David (?-961 bc), king of Judah and Israel (1000-961 bc), founder of the Judean dynasty. Several accounts of his accomplishments occur in the Bible, chiefly in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles.

David was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd of Bethlehem, where he spent his youth tending his father's flocks. He became known for his musical skill and for his courage, exemplified by his victorious encounter with the Philistine giant Goliath. As his reputation grew, he was summoned to the royal court, where he received an appointment as armor-bearer to Saul, the first king of Israel. After achieving distinction in the wars against the Philistines, he married Michal, Saul's daughter, and won the friendship of Jonathan, Saul's son. As a result of his growing popularity, however, he incurred the jealousy of the king, who banished him from the court.