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David, King of Israel
David was the second monarch of the united Kingdom of Israel, living c. 1040–970 BCE.…
Timeline
- c. -1040–-1010Bethlehem · JudahDavid was born in the house of Jesse at Bethlehem in Judah, worked as a shepherd in his youth, and entered Saul's court after defeating the Philistine giant Goliath, gradually distinguishing himself in the army.
- c. -1010–-1000Hebron · JudahSuspected by Saul, David went into exile and gathered followers; after Saul's death he was first made king over Judah at Hebron, and through negotiation and war gradually unified the northern tribes.
- c. -1000–-970Jerusalem · IsraelAfter capturing Jerusalem he moved the capital there, established a central administrative and military system, organized the priestly class, expanded the realm, and consolidated control over the Canaanite heartland, laying the foundation for Solomon's golden age.
Sources
- The Bible: 2 Samuel; 1 Chronicles
- Oxford Encyclopedia of Archaeology in the Near East (1997)