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.