More Famous Jewish Leaders David, the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah, was the most brilliant leader of ancient Israel. When David was just a shepherd boy, he was called to play music for King Saul in order to cure his melancholy.David also gained fame as a youth when he killed the Philistine Goliath (Galyat) with his slingshot.he northern tribes of Israel voluntarily submitted to David. David was the first king of a united Israel. He founded a dynasty, centered in Jerusalem, that remained in power for about 500 years.