MGM’s House of David: Israeli king’s lessons for today?

By Rusty Wright

What does the 3,000-year-old history of a shepherd turned king have to say today? MGM begins showing its House of David video series worldwide this month.

Three millennia ago, David became one of Israel’s most renowned kings, still honored today. An Israeli government press tour housed my colleagues and me at Jerusalem’s King David Hotel. His name is ubiquitous in the nation. Michelangelo’s David is one of the world’s most visited sculptures.

A shepherd boy denigrated by his older brothers, young David honed courage protecting his flock from wild animals. House of David portrays him responding bravely to the giant Goliath’s challenge. Per biblical accounts a national hero after slaying Goliath with a stone and sling, David sparked envy and fear in King Saul, who sought his rival’s death.

Dueling kings

You see, the prophet Samuel had anointed Saul king but observed how Saul’s pride led him to stray from divine direction. So, Samuel anointed David king while Saul still reigned. I can almost hear Dr. Phil asking, “How’s that working for you?”

Consider a modern parallel: Contention over the 2020 U.S. presidential election outcome still exists. Imagine if the U.S. Congress had declared two winners and the Supreme Court Chief Justice had sworn in both candidates. You have  a glimpse of Israel’s turmoil. David became a longtime fugitive from Saul, but eventually assumed his throne after Saul died on the battlefield.

The classic story of the weaker defeating the stronger, David’s life continues to exemplify his often-surprising responses to life-threatening opposition from opponents more powerful, wealthy, or popular than he. Opponents from other nations or from his own allies or family members. David’s was a life of challenges, courage, faith, popularity, victories, defeat, repentance, and restoration. 

Wandering eye

As king, David led his troops in battle but sometimes remained home. From his rooftop one afternoon, he spotted Bathsheba, a beautiful neighbor, bathing. The king arranged a dalliance, impregnated her, and had her husband killed. Nathan, another prophet, confronted David with his sins of adultery and murder. David confessed and became restored to his Creator, praying, “Wash me thoroughly from my guilt. And cleanse me from my sin. …Create in me a clean heart, God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Amazon MGM Studios released to press the first three House of David series episodes, which will stream on Prime Video. They are entertaining, skillfully constructed, and well worth viewing, especially in prompting viewers to consider lessons for modern times. Three from David’s overall life particularly impress me:

Life lessons

One small stone in the proper hand can accomplish large things. A bullet in an assassin’s firearm can kill a healthcare CEO or wound a presidential candidate. In police control, it can protect innocent people. Right tools and righteous people can achieve much good.

Excessive pride – hubris – can bring problems. Pride can manifest as dignity, superiority, or arrogance (the last two especially concerning). An ancient Proverb indicates, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall,” too often observed. King Saul’s hubris – he disobeyed divine instructions – cost him his kingdom. Many argue that Adolf Hitler’s hubris led to his defeat.

Lust can be a blessing or a life complicator. As I’ve written extensively, sexual attraction, energy, and expression can bring great joy and fulfillment for loving spouses. Inappropriately applied, lust can bring great distress and sorrow. Seen any headlines recently about marital infidelity? Wish your spouse – or your friend’s spouse – was faithful?

Significant impact?

Filmmaker Jon Erwin (American Underdog, Jesus Revolution) conceived the House of David idea. Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) is a  special advisor. Traces of his Chosen production philosophy appear in David: seeking faithfulness to biblical texts while taking artistic liberties with some backstories, characters, and dialogue, aiming “to support the truth and intention of the” biblical accounts.

Their “Wonder Project” mission is “to entertain the world with courageous stories, inspiring hope and restoring faith in things worth believing in.”

House of David could have significant impact, especially if leaders heed its lessons.

https://press.amazonmgmstudios.com/us/en/original-series/house-of-david/1

Worldwide launch February 27

Rusty Wright is an author and lecturer who has spoken on six continents. He holds Bachelor of Science (psychology) and Master of Theology degrees from Duke and Oxford universities, respectively.  www.RustyWright.com

Copyright © 2025 Rusty Wright

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