Is King David, the historical figure who ruled Israel and is revered for his military victories, musical talents (specifically the Psalms attributed to him), and his establishment of Jerusalem as the capital, considered a prophet (נביא, navi) within Jewish tradition? I’m particularly interested in whether he is explicitly identified as such in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), the Talmud, or by significant rabbinical authorities throughout history. If he is considered a prophet, what specific prophetic abilities or pronouncements are attributed to him, beyond the poetic and spiritual insights found in the Book of Psalms? If he isn’t explicitly labeled a prophet, what is the basis for considering him not to be one, given his close relationship with God and his acknowledged divinely inspired writings? And further, if he is not considered a ‘major’ or ‘minor’ prophet like Isaiah or Amos, is he considered a prophet of any kind within Jewish theological classifications, even if a lesser designation?

Answer

Yes, King David is considered a prophet in Judaism. He is revered not only as a king and warrior but also as the author of the Book of Psalms, which is regarded as divinely inspired and prophetic. The Talmud explicitly identifies David as one of the major prophets. His prophetic abilities are seen in his understanding of God’s will, his ability to communicate with God through prayer and prophecy, and the messages conveyed in his Psalms, which are often interpreted as prophetic utterances concerning future events and the nature of the messianic age. His lineage is also central to the messianic prophecies, as the Messiah is expected to be a descendant of David.