(well-beloved). Youngest son of Jesse (1 Sam. 16:8-12), born at Bethlehem. Anointed king by Samuel (1 Sam. 16:13). Re-anointed at Hebron (2 Sam. 2:4). United his kingdom and raised it to great strength and splendor. Died at the age of 70, B. C. 1015, after a reign of seven and a half years over Judah and thirty-three years over the entire kingdom of Israel. History told in 1 Samuel 16 to 1 Kings 2.