David’s Kingdom
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
King David was the second king of Israel and was anointed by the prophet Samuel while King Saul was still on the throne 1 Samuel 16:1-13. After Saul’s death, David began to rule over Judah from Hebron while Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth ruled over Israel 2 Samuel 2:8-11. After two years of rule, Ish-Bosheth was murdered, and David ruled over all of Israel. After seven and a half years in Hebron, David conquered Jerusalem, making it his new capital city. David reigned for 40 years in total, from 1010–970 BC 2 Samuel 5:1-16.
During David’s reign, Israel experienced a period of significant expansion and military success. He conquered many neighboring kingdoms and established Israel as a dominant power in the region. Although he was a brilliant military strategist, David was humble and gave glory to God for all his success 2 Samuel 22:1-51.
At home during a usual time of war, David sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. David had Uriah killed and married Bathsheba to cover his transgressions, but God dealt with David’s sin 2 Samuel 11:1-27. The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to confront the king, and David’s sexual immorality and murder would run throughout his own family until his death 2 Samuel 12:1-23.
Having established peace on every side, David longed to build God a temple. However, God had different plans and promised David an eternal house or lineage to reign on Israel’s throne 2 Samuel 7:8-16. After serving Israel for 40 years as king, he died and was buried in Jerusalem. The Israelites regarded him as their greatest king 2 Chronicles 34:3. David also had found favor in the Lord’s eyes as a man after God’s own heart 1 Samuel 13:14, 1 Kings 2:33, 1 Kings 8:16.
