David

King of the Hebrews 1004–965 BC. He became king of Judah on the death of King Saul at Mount Gilboa in 1004 BC, then king of Israel in 997 BC. He united the tribes against the Philistines, conquering their cities (such as Ekron), and extending his kingdom over Moab and other surrounding lands. He captured Jerusalem to make it the city of David, capital of the united tribes of Israel and Judah. He was succeeded by his son Solomon, and the Davidic line ruled in Jerusalem until 586 BC when the city was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.

David initially served under Saul but later became a renegade and then a mercenary leader for the Philistines under Achish of Gath, who refused to let him fight with the Philistines against Saul.

David was celebrated as a secular poet and probably wrote some of the psalms attributed to him. He was the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem. While still a shepherd boy he was anointed by Samuel, a judge who ruled Israel before Saul. Saul's son Jonathan became David's friend, but Saul, jealous of David's prowess, schemed to murder him. David married Michal – Saul's daughter – but, after further attempts on his life, went into exile until Saul and Jonathan fell in battle with the Philistines at Gilboa. Once David was king, Absalom, his favourite son, led a rebellion but was defeated and killed.

David sent Uriah (a soldier in his army) to his death in the front line of battle in order that he might marry his widow, Bathsheba. Their son Solomon became the third king.

In both Jewish and Christian belief, the Messiah would be a descendant of David; Christians hold this prophecy to have been fulfilled by Jesus.