The Age of Reason · Character
David
King of Israel and central figure in Old Testament narratives examined by Paine.
minor
Also known as David Levi
First appearance: VII: Examination of the Old Testament
David's tie to Saul is one of the pressures that moves The Age of Reason—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Ranked among prophets as a musician and reputed author of Psalms.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Saul (rivalry): David is initially Saul's servant and later his rival as Saul grows jealous and attempts to kill him. With Joseph le Bon (rivalry): David, a biblical king, is contrasted with Joseph le Bon's…
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The fuller portrait of David sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See David in VII: Examination of the Old TestamentCharacter Web
33 connectionsA slice of how David sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Biblical military and royal figures
- Paine's publishers and allies
- Gospel figures and revolutionaries
- Diverse historical and biblical figures
+28 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs as the narrator directly juxtaposes Mark’s doctrine of salvation t…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Saul
rivalry · negative
David is initially Saul's servant and later his rival as Saul grows jealous and attempts… How this plays out →
- Joseph le Bon
rivalry · negative
- Saul
rivalry · negative
David is initially Saul's servant and later his rival as Saul grows jealous and attempts… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See David in VII: Examination of the Old TestamentIn the story
David appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- VII: Examination of the Old Testament
- An Essay on Dreams
- An Examination of the Passages in the New Testament
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for David unlock in the free preview.
See David in VII: Examination of the Old Testament