With the success of House of David’s two seasons on Amazon Prime, the story of King David from the Old Testament has been gaining new traction in popular culture. Why is it that this ancient story is still so relevant today? Because now, more than ever, people of faith could benefit from a dramatic reminder to place their trust in God and live with the confidence that God will take care of us, as individuals, families, communities, and as a society, if only we place our trust in him.
David, the latest project of Angel Studios and coming to theaters on December 19th, brings the story to the young through this animated musical featuring David before he becomes King David. As a youngster, David (voiced by Brandon Engman), spends his time in the hills surrounding his home looking after his father’s sheep. He protects them from predators and watches over the young lambs, as they are the most vulnerable of the flock. Although tending the sheep is a job nobody wants, David delights in the freedom it gives him to wander the hills, where he feels close to God.
When Samuel (voiced by Brian Stivale) unexpectedly shows up at David’s home with the news that a new king for Israel will be anointed from among the sons of Jesse, they line up eagerly, but none is chosen. Only when David comes in from his shepherding duties, does Samuel anoint him. But mum’s the word because if King Saul (voiced by Adam Michael Gold) finds out, the whole family will be in danger.
Details of the story are probably familiar to you from the Bible. Of course, the filmmakers can’t put everything in the movie, so I was hoping my favorite parts of the story were there. They were, like when David confronts Goliath (voiced by Kamran Nikhad), or when David (voiced by Phil Wickahm as a young man) cuts a piece off Saul’s cloak in the cave. I was pleased at the film’s loyalty to the Scriptures.
David would make a great family outing for Christmas. It’s kid-friendly, even the parts where David and Saul are fighting, and the overarching theme of trust in God, no matter how bad things get, is a reminder we all need.
One aspect of the film that doesn’t come across in the Scriptures is David’s relationship with his mother, named Nitzevet (voiced by Miri Mesika) in the film, the name she’s given in Jewish legend. Whenever David is uncertain, he not only turns to God, but to his mother. The portrayal of this relationship brings to mind the trust we can have in Blessed Mother Mary, to always help us when we struggle to follow Jesus.
We may not have direct experience with kings today in the same way ancient Israel did, but I can imagine that we all probably know or know of people who crave power and will do almost anything to keep it once it’s achieved. King Saul was one of these people and God intervened to make sure Saul’s lust for power didn’t overshadow his plan. God needed David, a man after his own heart, to bring unity to the people.
When Samuel came to anoint David, David tells him, “I don’t want to be a king!” to which Samuel answered, “that is surprising good criteria for a king.” As adults, if we want to give a meaningful gift to our children at Christmas, or anytime, take David’s trust in God as a model—he who inspired his own people and people of every generation to echo the lyrics of one of the songs in the film, “I will not be afraid.”