How David Became King of Israel (2 Samuel 2

Color illustration of three of David's mighty men in armor — King over Israel

After Saul fell on Gilboa, David did not seize the throne. He asked the LORD where to go.

King over Judah at Hebron

The LORD sent him to Hebron, and the men of Judah anointed David king over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:1–4). He reigned there seven years and six months (2 Samuel 5:5).

King over All Israel

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.— 2 Samuel 5:3–4 (KJV)

Taking Jerusalem

David took the strong hold of Zion, "the same is the city of David" (2 Samuel 5:7). Joab went up first and became chief (1 Chronicles 11:6), and the list of the mighty men follows immediately in 1 Chronicles 11:10, men "who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom." See David's mighty men and Joab.

God's Covenant with David

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.— 2 Samuel 7:16 (KJV)

David's Mighty Men Coloring Book

41 bold coloring pages of King David's warriors, straight from 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. Ages 5–99+. Paperback, $9.99. See inside the book.

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From the Psalms
Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.— Psalm 18:50 (KJV)

Questions About David's Mighty Men

How old was David when he became king?

Thirty years old (2 Samuel 5:4).

How long did David reign?

Forty years: seven years and six months in Hebron over Judah, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem over all Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 5:4–5).

King David Bible Stories

David the Shepherd BoyKeeping his father's sheep Anointed by Samuel1 Samuel 16 The Lion and the Bear1 Samuel 17:34–37 David and GoliathA sling and a stone David and SaulThe harp and the spear David and JonathanA covenant of friends David Spares SaulThe LORD's anointed Bringing the ArkDanced with all his might The Psalms of DavidThe shepherd king's songs Goliath of GathSix cubits and a span Giants in the BibleAnakim, Rephaim, Og and Gath King David Coloring PagesColor the warriors of Scripture

Explore David's Mighty Men

The Full ListAll 37 mighty men by name The ThreeDavid's three mightiest The ThirtyWho were the 30 mighty men?Cave of AdullamWhere the band began JoabCommander of David's army ElhananTwo men, two records Ittai the Gittite"In death or life"The GaditesFaces like lions 2 Samuel 23 vs 1 Chronicles 11How the two lists compare The Giants of GathFour sons of the giant fell FAQQuestions answered from Scripture

Meet the Mighty Men

Josheb-basshebethAdino the Eznite, chief of the Three Eleazar son of DodoHis hand clave unto the sword Shammah son of AgeeHeld the lentil field Story: The Water from BethlehemThree of the thirty chief break through the Philistine camp (2 Samuel 23:13–17)AbishaiChief of the Three, 300 with his spear Benaiah son of JehoiadaA lion in a pit on a snowy day AsahelLight of foot as a wild roe Uriah the HittiteLoyal to the last

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