2 Samuel Chapter 18
Absalom followed Hushai's booby-trap advice (see Absalom's Advisors).
Absalom waited too long, thereby giving David the time needed to
prepare for battle, and then Absalom accompanied his troops into battle,
thereby exposing himself to a focus for killing. David's commanders on
the other hand insisted that he not accompany them into battle, perhaps
because they (rightly) realized that David would not attack his own son
with full force, but surely because the enemy would fight more furiously
if they knew David was there to be killed.
"Then David mustered the men who were with him, and set over them
commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. And David sent forth
the army, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai
the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the command of
Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the men, "I myself will also go
out with you."
But the men said, "You shall not go out. For if we flee, they will not
care about us. If half of us die, they will not care about us. But you
are worth ten thousand of us; therefore it is better that you send us
help from the city."
The king said to them, "Whatever seems best to you I will do." So the
king stood at the side of the gate, while all the army marched out by
hundreds and by thousands." (2 Samuel 18:1-4 RSV)
David's army of Judah inflicted a severe defeat upon the army of Israel under Absalom.
"So the army went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was
fought in the forest of Ephraim. And the men of Israel were defeated
there by the servants of David, and the slaughter there was great on
that day, twenty thousand men. The battle spread over the face of all
the country; and the forest devoured more people that day than the
sword." (2 Samuel 18:6-8 RSV)
With his army defeated, Absalom fled in a panic. Whether caused by
Absalom's very long hair ("And when he cut the hair of his head, for at
the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he
cut it, he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the
king's weight" 2 Samuel 14:26 RSV), or just a quirk of luck, Absalom was
pulled off his mule and left hanging helplessly in an oak tree.
"And Absalom chanced to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding
upon his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great
oak, and his head caught fast in the oak, and he was left hanging
between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on." (2
Samuel 18:9 RSV)
While the other troops were reluctant to kill David's son, Joab did not
hesitate to kill the treacherous young man who would have killed his
father David if he could have done so.
"Joab said, "I will not waste time like this with you." And he took
three darts in his hand, and thrust them into the heart of Absalom,
while he was still alive in the oak. And ten young men, Joab's
armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him, and killed him." (2
Samuel 18:14-15 RSV)
When David heard that his evil son had been killed, he mourned in a way
that could have squandered the victory that his loyal troops had just
achieved for him.
"And the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the
gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, "O my son Absalom, my son, my
son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my
son!" (2 Samuel 18:33 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 19
Joab was the man who killed the king's enemy son, and it was Joab who
fearlessly rebuked David for making his troops feel ashamed for being
victorious against David's enemy. Joab warned David that if he didn't
speak to his troops in the way that was proper, the victory could be
squandered.
"It was told Joab, "Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for
Absalom." So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the
people; for the people heard that day, "The king is grieving for his
son." And the people stole into the city that day as people steal in who
are ashamed when they flee in battle. The king covered his face, and
the king cried with a loud voice, "O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son,
my son!" (2 Samuel 19:1-4 RSV)
"Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, "You have today
covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day
saved your life, and the lives of your sons and your daughters, and the
lives of your wives and your concubines, because you love those who hate
you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that
commanders and servants are nothing to you; for today I perceive that if
Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be
pleased. Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants;
for I swear by The Lord, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you
this night; and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has
come upon you from your youth until now."
Then the king arose, and took his seat in the gate. And the people were
all told, "Behold, the king is sitting in the gate"; and all the people
came before the king. Now Israel had fled every man to his own home." (2
Samuel 19:5- RSV)
With his victory and restoration to the throne, many of those who turned
against David during Absalom's rebellion came slinking back.
"And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel,
saying, "The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies, and saved
us from the hand of the Philistines; and now he has fled out of the land
from Absalom. But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle.
Now therefore why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?" (2
Samuel 19:9-10 RSV)
Shimei also came back; David forgave him, but nevertheless made arrangements for Solomon to deal with his treachery later (see Shimei the Benjamite).
"And Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, from Bahurim, made haste
to come down with the men of Judah to meet King David; and with him were
a thousand men from Benjamin. And Ziba the servant of the house of
Saul, with his fifteen sons and his twenty servants, rushed down to the
Jordan before the king, and they crossed the ford to bring over the
king's household, and to do his pleasure. And Shimei the son of Gera
fell down before the king, as he was about to cross the Jordan, and said
to the king, "Let not my lord hold me guilty or remember how your
servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem; let not
the king bear it in mind." (2 Samuel 19:16-19 RSV)
Mephibosheth also welcomed David back, claiming that he was innocent of any betrayal (see notes for 2 Samuel 9 and 2 Samuel 16).
"And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king; he had
neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes,
from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety.
And when he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him,
"Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?"
He answered, "My lord, O king, my servant deceived me; for your servant
said to him, 'Saddle an ass for me, that I may ride upon it and go with
the king.' For your servant is lame." (2 Samuel 19:24-26 RSV)
The men of Israel also sought David back as their king, even claiming
that their ten tribes had more right to David than Judah. The political
split between Israel and Judah kept happening however, until made
permanent after the death of David's son and successor Solomon (see Israelite Monarchy - The Division Of Israel, Israelite Monarchy - The Northern Kingdom and Israelite Monarchy - The Southern Kingdom). The breach between Israel and Judah will however be healed after the return of Jesus Christ (see The Gathering of Israel and Judah).
Then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, "Why
have our brethren the men of Judah stolen you away, and brought the king
and his household over the Jordan, and all David's men with him?" All
the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "Because the king is near
of kin to us. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at
all at the king's expense? Or has he given us any gift?"
And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, "We have ten shares in
the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you
despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?"
But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men
of Israel." (2 Samuel 19:41-43 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 20
The political situation was still tense - and subject to opportunistic men. Sheba, a Benjamite (as Saul was), instigated another revolt against David - and another civil war within Israel.
"Now there happened to be there a worthless fellow, whose name was
Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjaminite; and he blew the trumpet, and
said, "We have no portion in David, and we have no inheritance in the
son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!"
So all the men of Israel withdrew from David, and followed Sheba the son
of Bichri; but the men of Judah followed their king steadfastly from
the Jordan to Jerusalem." (2 Samuel 20:1-2 RSV)
King David responded with everything that he could muster, realizing
that Absalom's coup was merely the result of Absalom's personal lust for
power, while Sheba was using the still-alive loyalty to King Saul to
restore Saul's government - a much more serious threat.
"And David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more
harm than Absalom; take your lord's servants and pursue him, lest he
get himself fortified cities, and cause us trouble." And there went out
after Abishai, Joab and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the
mighty men; they went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of
Bichri." (2 Samuel 20:6-7 RSV)
Amasa was David's nephew, a son of David's sister Abigail (1 Chronicles
2:13-17). David appointed Amasa to command the army in place of his
cousin, another nephew of David, Joab (2 Samuel 19:13), but Joab
assassinated his fellow commander Amasa (Joab had also killed Abner and
David's son Absalom, and was involved in David's killing of Uriah, the
husband of Bathsheba - Joab was often a dangerous man, to friend and foe alike).
""When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to
meet them. Now Joab was wearing a soldier's garment, and over it was a
girdle with a sword in its sheath fastened upon his loins, and as he
went forward it fell out. And Joab said to Amasa, "Is it well with you,
my brother?" And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to
kiss him. But Amasa did not observe the sword which was in Joab's hand;
so Joab struck him with it in the body, and shed his bowels to the
ground, without striking a second blow; and he died. Then Joab and
Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri." (2 Samuel 20:8-10
RSV)
Joab then assumed command and continued the pursuit of Sheba who had
taken refuge at Abel of Beth-maacah. Rather than having their city
destroyed, the people surrendered Sheba, or rather his head, to Joab.
Another civil war ended.
"And Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of
Beth-maacah; and all the Bichrites assembled, and followed him in. And
all the men who were with Joab came and besieged him in Abel of
Beth-maacah; they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against
the rampart; and they were battering the wall, to throw it down. Then a
wise woman called from the city, "Hear! Hear! Tell Joab, 'Come here,
that I may speak to you.'" (2 Samuel 20:14-16 RSV)
"Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off
the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. So he
blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his
home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king." (2 Samuel 20:22 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 15
Absalom had managed to maneuver his way back to Jerusalem after he killed his brother Amnon (see Tamar and Amnon),
but he was hardly sorry for what he did. In fact, his ruthlessness was
about to get far worse - he then set out to gain enough support from the
people of Israel (see Royal Democracy) to overthrow his father King David and seize the throne for himself.
"Absalom said moreover, "Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every
man with a suit or cause might come to me, and I would give him
justice."
And whenever a man came near to do obeisance to him, he would put out
his hand, and take hold of him, and kiss him. Thus Absalom did to all of
Israel who came to the king for judgment; so Absalom stole the hearts
of the men of Israel." (2 Samuel 15:4-6 RSV)
After four years of "campaigning," Absalom was ready for his "election."
Absalom went to Hebron and had himself declared king (the choice of
Hebron was highly symbolic; Hebron had been David's capital during the
civil war with Saul's throne at Jerusalem - see Israelite Monarchy - The Civil War and David's Capital During The Civil War).
"And at the end of four years Absalom said to the king, "Pray let me go
and pay my vow, which I have vowed to The Lord, in Hebron. For your
servant vowed a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Aram, saying, 'If The
Lord will indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will offer worship
to The Lord.'"
The king said to him, "Go in peace."
So he arose, and went to Hebron. But Absalom sent secret messengers
throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the
sound of the trumpet, then say, 'Absalom is king at Hebron!'" (2 Samuel
15:7-10 RSV)
When David became aware of the coup, and how widespread it was, he fled Jerusalem with those who remained loyal to him.
"And a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel
have gone after Absalom." Then David said to all his servants who were
with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee; or else there will be no
escape for us from Absalom; go in haste, lest he overtake us quickly,
and bring down evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the
sword." (2 Samuel 15:13-14 RSV)
David still had the support of the Levites, or at least the high priesthood who had charge of The Ark Of The Covenant. When they attempted to accompany David, he sent them, and the Ark, back to Jerusalem.
"And all the country wept aloud as all the people passed by, and the king crossed the brook Kidron [see the Kidron Valley], and all the people passed on toward the wilderness.
And Abiathar came up, and lo, Zadok came also, with all the Levites,
bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of
God, until the people had all passed out of the city. Then the king said
to Zadok, "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in
the eyes of The Lord, he will bring me back and let me see both it and
his habitation; but if he says, 'I have no pleasure in you,' behold,
here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him." (2 Samuel 15:23-25
RSV)
The loyal royal advisor Hushai also tried to remain with David, but
David told him to return and appear to support the rebel Absalom, for
two purposes - to keep David informed of what Absalom was doing, and to
feed Absalom as much bad advice as possible, to get him to make as many
mistakes as possible (see Absalom's Advisors).
"When David came to the summit [see The Mount Of Olives], where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent and earth upon his head.
David said to him, "If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me.
But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, 'I will be your
servant, O king; as I have been your father's servant in time past, so
now I will be your servant,' then you will defeat for me the counsel of
Ahithophel. Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? So
whatever you hear from the king's house, tell it to Zadok and Abiathar
the priests. Behold, their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz,
Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son; and by them you shall send to
me everything you hear."
So Hushai, David's friend, came into the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem." (2 Samuel 15:32-37 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 16
Although David retained support from some, many seemed to be rejoicing
at David's overthrow. Among them was, it appeared, Jonathan's son
Mephibosheth (see notes for 2 Samuel 9-11), although Mephibosheth later denied it when David regained the throne (2 Samuel 19:24-30).
"When David had passed a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of
Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, bearing two
hundred loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred of
summer fruits, and a skin of wine." (2 Samuel 16:1 RSV)
And the king said, "And where is your master's son?" Ziba said to the
king, "Behold, he remains in Jerusalem; for he said, 'Today the house of
Israel will give me back the kingdom of my father.'" Then the king said
to Ziba, "Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours." And
Ziba said, "I do obeisance; let me ever find favor in your sight, my
lord the king." (2 Samuel 16:3-4 RSV)
Others from the house of Saul were also contemptuously celebrating David's fall; among them was Shimei the Benjamite who mocked the retreating king.
"When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of
the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; and as he
came he cursed continually. And he threw stones at David, and at all the
servants of King David; and all the people and all the mighty men were
on his right hand and on his left. And Shimei said as he cursed,
"Begone, begone, you man of blood, you worthless fellow! The Lord has
avenged upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you
have reigned; and The Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your
son Absalom. See, your ruin is on you; for you are a man of blood." (2
Samuel 16:5-8 RSV)
Hushai had returned to Jerusalem, and as instructed by David, feigned
loyalty to Absalom. Absalom accepted Hushai, which would turn out to be
his fatal mistake.
"Now Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem,
and Ahithophel with him. And when Hushai the Archite, David's friend,
came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live
the king!"
And Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why
did you not go with your friend?" And Hushai said to Absalom, "No; for
whom The Lord and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his
I will be, and with him I will remain. And again, whom should I serve?
Should it not be his son? As I have served your father, so I will serve
you." (2 Samuel 16:15-19 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 17
Ahithophel advised Absalom to attack his father David as soon as
possible, while he was disorganized and in retreat. That is what Absalom
should have done for a military victory over David.
"Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand
men, and I will set out and pursue David tonight. I will come upon him
while he is weary and discouraged, and throw him into a panic; and all
the people who are with him will flee. I will strike down the king only,
and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to
her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will
be at peace." And the advice pleased Absalom and all the elders of
Israel." (2 Samuel 17:1-4 RSV)
But Hushai, who was still secretly loyal to David, discredited
Ahithophel's sound military advice. Hushai instead advised Absalom not
to attack David. Even though it was obvious that David was at his
weakest at that point, Hushai convinced Absalom that David was his
strongest at his weakest. Hushai also "advised" Absalom to leave (the
safety of) his palace and accompany his troops into battle, later (after
David had regrouped and prepared for battle, and where Absalom could be
killed out in the open). Absalom took the bait.
"Then Hushai said to Absalom, "This time the counsel which Ahithophel
has given is not good." Hushai said moreover, "You know that your father
and his men are mighty men, and that they are enraged, like a bear
robbed of her cubs in the field. Besides, your father is expert in war;
he will not spend the night with the people. Behold, even now he has
hidden himself in one of the pits, or in some other place. And when some
of the people fall at the first attack, whoever hears it will say,
'There has been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.' Then
even the valiant man, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will
utterly melt with fear; for all Israel knows that your father is a
mighty man, and that those who are with him are valiant men. But my
counsel is that all Israel be gathered to you, from Dan to Beer-sheba,
as the sand by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in
person." (2 Samuel 17:7-11 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 12
David's adultery with Bathsheba, a violation of the Seventh Commandment ("Thou shalt not commit adultery") was further complicated with an unlawful killing, a violation of the Sixth Commandment ("Thou shalt not kill"),
of Bathsheba's husband Uriah (the adultery did not "escalate" into
something more serious, an unlawful killing, because all of The Lord's
Ten Commandments are equal in seriousness e.g. violating the Sabbath is
just as serious as murder). The Lord sent Nathan The Prophet to rebuke David, using David's own response to an allegory that the former shepherd could relate to.
"And The Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him,
"There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor.
The rich man had very many flocks and herds; but the poor man had
nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it
up, and it grew up with him and with his children; it used to eat of his
morsel, and drink from his cup, and lie in his bosom, and it was like a
daughter to him."
"Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take
one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come
to him, but he took the poor man's lamb, and prepared it for the man who
had come to him."
"Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to
Nathan, "As The Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die;
and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and
because he had no pity."
"Nathan said to David, "You are the man!" Thus says The Lord, the God of
Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of
the hand of Saul;
and I gave you your master's house, and your master's wives into your
bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if this were
too little, I would add to you as much more. Why have you despised the
word of The Lord, to do what is evil in His sight? You have smitten
Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your
wife, and have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites." (2 Samuel
12:1-9 RSV)
The Lord's wrath then came.
"Then Nathan went to his house. And The Lord struck the child that
Uriah's wife bore to David, and it became sick. David therefore besought
God for the child; and David fasted, and went in and lay all night upon
the ground. And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him
from the ground; but he would not, nor did he eat food with them.
On the seventh day the child died." (2 Samuel 12:15-18 RSV)
David and Bathsheba were forgiven, for the sake of Israel and the royal
line that had been established for a greater purpose (see the Fact
Finder question below). They had another child, Solomon, who would be
king of Israel after David.
"Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went in to her, and lay
with her; and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And The
Lord loved him, and sent a message by Nathan the prophet; so he called
his name Jedidiah, because of The Lord." (2 Samuel 12:24-25 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 13
Although the situation with Bathsheba was overcome, David's family
problems were just beginning. Tamar was a daughter of King David and
Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3, 13:1).
Absalom was Tamar's full brother; he was also a son of David and Maacah.
Amnon was King David's firstborn son, born to Ahinoam of Jezreel (1
Chronicles 3:1, 2 Samuel 3:2); Tamar and Absalom, and their half-brother
Amnon, all had the same father, King David, but different mothers.
Amnon found himself in a state of lustful infatuation with his young
half-sister Tamar; after she consistently rejected his advances, he
brutally ravished her. Thereafter his "love" for her immediately turned
to loathing and contempt, manifesting the very-common human trait of
someone hating a person they have injured or wronged, a warped
psychological maneuver in an attempt to soothe a guilty conscience.
"She answered him, "No, my brother, do not force me; for such a thing is
not done in Israel; do not do this wanton folly. As for me, where could
I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the wanton
fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray you, speak to the king; for he
will not withhold me from you." But he would not listen to her; and
being stronger than she, he forced her, and lay with her."
"Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred; so that the hatred with
which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved
her. And Amnon said to her, "Arise, be gone."
"But she said to him, "No, my brother; for this wrong in sending me away
is greater than the other which you did to me." But he would not listen
to her."
"He called the young man who served him and said, "Put this woman out of
my presence, and bolt the door after her." Now she was wearing a long
robe with sleeves; for thus were the virgin daughters of the king clad
of old. So his servant put her out, and bolted the door after her. And
Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent the long robe which she wore; and
she laid her hand on her head, and went away, crying aloud as she went."
(2 Samuel 13:12-19 RSV)
After David found out about it, although furious, he did nothing, except
to keep it quiet, but Absalom did not allow Amnon's crime to go
unpunished. He bided his time, and when the opportunity for his
vengeance came, Absalom had Amnon killed.
"When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. But
Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon,
because he had forced his sister Tamar."
"After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baalhazor, which is
near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king's sons. And Absalom came
to the king, and said, "Behold, your servant has sheepshearers; pray let
the king and his servants go with your servant."
"But the king said to Absalom, "No, my son, let us not all go, lest we
be burdensome to you." He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him
his blessing."
"Then Absalom said, "If not, pray let my brother Amnon go with us."
"And the king said to him, "Why should he go with you?"
"But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king's sons go
with him. Then Absalom commanded his servants, "Mark when Amnon's heart
is merry with wine, and when I say to you, 'Strike Amnon,' then kill
him. Fear not; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant."
So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded." (2
Samuel 13:21-29 RSV)
Absalom then fled, leaving David in a state of conflicting emotions.
"But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son day after day.
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years. And the
spirit of the king longed to go forth to Absalom; for he was comforted
about Amnon, seeing he was dead." (2 Samuel 13:37-39 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 14
Eventually, David permitted Absalom's return to Jerusalem, although two
more years would go by before the king agreed to meet with him. While
David mourned Absalom's absence, the king still couldn't stand the sight
of him.
"So Joab arose
and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. And the king said,
"Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my
presence." So Absalom dwelt apart in his own house, and did not come
into the king's presence." (2 Samuel 14:23-24 RSV)
Absalom's rash character made itself evident again; by means of an act
of arson, and the obvious threat of more, Absalom forced Joab to get him
in to see the king. David welcomed him, but he would soon be very sorry
that he allowed his dangerous son back to Jerusalem at all. Absalom's
next target would be David himself.
"So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king's presence.
Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king; but Joab would not
come to him. And he sent a second time, but Joab would not come. Then he
said to his servants, "See, Joab's field is next to mine, and he has
barley there; go and set it on fire." So Absalom's servants set the
field on fire.
Then Joab arose and went to Absalom at his house, and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?"
Absalom answered Joab, "Behold, I sent word to you, 'Come here, that I
may send you to the king, to ask, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would
be better for me to be there still." Now therefore let me go into the
presence of the king; and if there is guilt in me, let him kill me.'"
Then Joab went to the king, and told him; and he summoned Absalom. So he
came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before
the king; and the king kissed Absalom." (2 Samuel 14:28-33 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 9
Although King David was totally victorious over the house of King Saul (see Israelite Monarchy - The Civil War), he was nevertheless concerned for the well-being of Saul's family, particularly because of Saul's son Jonathan
who had been a very close friend of David before Jonathan was killed,
along with his father Saul, in battle against the Philistines near Mount Gilboa.
"And David said, "Is there still any one left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and
they called him to David; and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?"
And he said, "Your servant is he."
And the king said, "Is there not still some one of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?"
Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet." (2 Samuel 9:1-3 RSV)
David then ordered that Jonathan's crippled son be made heir to much of what Saul had owned.
"And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David, and
fell on his face and did obeisance. And David said, "Mephibosheth!"
And he answered, "Behold, your servant."
And David said to him, "Do not fear; for I will show you kindness for
the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land
of Saul your father; and you shall eat at my table always." (2 Samuel
9:6-7 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 10
When the king of the Ammonites died, David respectfully sent ambassadors to the new king to express his condolence.
"After this the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in
his stead. And David said, "I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of
Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me." So David sent by his
servants to console him concerning his father. And David's servants came
into the land of the Ammonites." (2 Samuel 10:1-2 RSV)
The new Ammonite king not only rejected David's expression of sympathy, but actually abused David's ambassadors.
"But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, "Do you
think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring
your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city,
and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?" So Hanun took David's servants,
and shaved off half the beard of each, and cut off their garments in
the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. When it was told David,
he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king
said, "Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return."
(2 Samuel 10:3-5 RSV)
The Ammonites then apparently realized that they had committed a
travesty, but instead of apologizing and seeking peace, they mustered an
allied army of Ammonites and Syrians (Jordan and Syria have allied
their military against Israel in modern times as well e.g. the 1948
Israeli War of Independence, the 1967 "Six Day War," the 1973 "Yom
Kippur War" etc.) and attacked Israel.
"When the Ammonites saw that they had become odious to David, the
Ammonites sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of
Zobah, twenty thousand foot soldiers, and the king of Maacah with a
thousand men, and the men of Tob, twelve thousand men. And when David
heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men. And the
Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the
gate; and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob, and the men of Tob and
Maacah, were by themselves in the open country." (2 Samuel 10:6-8 RSV)
David defeated them, and then defeated them again - "so the Syrians feared to help the Ammonites any more" (for a while).
"But when the Syrians saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they
gathered themselves together. And Hadadezer sent, and brought out the
Syrians who were beyond the Euphrates; and they came to Helam, with
Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head.
And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and crossed
the Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians arrayed themselves
against David, and fought with him. And the Syrians fled before Israel;
and David slew of the Syrians the men of seven hundred chariots, and
forty thousand horsemen, and wounded Shobach the commander of their
army, so that he died there. And when all the kings who were servants of
Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace
with Israel, and became subject to them. So the Syrians feared to help
the Ammonites any more." (2 Samuel 10:15-19 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 11
David knew much trouble in his life, a great amount of it from his
behavior with his numerous wives and concubines, then the deadly
competition between the children of the various mothers (e.g. Absalom). David's adultery with Bathsheba was one of the darkest events of David's life.
"In the spring of the year, the time when kings go forth to battle, David sent Joab,
and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they ravaged the
Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was
walking upon the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a
woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and
inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is not this Bathsheba, the
daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" [see also Hittites]
So David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay
with her. Now she was purifying herself from her uncleanness. Then she
returned to her house." (2 Samuel 11:1-4 RSV)
The act of adultery was just the beginning of the trouble. When David
heard that Bathsheba was with his child, David ordered her husband Uriah
home from the war, in an attempt to make it appear that Uriah was the
father.
"And the woman conceived; and she sent and told David, "I am with child."
So David sent word to Joab, "Send me Uriah the Hittite." And Joab sent Uriah to David.
When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab was doing, and how the
people fared, and how the war prospered. Then David said to Uriah, "Go
down to your house, and wash your feet." And Uriah went out of the
king's house, and there followed him a present from the king. But Uriah
slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord,
and did not go down to his house." (2 Samuel 11:5-9 RSV)
When it became obvious that he could not cover up the act of adultery by
having Uriah go home to his wife, David resorted to a more ruthless
solution - to get Uriah killed in battle and then quickly marry
Bathsheba in order to make it appear that her child was David's, which
it was. What David did was hardly new, then, or ever since. Commanders
have always deliberately or subconsciously sent troublesome or disliked
troopers into the most dangerous situations (but will rarely admit it,
even to themselves), but David was anointed by The Lord to be above that
sort of thing. Nevertheless, David did it. Whether Uriah would have
been killed in battle anyway is unknown, but David made sure that he
would.
"In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of
Uriah. In the letter he wrote, "Set Uriah in the forefront of the
hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck
down, and die."
And as Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where
he knew there were valiant men. And the men of the city came out and
fought with Joab; and some of the servants of David among the people
fell. Uriah the Hittite was slain also." (2 Samuel 11:14-17 RSV)
According to plan, David then married Bathsheba and she gave birth to
David's son. The people of Israel may not have known the truth, but the
God of Israel surely did.
"When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she made
lamentation for her husband. And when the mourning was over, David sent
and brought her to his house, and she became his wife, and bore him a
son. But the thing that David had done displeased The Lord." (2 Samuel
11:26-27 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 6
After the end of the civil war (see Israelite Monarchy - The Civil War), David's royal dynasty (see Israelite Dynasties) was secure, politically and militarily (see Israelite Monarchy - The United Kingdom). One important matter remained however - to bring The Ark Of The Covenant to Jerusalem from the house of Abinadab (see notes for 1 Samuel 6-10).
"And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from
Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by
the Name of The Lord of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim [see
also Christ's Mercy Seat].
And they carried the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of
the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the
sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart with the ark of God; and
Ahio went before the ark. And David and all the house of Israel were
making merry before The Lord with all their might, with songs and lyres
[see Lyre] and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals." (2 Samuel 6:2-5 RSV)
The rules for the sacred Ark were very clear. No one but specific Levites were allowed to touch it, for any reason; anyone else would face God's wrath (see also Raiders Of The Lost Ark).
"And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his
hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. And
the anger of The Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there
because he put forth his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the
ark of God." (2 Samuel 6:6-7 RSV)
The death of Uzzah made King David
reconsider bringing the Ark into his palace. Instead, David had the Ark
redirected to the house of Obed-edom, a Levite (see also The Lines Of Eleazar and Ithamar). The Ark remained there for a few months before David brought it safely, this time, to Jerusalem.
"And David was afraid of The Lord that day; and he said, "How can the
ark of The Lord come to me?" So David was not willing to take the ark of
The Lord into the city of David; but David took it aside to the house
of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of The Lord remained in the house
of Obed-edom the Gittite three months; and The Lord blessed Obed-edom
and all his household.
And it was told King David, "The Lord has blessed the household of
Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So
David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to The City of David
with rejoicing; and when those who bore the ark of The Lord had gone
six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. And David danced before
The Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."
(2 Samuel 6:9-14 RSV)
The Ark was successfully transferred to Jerusalem amidst much rejoicing. David's estranged wife Michal did not approve of the king's behavior however; the confrontation effectively ended their marriage.
"As the ark of The Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter
of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and
dancing before The Lord; and she despised him in her heart." (2 Samuel
6:16 RSV)
"And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of
Saul came out to meet David, and said, "How the king of Israel honored
himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants'
maids, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!" (2
Samuel 6:20 RSV)
"And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death." (2 Samuel 6:23 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 7
Prophets of The Lord were present though most of Bible History. In the time of King David, Nathan was in the service of God.
"Now when the king dwelt in his house, and The Lord had given him rest
from all his enemies round about, the king said to Nathan the prophet,
"See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a
tent." And Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart;
for The Lord is with you." (2 Samuel 7:1-3 RSV)
Shepherds were
often called "to shepherd My people Israel." David was a shepherd, just
as Moses ("Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro"
Exodus 3:1 RSV; see also The Education Of Moses) and others had been. Jesus Christ was and is also the "good shepherd" (see The Shepherd's Voice).
"But that same night the word of The Lord came to Nathan, "Go and tell
My servant David, 'Thus says The Lord: Would you build Me a house to
dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the
people of Israel from Egypt to this day [see also 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
and Why Did Christ Put Moses To Death?],
but I have been moving about in a tent for My dwelling. In all places
where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word
with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people
Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"' (2
Samuel 7:4-7 RSV)
The Lord also provided a Prophecy about David's yet-unborn son Solomon who would be the one to build The Lord's Temple (see Temples) in Jerusalem.
"Moreover The Lord declares to you that The Lord will make you a house.
When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers [see What Happens When You Die?],
I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from
your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for
my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will
be his father, and he shall be my son. When he commits iniquity, I will
chasten him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men;
but I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul [see also Israelite Monarchy - The Origin],
whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall
be made sure for ever before Me; your throne shall be established for
ever.'"
In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David." (2 Samuel 7:11-17 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 8
The Lord then provided military success over all of Israel's enemies. David's son Solomon would be a man of peace because David made peace, by victory (a principle that the Messiah will also apply at His return; see Christ the Conqueror For Peace).
First the Philistines, who would later become known as "Palestinians" (see The Truth About Israel and the "Palestinians").
"After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David
took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines." (2 Samuel 8:1
RSV)
Then the Moabites, whose territory was east of The Jordan River in part of what is today the Kingdom of Jordan.
"And he defeated Moab, and measured them with a line, making them lie
down on the ground; two lines he measured to be put to death, and one
full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and
brought tribute." (2 Samuel 8:2 RSV)
David made peace all the way to the Euphrates River in what is today Iraq (see also Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel, Euphrates).
"David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he
went to restore his power at the river Euphrates." (2 Samuel 8:3 RSV)
David also made peace with Syria.
"And when the Syrians of Damascus
came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew twenty-two thousand
men of the Syrians. Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus; and
the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute [see Custom and Tribute.
And The Lord gave victory to David wherever he went." (2 Samuel 8:5-6 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 3
Israel was now in a state of civil war. David had much less territorial
resources and military forces, but he made steady gains over the
surviving house of Saul due to a combination of David's tactical skills,
a battle-hardened core of loyal (like David, they had been outcasts
from the rest of Israel under Saul, so their dedication to David and
Judah was secure) warriors, and the greatest asset of all, David was The
Lord's choice for king. David's capital at Hebron (where Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob were buried - see The Tombs Of Hebron) was secure enough that David even began producing a large (and later very troubled) family.
"There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David;
and David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became
weaker and weaker.
And sons were born to David at Hebron: his first-born was Amnon [see Tamar and Amnon], of Ahinoam of Jezreel; and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom
the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; and the
fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son
of Abital; and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David's wife. These were
born to David in Hebron." (2 Samuel 3:1-5 RSV)
Saul's son Ish-bosheth was installed as king by the men who had a vested interest in maintaining the regime that Saul
created after he became defiant toward The Lord. They were the real
power of the kingdom; Ish-bosheth had little respect in the eyes of
those who served him because in fact they were serving themselves. They
nevertheless saw the writing on the wall, that David was winning the war
against them, so almost any excuse would be sufficient for them to
transfer their "loyalty" to David. In Abner's case, it was due to
accusations over one of Saul's concubines.
"While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David,
Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul. Now Saul had a
concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ish-bosheth
said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?" Then
Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth ... And Ish-bosheth
could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him." (2 Samuel
3:6-8,11 RSV)
Abner was the commander of Saul's army. He knew David's capabilities,
right from the time that Abner brought David to Saul after his famous
defeat of Goliath. Abner sent word to David that he could make the army
that David was fighting into an allied army, under David. David accepted
the amazing offer; David even demanded that his estranged wife Michal be taken from her new husband and returned to David. More amazingly, weak Ish-bosheth surrendered to his enemy's demand.
"And Abner sent messengers to David at Hebron, saying, "To whom does the
land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be
with you to bring over all Israel to you."
And he said, "Good; I will make a covenant with you; but one thing I
require of you; that is, you shall not see my face, unless you first
bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face." Then David
sent messengers to Ish-bosheth Saul's son, saying, "Give me my wife
Michal, whom I betrothed at the price of a hundred foreskins of the
Philistines." And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband
Paltiel the son of Laish. But her husband went with her, weeping after
her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go, return"; and he
returned." (2 Samuel 3:12-16 RSV)
Before Abner could transfer the army to David however, he was
assassinated by David's nephew Joab because of Abner's lawful killing of
Joab's brother Asahel in battle.
"When Joab came out from David's presence, he sent messengers after
Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah; but David
did not know about it. And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him
aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there
he smote him in the belly, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his
brother." (2 Samuel 3:26-27 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 4
Ish-bosheth's kingdom was now rapidly crumbling. The death of Abner was a
severe psychological blow. The knives were now out, literally, for
Ish-bosheth.
"When Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his
courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed. Now Saul's son had two men
who were captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and
the name of the other Rechab" (2 Samuel 4:1-2 RSV)
Baanah and Rechab, officers in Ish-bosheth's army, assassinated and beheaded their own king right in his palace.
"Now the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, set out, and
about the heat of the day they came to the house of Ish-bosheth, as he
was taking his noonday rest. And behold, the doorkeeper of the house had
been cleaning wheat, but she grew drowsy and slept; so Rechab and
Baanah his brother slipped in.
When they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedchamber,
they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him. They took his head, and
went by the way of the Arabah all night, and brought the head of
Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron. And they said to the king, "Here is the
head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life;
The Lord has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his
offspring." (2 Samuel 4:5-8 RSV)
David's response to the king killers was not what they expected, partly
perhaps to dissuade anyone doing the same to him some day.
"But David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon
the Beerothite, "As The Lord lives, who has redeemed my life out of
every adversity, when one told me, 'Behold, Saul is dead,' and thought
he was bringing good news, I seized him and slew him at Ziklag, which
was the reward I gave him for his news. How much more, when wicked men
have slain a righteous man in his own house upon his bed, shall I not
now require his blood at your hand, and destroy you from the earth?"
And David commanded his young men, and they killed them, and cut off
their hands and feet, and hanged them beside the pool at Hebron. But
they took the head of Ish-bosheth, and buried it in the tomb of Abner at
Hebron." (2 Samuel 4:9-12 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 5
Despite the circumstances of the victory, David's royal position was now
secure and complete. The tribes of Israel now had one king.
"Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said,
"Behold, we are your bone and flesh. In times past, when Saul was king
over us, it was you that led out and brought in Israel; and The Lord
said to you, 'You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall
be prince over Israel.'"
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David
made a covenant with them at Hebron before The Lord, and they anointed
David king over Israel.
David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty
years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and
at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years."
(2 Samuel 5:1-5 RSV)
The transfer of David's capital to Jerusalem came next. The "Jebusite city" would now become the City of David.
"And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites,
the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, "You will not come in
here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off" - thinking, "David
cannot come in here." Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion
[see Who, What or Where Is Zion?], that is, the city of David." (2 Samuel 5:6-7 RSV)
1 Samuel Chapter 29
David (see King David) had been driven out of Israel by a corrupt-minded king of Israel, Saul. David had no where to go, except out
of Israel. It was, in effect, Saul's decision, not David's, that David
found himself allied with the Philistines, potentially against Israel.
"Now the Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek; and the Israelites were encamped by the fountain which is in Jezreel.
As The Lords of the Philistines were passing on by hundreds and by
thousands, and David and his men were passing on in the rear with
Achish, the commanders of the Philistines said, "What are these Hebrews
doing here?" " And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, "Is
not this David, the servant of Saul, king of Israel, who has been with
me now for days and years, and since he deserted to me I have found no
fault in him to this day." (1 Samuel 29:1-4 RSV)
It was a valid question, although David did not desert. No one
had been more loyal to Israel than David; unfortunately Israel had not
been loyal to David. But what was David going to do? He was a part of a
large battle formation of Philistines that was about to engage the army
of Israel. The Philistine commanders may have been correct in what they
thought David was going to do at the opportune time.
"But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him; and the
commanders of the Philistines said to him, "Send the man back, that he
may return to the place to which you have assigned him; he shall not go
down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us.
For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not
be with the heads of the men here?" (1 Samuel 29:4 RSV)
No one, but The Lord, knows what David was intending to do. As ordered,
David and his men left the Philistine battle group and returned to
Philistine territory.
"So David set out with his men early in the morning, to return to the
land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel. " (1
Samuel 29:4 RSV)
1 Samuel Chapter 30
Upon his return to Ziklag,
David found that while he was away the Amalekites had attacked and
looted the city of everything and everyone, including David's wives.
"Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the
Amalekites had made a raid upon the Negeb and upon Ziklag. They had
overcome Ziklag, and burned it with fire, and taken captive the women
and all who were in it, both small and great; they killed no one, but
carried them off, and went their way. And when David and his men came
to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons
and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him
raised their voices and wept, until they had no more strength to weep.
David's two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and
Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel." (1 Samuel 30:1-5 RSV)
Among David's army was Abiathar the priest, who had survived the massacre at Nob (see Doeg the Edomite). David inquired of The Lord through the Levite (see Levites).
"And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, "Bring me
the ephod." So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. And David inquired
of The Lord, "Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?" He
answered him, "Pursue; for you shall surely overtake and shall surely
rescue." (1 Samuel 30:7-8 RSV)
With The Lord's guidance, David recovered everything and everyone.
"And David smote them from twilight until the evening of the next day;
and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men, who
mounted camels and fled. David recovered all that the Amalekites had
taken; and David rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing, whether
small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been
taken; David brought back all." (1 Samuel 30:17-19 RSV)
1 Samuel Chapter 31
In the meantime, the Philistine army, minus David, encountered the army of Israel, and King Saul, near Mount Gilboa. It would not be a good day for Israel.
"Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines, and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchishua, the sons of Saul." (1 Samuel 31:1-2 RSV)
Saul himself died from the battle.
"The battle pressed hard upon Saul, and the archers found him; and he
was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer,
"Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these
uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and make sport of me." But his
armor-bearer would not; for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his
own sword, and fell upon it. And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was
dead, he also fell upon his sword, and died with him. Thus Saul died,
and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same
day together." (1 Samuel 31:3-6 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 1
When David heard of the death of Saul, he did not celebrate. He mourned.
"After the death of Saul, when David had returned from the slaughter of
the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag; and on the third day,
behold, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes rent and earth
upon his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and did
obeisance." (2 Samuel 1:1-2 RSV)
"Then David took hold of his clothes, and rent them; and so did all the
men who were with him; and they mourned and wept and fasted until
evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of The Lord
and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." (2
Samuel 1:11-12 RSV)
David's "How are the mighty fallen" became a famous lament.
"And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his
son, and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it
is written in the Book of Jashar. He said: "Thy glory, O Israel, is
slain upon thy high places! How are the mighty fallen!" (2 Samuel
1:17-19 RSV)
2 Samuel Chapter 2
The death of King Saul strengthened David's political position, but it
did not settle it. The Lord told David to make Hebron his capital, for
the time being (see David's Capital During The Civil War).
"After this David inquired of The Lord, "Shall I go up into any of the
cities of Judah?" And The Lord said to him, "Go up." David said, "To
which shall I go up?" And he said, "To Hebron." So David went up there,
and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail the widow of
Nabal of Carmel. And David brought up his men who were with him, every
one with his household; and they dwelt in the towns of Hebron." (2
Samuel 2:1-4 RSV)
Although Judah recognized David as their king, the rest of Israel, those
loyal to Saul (i.e. the officials and high-ranking military commanders
who depended on continuing Saul's regime) appointed Saul's son Ish-bosheth as their king of Israel. It set the stage for civil war (see the Fact Finder question below).
"Now Abner the son
of Ner, commander of Saul's army, had taken Ish-bosheth the son of Saul,
and brought him over to Mahanaim; and he made him king over Gilead and
the Ashurites and Jezreel and Ephraim and Benjamin and all Israel.
Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was forty years old when he began to reign over
Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed
David. And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of
Judah was seven years and six months." (2 Samuel 2:8-11 RSV)
1 Samuel Chapter 26
Saul had again
supposedly repented of his trying to kill David: "Is this your voice, my
son David?" And Saul lifted up his voice and wept." (1 Samuel 24:16
RSV). But by then David knew all too well that Saul's word was
worthless. Not long after, Saul again sought to kill David.
"So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, with three
thousand chosen men of Israel, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph."
(1 Samuel 26:2 RSV)
David had already spared Saul's life (see notes for 1 Samuel 24), but Saul kept after him. Now, David got another chance, made
himself another chance, by boldly entering Saul's own garrisoned camp
at night with Abishai (see the Fact Finder question below).
"So David and Abishai went to the army by night; and there lay Saul
sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at
his head; and Abner and the army lay around him. Then said Abishai to
David, "God has given your enemy into your hand this day; now therefore
let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not
strike him twice."
But David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him; for who can put forth
his hand against The Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?" And David said,
"As The Lord lives, The Lord will smite him; or his day shall come to
die; or he shall go down into battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I
should put forth my hand against The Lord'S anointed; but take now the
spear that is at his head, and the jar of water, and let us go." (1
Samuel 26:7-11 RSV)
After having made his escape, David made clear the reason for the raid -
to prove to Saul that David was not the king's enemy. David called out
to Saul, and to Abner who had failed to protect the king. Once again "repentant" Saul gave his worthless word to stop trying to kill David.
"Then David went over to the other side, and stood afar off on the top
of the mountain, with a great space between them; and David called to
the army, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, "Will you not answer,
Abner?" Then Abner answered, "Who are you that calls to the king?" And
David said to Abner, "Are you not a man? Who is like you in Israel? Why
then have you not kept watch over your lord the king? For one of the
people came in to destroy the king your lord. This thing that you have
done is not good. As The Lord lives, you deserve to die, because you
have not kept watch over your lord, The Lord'S anointed. And now see
where the king's spear is, and the jar of water that was at his head."
(1 Samuel 26:13-16 RSV)
"Then Saul said, "I have done wrong; return, my son David, for I will no
more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day;
behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly." (1 Samuel
26:21 RSV)
1 Samuel Chapter 27
David knew that he would never be safe as long as Saul reigned, but he
also was unable to do anything about it because, as king, Saul was still
"The Lord's anointed." David then decided to settle in Philistine
territory where he could at least defend himself freely.
"And David said in his heart, "I shall now perish one day by the hand of
Saul; there is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the
land of the Philistines; then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer
within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand." So
David arose and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him,
to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath. [see Gath of the Philistines].
And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his
household, and David with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and
Abigail of Carmel, Nabal's widow. And when it was told Saul that David
had fled to Gath, he sought for him no more." (1 Samuel 27:1-4 RSV)
The Philistines accepted David into their territory as a matter of
political and military expedience. They knew that they couldn't defeat
David, so at least this way he would not be an adversary to them.
"So that day Achish gave him Ziklag; therefore Ziklag has belonged to
the kings of Judah to this day. And the number of the days that David
dwelt in the country of the Philistines was a year and four months." (1
Samuel 27:6-7 RSV)
From there, David raided the surrounding territories, including some in
Judah that had been treacherous to David while he was there on the run.
"Now David and his men went up, and made raids upon the Geshurites, the
Girzites, and the Amalekites; for these were the inhabitants of the land
from of old, as far as Shur, to the land of Egypt. And David smote the
land, and left neither man nor woman alive, but took away the sheep, the
oxen, the asses, the camels, and the garments, and came back to Achish.
When Achish asked, "Against whom have you made a raid today?" David
would say, "Against the Negeb of Judah," or "Against the Negeb of the
Jerahmeelites," or, "Against the Negeb of the Kenites." And David saved
neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, thinking, "Lest
they should tell about us, and say, 'So David has done.'" Such was his
custom all the while he dwelt in the country of the Philistines." (1
Samuel 27:8-11 RSV)
1 Samuel Chapter 28
The Lord (see YHVH, Adonai, Jehovah, LORD)
had long before commanded the Israelites not to involve themselves with
any form of sorcery e.g. "any one who practices divination, a
soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a medium, or a
wizard, or a necromancer ... whoever does these things is an abomination
to The Lord" (Deuteronomy 18:10-12 RSV). Faced with a major battle with
the Philistines from Mount Gilboa, Saul, who didn't obey The Lord's Word when it was given to him (and so it was no longer given to him), sought a witch.
"The Philistines assembled, and came and encamped at Shunem; and Saul
gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa. When Saul saw the army
of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. And
when Saul inquired of The Lord, The Lord did not answer him, either by
dreams, or by Urim [see Urim And Thummim], or by Prophets.
Then Saul said to his servants, "Seek out for me a woman who is a
medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her." (1 Samuel 28:4-7 RSV)
Although the dead are dead (see What Happens When You Die?), Saul was given what seemed to be a message from dead Samuel.
However it happened, the message given to Saul was accurate - Saul's
disobedience to The Lord was the source of Saul's problems, and that
Saul himself was about to die.
"And Samuel said, "Why then do you ask me, since The Lord has turned
from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done to you as He spoke by
me; for The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to
your neighbor, David. Because you did not obey the voice of The Lord,
and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore The
Lord has done this thing to you this day.
Moreover The Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the
Philistines; and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me; The Lord
will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines." (1
Samuel 28:16-19 RSV)
1 Samuel Chapter 23
David (see King David) was unjustly forced to live as a fugitive from King Saul
and his army, while at the same being at war with Saul's enemies. It
was a bizarre and confusing situation for David. Nevertheless, although
he literally didn't know which way to turn, with humans, David always
knew to turn to The Lord. When the people of Israel in Keilah, a city of
Judah under Saul's rulership, were attacked by the Philistines, The
Lord told David to help them to defend themselves.
"Now they told David, "Behold, the Philistines are fighting against
Keilah, and are robbing the threshing floors." Therefore David inquired
of The Lord, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And The Lord
said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah." But
David's men said to him, "Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much
more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?"
Then David inquired of The Lord again. And The Lord answered him,
"Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will give the Philistines into your
hand." And David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the
Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and made a great slaughter
among them. So David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah. When Abiathar
the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, he came down with an ephod
in his hand." (1 Samuel 23:1-6 RSV)
While David was still at Keilah, after having saved it for Saul from the Philistines, Saul came and prepared to attack, not the Philistines, but David.
"Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, "God
has given him into my hand; for he has shut himself in by entering a
town that has gates and bars." And Saul summoned all the people to war,
to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men." (1 Samuel 23:7-8
RSV)
Like Saul, the people of Keilah were hardly grateful to David for all
that he had done for them; they were about to surrender David to Saul,
so David was forced to flee again. David was at war with the Philistines
who were attacking Saul's kingdom, David was at war with Saul, and the
people that David risked his life to save from the Philistines would
have readily permitted him to be killed by Saul.
"Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down,
as thy servant has heard? O Lord, the God of Israel, I beseech thee,
tell thy servant." And The Lord said, "He will come down." Then said
David, "Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of
Saul?" And The Lord said, "They will surrender you." Then David and his
men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and
they went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had
escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition." (1 Samuel 23:11-13 RSV)
1 Samuel Chapter 24
Fortunately for Saul, David was not like Saul. When David could easily
have killed Saul, he not only didn't do it, but pleaded for forgiveness
for getting close enough to Saul, who was still "The Lord's anointed" on
the throne, to do it.
"When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told,
"Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi." Then Saul took three
thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his
men in front of the Wildgoats' Rocks.
And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave; and
Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in
the innermost parts of the cave. And the men of David said to him, "Here
is the day of which The Lord said to you, 'Behold, I will give your
enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to
you.'" Then David arose and stealthily cut off the skirt of Saul's robe.
And afterward David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's
skirt. He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing
to my lord, The Lord's anointed, to put forth my hand against him,
seeing he is The Lord'S anointed." So David persuaded his men with these
words, and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and
left the cave, and went upon his way." (1 Samuel 24:1-7 RSV)
David even pleaded for Saul's forgiveness.
"Afterward David also arose, and went out of the cave, and called after
Saul, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed
with his face to the earth, and did obeisance. And David said to Saul,
"Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Behold, David seeks
your hurt'? Lo, this day your eyes have seen how The Lord gave you today
into my hand in the cave; and some bade me kill you, but I spared you. I
said, 'I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is The
Lord's anointed." (1 Samuel 24:8-10 RSV)
Saul then repented, in the way that he had repented numerous times
before. Well in keeping with his psychotic mind, Saul even admitted to
David, "I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of
Israel shall be established in your hand." While David steadfastly
refused to kill, or even stand and defend himself from Saul, The Lord's
anointed, Saul admitted that he himself had been trying to murder David,
the new anointed of The Lord.
"When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, "Is
this your voice, my son David?" And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.
He said to David, "You are more righteous than I; for you have repaid me
good, whereas I have repaid you evil. And you have declared this day
how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when The
Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let
him go away safe? So may The Lord reward you with good for what you have
done to me this day. And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be
king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.
Swear to me therefore by The Lord that you will not cut off my
descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my
father's house."
And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home; but David and his men went up to the stronghold." (1 Samuel 24:16-22 RSV)
1 Samuel Chapter 25
Samuel had anointed, for The Lord, both Saul, and when Saul proved
himself to be unfit, David. The death of Samuel was the end of an era, The Judges, and the beginning of another (see Israelite Monarchy - The Origin), for Israel.
"Now Samuel died;
and all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his
house at Ramah. Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of
Paran." (1 Samuel 25:1 RSV)
Although the days of Saul's reign, and his life itself, were now running
out, David remained a fugitive. Despite Saul's promise to not seek to
harm David any more, David knew not to trust the word of a very unstable
man. David and his now 600 man army remained on the move. One day, in
the north of Israel, they asked a wealthy man of Carmel for food. David
didn't just take what they needed; they remained hungry and respectfully
requested help from Nabal, a man who could easily afford to supply
them, particularly since the presence of David's army had benefited
Nabal's security.
"David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. So
David sent ten young men; and David said to the young men, "Go up to
Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name. And thus you shall
salute him: 'Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be
to all that you have. I hear that you have shearers; now your shepherds
have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing, all
the time they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell
you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes; for we come on a
feast day. Pray, give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to
your son David.'" (1 Samuel 25:4-8 RSV)
Nabal arrogantly refused David's reasonable request. By declaring
himself an enemy of David in such a way, David responded to Nabal in a
way that an enemy would.
"So David's young men turned away, and came back and told him all this.
And David said to his men, "Every man gird on his sword!" And every man
of them girded on his sword; David also girded on his sword; and about
four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with
the baggage." (1 Samuel 25:12-13 RSV)
Fortunately, Nabal's wife Abigail was neither foolish or arrogant.
Without Nabal's knowledge, she sent the requested food supplies to David
and personally met David's approaching army in order to prevent the
attack.
"Let not my lord regard this ill-natured fellow, Nabal; for as his name
is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; but I your
handmaid did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent. Now then,
my lord, as The Lord lives, and as your soul lives, seeing The Lord has
restrained you from bloodguilt, and from taking vengeance with your own
hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord
be as Nabal." (1 Samuel 25:25-26 RSV)
"Then David received from her hand what she had brought him; and he said
to her, "Go up in peace to your house; see, I have hearkened to your
voice, and I have granted your petition." (1 Samuel 25:35 RSV)
The next morning, Nabal had a heart attack from which he would not
recover: "about ten days later The Lord smote Nabal and he died". Upon
hearing that she was a widow, David asked to marry Abigail.
"And Abigail came to Nabal; and, lo, he was holding a feast in his
house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal's heart was merry within him,
for he was very drunk; so she told him nothing at all until the morning
light. And in the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his
wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became
as a stone. And about ten days later The Lord smote Nabal; and he died.
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "Blessed be The Lord who
has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabal, and has kept
back his servant from evil; The Lord has returned the evil-doing of
Nabal upon his own head." Then David sent and wooed Abigail, to make her
his wife." (1 Samuel 25:36-39 RSV)
Upon marrying Abigail, David had two wives, the other being Ahinoam (see also Tamar and Amnon).
David also still regarded himself married to Saul's daughter Michal,
since he would reclaim the marriage later (see the Fact Finder question
below).
"David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and both of them became his wives.
Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti the son of
Laish, who was of Gallim." (1 Samuel 25:43-44 RSV)
