Old Testament · United Monarchy · c. 1000 BC

David

Who was David?

David was the shepherd boy who killed Goliath and became Israel’s greatest king, “a man after God’s own heart.”

RoleShepherd, king, and psalmist
EraUnited Monarchy · c. 1000 BC
Began asA shepherd
Famous victoryGoliath
TitleKing of Israel
LegacyPsalms and the line of Christ

Anointed by Samuel while still a boy, David first won fame by defeating the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, trusting in the name of the LORD. He served in Saul’s court, then fled the jealous king for years.

Made king, David united Israel, brought the ark to Jerusalem, and was promised an everlasting dynasty. Yet he sinned grievously with Bathsheba and in the murder of her husband — and his honest repentance became Psalm 51.

Poet of many psalms and ancestor of Jesus, David is remembered as the standard by which later kings were measured.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.