The King – This archetype is represented by David, who became the King of Israel and led his people to conquer many nations.

The legendary figure of the King is one of the central characters in the many stories, myths and legends of the ancient world. From the heroic King David of the Old Testament to Beowulf and the legendary King Arthur, this archetype has been a major part of our historical and mythical narrative. King David personifies this archetype, who became king of Israel at the young age of thirty and went on to establish a rule of justice, power and righteousness.

An archetypal King was thought of as a leader who was wise and strong, regulating the kingdom with fairness and justice and providing protection to their people. This archetype is famously represented in the Old Testament with King David becoming the embodiment of this traditional concept. Despite the tragedy of his love affair with the beautiful Bathsheba and its subsequent consequences, David was presented as living out his true destiny, becoming a renowned king and demonstrating the ideal of a perfect ruler. This is demonstrated in the Bible passages where his wise decisions on the warfront and his decision in sharing the resources of his kingdom are both praised.

The greatness of a King as a leader is also seen in his ability to bring together disparate elements of a country, between different tribal and ethnic groups, and to bring about harmony and unity within a nation. Under King David’s rule, the kingdom of Israel was united, with David actively setting up a series of alliances in an effort to bring peace and stability to the area. Interestingly, the unification of the twelve tribes of Israel is often described with the same image, that of a ‘strong cord’. This is understood as being symbolic of the strength and authority of a good leader, as demonstrated by David, who was able to bring about peace and unity for the people of Israel.

The figure of King David is also associated with a higher power and a close relationship with God that is unparalleled in the Old Testament. It is presumed that God himself selected David to be ruler of Israel, and this serves as a reminder of a theocratic rule. Through his faith and leadership, David was to bring the kingdom closer to its ultimate goal, religious enlightenment and understanding of a higher power.

The archetype of King David is an example of a powerful figure who was able to reconcile the many different elements of a kingdom and to bring together all the people of Israel, creating a unified reality where everybody shared an equal stake in a prosperous future. His remarkable leadership, his understanding of politics and the divine, along with his victory in battle, prove that he was the epitome of the traditional concept of what a King should be. Thus, King David has become a highly admired and respected ruler, both in the religious and secular spheres.

He was a great warrior and a wise leader. He represents the ideal king – someone who is brave, strong, and just.

'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' (Matthew 5:5)

'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.' (Galatians 5:22-23)

'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.' (John 3:16)

'Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.' (John 15:13)

'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' (James 4:7)

'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' (Philippians 4:13)

'Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' (Joshua 1:9)

'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.' (Psalm 23:1)

'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.' (Psalm 23:4)

'The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?' (Psalm 27:1)