# King David David (Hebrew: דָּוִד‎ Dāwiḏ, Arabic: داود‎ Dāʾūd; born c. 1040 BCE, died c. 970 BCE) was the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah, reigning from c. 1010 BCE until his death. He is revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as a righteous king and prophet. David is traditionally credited with composing many of the Psalms and is celebrated for his military victories, including the defeat of the Philistine giant Goliath. His reign saw the expansion of Israel's territory and the establishment of Jerusalem as its religious and political center. ## Early Life and Rise to Power David was the youngest son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite, and worked as a shepherd. He gained fame when he defeated Goliath, the Philistine champion, using only a sling and stones. This victory led to his appointment as a court musician for King Saul, but tensions arose due to Saul's jealousy and David's growing popularity. After Saul's death, David was anointed king of Judah and later unified the northern tribes to become king of a united Israel. ## Reign and Military Campaigns David's reign (c. 1010–970 BCE) was marked by significant military expansion. He conquered the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, making it his capital, and expanded Israel's borders to include territories like Edom, Moab, Ammon, and Aram-Damascus. His empire stretched from the Euphrates River to the Gulf of Aqaba. David's military campaigns established Israel as a regional power, though he maintained autonomy for some conquered peoples. ## Religious Significance David is central to Jewish identity as the ancestor of the Messiah. He brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, intending to build a permanent temple, though this was completed by his son Solomon. David is traditionally credited with composing 73 Psalms, many of which reflect his personal struggles and devotion to God. His psalms remain central to Jewish and Christian worship. ## Family and Legacy David had multiple wives, including Michal (daughter of Saul), Abigail, and Bathsheba. His sons included Solomon, who succeeded him, and Absalom, who rebelled against him. David's dynasty, the House of David, ruled Judah for centuries. His legacy includes the establishment of Jerusalem as a holy city and the foundation of the Davidic covenant, promising an eternal dynasty to his lineage. ## Historical and Cultural Impact While the Bible portrays David as a model king, modern scholarship questions the extent of his empire and the historical accuracy of his reign. Archaeological evidence suggests Jerusalem was smaller than described, and David's influence may have been regional. Despite this, David remains a powerful symbol in art, literature, and popular culture, representing kingship, faith, and human frailty. ## Key Events - **c. 1010 BCE**: Anointed king of Judah - **c. 1003 BCE**: Captures Jerusalem - **c. 970 BCE**: Death and succession by Solomon ## Notable Figures - **Saul**: First king of Israel, whose jealousy led to conflict with David - **Jonathan**: David's loyal friend and Saul's son - **Bathsheba**: David's wife and mother of Solomon - **Nathan**: Prophet who confronted David about his adultery ## Cultural References David's story has inspired countless works, including Handel's oratorio *Saul* and *David and Jonathan*, Shakespeare's *Othello*, and films like *King David* (1985). His life continues to be analyzed for its moral complexities and enduring relevance.