In Surah Al-Baqarah, there is a story about Prophet David (PBUH) and the assembly of the Children of Israel regarding the call to battle under the leadership of Talut, appointed by the Prophet. The question arises as to why the name of David (PBUH) is not mentioned until later in the narrative.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you. The reason for not mentioning the name of David (PBUH) until later is that he was not the prophet who was asked by the assembly to request a king from Allah to fight in His cause. It has been narrated that the prophet was either Jeremiah (PBUH) or Samuel (PBUH). Allah has left this ambiguous, and we should respect that ambiguity. David (PBUH) was merely a soldier in that army.
As narrated by Sayyid Abbas Mousavi in his book on the stories of the prophets, before the battle began, there was an elderly man with four sons in Talut's army. They had successfully passed difficult tests and stood ready to face the enemy. Their father prepared food and sent it with his youngest son, David, who had stayed behind to tend to the sheep at his father's request.
David went to where Talut was gathering his army, carrying food for his brothers and his sling to protect his flock from wild animals.
David was living with a vivid inspiration; he knew that he would be the one to kill their enemy, Goliath. This thought had grown in his heart since he set out to the battlefield with food for his brothers. Perhaps he saw some cosmic signs or received divine inspiration, or maybe he had a true vision. The important thing is that he entered the battlefield determined to kill Goliath, the head of their enemies.
As the drums of war sounded and only moments remained before the battle, the believers turned to Allah, praying for patience and steadfastness. They called out, 'Our Lord, pour upon us patience and make our feet firm and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.'
In those difficult hours, believers must renew their connection with Allah and trust in Him, asking for patience, steadfastness, and self-confidence. At that moment, Goliath appeared in his battle gear, challenging the Children of Israel to send someone to fight him. This was a moment of challenge that required a worthy opponent. The Children of Israel were intimidated and whispered among themselves about who would face Goliath. Only the young David responded to the call and stepped forward to seek permission from Talut to fight him. Talut hesitated to send this young boy, but David insisted on the duel, assuring Talut that he would defeat Goliath.
David entered the battlefield, and as soon as he saw Goliath, he took out his sling, placed a stone in it, and hurled it at Goliath, striking him in the head and killing him. When Goliath's followers saw their leader fall, their morale collapsed, and they fled, leading to victory for the Children of Israel.
The Children of Israel rejoiced for the young hero who had slain Goliath. David's fame rose, and his news spread among the people, even reaching women and children.
David became close to King Talut, and as time passed, he proved his capability to lead the army and manage the affairs of the people. He had an extraordinary ability to organize society, and when Talut died, David was automatically appointed king of the Children of Israel. Allah then sent him as a prophet to guide those who had strayed from His path, combining prophethood with kingship.
As for the Quranic signs, it is very possible to draw lessons from all the stories in the Quran in relation to the era of the appearance of the Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance). This requires contemplation.
May you be successful in all that is good.