This is book one in the Life of King David series. Next to Jesus, the Scriptures cover more of David's life than any other man. David, Israel's greatest king, is one of the most amazing men who ever lived. He is known as being a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) yet his life is filled with similar ups and downs as those faced by most men today. In some situations he displayed deep faith and trust in God while other times he sounds depressed and discouraged. In other situations he made horrible decisions that impacted his family, his work, and his community. Through all of his ups and downs, he still maintains his faith. Consequently, there are things in David's life which we should emulate and things which we should avoid. Therein lies the hope for God's men today. This Bible study was developed to help you study the Scriptures, discover the greatness and flaws of this king, and make applications in your life so you can emulate the godly parts of David's life and avoid the harsh consequences of disobedience. Book one of three covers the first one third of David's life. As a young man, David tended his father's sheep in the wilderness. During these formative years, God molded his character and helped him develop several life skills as a shepherd. Besides shepherding skills, David learns to play a harp, compose Psalms of worship, grow physically and hit what he aims at with a sling. Throughout these early years, the young shepherd experiences a growing sense of dependence on God as he engages in a life struggle with wild animals seeking to devour the sheep in his father's flocks. After God rejects Saul, he assigns Samuel to visit the home of Jesse and anoint one of his sons as the next king. Unknown to Saul, he drafts the future king into his service. Not having any state experience, David learns the basics for administrating a kingdom as a future king. Growing in his responsibilities and skills, David's successes as a soldier thrust him into the national spotlight. The increased glory and attention David receives sets off a spirit of envy and jealousy that results in repeated tries to take David's life. As a fugitive on the run from a murderous leader, David learns to wait on God's timing. Eventually death comes to Saul and his sons while they are in battle against the Philistines. The people crown David as king of Judah fifteen years after his anointing. It is an exciting and timeless story.