Who Is David? Multiple Introductions

AbstractThe story's multiple introductions of David consist of four brilliantly clear vignettes that do not add up to any apparent coherence of character. The resulting complexity yields a mystery that contrasts sharply with what is an economically achieved clarity of character for Saul. First, the audience meets David, whom only God knows (1, 16.1‐13); again we meet David, brought before a troubled King Saul as a musical therapist (1, 16:14‐23); a third time for the audience—and second for Saul, David is introduced as a talkative warrior who is simultaneously pious and political (1, 17:1‐54); and finally, we find Saul asking who David is! (I, 17:55‐18:5). The first introduction to David sets the narrative tone: prophet Samuel is sent to anoint David—under the ruse of a sacrifice—but the seer sees wrongly in the selection process. Then, King Saul meets two very different Davids: a quiescent, responsive David followed by a politically ambitious and overtly pious David. Finally, a confused Saul asks David about his identity.