Chapters of the Bible

The Philistine commanders, distrusting David, demand that Achish send David away from the battle, preventing David from being forced to fight against his own people, Israel.

David returns to Ziklag to find it burned by the Amalekites and all the women and children captured. David pursues them, defeats the raiders, and recovers everyone and all the goods.

The Philistines defeat Israel on Mount Gilboa. Saul and his three sons (including Jonathan) are killed in battle. The Philistines display their bodies on the wall of Beth Shan.

A distraught Amalekite falsely claims to have killed Saul. David, deeply mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan, executes the messenger and delivers a beautiful lament for them.

David is anointed King of Judah in Hebron. Abner, Saul's general, makes Saul's son Ish-Bosheth king over the rest of Israel, leading to a prolonged civil war between the two houses.

The civil war continues, but David's power steadily increases. Abner defects to David but is treacherously murdered by Joab. David publicly mourns Abner and is absolved of any guilt.

Two brothers murder Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son. David executes the two murderers, proving he had no part in the death of Saul's heir, solidifying his moral authority over all Israel.

The elders of all the tribes of Israel anoint David King over all Israel. David captures the Jebusite city of Jerusalem, renaming it the City of David and establishing it as the national capital.

David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Uzzah improperly touches the Ark to steady it and is immediately struck dead by God, teaching reverence for the sacred.

David plans to build a permanent temple for God. God refuses the offer but gives David the Davidic Covenant: He promises to establish David’s house and throne forever through his descendant.

David achieves massive military successes, defeating the Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, and Edomites, establishing the complete boundaries of the Promised Land.

David honors his covenant with Jonathan by seeking out his crippled son, Mephibosheth, restoring all of Saul's property, and granting him a permanent place at the king’s table.