David's personal relationship with God defined him not as king but as someone who would change the narrative of a nation- a leader who would lead the people to God, a king who's just and teaches obedience, a friend who taught that covetousness is grave sin and it's consequences, ruthless.
His love for God attracted helpers even soldiers as fierce looking as lions... 1 chronicles 12: 8

I am David, the son of David and lover of God.