What was the exact age of King David?

Question

I observed the Bible is silent over the number of years David lived on earth.

Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

Some sources noted that David lived 70y years and probably judged from 1 Kings 2:10-11 (ESV) quoted above.

When David is old and bedridden, Adonijah, his eldest surviving son and natural heir, declares himself king. . . . David dies at the age of 70 after reigning for 40 years, and on his deathbed counsels Solomon to walk in the ways of God and to take revenge on his enemies. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David

Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. (1 Kings 1:1 ESV)

The effort I made to unravel the exact age of David leaves me in doubt. I’d love for someone to help out?

Answer 1

The bible states that David was 30 when he began to reign. That plus a 40 year reign implies that he died at 70. Depending on the exact dates there may be some flexibility but assuming the information is accurate then he was no younger than 69 and no older than 72.

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.

2 Sam 5: 4-6

As to why he was bedridden, he may not have been in great health. I know some people who are in good health at 70 and others who are bedridden, or close to it.

Answer 2

David's Life was:

2 Samuel 5:4, 5

David was 30 years old when he became king, and he reigned for 40 years. 5 In Hebʹron he reigned over Judah for 7 years and 6 months, and in Jerusalem he reigned for 33 years over all Israel and Judah.

He was 70 when he died.

Answer 3

Written in Psalm 90, "The years of a man's life are three score and ten (70) and if by reason of strength, four score (80) years." Moses himself lived many years beyond this though he wrote that psalm. David accomplished more in his 70 than most of us could in 100 if granted them in strength. He went home satisfied,"full of years and great honor". I personally believe his physical heart gave out as God gathered him in, like a hand removed from a glove. Don't desire to live one second beyond your usefulness to God. As our dear brother Paul has said, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord","which is far better".

Answer 4

The Bible didn't note he died at 70. What is clear from the Bible is that he reigned for 40 years. This means that being in active service, he reigned as the king for 40 years.

The co-regency with Solomon was not counted. No one can tell how long he lived after declaring Solomon as king since he was no longer the active king.

David might have lived 20 years more after making Solomon king.

Answer 5

"I agree with the June 4th response. We are not given a definitive date, in years, of King David's death: All we are told are the years he reigned. He could have recovered from his sickness and simply felt that it was time to step down; King Saul, I think, ruled for about the same amount if years: And perceiving David's humility, he may not have wanted to go further. He was clear to see Saul as 'God's anointed' and may not and didn't want to 'show him up.'

Moreover, the Prophetic Books of Nathan and Gad are still outstanding: Two prophets who were closet to him, King David. Perhaps they will have something to say--once they are found. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"

Answer 6

My opinion is another one. David ruled 40 years. 40.6 yrs. He was 30 when started the ruling. But Solomon took the rule from his father. But, it never mention that, David died in his 70th year of age. May be he lived some more years (1-10) after the change of Kingship. 70 is not accurate one. More than 70 is correct. 70-75, or 70-80 can be taken.