King David 2

(21:105)(38:18-20-26)(21:78-79)

    After the war was over, the Jews started living peacefully, without any external fear, in their land.  The 

Palestinians suffered a crushing defeat and their leader was killed in the war.  David was given knowledge and prophet hood along with a book called Zab’ur by God.   In it was clearly stated that only those who believe in the immutable values given in the scripture, live according to them, form a balanced society under the guidance of the book, and use their administrative skills for the welfare of humanity could  develop their abilities to inherit the kingdom on earth permanently, although less capable individuals  acquire it temporarily.

In the time of David, his kingdom expanded and he conquered many adjacent territories.  He was given wisdom, insight, and power to discern the data and reach correct decisions by God.  With these qualities, he was able to conquer vast land and became a mighty, powerful king.  He was so powerful that many great, unruly chiefs in the surrounding areas were working for him.  Among these tribes, one tribe was very famous for swift horses. The gypsy tribe of Thair, which was living scattered in various places, was gathered by David and they formed a major part of his army.  This tribe was famous for horse-breeding; the horses from their breeding ground were very swift and strong.  At the time of King David, modern means of communication were not available.  King David’s battalions of swift horses had played a great role in his success.  Moreover, he knew the skill of making armor that gave his army an extra advantage over the unskilled armies present at his time.

     With his entire vast and powerful kingdom, King David always abode by the rules and guidance of the Scripture; power was unable to cloud his judgment and good sense. In the Quran, elaborate details of his life are not given; however, one great achievement is portrayed in minute detail. The unruly, hard-working tribes that were working for him were not sophisticated in their manners.  They had no sense of privacy; if they wanted to present a case, they would burst into the house without caring about time and permission.  King David never lost his temper at their ill manners; he treated them kindly and tried to explain the absurdity of their manners.

     One day, King David was working in a silent corner of his house, when two men climbed the wall of his house and burst in.  David was disturbed by their entry; both men said, “Don’t be afraid, we have come to you without any ill intention.  In reality, we are two litigants and want to present a case to you; please decide it for us.  You are known for justice and insight throughout the country.”

     David’s worries vanished with the declaration of purpose; he explained their mistake in entering the house without permission by climbing the wall in a polite way, and said, “What is the case? I will decide it for you.”  The plaintiff said, “My case is against my brother. In reality, we are two real brothers.  My brother is rich and I am poor. He has ninety-nine ewes and I have one.  Now, he wants to take that one from me even though he says that he is my brother; because he is rich, he prevails upon me in arguments and the people around us agree with him.  Now, you show us the right path and do justice in this case.” Without any hesitation, David said, “Your brother’s claim is based on cruelty and injustice.  He has no right to take your one ewe and rob you of your means of sustenance.  Mostly when people combine their resources to do business, those who do not believe in the unchangeable values try to cheat their partners. Only those who believe in the laws of God shun such practices.”

     Suddenly, in an epiphany, David realized that it was not an ordinary case; these two litigants came to make him see the abnormal and unjust condition of his kingdom, where the rich had become richer and the poor ordinary folks were left with nothing.  The society had been divided into two halves, rich and poor; the gap between these two halves was becoming wider every day.

      David made up his mind that he would change this system which was based on cruelty and injustice.  He prayed to God to grant him the strength and protection to root out the capitalism from his territory.  God provided him the protection; moreover, He said that the kingdom was given to him so that he could rule it in accordance with His laws, without caring about the desires and emotions of anyone. Otherwise, they would mislead him.   With his courage and insight, David was able to set up an economic system which was based on the principle of justice.  Under the changed system, the oppressed classes got new life and they willingly worked for the prosperity of the country.  This new attitude made the kingdom of King David an example of prosperity and wealth.