According to the ""Hebrew Bible"", David rose from humble beginnings as a sheepherder in the hills of Bethlehem to become the ruler of the ancient kingdom of Israel and the founder of an empire that included not only the modern state of Israel, but parts of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan as well. Courageous and conniving, pious and vengeful, warrior, poet, fugitive, and king, David is not only one of the most complex and fascinating figures in Hebrew scripture but also one of the ancient world's best-known leaders. ""King David"" uses the ample writings by and about the revered king of Israel to explore his historical significance in world history and how his time in power contributed to modern-day situations in the Middle East.