David was the grandson of Jacob and lived in Bethlehem, a town near Jerusalem. He was the youngest of all his brothers and worked as a shepherd. He had a reddish complexion like a pomegranate, was short in stature, strongly built, intelligent, and handsome. He was so brave that if a wolf or lion attacked his flock of sheep, he would ensure it was killed.

He was highly skilled in slingshotting. He spoke in an enchanting way, was well-mannered, decent, and respected. He was also good at playing the flute and guitar. He had access to the court of King Saul. David always carried his staff and his shepherd’s slinger. He developed Hebrew and Egyptian musical instruments and even invented many of his own.

When Samuel came to Bethlehem in the later part of his life, he met David and foretold his prophethood and kingship, praying for God’s blessings upon him.

Talking Stones
Once, as David was passing through a jungle, a stone lying in his path addressed him and said, “Pick me up; I am the stone of Moses, which he used to kill his enemy.” David picked up the stone and put it in his satchel.

As he walked further, another stone called out, “Pick me up; I am the stone of Aaron.” He picked that one up too. Then yet another stone called out and said, “I am David’s stone, with which he will kill Goliath.” David picked up that stone as well. In his bag, all three stones combined to form a single stone.

General Goliath
When the armies of Saul and Goliath faced each other on the battlefield, General Goliath, clad in steel armor, was leading his army. He invited his opponents to individual combat. He was about nine feet tall.

The iron coat he wore weighed about 22 kilograms, and his legs were protected by seven brass guards. His spears were made of solid iron; just the head of his spear weighed more than 2.5 kilograms and had to be carried by one of his soldiers.

On the battlefield, Goliath challenged anyone who dared to face him. His voice was so powerful that it stunned everyone. When no one stepped forward, David sought permission from Saul to fight him. He had no sword, spear, or bow—only his wooden shepherd’s staff, his slinger, and a bag of pebbles.

Seeing a youth of ordinary stature, Goliath mocked him, saying, “Do you want to chase me away as if I were a dog?”

David took a pebble and, using his slinger, struck Goliath on the forehead. The stone broke his skull and forehead bone. The proud giant fell face-first to the ground. David then approached and beheaded him with Goliath’s own sword.

When the Palestinian army saw their general slain and beheaded, they lost their nerve. The Israeli army attacked and defeated them by the grace of God.

David’s valor, courage, and bravery earned him immense popularity among the Israelites. Saul gave his daughter Anne in marriage to David and appointed him as commander over 1,000 soldiers.

“O David, didn’t We make thee a vicegerent on earth? So judge between men justly, and follow not the desires of your heart, for they will mislead you from the path of God. For those who forget the Day of Account, there is a grievous penalty.” (Surah Sad 38:26)

David’s Leadership
When David was appointed as chief, he was residing in the southern part of Sinai. He sent a message to Nabail, the governor of the area: “Spend in the cause of God, who has blessed you with wealth and riches.”

Nabail misbehaved with David’s messengers and disgraced them. Displeased, David set out with 400 men to punish Nabail. However, Nabail’s wife, a wise woman, arranged a feast in David’s honor and apologized for her husband’s misconduct.

When she told her husband about what she had done, Nabail was so shocked that he died from it.

Prophethood and Wisdom
After the death of King Saul, God granted David prophethood. He was among those prophets whom God made rulers over the land so they could lead their people on the path of righteousness.

David was blessed with prophetic knowledge and wisdom, enabling the Israelites to become a distinguished nation. A large territory came under their control, and a great empire was established. David enforced the rule of law, fought against disbelievers, established communication among various tribes of Israel, and preached righteousness and virtue.

He was gifted with wisdom, sharp intellect, and fair judgment.

“We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision.” (Surah Sad 38:20)

He had a routine of fasting every other day and worshipped God in the last third of the night.

David was given the Zabur (Psalms), which literally means “fragments.” This holy book, now known as the Book of Psalms—one of the 39 books of the Old Testament—contains 150 Psalms attributed to David. These lyrical Psalms include hymns, praises of the Lord, prayers for the good of the world and the Hereafter, and supplications for protection against evil.