Would the psychological profile of the Biblical King David if alive today reveal a homocidal psychopathic personality?

Answer 1

Answer 1: No

Having done some research on the character of King David, I don't think "homicidal psychopathic personality" is anything close to the truth about David.

Using Jungian psychological typology, it is apparent that David exhibits a great deal of Extroverted Thinking behaviour - assertive, bold, courageous and well spoken.

1 Samuel 16: 18 One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him."

David proved himself to be an accomplished warrior and military leader, which shows that he was able to strategize and maximize the ability of his men.

1 Samuel 18: 30 The Philistine commanders continued to go out to battle, and as often as they did, David met with more success than the rest of Saul's officers, and his name became well known.

David also shows a softer "feeling" side in his relationship to music and his loyalty to Jonathan, and even to Saul who was trying to kill him (David had the chance to kill Saul but instead he cut off a corner of Saul's robe). Had David been a homicidal psychopathic, he would certainly have killed Saul at the first opportunity. This reflects Jungian psychology that we are not just one psychological type, but are a combination of a few types.

Of course, David was human and imperfect and let his ambition and power get the better of him when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed on the battlefield. He repented and accepted the consequences of his sin, and was forgiven.

Remember that David lived in a time of war and conquest, and leadership in that time and place was about being a strong warrior and military strategist. The time and place and circumstances of war warranted his warrior leadership as he defended Judah and Israel from the Philistines and other invading nations.

Life of King David - His Theme

"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD' -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. "Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance" (Psalm 32:3-7). Have you noticed one of the major themes running through David's writings? He paints a picture of utter trial and turmoil in his life, yet maintains an internal compass that always points to "true north." Whereas most of us look for happiness based on external circumstances in our lives, David has discovered a deeper joy grounded in his inner self. Most of us strive for happiness that's external and temporary. David teaches us to drive towards a place of deeper well-being, where we develop trust and hope in God that extends beyond our external realities

Answer 2: Yes

David, as a young boy in the hands of the Priest, was groomed to listen to 'voices' in his head. As a man he fled from his own tribe and King and sought refuge in the land of Gath (Ashish), acting as if mad, letting spit fall down onto his beard, and in the protection of his host David and his men began a killing spree, wiping out the countrymen, women, children and babies of his host, while when returning to his host David lied about his whereabouts and actions - 1Sam27:1-12 David, when King, lusted after another mans wife, ordered her to appear before him, had sex with her (all contrary to the Law of Moses), had her husband sent to the front line of a war so he would be killed and David could claim the woman as his wife ... and then in his own words stated: "The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness according to the cleaness of my hands ... for I have kept the word of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from it." 2Sam11:2-22 If someone acted like this today would this show a psychopathic profile?