Who was King David in the Bible?
David was the shepherd boy who killed Goliath and became Israel’s greatest king — “a man after God’s own heart” and the writer of many psalms.
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 rather than armor.
As king he united Israel, brought the ark to Jerusalem, and received the promise of an everlasting dynasty. Yet he sinned grievously with Bathsheba — and his honest repentance became Psalm 51.
David is the standard by which later kings were measured, and the ancestor through whom the Messiah came. Jesus is called “the Son of David,” the King whose throne lasts forever.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.