Timeline of the Life of King David

While trying to wrap my brain around the life of David and his many wives, I started searching for a timeline.   A quick Google search of "Timeline life of King David" brought up approximately 15 Million results!  It's a bit confusing when you take in to consideration the years are BC, but it was very helpful.  I'm sure I'll be referring back to this in the weeks ahead as I study.  The dates here are from a more detailed list, but I've chosen to focus mainly on David's wives and children.  You can read the complete list here.

1040 BC: Saul reigns from roughly 1040-1000 BC

1035 BC: David is likely born in Bethlehem between 1040 and 1030 BC.

1025 BC: David is anointed by Samuel (1Sam 16) at age 10-13.

1020 BC: David defeats Goliath probably at 15-17 years of age (1Sam 17)

1008 BC: His success as a warrior has made Saul offer him the hand of his daughter Michal “as a snare.” (1Sam 18:21). Michal marries him, and she loves him (1Sam 18:27-28).

1007 BC: At Jonathan's warning (and Michal’s), David flees from Saul to Samuel at Ramah (1Sam 19). Michal remains behind with Saul.

1005 BC: David is living “off the land” as he encounters Nabal and Abigail at Carmel (1Sam 25). His men kindly provide protection for Nabal’s flocks expecting to be paid, but Nabal rebuffs them. David threatens to kill Nabal for his affront until Abigail diplomatically intercedes with food and praise. David has married Ahinoam of Jezreel (1Sam 25:43). When Nabal dies shortly after this incident, David marries Abigail as well. In David’s absence, Saul gives Michal to Paltiel in Gallim, which is probably on the border near Jerusalem.

1000 BC: David with the help of his allies assumes control of Judah, and is anointed its king with Hebron as his capital (2Sam 2:7). He reigns for 7 years and 6 months (2Sam 2:11). While there, he marries Maacah, daughter of the king of Geshur. He also marries Haggith, Abital, and Eglah (2Sam 3:1-5) and has  sons and daughters by all but Michal (2Sam 6:23).

David’s Sons:
Amnon by Ahinoam of Jezreel
Kileab by Abigail (Nabal’s widow)
Absalom by Maacah the Caananite (Maacah also bore David's daughter, Tamar)
Adonijah by Haggith
Shephatiah by Abital
Ithream by Eglah

998 BC: Michal is returned to David by Ishbosheth (3:14).

997 BC: David conquers Jerusalem (2Sam 5:6). He rebuilds it, and moves there from Hebron.

993 BC:  David is publicly anointed king over all of Israel, north and south (2Sam 5:17). David’s 33-year reign at Jerusalem begins (1Chr 3:4). His total kingship lasts 40 years (1Kgs. 2:11).

992 BC: Ark returned to Jerusalem to a tent (2Sam 6). Michal mocks David for dancing.

982 BC: After 7-10 years of war, David has solidified his empire (2Sam 8). David’s sons become royal advisers 2Sam 8:18 (though too young – probably 14-18 years old; it distorts their sense of self importance).  Mephibosheth is found and David honors his pledge to Jonathan (2Sam 9).

980 BC: While indulging his children, and allowing his generals to run their own war, David falls prey to the temptations of the flesh, of peace, and of plenty: he sleeps with Bathsheba (2Sam 11). Uriah is slain in April. In December, Nathan confronts David and he repents. The child dies (2Sam 11-12; Ps 51).

979 BC: Solomon is born, youngest of David’s sons, and future heir to the throne.

962 BC: David’s health begins to fail him (1Kgs 1:1-4). A beautiful young woman is sought to serve him and keep him warm in his old age (Abishag). Adonijah, 4th born son of David, attempts a coup with Joab.  At Nathan’s insistence, Bathsheba convinces David to declare Solomon king-in-waiting (per the promise in 2Sam 11:24-25; 1Chr 22:9), and have him assume the throne (1Kgs 1:5-53; 1Chr 23:1; 26:31). David agrees.

961 BC: David calls for a National Assembly, and passes to Solomon his pattern for the temple (1Chr 28). He exhorts the people to give willingly, in joyful worship (1Chr 29:10-20). Solomon is anointed a 2nd time, publicly, and is now co-rex (1Chr 29:1-25). In private, David instructs Solomon to walk with God, and after his death, to deal with Joab and Shimei son of Gera, the traitors (1Kgs 2:1-98).

961 BC: David dies a natural death at 70-75. Although David begins to rule at age 30 for 40 years, he may be older than 70 if we add Solomon’s over-lapping time of rule. (2Sam 5:4-5; 1Kgs 2:10-11; 1Chr 29:26-30; see Ps 90:10). David is buried in Jerusalem (2Sam 5:4-5; 1Kgs 2:10-12; 1Chr 29:26-30), having served God’s purposes in his own generation (Ac 13:22, 36).