Biblical journeys
Map of the Life of David
From shepherd boy in Bethlehem to king of Israel, including his years as a fugitive from Saul.
This journey has 6 stages through 6 places. It begins at Bethlehem and ends at Jerusalem; joining each stop with a straight line on the map gives about 160 km. In today's terms the route crosses West Bank (Palestine), West Bank (Palestinian Territories), Israel, and Palestine (West Bank). The actual route followed roads and terrain, so treat this distance as a sense of scale rather than a measured itinerary.
The Life of David
Step 1/6Bethlehem
David, the youngest son of Jesse, is anointed by Samuel. 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Routes are schematic study guides.
Journey sequence and Bible passages
- 1
Bethlehem
David, the youngest son of Jesse, is anointed by Samuel.
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Today: Bethlehem, West Bank (Palestine)
- 2
Gibeah
He plays the harp in Saul's court, then finds his life threatened by Saul's jealousy.
1 Samuel 18-19
Today: Tell el-Ful, West Bank (Palestinian Territories)
- 3
Adullam
He flees to the cave of Adullam and gathers a band of the distressed and discontented.
1 Samuel 22:1-2
Today: Khirbet esh-Sheikh Madhkur (Tel Adullam), Israel
- 4
Ziklag
The Philistine king Achish grants him Ziklag as a base.
1 Samuel 27:6
Today: Tell esh-Shari'a (Tel Sera) — disputed, also proposed: Khirbet a-Ra'i, Tel Halif, Tell el-Khuweilfeh, Tel Zayit, Israel
- 5
Hebron
After Saul's death, he is anointed king over Judah at Hebron.
2 Samuel 2:1-4
Today: Hebron / Al-Khalil, Palestine (West Bank)
- 6
Jerusalem
He captures the Jebusite stronghold, makes Jerusalem Israel's capital, and brings up the ark of the covenant.
2 Samuel 5; 6
Today: Jerusalem, Israel