Produced by Columbia Pictures Television for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC-TV), it premiered on 9 April 1976.

The narrative follows David's life from the time he was a boy shepherd to his death as the aged King of Israel.

It begins with David as a humble shepherd who becomes lyre player and armourer to the King who is distraught after the prophet Samuel has chastised him for failing to follow the instructions of the Israelite god, Yahweh, in a battle.

Saul periodically withdraws due to an oppressive illness and, initially, David's music soothes his troubled mind.

But Saul is filled with jealous rage when David becomes hero to his people after prevailing in single combat against Goliath and in a subsequent military victory over the Philistines.