4 Ways ‘David’ Recaptures the Power of ‘The Prince of Egypt’

The Prince of Egypt began and ended with a song of deliverance, opening with the haunting Deliver Us – sung by the Hebrew slaves – and closing with When You Believe, a triumphant anthem by Moses and the Israelites as God delivered them from bondage.

The soundtrack in David is also filled with an emotionally rich score thanks to the vocal performances of Engman – who studied musical theatre and previously led the voice cast in the Young David miniseries – and Wickham, a Christian singer best known for worship anthems such as Living Hope and I Believe.

It opens with a young David singing an upbeat, optimistic opener called The Adventure Song, as he runs joyfully through lush fields as a shepherd and looks toward the future. After his anointing by Samuel, the film settles into a worshipful moment with Shalom, a powerful, Broadway-style tune sung by David (Engman) as he reflects on the everlasting peace and presence of God while singing to King Saul.

Another highlight is Tapestry, a duet performed by David (Engman) and his mother (voiced by Miri Mesika). Inspired by the Psalms, the song spotlights God’s purpose in the complexities of life, drawing a parallel to a woven piece of cloth. “Every thread has a purpose. They all have a place,” she tells him. “It looks messy, but when you see the finished picture on the other side, they all make sense. You’re just like one of these threads.”

Wickham, as adult David, anchors the back half of the film with a series of songs, beginning with Why God - My God, in which David honestly asks God hard questions as he flees from Saul. He then leads a pair of upbeat numbers – I Will Not Be Afraid and Follow the Light – two joyful songs that are sure to be sung by children and adults alike long after the credits roll.

The best musicals are filled with songs that stay with you, the kind you can’t help but keep singing. David is full of them.

Photo Credit: Angel Studios

The Prince of Egypt was squarely focused on God, even though it tweaked the biblical account by portraying Moses – rather than his brother Aaron – as the primary spokesperson to Pharaoh.

Faith audiences will likely appreciate that Angel’s David is even more God-centered and stays closer to the biblical account. It takes some artistic license, but none that meaningfully change the story.

Told by Samuel that God has chosen him as king, David retorts, “I don't want to be king … I’m just a shepherd.” Driving the point home he quickly adds, “God is my shepherd. He's who we need.”

Once he realizes that his calling comes from God rather than Samuel, David keeps his attention on the Lord.

Moments before slaying Goliath, David repeats words straight from Scripture: “You come against me with sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the God of heaven and earth. The battle is His, and he will give you into our hands.”

The film draws a sharp contrast between the arrogant Saul – so consumed by pride that he even erects a statue of himself – and the humble, God-dependent David, who is willing to take the throne if God wills it, but is content to wait, not chasing power for himself. (“The crown belongs to God,” David says.)

The movie also avoids the theological pitfalls of The Prince of Egypt, such as the latter’s popular tune When You Believe, which – though beautifully performed – can seem to imply that human belief can triumph on its own, rather than through God’s sovereign action.

David’s name may be in the film’s title, but God is the star.

Photo Credit: Angel Studios

The Prince of Egypt may have been a Bible-based musical, but it had its share of levity and humor thanks to Hotep and Huy, Pharaoh’s overconfident and bumbling high priests, voiced by Steve Martin and Martin Short. David, too, finds moments of humor thanks to a handful of comical servants of King Saul who are everything David is not: boastful, scared, and self-serving.

David has the same rewatchable quality as The Prince of Egypt. You want to hear the music again. You want to be inspired by David’s faith and courage. And you want to watch him grow from a shepherd boy into a man after God’s own heart, leading his people with humility and trust in the Lord.

Musical numbers arrive exactly when they’re needed – celebratory, worshipful, or playful – giving the story a natural rhythm that keeps it moving. Even amid battles and danger, the film maintains a sense of delight, reminding viewers that this is a story of faith, hope, and God’s faithfulness.

Photo Credit: Angel Studios

The Prince of Egypt reminded viewers that true faith is rooted in obedience to God rather than personal power or ambition.

Angel’s David offers powerful lessons, too. The film presents a biblical picture of servant leadership, inviting audiences to consider a different path than the one often modeled in today’s culture. Instead of arrogant self-promotion, David models patience, humility, and faith – a reminder that biblical leadership is built by lifting others up, not tearing them down. (Encouraged to kill Saul when the opportunity arises, David – as Scripture records – instead waits for God to act.)

This doesn’t mean David is a wimp. Instead, he’s courageous. He’s bold. And he’s all of that because he knows the God of heaven and earth is on his side. When the Israelites cower and run from Goliath, David – who appears like a gnat next to the giant – quickly steps forward. Later, when Israel’s army is outnumbered 10 to 1, David advances with confidence, believing that the God who saved him in the past will once again deliver him.

David is the kind of movie that nudges you to listen to God more closely, trust Him more deeply, and boldly stand for truth when so many others do not.

Rated PG for action/violence and some scary images.

Entertainment rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Family-friendly rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Photo Credit: Angel Studios