Upamanyu Biswas
Created by Jon Erwin, Prime Video’s ‘House of David’ follows a young shepherd named David in Bethlehem, Israel, who dreams of a higher calling. After Samuel, the lord-prophet, Samuel receives visions of a new king of Israel, David’s life is upended as he is chosen as the successor. However, his journey proves to be difficult as the current King Saul refuses to abdicate his position as leader, letting his vanity take precedence over obedience. Matters are further complicated by enemies gaining strength outside the kingdom’s borders, where savages and giants lurk in anticipation of taking down the Hebrew empire and ending their longstanding reign. With division on all fronts, David must rise to the occasion and become the man he is destined to be to save the kingdom, probing into a complex historical drama series.
House of David is a Retelling of an Iconic Biblical Tale
‘House of David’ is based on the biblical story of David, a shepherd boy who rises to the ranks of King following an arduous journey that tests his character and temperament. The script for the series is penned by Nathan Andrew Jacobs, Bekah Hubbell, Jon Erwin, Jonathan Walker, and N.D. Wilson. According to Erwin, the seed for the project took root in his mind from a very young age, specifically in his teenage years after visiting the tomb of King David in Jerusalem. He viewed the story as an inspirational tale that has stood the test of time, highlighting its central themes, which have been repeatedly touched upon in numerous stories over the years. As such, the show is somewhat of a dream project for the creator.
The grandiose nature of David’s journey makes it an epic tale of good versus evil. However, in many ways, it touches upon a variety of themes that have become familiar tropes in heroic tales. There are parallels to movies like ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ and ‘Harry Potter: The Philosopher’s Stone,’ both of which center on an underdog character who discovers their own strength with time. In an interview, Erwin described David’s tale as the “original hero’s journey” and why his story still resonates today. His slow growth from a nobody to someone capable of overcoming daunting odds may be a tried and tested formula, but one that is relatable and aspirational in equal measure. The positive character development is one of the main reasons behind the story’s longstanding appeal.
“I love what the Bible says about him, that he’s a man after God’s own heart, despite being an incredibly flawed character who made some pretty epic mistakes along with his epic accomplishments,” Erwin said. “He’s a very human character.” The complexities in his story and the characters surrounding him make for an epic tale that combines the intrigue of a grounded drama with the anticipation of a great action story. The blend between the two is what makes the entire narrative unique and entertaining. As the show progresses, David transitions into a formidable character, showcasing his growth and maturity from a teenage boy to someone ready to lead his people toward a better future. As such, it uncovers important messages about resilience, fortitude, and displaying courage in any endeavor in life.
Erwin also added that David’s story is an inspirational narrative meant to rouse people’s belief in themselves and the world around them. “The world’s a tough place right now and I think people really want to be inspired. They want stories that uplift and remind us of what we can be and should be,” he stated. “So I think there’s a growing appetite for films that matter and restore hope in things worth believing in.” The show may be based on a fictional narrative touching upon magical elements. However, in doing so, it captures the essence of humanity, heroism, and the continual battle between light and darkness in the world.
David is Largely Based on Biblical Accounts of a Revered Figure
While the authenticity of King David has been disputed for generations by experts, the character’s portrayal in ‘House of David’ is mainly inspired by the Hebrew Bible’s version of events. In fact, a large part of David’s origin and life story is drawn from these religious texts rather than concrete archaeological evidence. The show also embraces these versions of events, describing the character as an underdog climbing his way to hero status. Even the timeline of David’s reign is contested by scholars worldwide, with the majority placing it somewhere between the 10th century and the 9th century BCE. The show is set during 1,000 BC, which somewhat resembles the timeframe suggested by others. Comparisons between the Bible text and the show’s David show just how similar they are in their characterization.
For instance, the Bible describes David as a young shepherd with a taste for the harp who finds his life upended when he is foretold to become the King of Israel. Despite his humble origins, David revamps his reputation by taking on Goliath, a Philistine giant. He defeats the formidable foe, gaining fame for his bravery and courage. Subsequently, he is brought to the court of King Saul, where he engages in courtly intrigue and quickly becomes one of the King’s favorite subjects. The Prime Video series largely follows the narrative laid down in the Bible, touching upon familiar territory that still resonates in contemporary fiction. Thus, the character’s depiction in ‘House of David’ is mainly rooted in Biblical mythology, while historical events may have played out differently.
