David's first capital was the city of Hebron. Following his election by all the tribes of Israel as their sole king, he sought a new capital to unify the nation. His considerations in choosing the Jebusite city of "Zion" were primarily geopolitical. By bringing the Ark of the Covenant to his city, David established Jerusalem, both symbolically and practically, as both a religious and political capital.

From his small capital David ruled over a vast kingdom, taking advantage of the temporary decline of Egypt in the south and of Aram in the north.

Although David prepared an extensive organizational and engineering infrastructure to build the Temple in his city, he was unable to undertake the project for various reasons, and the task was entrusted to his son Solomon. However, David purchased the land designated for the Temple and built an altar there to atone for the sin which he had committed in commanding the people. His kingdom, which was born in civil war and court intrigues, was transferred to Solomon following yet another bloody course of events.

Traditionally David is described as a splendid combination of spiritual potency and military acumen, a passionate character, and a penchant for court machinations.