Promises from the Prophets
See also: David in the Bible »
OUTLINE
The children of Isra'il settled
The children of Isra'il settled. After the death of Musa, many enjoyed Allah's protection as they kept his Law, but enemies warred against them (Quran 2.246-247).
Allah chose Talut (Saul) to lead the people in battle
Allah chose Talut (Saul) to lead the people in battle (Quran 2.246-247, Ibn Kathir 2.250-252). Though the people objected to Talut's appointment because he was not wealthy, Talut was favoured by Allah and helped by the angels to bring peace and tranquillity to the children of Isra'il (Quran 2.246-247). Going into battle, he tested the people at the river by observing the way they drank (Quran 2.249). He restored the Ark of the Covenant to the lands of Isra'il (Quran 2.247-248).
Dawud defeated Jalut and later became a king
Dawud defeated Jalut and later became a king (Quran 2.249-251, Ibn Kathir 2.250-252). He was given victory in battle by Allah, slaying the giant Jalut (Goliath) (Quran 2.249-251). Though the children of Isra'il were few in number, Allah helped them to defeat their enemy (Quran 2.249-251, Ibn Kathir 2.249-251).
Dawud was a good king, and an exemplary prophet
Dawud was a good king, and an exemplary prophet (Quran 6.83-84, Quran 4.163-165, Bukhari 4632, Ibn Abbas 38.17-25). Dawud was called a vice-regent on the earth, a khalifa, and is considered the greatest role model in prayer and fasting (Bukhari 1131, Bukhari 3417, Bukhari 3420, Bukhari 4807, Muslim 1159). Even the first prophet Adem pledged to give away 40 years of his life so Dawud could live longer (Ibn Kathir 7.172, Tirmidhi 6.44.3367, Tirmidhi 47.3356). Dawud received a book from Allah, the Zabur or 'Songs' (Quran 17.55, Quran 4.54, Quran 4.163-165, Quran 21.105, Quran 38.29, Bukhari 344, Ibn Kathir 13.31). As a king, he was given authority and knowledge; he settled disputes wisely and was loved by his people (Ibn Abbas 38.17-25, Ibn Kathir 13.31).
Dawud was tested, and sought pardon from Allah
Dawud was tested, and sought pardon from Allah (Ibn Abbas 38.17-25, 21.78-80). When two litigants scaled Dawud's wall to seek his counsel about some sheep, he realised that he was being tested by Allah, and bowed in repentance. So Allah pardoned him (Quran 38.21-25, 21.78-79, Bukhari 6769, Ibn Abbas 38.17-25, 21.78-80, Ibn Kathir 21.78). Similarly, Allah tested Dawud's son Sulaiman with a corpse on his throne, and he too repented (Quran 38.38-40).
God gave great victories, skill and riches to Dawud in his lifetime
God gave great victories, skill and riches to Dawud in his lifetime. He was handsome. He had 100 wives, and he lived 100 years (Ibn Abbas 38.17-25, Ibn Kathir 27.15-19). Allah enabled David to command birds and mountains in song (Quran 21.79, Quran 38.18-40, Quran 34.10-11, Ibn Abbas 38.17-25, Ibn Abbas 21.78-80, Ibn Abbas 27.15-16, Ibn Abbas 34.10-12, Ibn Kathir 34.10-11, Ibn Kathir 27.15-19). He made the very first armour (Quran 34.10-11, Quran 21.80, Ibn Abbas 21.78-80, Ibn Kathir 34.10-11). At his death, large numbers of people mourned him, and his son Sulaiman commanded the birds to cover him until the evening (Ibn Abbas 27.15-16, Ibn Abbas 34.10-12).
REFLECTION: ALLAH'S KINGDOM
Although Allah is the King (malik) of the universe, He made Dawud a mighty and victorious king on Earth.
Dawud is famous for defeating giant Jalut. This was not because he was a strong man. It is Allah who empowered him to gain victory, and made him a king and prophet. Despite being victorious, he remained humble and righteous.
Unlike the Bible, the Quran does not record that Dawud committed the sin of adultery with Bethsheba. Though in Zabur (Psalms 51), Dawud repents of his sin, it is often believed that the Psalms, given by Allah to Dawud for guidance, were later changed.
DISCUSSION POINTS
- Read Quran 38.24. What is the test Dawud was subjected to? (Compare with 2 Samuel 12:1-13 in the Bible).
- Read 1 Kings 6:11-14 and 1 Kings 8:54-64 in the Bible. What was the purpose of the Temple built by Dawud’s son, Sulaiman?