David

King of Israel and Judah

Fame74.1
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Fame74.1
Momentum0.0
Historical Figures rank#48
Wikipedia195.9K

Lived -1039–-969, aged 70

Historical Figures

Wikipedia
112 languages
Cross-language footprint
Era
-1039–-969
Aged 70

Summary

Updated 2026-08-23

The shepherd who slew Goliath and became Israel's second king — a bronze-age ruler whose historical existence is disputed but whose biblical story shaped three religions and launched a thousand sculptures.

Biography

About

The Hebrew Bible casts David as a harpist devoted to Yahweh who wins fame by felling the Philistine giant Goliath. He becomes a favorite of King Saul, then a fugitive when Saul fears a rival. After Saul and his son Jonathan die in battle, the tribes anoint David king. He conquers Jerusalem, makes it his capital, and brings the Ark of the Covenant there. He commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges her husband Uriah's death. His son Absalom tries to overthrow him but is killed; David returns to rule. He wants to build a temple but is refused because of his bloodshed. He dies at 70 and names…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from David

David

saidundated

Wash me O Lord for my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

— Psalm 51:2-4

David

saidundated

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, lead me in the way everlasting.

— Psalm 139:23-24

David

saidundated

I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.

— 2 Samuel 1:26 (TNIV)

David

saidundated

Thou comest to me with a sword, and with A spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

— (KJV)

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