King David

David was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy from Bethlehem. While still young, he was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel, though King Saul still reigned.

David's faith in God was demonstrated when he defeated the giant Goliath with just a sling and a stone, trusting that God would deliver Israel from the Philistines. He became a mighty warrior and was beloved by the people.

After Saul's death, David became king and united the tribes of Israel. He conquered Jerusalem and made it his capital. David was a skilled musician who wrote many of the Psalms, expressing his deep love for God through poetry and song.

Though he made serious mistakes, including his sin with Bathsheba, David's heart remained devoted to God. He repented sincerely and was called "a man after God's own heart." God promised that the Messiah would come from David's lineage.