DAVID the son of Jesse was an outstanding musician, poet, warrior, and statesman. But David’s prominence in Scripture is primarily due to his relationship with God. Jehovah called him “a man agreeable to my heart.”​—Ac 13:22; 1Sa 13:14.

God selected David as future king of Israel when he was but a shepherd youth. Soon thereafter, with full reliance on Jehovah, David courageously confronted and slew the Philistine giant Goliath. However, King Saul became jealous of David’s mounting popularity, and David was forced to take up the life of a fugitive. During this trialsome period David composed many heartfelt psalms, which bring comfort to Bible readers even today.

When finally established as king, David shared in historic events in the nation’s history: Israel’s boundaries were pushed to their promised limits. The ark of the covenant was brought to Jerusalem. Plans were drawn up for a glorious temple of Jehovah. Highly significant, too, was God’s covenant promise to David to raise up a permanent ruler in his royal line. (2Sa 7:12-16) This covenant points the way to the earth-wide rule by Jesus Christ.​—Ro 1:3; Lu 1:32.