The second Israelite king after Saul who reigned during the tenth century BCE. He routed the enemies of Israel and expanded its dominion, consolidated the tribes into a united kingdom and made Jerusalem its capital. According to tradition, David is the author of most of the Psalms, hence his designation as the “Sweet Singer of Israel.” He is the ancestor of the promised Messiah and founder of the dynasty that is destined to rule again in the messianic era.
The heroic figure of David has served as an inspiration and a beacon of hope from the time of the Jewish rebellions against the Romans during the Second Temple period and throughout the exile. This idealization is best exemplified by the popular expression, “David King of Israel is very much alive,'' which first appeared as a rebel slogan during the Roman period.
David was born in Bethlehem in Judah to Jesse, the descendant of Boaz and the Moabite proselyte Ruth. As an unknown shepherd boy he slew the Philistine champion Goliath and was subsequently appointed a captain in the army by Saul. Saul's murderous jealousy forced David to flee, only to return after Saul's death. He was acclaimed king of Judah in Hebron, having been anointed by the prophet Samuel during Saul's lifetime.
After seven years in Hebron, the northern tribes also accepted him as king, and David moved the royal seat to Jerusalem. He completed the Israelite conquest of Canaan, which included the capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites. Zion, the hill citadel in Jerusalem that contained the royal residence, became a symbol of Jewish political and religious unity.
David's story is recounted in detail in 1 Samuel 17:12–1 Kings 2:12 and 1 Chronicles 10:14–29:30.
