How did King David die?

Answer

King David passed away at the age of 70 due to old age. The only health issue mentioned in the Bible regarding David during his later years was his struggle to keep warm. The verse states, “Now King David was old and advanced in years, and they covered him with clothes, but he could not get warm” (1 Kings 1:1). According to the Bible, he was laid to rest in the city of David, sleeping with his ancestors, as it says, “So David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David” (1 Kings 2:10).

On the eve of David’s passing, he imparted advice and guidance to his son Solomon, who would take his place as the king of Israel. He said, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, act like a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, and that the LORD may fulfill his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel'” (1 Kings 2:2-4).

David’s final words of wisdom began positively but ended with somber warnings. He reminded Solomon that the continuity of the dynasty depended on the faithfulness of his descendants. Additionally, David instructed Solomon to address unresolved matters: avenging the murders committed by Joab, repaying the sons of Barzillai for their loyalty, and punishing Shimei for cursing David during Absalom’s rebellion. Despite the serious tasks, the dying king had faith in his son’s wisdom, trusting that he would fulfill his responsibilities.To Solomon would know the best way to handle these matters. David’s final words in Scripture are followed by a formal notice of the king’s death and burial, a custom seen regularly in the historical books (1 Kings 2:10-12).

The book of 1 Chronicles expands on the end of David’s life: “David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. He ruled over Israel forty years—seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king” (1 Chronicles 29:26-28).

Before he died, King David gave a charge to Solomon, telling his son to “acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever” «And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. », (1 Chronicles 28:9). Then David left Solomon with detailed instructions for building the temple in Jerusalem, organizing its priests and Levites, and finishing all the work needing to be done in the Lord’s house of worship (verses 11–19).

First Chronicles 28:20–21 records these inspiring and reassuring words of King David as he prepared to hand his throne to Solomon: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work.For the service of the temple of the LORD is complete. The divisions of the priests and Levites are prepared for all the tasks in the temple of God, and every willing individual skilled in any craft will assist you in all the work. The officials and all the people will follow your every command” (1 Chronicles 28:20-21).

God blessed King David with a long and prosperous life. He survived a battle with a giant, multiple attempts by King Saul to kill him, various wars, and a coup led by one of his own sons. In the end, he died of old age. Scripture leaves no doubt that David was of sound mind when he passed away. Knowing his death was near, David was able to provide support and guidance to his heir and successor. Despite his many flaws, David was admired and respected as a hero by the people of Israel. His devotion to God, loyalty in the face of mistreatment, bravery in war, kindness in conquest, and faithfulness in friendship were so remarkable that he would always be seen as an exemplary king and a man after God’s own heart.