Coin "David Playing the Harp"
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| Name | David Playing the Harp |
| Presented by | Israel Coins and Medals Corp. |
| Nominal value | 2 new sheqalim |
| Metal | Silver 999° |
| Weight | 31,1 g |
| Diameter | 38,7 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Mintage | 2800 pcs. |
| Production quality | Proof |
| Description of obverse and reverse | Obverse: face value, Israel State Emblem, «Israel» in English, Hebrew and Arabic, Mint Year and Mint Mark, a decoration symbolizing David's harp. Reverse: image of Saul playing the harp for Saul, representing the rise and fall of King Saul. Saul's imminent disappearance as king is represented by an outlined background image of Saul on the throne, his crown detached from his head. In the foreground, David, the young shepherd whose anointment as future king was not yet known, is depicted playing for Saul. |
| A brief annotation | In the time of the Judges, the Philistines were a constant menace to the people of Israel and the people asked the Prophet Samuel for a King. Saul the son of Qish from the Tribe of Benjamin was chosen. Saul's kingship lasted for two years and was torn by war against the Philistines. Further to this, he was commanded by G-d through Samuel to wage war against Amalek. Saul, however, instead of exerting his authority as king, listened to the people, who urged him to have mercy on Amalek. Thus began his downfall for not obeying the word of G-d. Commanded by G-d, Samuel took the kingship away from him. Samuel was then sent by G-d to take a king from the sons of Jesse the Bethlehemite. Jesse brought his sons before Samuel but not one of them was deemed fit for the kingship by G-d. When he finally brought his youngest son, David the shepherd, G-d commanded Samuel «Arise, anoint him: for this is he». From this day onwards, the spirit of G-d left Saul and passed to David. An evil spirit tormented Saul. To help him, Saul's servants suggested that a man who can play well be brought to him. David the son of Jesse, whose anointment as king was as yet unknown, was chosen and brought before Saul. David played sweetly on his harp and relieved Saul of his depressive spirit. |
| Designer | Gideon Keich (obverse); Moshe Pereg (reverse). |
| Producer | Mint of Norway |
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