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In the final chapters of 2 Samuel, we have a series of narratives and poems that focus us on the key theological themes of the Book. The central theme is that the LORD has given his steadfast, loyal, covenant-love to David FOREVER. We consider this in terms of the LORD’s protection given to David through…

Sheba leads a short lived, finally rebellion against David that is quelled by Joab. In the final chapters of 2 Samuel, we have a series of narratives and poems that focus us on the key theological themes of the Book. The central theme is that the LORD has given his steadfast, loyal, covenant-love to David…

Joab kills Absalom and David mourns his death to such an extent that it puts him out of favor with his people. The people of Israel decide to accept David as King again but Judah is reluctant. The rift between the Northern Tribes and Judah sets the stage for a final, short lived rebellion against…

David gets the news that his son Absalom is leading a conspiracy against him and so he mournfully flees Jerusalem. But David leaves spies in place to inform him of Absalom’s plans. Even one of David’s wisest counselors – Ahithophel – joins the rebellion. In answer to David’s prayer, Hushai gives an alternative plan to…

Amnon – David’s firstborn – rapes his half sister Tamar. Absalom – David’s 3rd born and Tamar’s full brother – murders Amnon and flees Jerusalem. Just as the LORD had said, violence would enter David’s house. After a period of exile and alienation, David allows Absalom’s return but not to the royal household. Although David…

David commits two sins punishable by death: adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband Uriah. Although there are terrible consequences for David’s not respecting the the word of the LORD, the LORD puts David sin away and releases him from the penalty of death.

The LORD YHWH gives David victory in all his battles and allows him to expand the territory and wealth of his Kingdom. In fulfillment of his promises, David shows faithful, loyal love – hesed – to lame Mephibosheth for the sake of his father Jonathan.

The LORD YHWH makes promises to David in 2 Samuel 7 that establish the “House of David.” These promises amplify the Abrahamic Promises. They also set the foundation for many of the meditations in the Psalms and the basis of Hope in the Prophets. This is one of the most significant and important chapters in…

After the murder of Ish-bosheth, David is anointed as King over all Israel and Judah. David takes Jerusalem and moves the Ark there, but not without a disastrous failure. As the LORD gives David victory over his enemies, in his own house there are those who despise him. As David begins his reign in victory…

Even though David is anointed King in Judah, Abner tries to install Saul’s son Ish-bosheth as king over the rest of Israel. Because of Ish-bosheth’s incompetence, Abner swings his allegiance to David but is murdered by Joab the leader of David’s forces. Even though David’s reign begins with many challenges, he remains faithful to the…

As David rescues his family from an Amalekite raiding party, Saul and his sons are killed by the Philistines. When David gets the news, he laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.

Realizing that Saul will not relent in trying to kill him, David goes – once again – to Achish in Gath. This time, the Philistine King takes David in because he is a fugitive outlaw. David deceives Achish in his intentions in order to accomplish his own purposes. In the meantime, Saul consults a medium…

Saul has Doeg the Edomite slaughter the priests and all in the city of Nob for helping David – an unthinkably treacherous sin. He then continues to pursue David. But the LORD continually helps David escape. Even when David has two chances to kill Saul, he acts righteously, knowing that it is not his right…

In jealousy and fear, Saul turns on David and starts to conspire in ways to kill him. All those who love David – Michal and Jonathan – help him escape Saul’s treachery. When it is clear that Saul is not going to relent, David begins his “wilderness wanderings.”