As Israel's second king, David built a small empire. He conquered Jerusalem, which he made Israel's political and religious center. He defeated the Philistines so thoroughly that they never seriously threatened the Israelite' security again, and he annexed the coastal region.
1035 - 970 BCE) was the second king in the ancient United Kingdom of Israel who helped establish the eternal throne of God. ... Like King Saul and King Solomon, David reigned for 40 years in one of the highest and most prosperous periods in Israel's history - called by many, “The Golden Age” of Israel
