The answer is: David

David was a King of Israel, not a Judge.

In the biblical narrative, both Judges and Kings play vital leadership roles in the story of Israel, but they're from different eras with different functions. The judges were essentially divinely chosen leaders who arose during the tumultuous period following the death of Joshua, a time marked by Israel's struggle to settle into the Promised Land. Think of figures like Gideon, Deborah, and Samson, each selected to deliver the Israelites from oppression and restore justice, very much as a wartime leader.

In contrast, Kings, like David, ushered in a monarchy that provided a different structure of governance altogether. David’s rise is steeped in dramatic tales—from his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy to his famous defeat of Goliath, he certainly painted a picture of what strong leadership can accomplish. Under his reign, the country also transitioned toward a more stable and unified entity.

Interestingly, David's contrived characterization leads to notable echoes in biblical literature about power dynamics and human fallibility. Consider, for instance, his complex relationship with Saul, illustrating how even a king's road is laden with challenges and moral dilemmas. This burgeoning monarchy changed not only the course of Israel’s history but also established the foundation for future power struggles—something Reverend Martin Luther King related to in his speeches, marrying the quest for justice and the need for critical, open leadership. Each story, whether of a judge or a king, teaches us about resistance, redemption, and the symphony of human nature within the divine narrative.