David / Dāwūd

דָּוִד (Hebrew) · داود (Arabic)

Shepherd-king, psalmist, and prophet

Overview

David is the shepherd boy who slew Goliath, became king of Israel, and authored many Psalms. The Quran’s Dāwūd is a prophet-king given the Zabūr (Psalms) and the ability to mold iron. He defeated Goliath (Jālūt) and was given wisdom and sound judgment. Both traditions hold him as the ancestor of the Messiah.

In the Torah

Key passages:

  • 1 - David defeats Goliath
  • 1 - covenant with David
  • 1 - “The LORD is my shepherd”

In the Quran

Dāwūd in Quran

Key passages:

  • 251 - David slays Goliath
  • 79 - given the Zabur
  • 10 - iron made soft for him

Shared Themes


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