How many years did David reign?

How many years did David reign?

• A. 40 years
• B. 30 years
• C. 50 years
• D. 20 years

Answer: (A)

David’s reign is measured by the total time he ruled, combining two distinct phases. He first governed over Judah from Hebron for seven years after Saul’s death. Then he was king over all Israel from Jerusalem for thirty-three years. When you add those periods together, the total time on the throne is forty years. This total is supported by the biblical record in places like 2 Samuel 5:4-5 and 1 Kings 2:11. So the best answer is forty years, since it reflects his whole time in office, not just the later portion from Jerusalem. The other options reflect only a part of the timeline (the Jerusalem phase) or are outside the total span of his reign.

David’s reign is measured by the total time he ruled, combining two distinct phases. He first governed over Judah from Hebron for seven years after Saul’s death. Then he was king over all Israel from Jerusalem for thirty-three years. When you add those periods together, the total time on the throne is forty years. This total is supported by the biblical record in places like 2 Samuel 5:4-5 and 1 Kings 2:11. So the best answer is forty years, since it reflects his whole time in office, not just the later portion from Jerusalem. The other options reflect only a part of the timeline (the Jerusalem phase) or are outside the total span of his reign.