The Holy Prophet and King David

The Holy Prophet and King David.

On the Sunday after Christmas, the Church commemorates the Holy Prophet and King David, Saint Joseph the Betrothed (the foster-father of Christ), and Saint James, the Lord's brother (the son of St. Joseph by his first wife).

This icon of Saint David shows him as a youthful shepherd tending his flocks and playing his harp. David was the youngest son of Jesse, who tended the flocks and skillfully played harp, while yet "hidden" before his kingly anointing by the Prophet Samuel and joining King Saul's court. Later, he famously slew Goliath, took the throne, and became Israel's greatest king. As a great poet and musician, he wrote most of the Psalms.

"'Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skilful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence; and the Lord is with him.' Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, 'Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.'" 1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 16:18-20