### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Dâvid** `{{H1732}}`, meaning **loving**, refers to **David, the youngest son of Jesse**. It appears **1076 times** in **911 verses**, highlighting his central role in scripture. He is described as a king, a warrior, the "sweet psalmist of Israel" [[2 Samuel 23:1]], and "the servant of the LORD" `{{H5650}}` [[Psalms 18:1]]. His name is tied to a legacy of leadership, worship, and a pivotal covenant with God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **David** `{{H1732}}` is portrayed as a multifaceted figure. As a youth, he confronts the **Philistine** `{{H6430}}` not with conventional weapons, but in the **name** `{{H8034}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` of hosts [[1 Samuel 17:45]]. His reliance on God is a consistent theme; he encourages `{{H2388}}` himself in the LORD `{{H3068}}` during great distress [[1 Samuel 30:6]] and seeks `{{H7592}}` God's guidance directly [[1 Samuel 30:8]]. Many Psalms `{{H4210}}` are attributed to him, expressing everything from desperate pleas while fleeing **Saul** `{{H7586}}` [[Psalms 57:1]] to exultant praise `{{H8416}}` for God's creation [[Psalms 19:1]] and deliverance `{{H5337}}` [[Psalms 18:1]]. His life also includes significant moral failure, such as his sin `{{H2398}}` with **Bathsheba** `{{H1339}}`. When confronted by the prophet **Nathan** `{{H5416}}`, David confesses, "I have sinned against the LORD" [[2 Samuel 12:13]], and his prayer `{{H8605}}` for mercy `{{H2603}}` is recorded [[Psalms 51:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key terms and figures are intrinsically linked to **David** `{{H1732}}`:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): The concept of the "house of David" is crucial, representing his lineage and dynasty. God promises to establish `{{H3559}}` his **house** `{{H1004}}` [[2 Samuel 7:18]], and prophetic writings refer to the future hope tied to it ([[Zechariah 12:8]], [[Zechariah 13:1]]).
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): David is a foundational **king** `{{H4428}}` in Israel's history [[2 Samuel 7:18]]. His reign `{{H4427}}` becomes a standard [[2 Chronicles 17:3]], and prophets speak of a future **King** `{{H4428}}` who will descend from him ([[Jeremiah 23:5]], [[Hosea 3:5]]).
* `{{H3678}}` **kiççêʼ** (throne): The promise of an enduring dynasty is symbolized by the "throne of David." This **throne** `{{H3678}}` is prophesied to be established `{{H5582}}` with justice `{{H6666}}` and judgment `{{H4941}}` for ever `{{H5769}}` [[Isaiah 9:7]].
* `{{H5650}}` **ʻebed** (a servant): David is frequently called God's **servant** `{{H5650}}`. God pledges to defend `{{H1598}}` the city for His own sake and for His **servant** `{{H5650}}` David's sake [[Isaiah 37:35]]. This title underscores his submission and special relationship with the LORD `{{H3068}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of **David** `{{H1732}}` is immense, shaping Israel's messianic hope.
* **The Davidic Covenant:** God establishes an everlasting **covenant** `{{H1285}}` with David, promising an enduring **kingdom** `{{H4467}}` and **throne** `{{H3678}}` ([[2 Chronicles 13:5]], [[Isaiah 9:7]]). This promise, known as the "sure mercies of David" `{{H2617}}` [[Isaiah 55:3]], becomes a cornerstone of future prophecy.
* **Messianic Ancestry:** David is the progenitor of a promised messianic figure. Prophets speak of a righteous **Branch** `{{H6780}}` that the LORD `{{H3068}}` will raise `{{H6965}}` up unto David ([[Jeremiah 23:5]], [[Jeremiah 33:15]]). This future **King** `{{H4428}}` from David's line will reign `{{H4427}}` and execute `{{H6213}}` judgment `{{H4941}}` and justice `{{H6666}}` in the earth `{{H776}}` [[Jeremiah 23:5]].
* **Exemplar of Trust and Repentance:** David's life is a testament to faith. He trusts `{{H2620}}` in God for preservation `{{H8104}}` [[Psalms 16:1]] and finds refuge `{{H2620}}` in the shadow `{{H6738}}` of God's wings `{{H3671}}` [[Psalms 57:1]]. Even after his great sin `{{H2398}}`, his confession [[2 Samuel 12:13]] and plea for a clean heart `{{H3820}}` [[Psalms 51:10]] model true repentance.
* **The Restored Ideal:** Prophecies look to a future age where God's people will have "one shepherd" `{{H7462}}`, his servant David ([[Ezekiel 34:23]], [[Ezekiel 37:24]]). In that day, even the feeble `{{H3782}}` will be "as David," and the house `{{H1004}}` of David will be "as God" `{{H430}}` [[Zechariah 12:8]], signifying a time of restored strength and godliness.
### Summary
In summary, **Dâvid** `{{H1732}}` is more than just a historical figure; he is central to the biblical narrative and theology. From his youthful faith as a shepherd facing a giant [[1 Samuel 17:45]] to his reign `{{H4427}}` as Israel's most famous **king** `{{H4428}}`, his story is one of victory, piety, and profound failure. His life, marked by both great sin `{{H2398}}` and sincere repentance [[Psalms 51:1]], provides a powerful picture of human frailty and divine grace. Ultimately, the name David becomes synonymous with the messianic promise of a "loving" `{{H1732}}` king whose heir would establish an everlasting `{{H5769}}` kingdom `{{H4467}}` of peace `{{H7965}}` [[Isaiah 9:7]].