David's lessons on leadership - Intro

In a series of posts, I want to discuss what we can learn about leadership from David, King of Israel. 

I should acknowledge there is a major question about whether David really existed or is some type of Arthurian legend.  For example, the November 21, 1997 issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education contained an article, "Debunking Ancient Israel: Erasing History or Facing the Truth?" Here was the synopsis: "Biblical scholars get nasty in a transatlantic debate over whether King David existed." I do not intend to step into the fray and try to resolve something that biblical scholars cannot even seem to figure out.  Arguing the reality of David’s existence is not the point of this series.

That said; over 3.8 billion people belong to an Abrahamic religion, these are the monotheistic faiths that recognize a spiritual tradition identified with Abraham.  The term is mostly used to refer collectively to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.   Each of these faiths sees David as an important person and leader in the ancient world. 

In Judaism, David's reign represents the formation of a coherent Jewish state with its political and religious capital in Jerusalem and the institution of a royal lineage that culminates in the Messianic era.

In Christianity, David is mainly important as the ancestor of the Messiah. Several Old Testament prophecies state that the Messiah will come from David's line; the Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace Jesus' lineage to David to fulfill this requirement.

In the Quran, David is known as Dawud, and considered one of the prophets of Islam, to whom the Zabur (Psalms) were revealed by Allah. As in Judaism, he is said to have killed Goliath (Jalut) with a rock from his slingshot. In his reign, he is generally believed to have laid the foundations of the Dome of the Rock.

So I figure if 3.8 billion people think David is important, that is good enough for me to look at some of the experiences written about David from his upbringing, to his leadership in war and his actions as a king of a large group of people.  Turns out there are several good lessons in David’s life for those of us struggling to become better leaders.

Here is a quick history lesson for those unfamiliar with David’s life.  Tradition has it that David was born around 1035 BC.  In 1020 BC he kills Goliath at the age of 15-17 years old.  He is sent out to battle for the first time by the king commanding a thousand warriors in 1010 BC at around 25 years old.  In 1005 BC, David liberates Keilah from the Philistines.  Around 1000 BC, David with the help of his allies assumes control of Judah, and is anointed its king with Hebron as his capital.  From 998 BC to 993 BC, David is in a five-year battle with Ishbosheth (who liberated the remainder of the Western territory from the Philistines and was declared king over the northern kingdom of Israel).

That war ends when two cutthroats murder Ishbosheth and David is publicly anointed king over all of Israel, north and south.  In the middle of that war, David conquered Jerusalem, rebuilt it and moved there from Hebron.  After several years of consolidating his empire, his fourth son Solomon is born around 979 – 975 BC.  Solomon would become the heir to the throne.  It is during this time that David goes through the experience of seeing one of his sons kill another one of his sons.  Right before the fratricide occurs, David has his own personal moral failure which leads to the death of a good man.  In 969 BC David suffers through two revolts, one led by his own son.  He fights his last battle personally in 965 BC where he almost loses his life.  Finally in around 960 BC he calls an assembly, provides the blueprints for the temple to Solomon and publicly hands him the throne.  David likely lived 70 – 75 years.

Quite a life, through which he is born a common man, develops into a warrior, becomes king and consolidates Israel.  In the next post, I will start at the end of David’s life and look at what we can learn from “the last words of David”.