About 1010 BC (About 3,000 years ago)
David, who was born in Bethlehem as an Israelite from the Tribe of Judah, becomes the second king of Israel in about 1010 BC and reigns for 40 years.
King David, unlike Saul, follows the commands of God. He makes mistakes but repents for them. He seeks to please God. He expands the size of Israel and rules over surrounding territory.
During his reign, the prophets began foretelling that the promised Messiah would be a descendant of David. The first example appears in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, which was given by the prophet Nathan about 3,000 years ago, during David’s time.
This prophecy from Nathan indicated that the Messiah would have human and divine qualities, that he would be a descendant of David and that he would inherit an eternal throne.
The book, Jesus the Messiah, Ray Konig, explains that 2 Samuel 7:12-16 is the first of at least twelve son of David prophecies that speak of the Messiah as being an extraordinary descendant of David. Other examples include Isaiah 7:13-14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 11:1-10, Jeremiah 23:5-6, and Micah 5:1-4.
Next: Solomon becomes king; builds Temple
Go to: Bible history timeline