More than just "Mighty Men"
These characters help us better know ourselves and our world.
We have reduced the people that surrounded King David to sound bites on “Mighty Men.” However, as the creators of the Bible Project explain,
“biblical authors present characters as more complex and morally compromised than we usually imagine.”
By wrestling with these stories, we can:
- see ourselves and others more clearly,
- anticipate the consequences of our actions,
- and find a moral compass that points to our Creator rather than fallible earthly leaders.
They become a lens through which we can better understand the dynamics of the world we live and work in, which leads us to make better decisions.
More than just "Mighty Men"
These characters help us better know ourselves and our world.
We have reduced the people that surrounded King David to sound bites on “Mighty Men.” However, as the creators of the Bible Project explain,
“biblical authors present characters as more complex and morally compromised than we usually imagine.”
By wrestling with these stories, we can:
- see ourselves and others more clearly,
- anticipate the consequences of our actions,
- and find a moral compass that points to our Creator rather than fallible earthly leaders.
They become a lens through which we can better understand the dynamics of the world we live and work in, which leads us to make better decisions.
Let's Get Acquainted.
Get to know each of the men (and one woman) that surrounded King David. Each character outline includes a timeless principle as a key takeaway. They are listed in alphabetical order below.
Abishai
David’s Swaggering NephewOne of the "mighty men," he shows how destructive undisciplined drive can be. He was a strong warrior but impulsive and traded bravery for bravado.Abner
Saul's GeneralAbner fought on Saul's behalf even after his death. Later betrayed, he defected to David, only to be killed by a vengeful Joab.Absalom
Prince & Insurrection LeaderAbsalom was David’s third son who killed his half-brother to avenge the rape of his sister. Consumed with outrage, he later led a failed insurrection.Adonijah
Would-Be KingThe importance of succession planning: He seized the throne while David was on his deathbed even though Solomon was the intended king so he lost his position.Ahithophel
Bitter Advisor to the KingAn insider in David's team of advisors, and likely Bathsheba's grandfather, he supported Abaslom's insurrection, perhaps from bitterness.Amasa
David's Outsider NephewBriefly the commander of Absalom's ill-fated army, Amasa was killed by Joab after getting off to a slow start on his first assignment to replace him.Amnon
David’s Abusive First BornAmnon's rape of his sister destroyed her future and unleashed a chain of events that threatened the kingdom.Asahel
David’s Swift-Footed NephewLeader of 24k soldiers, killed as a result of his own stubbornness in a one-on-one pursuitBenaiah
Tenacious WarriorKeep fighting when times are tough to come out on top: Benaiah was a military leader who succeeded when stakes were high.Hushai
Counselor & Spy for DavidDavid’s confidant who was instrumental in defeating Absalom’s insurrection.Ishbosheth
Saul's Son. Weak SuccessorPropped up by Saul’s general, he tried to hold onto power by position and ultimately lostJoab
David’s Nephew and GeneralThe highly effective general who led David’s army to victory but didn’t have the same heart as the king. He ruthlessly cut down rivals and lost his reward.Mephibosheth
Injured Son of David's Best FriendLame and marginalized, he didn't enjoy his inheritance until David recognized him and he learned to take and hold onto his seat at the table.Nathan
Prophet to the KingNathan endeared himself to King David by speaking the truth in love and correcting himself when his advice was wrong.Shimei
Cursed David at His Low PointShimei cursed King David as he fled Jerusalem during Absalom's insurrection. People never forget how you treat them when they're down.Tamar
David's DaughterShe was raped by her half-brother Amnon and avenged by her brother Absalom. Traumatized and victimized, she lived in desolation.The Amalekite
The OpportunistThe Amalekite was an opportunist in the transition of power from Saul to David. The new king asked the right questions to see through him.Uriah
Bathsheba's First HusbandKing David had Uriah murdered in battle in an attempt to cover up David getting his wife pregnant. But actions have consequences.Zadok
Priest and WarriorDependable and unwavering, he left a long legacyZiba
Mephibosheth’s Land ManagerChanges often stir up rivalries we may not be aware of, like when David promoted Mephibosheth to eat at his table
Frequently Ask Questions
Here’s a little more context about King David.
- David was a shepherd who rose to become king after years of battling his nation’s enemies, the Philistines, and hiding from the jealous King Saul. As the youngest in his family in a culture that practiced primogeniture, he was often ignored and underestimated in his family home. Yet, the prophet Samuel declared that he would become king one day.
- Over the years, he built a loyal following of “mighty men” who, like David, didn’t appear to have much going for them. But they became legends in their time.
- Saul was Israel’s first king. After enduring the ups and downs of ruling judges, the Israelites longed for a king, like other nations had. The prophet Samuel identified Saul, who was tall and impressive, but warned people that a king would make them suffer.
- Saul met David when the young man came to deliver lunch to his brothers on the battlefield. David famously slayed a giant who had taunted the Israelites for days. This endeared him to the people and won him Saul’s daughter for a wife. David played harp for the king to calm his anxiety.
- Their relationship was short-lived, as Saul became jealous and spent the next several years plotting to kill him. David consistently operated in defensive mode, not offensive mode with Saul.
- David and Saul’s son Jonathan were best friends, which created another layer of tension.
- Saul and Jonathan were both killed in
- The focus of this blog is professional and community organization leadership, not marriage. Other sources tackle those relationships.
- I highly recommend checking out videos from The BibleProject, which provide short overviews of the Biblical literature where we find these characters. These videos are:
- The Bible Project also offers a video on David, as an example of a priestly king, and a video series on how to read the Bible in all its literary forms.
If you would like to read through these books of the Bible and want a companion guide, I recommend The Bible Recap, which offers a chronological reading plan and a podcast that breaks down each day’s reading to help listeners make sense of what they read. Because the plan is chronological, they include the Psalms attributed to David, as well. While the whole Bible plan is ideal, you can find the content related to David on days 102 to 152.
The Bible doesn’t hide the shortcomings or mistakes of its heroes. He was held accountable for his mistakes and suffered multi-generational consequences by introducing violence and trauma to his family line.
At the same time, he repented and was forgiven. I love how God doesn’t hold grudges.