The character of David has been very variously estimated, exaggerated praise naturally producing a revulsion to the opposite extreme. . . . No testimony to David could be more eloquent than that of the charm he exerted on all who had to do with him. Everywhere he inspires love and devotion. Jonathan is his closest friend; Saul, Michal, all Israel love him. . . . The three mighty men risk their life to bring him a draught of water; his soldiers call him the "lamp of Israel," and will not let him endanger himself in battle; Ittai of Gath will follow him in life or death. Nor was this devotion and admiration undeserved. A brave and successful warrior, who had fought many a campaign against his country's foes, he safely led and ruled the rough men who gathered round him as an outlaw. . . . Hasty and passionate he could be, even in his zeal for justice; but far more marked is his signal generosity. He spares Saul's life when he is in his power, and laments for his death in a noble song. . . .
He was remembered as a just and patriotic ruler; and when oppression and injustice became only too common in Israel, the great prophets looked forward to a time when again a righteous king should sit on his throne; and the name of David became the symbol of the ideal ruler of his line, who they believed must come, and who was afterwards termed the Messiah. Again, it was through David that the group of Israelitish tribes became a powerful nation, and extended its sway over the neighboring peoples. Then Israel began to feel that it had a mission in the world; and . . . this conviction never died, even in the darkest hour. Still the people believed that in God's own time they would be called upon once more to subdue the surrounding nations, or like a second David to proclaim to heathen races Jehovah's great and holy name.
From Hastings' "Dictionary of the Bible."
