Yaakov and David/0

Yaakov and David

Introduction

Yaakov, as the father of the Children of Israel, and David, as the founder of the eternal dynastic monarchy, are two of the most central characters in Jewish history.  Strikingly, there are numerous similarities between the general trajectories of their lives and the specific events which befall them.  In a number of cases, these parallels are also underscored by linguistic similarities between their respective verses.

Sibling Rivalry	Chosen – Yaakov and David's fathers both reject them in favor of their siblings, but each is chosen by another (mother/ prophet). Relationship to rejected brothers – Though Yaakov is originally hated by Esav and David is scorned by Eliav, the brothers later reunite.
Marriage	Unusual bridal price – Both pay an unuausal and exorbitant price to marry their wives.  Yaakov shepherds for seven years, while David provides 100 Philistine foreskins. Switching of wives – Yaakov is promised the younger Rachel but given the elder Leah, while David is promised the elder Merav but given the younger Michal. Double work – Yaakov and David both pay a double dowry, either an extra seven years of shepherding, or an extra 100 Philistine foreskins.
Relationship with Father-in-law	Jealousy – Both fathers-in-law become jealous of their sons-in-laws' success, leading both Yaakov and David to flee. Escape and terafim – Terafim play a role in both escapes. Rachel steals them1 and Michal disguises them as David. Attempts to harm – Lavan and Shaul pursue and attempt to harm their sons-in-law but Yaakov and David are saved by Hashem. Robbing of wives - Yaakov fears that Lavan wanted to steal back his wives.  Shaul takes David's wife, Michal, and gives her in marriage to another. Cold peace – A covenant or promise is made so that neither side will harm the other.
Shepherding	Shepherd – Yaakov shepherds for Lavan while David watches Naval's sheep. Sheep shearing – In both stories a sheep shearing provides the setting for complications. Devoted worker – Both Yaakov and David work day and night to ensure that no sheep are lost or harmed. Unfair compensation – Yaakov complains of his wages being switched and David is angered that Naval "returned him bad for good."
Problems with Children	Rivalry – Both families are plagued by rivalry amongst the children Rejection – Oldest three sons are rejected Sins: Firstborns (+Avshalom) engage in intra-familial sexual misconduct Next in line sons murder to avenge sister's rape Rape – The two daughters, Dinah and Tamar, are raped.
Chosen Sons

 

¹ This might be an attempt to ensure that her father does not use them to divine the whereabouts of Yaakov and family.