David
The Shepherd King
David rose from shepherd to king, composed the Psalms, and established Jerusalem as the holy city. He is revered across all Abrahamic traditions as a prophet-king and ancestor of the Messiah.
Across Traditions
Judaism
Name
David HaMelech
Role
Greatest king of Israel, author of Psalms
Summary
David is the ideal king in Jewish tradition — warrior, poet, and lover of God. His covenant with God promises an eternal dynasty from which the Messiah will come. The Psalms attributed to him form the heart of Jewish liturgy. His sins with Bathsheba and against Uriah demonstrate that even great figures are accountable before God.
Source Text
I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will
Acts 13:22 (citing 1 Samuel 13:14)
Christianity
Name
David
Role
Prophetic king and ancestor of Jesus Christ
Summary
David is the ancestor of Jesus Christ, who is repeatedly called 'Son of David.' His Psalms are prophetic — Psalm 22 anticipates the crucifixion in vivid detail. The Davidic covenant is fulfilled in Christ as the eternal king. His life of repentance after sin (Psalm 51) is a model of penitence.
Source Text
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham
Matthew 1:1
Islam
Name
Dawud
Role
Prophet, king, and recipient of the Zabur
Summary
Dawud is a prophet and king who received the Zabur (Psalms) as divine scripture. He possessed extraordinary strength, killed Goliath (Jalut), and was given the ability to understand the speech of birds. Iron became soft in his hands so he could fashion armor. He is praised for constant worship and praise of God.
Source Text
And We certainly gave David from Us bounty. O mountains, repeat Our praise with him, and the birds as well
Quran 34:10
LDS
Name
David
Role
Fallen king whose eternal inheritance was lost
Summary
David is a complex figure in Restoration theology. He held the priesthood and was a great prophet, yet his sin with Bathsheba — arranging Uriah's death — cost him exaltation. D&C 132 states his wives are taken from him due to his transgression. He stands as a solemn warning about the consequences of priesthood betrayal.
Source Text
David's wives and concubines were given unto him of me... but in none of these things did he sin against me save in the case of Uriah
D&C 132:39
Connected Figures
Theme
Common Ground
Description
All four traditions honor David as a king chosen by God who killed Goliath and composed sacred poetry. The covenant with David promising an eternal dynasty is recognized across traditions.
Theme
Unique Insight
Description
Islam uniquely emphasizes David's supernatural gifts — softening iron and understanding birds' speech — alongside his prophethood, while Judaism and Christianity focus more on his royal and poetic legacy.
Theme
Restoration Addition
Description
The Restoration uniquely teaches that David lost his exaltation due to murder, adding a sobering theological dimension to his story absent from other traditions.