The biblical King David of Israel was known for his diverse abilities as both a warrior and a psalm writer. In his 40 years as ruler, between about 1010 and 970 BC, he united the people of Israel, led them to victory in battle, conquered lands, and paved the way for his son Solomon to build the Holy Temple. Almost all knowledge about him comes from the books of the Prophets and the Writings: Samuel I and II, Kings I and Chronicles I. David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse of the royal tribe of Judah. He was also a direct descendant of Ruth the Moabite. David began his life as a shepherd in Bethlehem. One day, the prophet Samuel called him out of the camp and anointed him without the knowledge of the current king, Saul. David simply returned to his sheep. His first interaction with Saul occurred when the king was looking for someone to play for him, and the king's attendant summoned the skilled David to play for him. Saul was pleased with David and kept him in his service as a musician. The first time David publicly displayed his courage was when, as an inexperienced boy armed only with a stick and some stones, he faced the nine-foot bronze-armoured Philistine. giant, Goliath of Gath. After skilled warriors cowered in fear for 40 days, David made a sling, called on the name of God, and killed the giant. Subsequently, Saul hired David as commander of his troops, and David formed a close friendship with Saul's son Jonathan. David was successful in the battle against the Philistines and this aroused the jealousy of Saul, who tried to kill David by throwing a spear. against him. However, David remained with Saul, and Saul offered him his daughter, Merav, as a wife. He later renounced his promise, but ... middle of paper ... in Jerusalem, but Solomon forgave him and sent him home. David delivered one final set of instructions to his son, telling him to follow God's words and repay in kind specific people who had harmed David or helped him. David then died after 40 years as king, 33 of them in Jerusalem. He was buried in the City of David. David was a poet and the rabbis believe that David wrote the Book of Psalms, or at least edited it. Throughout his life, David prepared for the construction of the Holy Temple by setting aside the necessary physical materials, commanding the Levites and others in their duties for the Temple, and giving the plans for the Temple to Solomon. It is therefore right that according to tradition the Messiah who will build the third temple will be from the Davidic dynasty. Today Jews pray daily for the coming of the "Messiah, son of David".."