The reign of David
David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. (2SA 5:4), spanning 40 years associated with David.
Description
David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. (2SA 5:4)
Details
- Type
- Reign
- Person
- David
- Start
- ~1053 BC(2951 AH)
- End
- ~1013 BC(2991 AH)
- Duration
- 40 years
- Start Reference
- 2SA 5:4
- End Reference
- 1KI 2:10
Notes
START:[Shulman date p83] [Ussher date p59] END:[Shulman date p83] [Ussher date p63]
Historical Dating
Reign of King Saul
1050–1010 BCSaul's reign begins with promise but ends in tragedy. Initially humble and Spirit-empowered, Saul's incomplete obedience (sparing Agag, offering unauthorized sacrifice) reveals that external conformit...
David Anointed King
1010 BCGod directs Samuel to anoint David (דָּוִד, 'beloved'), Jesse's youngest son, as Israel's king. The Spirit's departure from Saul and anointing of David marks the transition. David's victory over Golia...
David's Reign and the Davidic Covenant
1010–970 BCDavid conquers Jerusalem, making it Israel's political and religious capital, and brings the ark there with great celebration. He desires to build God a house (temple), but God reverses the plan—He wi...
Solomon's Reign and Temple Construction
970–930 BCSolomon (שְׁלֹמֹה, 'peace') succeeds David, and God grants him unprecedented wisdom. His building of the Temple fulfills David's desire and creates the permanent dwelling place for the ark and divine ...
Related Reign Epochs
Frequently Asked Questions
When did The reign of David occur in Bible history?
The reign of David occurred approximately ~1053 BC to ~1013 BC. This is 2951–2991 AH (Anno Hominis — years from Creation using the Ussher chronology, where Year 1 = ~4004 BC). This period lasted 40 years.
What does “AH” mean in Bible chronology?
AH stands for “Anno Hominis” (Year of Man), a chronological system that counts years from Creation. Under the Ussher chronology, Year 1 AH corresponds to approximately 4004 BC.