindled against him, and God struck him down there for his error, so that he died beside the ark of God.

David was afraid of the LORD that day, and he was also angry that Uzzah had been struck. He would not move the ark any farther into the city, but left it at the house of Obed-edom. The ark stayed there three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and everyone in his household.

When David heard how God had blessed that house, he went and brought the ark up with great rejoicing. This time it was carried properly. David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a linen ephod, while his wife Michal watched from a window and despised him in her heart.

Key Verses

“Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it” 2 Samuel 6:6

“The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error” 2 Samuel 6:7

“The LORD blessed Obed-edom, and all his household” 2 Samuel 6:11

“And David danced before the LORD with all his might” 2 Samuel 6:14

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of Uzzah and the Ark Teaches Us

The story shows that God is holy and cannot be handled carelessly, even with good intentions. Uzzah meant to protect the ark, yet God had commanded that it be carried, not touched, and that command was not David’s to bend.

It also shows two very different responses to God. David humbled himself and danced before the LORD without caring how he looked, while Michal looked on with contempt. The story asks whether we will honor God on His terms or on our own.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the story?

In 2 Samuel 6, David tries to move the ark to Jerusalem on a cart. When the oxen stumble, Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark and is struck dead by God for touching it.

Who was Uzzah?

Uzzah was a son of Abinadab. He and his brother Ahio drove the new cart that carried the ark of God.

Why was Uzzah struck down?

God had commanded that the ark be carried, not touched. When Uzzah took hold of it, the anger of the LORD was kindled against him for his error.

What did David do afterward?

David left the ark at the house of Obed-edom for three months, and later brought it up properly, dancing before the LORD in a linen ephod.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 2 Samuel 6.

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The Story of God’s Promise to David in the Bible

The story of God’s promise to David — a king who lived in comfort wanted to build a house for God, and God answered by promising to build a house for the king that would never end.

This account is found in 2 Samuel 7, after the LORD had given David rest from all his enemies.

The Story of God’s Promise to David

King David was now settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies. As he sat in his house of cedar, he felt uneasy that he lived so well while the ark of God still stood inside a tent.

David told Nathan the prophet what was on his heart: he dwelt in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelt within curtains. Nathan first told him to do all that was in his heart, for the LORD was with him.

That same night, however, the word of the LORD came to Nathan. God asked whether David was truly the one meant to build Him a house, for God had walked with His people in a tent from the day He brought them out of Egypt.

Then God turned the plan around. Instead of David building a house for God, God would build a house for David. When David’s days were fulfilled, God would raise up his offspring after him and establish that son’s kingdom.

God promised that David’s son would build the house for His name, and that the throne of his kingdom would be established for ever. David’s house, throne, and kingdom would stand for ever — a covenant the Bible ties to the coming Messiah from David’s line.

Key Verses

“I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains” 2 Samuel 7:2

“I will set up thy seed after thee … and I will establish his kingdom” 2 Samuel 7:12

“He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever” 2 Samuel 7:13

“Thy throne shall be established for ever” 2 Samuel 7:16

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of God’s Promise to David Teaches Us

David wanted to give God a gift, and God answered by giving David far more than he offered. The story shows that God is not served by our buildings so much as He blesses us with promises we could never earn.

The promise that David’s throne would last for ever points beyond David and Solomon. Christians read it as looking forward to Jesus, the Son of David, whose kingdom has no end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the story?

In 2 Samuel 7, David wants to build a temple for the ark of God, but God tells him through Nathan that instead God will build David a lasting house, throne, and kingdom.

Who told David not to build the temple?

The prophet Nathan, after the word of the LORD came to him that night.

What is the promise God made to David?

That God would raise up David’s offspring, that his son would build the house for God’s name, and that his throne and kingdom would be established for ever.

Who would actually build the temple?

Not David, but his seed after him — his son, who would build the house for God’s name.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 2 Samuel 7.

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The Story of Ziklag in the Bible

The story of Ziklag — David came home to find his town burned, his family gone, and his own men ready to stone him, yet he turned to God and rode out to recover everything.

This account is found in 1 Samuel 30, while David was living among the Philistines and away from King Saul.

The Story of Ziklag

David and his men returned to Ziklag on the third day. They found the city burned with fire. The Amalekites had raided the south while the men were away, and had carried off the wives, sons, and daughters as captives.

David and his men wept aloud until they had no more strength to weep. David’s two wives were among those taken. The grief turned to anger, and the men were so bitter over losing their children that they spoke of stoning David.

David was greatly distressed, but he encouraged himself in the LORD his God. He called for the priest and asked God whether he should chase the raiders. God answered plainly: pursue, for you will surely overtake them and recover all.

On the way they found an Egyptian left behind in a field, weak from hunger. They gave him food and water, and he agreed to lead them to the Amalekites. David found the raiders spread out, eating and celebrating their plunder, and he attacked them from twilight into the next evening.

David recovered everyone and everything. Nothing was missing, small or great, sons or daughters or spoil. When some men did not want to share with the two hundred who had been too tired to fight, David made a lasting rule: those who guarded the supplies would share the spoil equally with those who went to battle.

Key Verses

“The Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire” 1 Samuel 30:1

“The people spake of stoning him … but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” 1 Samuel 30:6

“Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all” 1 Samuel 30:8

“There was nothing lacking to them … David recovered all” 1 Samuel 30:19

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of Ziklag Teaches Us

The story shows what a person does at the lowest point. David lost his home, his family, and the loyalty of his men on the same day, yet instead of giving up he encouraged himself in the LORD and asked God for direction before acting.

It also shows a fair-minded heart. Rather than reward only the strongest fighters, David decided that those who stayed back and kept watch over the supplies deserved an equal share, and he set it as a standard for Israel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the story of Ziklag?

In 1 Samuel 30, David returns to find Ziklag burned and everyone captured by the Amalekites. He asks God, pursues the raiders, defeats them, and recovers all the people and goods.

Why did David’s men want to stone him?

They were bitter and grieved because their wives, sons, and daughters had been taken captive, and they blamed David for leaving the town undefended.

How did David find the Amalekites?

His men found an abandoned Egyptian servant in a field, fed him, and he guided them to the raiders.

What rule did David make about the spoil?

That those who stayed behind to guard the supplies would share the plunder equally with those who fought in the battle.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 1 Samuel 30.

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The Story of David Sparing Saul in the Bible

The story of David sparing Saul — a hunted man finds the king who wants him dead alone and defenseless, and chooses mercy over revenge.

This account is found in 1 Samuel 24, during the years Saul pursued David through the wilderness.

The Story of David Spares Saul

Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to hunt for David among the rocks of the wild goats. David and his men were hiding in the wilderness near En-gedi, always on the move to stay ahead of the king.

Saul came to a cave by the road and went inside alone to rest. He did not know that David and his men were hidden in the very back of that same cave, watching him in the dark.

David’s men whispered that this was the day the LORD had promised to deliver his enemy into his hand. David crept forward quietly and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe, but he would not raise his hand against the king.

Afterward David’s heart troubled him even for cutting the robe. He told his men that the LORD forbid he should harm his master, the LORD’s anointed. He held his men back and let Saul leave the cave unharmed.

David went out and called after Saul, bowing low. He held up the piece of the robe as proof that he could have killed the king but had spared him. Saul wept aloud and admitted that David was more righteous than he was.

Key Verses

“David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily” 1 Samuel 24:4

“The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed” 1 Samuel 24:6

“I cut off the skirt of thy robe and killed thee not” 1 Samuel 24:11

“Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good” 1 Samuel 24:17

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of David Spares Saul Teaches Us

The story shows a man who trusted God to defend him instead of taking revenge into his own hands. David had every chance and every excuse to kill Saul, yet he refused because he honored the office God had given the king.

It also shows the power of restraint. By sparing Saul and speaking honestly, David let his enemy see the truth for himself, and even Saul had to admit that David had returned good for evil.

Bring the stories home. Explore Bible Stick Figures coloring books and printables that pair simple art with Scripture. Visit the shop →

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the story?

In 1 Samuel 24, Saul enters a cave where David is hiding. David secretly cuts off a corner of Saul’s robe but refuses to kill him, then shows Saul the cloth as proof of his mercy.

Why did David refuse to kill Saul?

David would not stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed. He believed it was wrong to harm the king God had chosen, and he trusted God to judge between them.

Where did this happen?

It happened in the wilderness of En-gedi, in a cave by the road where Saul went in to rest while hunting David.

How did Saul respond?

Saul wept and said that David was more righteous than he was, admitting David had rewarded him good while he had rewarded David evil.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 1 Samuel 24.

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The Story of David Anointed as King in the Bible

The story of David anointed as king — a prophet went to a small town looking for a king, and God chose the one son no one had bothered to call in from the fields.

This account is found in 1 Samuel 16, after the LORD rejected Saul as king over Israel.

The Story of David Is Anointed King

The LORD told Samuel to stop mourning for Saul and to fill his horn with oil. He sent Samuel to Bethlehem, to the house of a man named Jesse, saying He had provided Himself a king among Jesse’s sons.

When Samuel saw Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab, he was tall and impressive, and Samuel thought surely this was the LORD’s anointed. But the LORD told him not to judge by height or appearance, for man looks on the outward appearance while the LORD looks on the heart.

One by one, Jesse brought seven of his sons before Samuel. Each time Samuel said the LORD had not chosen this one. Seven sons passed by, and none of them was the man God had picked.

Samuel asked Jesse if these were all his children. Jesse said the youngest still remained, out keeping the sheep. Samuel said to send for him, and they would not sit down until he came. The boy was David.

When David arrived, the LORD said, Arise, anoint him, for this is he. Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David among his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day on. Later, when an evil spirit troubled Saul, David played the harp and Saul was refreshed.

Key Verses

“I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons” 1 Samuel 16:1

“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” 1 Samuel 16:7

“There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep” 1 Samuel 16:11

“Anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David” 1 Samuel 16:13

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.

What the Story of David Is Anointed King Teaches Us

The story shows that God does not measure people the way people do. The tall, obvious choice was passed over, and the forgotten shepherd boy was chosen, because God weighs the heart rather than the outward appearance.

It also shows that God prepares people quietly. David was faithful in a small task, keeping the sheep, long before anyone saw him as a king, and God had already set His choice on him.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in this story?

In 1 Samuel 16, God sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king. After seven older sons are passed over, the youngest, David, is called in from the sheep and anointed.

Why was David chosen over his older brothers?

The LORD told Samuel that man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. David’s brothers looked the part, but God had chosen David.

Who was Jesse?

Jesse was a man of Bethlehem and the father of David. God sent Samuel to Jesse’s house because He had chosen a king from among Jesse’s sons.

What happened after David was anointed?

The Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. Later David played the harp for Saul, and Saul was refreshed when an evil spirit troubled him.

Where is this story in the Bible?

It is found in 1 Samuel 16.

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