Initially without force, elevating King David, for example (6)
I believe the answer is:
artist
'example' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for artist that I've seen before include "Model employer, perhaps" , "Eg, a painter" , "One skilled in creative works" , "Painter in dire strait" , "Painter, sculptor or skilled musician" .)