David was a son of Alexander II of Kakheti by his wife Tinatin Amilakhvari.

In mid-1601, he capitalized on the illness of his father and gained an effective control of the government, sidelining his younger brother George.

When Alexander recovered, David refused to relinquish his powers and forced his father into abdication in October 1601.

David was crowned king of Kakheti, but his brother, George, masterminded a plot which quickly collapsed and led to repressions.

David suddenly died on 21 October 1602, and Alexander II recovered the crown.