Timeline
The Life of David
A chronological walk through the life of David, from the shepherd anointed at Bethlehem to the king who handed the kingdom to Solomon.
The Life of David
Shepherd
Saul's Court
Fugitive
Hebron
Jerusalem
Bathsheba & After
Absalom's Revolt
Last Years
I. The Shepherd Anointed
II. In Saul's Court
III. The Fugitive Years
IV. King at Hebron
V. King in Jerusalem
VI. Bathsheba & Aftermath
VII. Absalom's Revolt
VIII. The Last Years
Anointed at Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
Sent to the house of Jesse, Samuel lets seven sons pass by and anoints the youngest, who was keeping the sheep.
The account - Jehovah sends Samuel to Jesse the Beth-lehemite, having rejected Saul from being king (16:1). - Jesse makes seven of his sons pass before Samuel; none of them is chosen (16:6-10). - The youngest is fetched from the sheep and anointed among his brothers. The Spirit of Jehovah comes upon him from that day (16:11-13). - The boy is not named in the chapter until the moment of his anointing (16:13).
Scripture > “But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.” > — 1 Samuel 16:7
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” — 1 Samuel 16:13
Looking back Samuel had already told Saul that “Jehovah hath sought him a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). Paul applies the words to David: “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart” (Acts 13:22).
Harpist to Saul · 1 Sam 16:14-23
David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
Sent with food for his brothers, David hears Goliath of Gath defy Israel's armies, and fells him with a sling and a stone.
The account - Goliath of Gath presents himself morning and evening for forty days (17:4, 17:16). - Jesse sends David to the camp with food for his brothers (17:17-18). - David puts off Saul's armor, which he has not proved, and goes out with his staff, five smooth stones and his sling (17:38-40).
Scripture > “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” > — 1 Samuel 17:45
“and that all this assembly may know that Jehovah saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is Jehovah’s, and he will give you into our hand.” — 1 Samuel 17:47
A note on order In 16:18-23 David already serves Saul as harpist and armorbearer, yet after the battle Saul asks Abner whose son the youth is (17:55-58). The text sets the two accounts side by side without explaining how they fit, and readers have proposed several ways of harmonizing them.
A related question: 2 Samuel 21:19 in the ASV says Elhanan slew Goliath the Gittite, while 1 Chronicles 20:5 says Elhanan slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath. Both are given here as they stand.
Covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-5)
Saul's son Jonathan loves David as his own soul, makes a covenant with him, and gives him his robe, sword and bow.
The account - Saul keeps David at court and will not let him return to his father's house (18:2). - Saul sets him over the men of war, and David behaves himself wisely (18:5).
Scripture > “And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” > — 1 Samuel 18:1
“Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his apparel, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.” — 1 Samuel 18:3-4
Saul's Jealousy (1 Samuel 18:6-16; 19:1-10)
The women's song gives David more honor than Saul. From that day Saul eyes David, and while David plays the harp Saul casts his spear at him.
The account - Returning from the battle, the women sing of Saul's thousands and David's ten thousands (18:6-7). - Saul casts his spear at David while he plays; David escapes (18:10-11). It happens again later (19:9-10). - Jonathan speaks for David, and for a time Saul swears he shall not be put to death (19:1-7).
Scripture > “And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.” > — 1 Samuel 18:8-9
“And Saul was afraid of David, because Jehovah was with him, and was departed from Saul.” — 1 Samuel 18:12
Michal and the Window (1 Samuel 18:17-29; 19:11-17)
Saul gives his daughter Michal to David, hoping the Philistines will kill him. Later, when Saul's men watch the house, Michal lets David down through a window.
The account - Saul first promises his elder daughter Merab, but she is given to another (18:17-19). - Michal loves David. Saul asks a hundred Philistine foreskins instead of a dowry, thinking to make David fall by the Philistines; David brings two hundred (18:20-27). - Saul sends messengers to watch David's house and kill him in the morning. Michal lets him down through the window and lays the teraphim in his bed (19:11-17).
Scripture > “And Saul saw and knew that Jehovah was with David; and Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him.” > — 1 Samuel 18:28
“So Michal let David down through the window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.” — 1 Samuel 19:12
Psalm tie-in: Psalm 59 Its title (printed as part of verse 1 in the ASV): “For the Chief Musician; set to Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David. Michtam; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.” (Psalms 59:1)
“But I will sing of thy strength; Yea, I will sing aloud of thy lovingkindness in the morning: For thou hast been my high tower, And a refuge in the day of my distress.” — Psalms 59:16
Jonathan's Arrows (1 Samuel 19:18–20:42)
David flees to Samuel at Ramah, then meets Jonathan in secret. When Saul's anger proves David's death is determined, Jonathan warns him by the sign of the arrows.
The account - Saul's messengers, and then Saul himself, come to Naioth in Ramah and prophesy there (19:18-24). - Jonathan asks David to show kindness to his house for ever, and they renew their covenant (20:14-17). - At the new-moon feast Saul casts his spear at Jonathan, who then knows that his father is determined to kill David (20:30-33). - Jonathan signals with arrows in the field; the two friends part in tears (20:35-42).
Scripture > “And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah shall be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed, for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.” > — 1 Samuel 20:42
The Priests of Nob (1 Samuel 21:1-9; 22:6-23)
Ahimelech the priest gives David holy bread and Goliath's sword. Doeg the Edomite reports it to Saul, and at Saul's command kills the priests of Nob.
The account - David tells Ahimelech he is on the king's business (21:2) and receives the showbread and the sword of Goliath (21:6, 21:9). - Doeg the Edomite, one of Saul's servants, is there that day (21:7) and later reports it (22:9-10). - At Saul's command Doeg kills eighty-five priests and strikes the city of Nob (22:18-19). Abiathar, a son of Ahimelech, escapes to David (22:20). - Jesus later recalls David eating the showbread (Matthew 12:3-4).
A note on order The massacre (22:6-23) is told after David's flight to Gath and the cave of Adullam; this card follows the Nob account through to its end.
Scripture > “And David said unto Abiathar, I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father’s house.” > — 1 Samuel 22:22
Psalm tie-in: Psalm 52 Its title (printed as part of verse 1 in the ASV): “For the Chief Musician. Maschil of David; when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech.” (Psalms 52:1)
“But as for me, I am like a green olive-tree in the house of God: I trust in the lovingkindness of God for ever and ever.” — Psalms 52:8
Feigning Madness at Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15)
David flees to Achish king of Gath. Recognized by the king's servants, he is afraid and feigns madness until he is sent away.
Scripture > “And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.” > — 1 Samuel 21:12-13
Psalm tie-ins: Psalms 34 and 56 Psalm 34's title (printed as part of verse 1 in the ASV): “A Psalm of David; when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.” (Psalms 34:1)
The narrative calls the king of Gath Achish; the psalm's title says Abimelech. Both are given here as they stand.
“Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him.” — Psalms 34:8
Psalm 56's title: “For the Chief Musician; set to Jonath elem rehokim. A Psalm of David. Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath.” (Psalms 56:1)
“What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee.” — Psalms 56:3
The Cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1-5)
David escapes to the cave of Adullam. His family comes to him, and about four hundred men in distress, in debt or discontented make him their captain.
The account - David takes his father and mother to the king of Moab for safety (22:3-4). - The prophet Gad tells him to leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah (22:5).
Scripture > “And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.” > — 1 Samuel 22:2
Psalm tie-ins: Psalms 142 and 57 Psalm 142's title: “Maschil of David, when he was in the cave; a Prayer.” (Psalms 142:1)
Psalm 57's title: “For the Chief Musician; set to Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David. Michtam; when he fled from Saul, in the cave.” (Psalms 57:1)
Neither title names the cave. 1 Samuel places David in a cave both here at Adullam (22:1) and at En-gedi (24:3), so these psalms could belong to either occasion.
“I cried unto thee, O Jehovah; I said, Thou art my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.” — Psalms 142:5
Keilah and the Wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 23)
David rescues Keilah from the Philistines, then hides in the wilderness of Ziph. Jonathan comes to strengthen him, and the Ziphites betray him to Saul.
The account - David inquires of Jehovah and saves Keilah, but learns its men would hand him over to Saul, so he leaves with about six hundred men (23:1-13). - In the wood of Ziph, Jonathan comes to him; it is the last meeting of the two friends that Scripture records (23:16-18). - The Ziphites tell Saul where David hides. Saul nearly surrounds him, but is called away by a Philistine raid; the place is named Sela-hammahlekoth (23:19-28).
Scripture > “And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.” > — 1 Samuel 23:16-17
Psalm tie-in: Psalm 54 Its title (printed as part of verse 1 in the ASV): “For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David; when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?” (Psalms 54:1)
The Ziphites inform on David twice (23:19; 26:1), in almost the same words.
“Behold, God is my helper: The Lord is of them that uphold my soul.” — Psalms 54:4
Sparing Saul at En-gedi (1 Samuel 23:29–24:22)
Saul enters the very cave where David and his men are hiding. David cuts off the skirt of Saul's robe but will not lift his hand against Jehovah's anointed.
The account - Saul seeks David with three thousand chosen men (24:2). - David's men urge him to strike; he cuts off the skirt of Saul's robe, and afterward his heart smites him even for that (24:4-5). - Saul weeps and says he knows David shall surely be king (24:16-20).
Scripture > “And he said unto his men, Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, Jehovah’s anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is Jehovah’s anointed.” > — 1 Samuel 24:6
“And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I; for thou hast rendered unto me good, whereas I have rendered unto thee evil.” — 1 Samuel 24:17
Psalm tie-ins The titles of Psalms 57 and 142 place them in a cave without naming it; see the Cave of Adullam card. Either cave may be meant.
Samuel dies · 1 Sam 25:1
Nabal and Abigail (1 Samuel 25)
Nabal answers David's men with insults, and David sets out to avenge himself. Abigail meets him with gifts and a plea, and he turns back.
The account - Samuel dies and all Israel mourns him (25:1). - David girds on his sword and goes up with about four hundred men (25:13). - About ten days after Abigail's plea, Jehovah smites Nabal and he dies; Abigail becomes David's wife (25:38-42). - Saul has meanwhile given Michal, David's wife, to Palti (25:44).
Scripture > “And David said to Abigail, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, who sent thee this day to meet me: and blessed be thy discretion, and blessed be thou, that hast kept me this day from bloodguiltiness, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.” > — 1 Samuel 25:32-33
The Spear and the Cruse (1 Samuel 26)
Betrayed again by the Ziphites, David goes by night into Saul's sleeping camp with Abishai. He takes the spear and the cruse of water, and again spares the king.
The account - Abishai asks leave to strike Saul with the spear; David refuses (26:7-11). - A deep sleep from Jehovah has fallen on the camp (26:12). - Saul confesses his wrong and blesses David. It is the last meeting between them that the text records (26:21-25).
Scripture > “Jehovah forbid that I should put forth my hand against Jehovah’s anointed: but now take, I pray thee, the spear that is at his head, and the cruse of water, and let us go.” > — 1 Samuel 26:11
“Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David; for I will no more do thee harm, because my life was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.” — 1 Samuel 26:21
Ziklag (1 Samuel 27; 29–30)
Despairing of safety in Israel, David takes refuge with Achish of Gath, who gives him Ziklag. When raiders burn Ziklag and carry off the families, David seeks Jehovah and recovers all.
The account - David lives in the country of the Philistines a year and four months (27:7). - He raids the Geshurites, Girzites and Amalekites, but tells Achish he has raided the South of Judah (27:8-12). - The Philistine princes will not let him go with them to battle against Israel, and Achish sends him back (29:1-11). - Returning, he finds Ziklag burned and the families taken. His own men speak of stoning him (30:1-6).
Scripture > “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in Jehovah his God.” > — 1 Samuel 30:6
“And David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken; and David rescued his two wives.” — 1 Samuel 30:18
Chronicles adds - Lists of men who joined David at Ziklag and at the stronghold while he still kept himself close because of Saul (1 Chronicles 12:1-22). Chronicles gives these lists as a look back, after David is already king over all Israel (11:1-3). - Men of Manasseh who joined him as he returned to Ziklag, and helped him against the band of raiders (1 Chronicles 12:19-21).
Gilboa and the Song of the Bow (1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 1; 1 Chronicles 10)
Saul and three of his sons, Jonathan among them, die in battle on Mount Gilboa. David mourns them with the lament called the song of the bow.
The account - Pressed hard by the archers, Saul falls on his own sword (1 Samuel 31:3-4). - A man who says he is an Amalekite brings David Saul's crown and claims he killed Saul himself (2 Samuel 1:2-10). David has him put to death on his own testimony, for saying he had slain Jehovah's anointed (1:14-16).
Scripture > “Thy glory, O Israel, is slain upon thy high places! How are the mighty fallen!” > — 2 Samuel 1:19
“Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided: They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.” — 2 Samuel 1:23
Chronicles adds > “So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against Jehovah, because of the word of Jehovah, which he kept not; and also for that he asked counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire thereby, and inquired not of Jehovah: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” > — 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
A note on order 1 Samuel 28–31 moves back and forth between Saul's camp and David's, setting the battle on Gilboa beside David's pursuit of the Amalekites; both are over before the messenger reaches Ziklag (2 Samuel 1:1-2).
King over Judah at Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1-11; 5:4-5)
David asks Jehovah where to go and is sent to Hebron. There the men of Judah anoint him king, while Abner makes Saul's son Ish-bosheth king over the rest of Israel.
The account - David blesses the men of Jabesh-gilead for burying Saul (2:4-7). - Abner, Saul's captain, makes Ish-bosheth king at Mahanaim (2:8-10). - This is David's second anointing (compare 1 Samuel 16:13).
Scripture > “And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.” > — 2 Samuel 2:4
“David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.” — 2 Samuel 5:4
“And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.” — 2 Samuel 2:11
On dates David's forty-year reign is dated c. 1010–970 BC: at Hebron c. 1010–1003, in Jerusalem c. 1003–970. These dates are approximate, counted back from Solomon's reign; Scripture itself gives no BC dates, only David's age and the lengths of his reign. (Ish-bosheth's two years, 2:10, are not easily matched to David's seven and a half at Hebron; the text does not explain the difference.)
The Long War with the House of Saul (2 Samuel 2:12–4:12)
War drags on between the house of David and the house of Saul. Abner comes over to David but is killed by Joab; then Ish-bosheth is murdered in his bed.
The account - At the pool of Gibeon the two sides fight; Abner kills Asahel, Joab's brother (2:12-23). - Six sons are born to David in Hebron, among them Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah (3:2-5). - Abner makes a league with David, who first requires the return of his wife Michal (3:12-16). - Joab kills Abner in the gate of Hebron for the blood of Asahel. David mourns openly, and the people understand it was not the king's doing (3:27-37). - Two captains kill Ish-bosheth and bring his head to David, who has them put to death (4:5-12).
Scripture > “Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: and David waxed stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.” > — 2 Samuel 3:1
“And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me: Jehovah reward the evil-doer according to his wickedness.” — 2 Samuel 3:38-39
King over All Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3; 12:23-40)
All the tribes come to Hebron. David makes a covenant with the elders before Jehovah, and they anoint him king over Israel, his third anointing.
Scripture > “In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was thou that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and Jehovah said to thee, Thou shalt be shepherd of my people Israel, and thou shalt be prince over Israel.” > — 2 Samuel 5:2
“So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Jehovah: and they anointed David king over Israel.” — 2 Samuel 5:3
Chronicles adds - The anointing was “according to the word of Jehovah by Samuel.” (1 Chronicles 11:3) - A tribe-by-tribe muster of the armed men who came to Hebron, with a feast of three days (1 Chronicles 12:23-40).
“All these being men of war, that could order the battle array, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.” — 1 Chronicles 12:38
Jerusalem Taken (2 Samuel 5:6-25; 1 Chronicles 11:4-9; 14)
David takes the stronghold of Zion from the Jebusites and calls it the city of David. Hiram of Tyre builds him a house, and he twice defeats the Philistines.
The account - Sons are born to David in Jerusalem, among them Nathan and Solomon (5:13-14). The list looks ahead; Solomon's birth is told in 12:24. - The Philistines come up against him twice; each time he inquires of Jehovah and defeats them (5:17-25).
Scripture > “Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David.” > — 2 Samuel 5:7
“And David waxed greater and greater; for Jehovah, the God of hosts, was with him.” — 2 Samuel 5:10
Chronicles adds > “And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.” > — 1 Chronicles 11:6
A note on order 2 Samuel puts Hiram's embassy and the Philistine battles before the ark comes to Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles places them between the first attempt to move the ark (chapter 13) and its arrival (chapters 15–16). The books do not state which order is chronological.
The Ark Comes to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; 15–16)
The first attempt, on a new cart, ends with the death of Uzzah. Three months later David brings the ark into his city with joy, dancing before Jehovah.
The account - Uzzah takes hold of the ark when the oxen stumble, and God smites him there (6:6-7). - The ark stays three months in the house of Obed-edom, and Jehovah blesses his house (6:11-12). - Michal, Saul's daughter, despises David in her heart and rebukes him; he answers that he danced before Jehovah (6:16, 6:20-23).
Scripture > “And David danced before Jehovah with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Jehovah with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.” > — 2 Samuel 6:14-15
Chronicles adds - David first consults the leaders and the whole assembly (1 Chronicles 13:1-4). - The second time, the Levites carry the ark, as the law required:
“Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath Jehovah chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.” — 1 Chronicles 15:2
“For because ye bare it not at the first, Jehovah our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not according to the ordinance.” — 1 Chronicles 15:13
- David appoints Asaph and his brethren to give thanks, and a psalm of thanksgiving is recorded (1 Chronicles 16:7-36).
The Covenant with David (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17)
David wants to build a house for the ark. Through Nathan, Jehovah answers that He will build David a house instead, and establish his throne for ever.
Scripture > “that the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.” > — 2 Samuel 7:2
“When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, 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.” — 2 Samuel 7:12-13
“And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” — 2 Samuel 7:16
David's answer > “Then David the king went in, and sat before Jehovah; and he said, Who am I, O Lord Jehovah, and what is my house, that thou hast brought me thus far?” > — 2 Samuel 7:18
A note on order The chapter opens when Jehovah had given David rest from all his enemies (7:1), yet the wars of chapters 8 and 10 follow it. 2 Samuel may be arranged by subject at this point rather than strictly by time.
Victories on Every Side (2 Samuel 8; 10; 1 Chronicles 18–19)
David subdues the Philistines, Moab, Zobah, the Syrians and Edom. Later the Ammonites shame his envoys, and he defeats them and their Syrian allies.
The account - Hadadezer of Zobah and the Syrians of Damascus are defeated; garrisons are put in Edom (8:3-14). - Hanun of Ammon shaves half the beards of David's envoys and cuts their garments; the war that follows draws in the Syrians (10:1-19).
Scripture > “And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. And Jehovah gave victory to David whithersoever he went.” > — 2 Samuel 8:14
“And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness unto all his people.” — 2 Samuel 8:15
Psalm tie-in: Psalm 60 Its title (printed as part of verse 1 in the ASV): “For the Chief Musician; set to Shushan Eduth. Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the Valley of Salt twelve thousand.” (Psalms 60:1)
The accounts differ in detail: 2 Samuel 8:13 speaks of Syrians smitten in the Valley of Salt, eighteen thousand; 1 Chronicles 18:12 credits Abishai with eighteen thousand Edomites there; the psalm's title names Joab and twelve thousand. They are given here as they stand.
“Through God we shall do valiantly; For he it is that will tread down our adversaries.” — Psalms 60:12
A note on order This card gathers the wars of chapters 8 and 10. In the text, chapter 10's Ammonite war comes after the kindness to Mephibosheth (chapter 9) and leads straight into the siege of Rabbah (11:1). Chapter 8 reads as a summary of victories and may not be in strict time order.
Kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)
For Jonathan's sake, David seeks out Jonathan's lame son Mephibosheth, restores Saul's land to him, and has him eat at the king's table.
The account - Mephibosheth became lame at five years old, when his nurse fled at the news of Saul and Jonathan's death (4:4). - David is keeping the covenant Jonathan asked of him (1 Samuel 20:14-17).
Scripture > “And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” > — 2 Samuel 9:1
“And David said unto him, Fear not; for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” — 2 Samuel 9:7
Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 11)
While Joab besieges Rabbah, David takes Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. When she conceives, he arranges Uriah's death in battle and takes her as his wife.
The account - David stays in Jerusalem while the army is at war (11:1). - He sees Bathsheba from his roof, sends for her, and lies with her; she conceives (11:2-5). - David calls Uriah home from the siege, but Uriah will not go down to his house while the ark and the army are in the field (11:6-13). - David sends Joab a letter by Uriah's own hand, ordering that he be left to die in the hottest battle (11:14-17).
Scripture > “And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in booths; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open field; shall I then go into my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.” > — 2 Samuel 11:11
“And when the mourning was past, David sent and took her home to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased Jehovah.” — 2 Samuel 11:27
Chronicles 1 Chronicles 20:1 records the same siege of Rabbah, and that David stayed at Jerusalem, but does not narrate these events.
Nathan's Parable (2 Samuel 12:1-15)
Nathan tells of a rich man who took a poor man's one ewe lamb, then applies it to David and announces that the sword shall not depart from his house. David confesses his sin, and Nathan declares it put away.
Scripture > “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.” > — 2 Samuel 12:7
“Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thy house, because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.” — 2 Samuel 12:10
“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against Jehovah. And Nathan said unto David, Jehovah also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” — 2 Samuel 12:13
Psalm tie-in: Psalm 51 Its title (printed as part of verse 1 in the ASV): “For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David; when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba.” (Psalms 51:1)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalms 51:10
The Child Dies; Solomon Is Born (2 Samuel 12:15-31; 1 Chronicles 20:1-3)
The child born to Bathsheba falls sick and dies despite David's fasting and prayer. Afterward Bathsheba bears Solomon, and Jehovah loves him. Rabbah is taken.
The account - David fasts and lies all night on the earth for the child (12:16). - Through Nathan, Jehovah names the child Jedidiah (12:25). - Joab calls David to come and take Rabbah himself (12:26-31).
Scripture > “And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knoweth whether Jehovah will not be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” > — 2 Samuel 12:22-23
“she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon. And Jehovah loved him” — 2 Samuel 12:24
A note on order The fall of Rabbah (12:26-31) is told after Solomon's birth but completes the siege begun in 11:1; the narrative may finish the Bathsheba account before returning to the war.
Amnon, Tamar and Absalom (2 Samuel 13)
Amnon, David's firstborn, forces Tamar, Absalom's sister. David is very angry. Two years later Absalom has Amnon killed and flees to Geshur.
The account - Tamar is left desolate in her brother Absalom's house (13:19-20). - After two full years Absalom has Amnon struck down at a sheep-shearing feast (13:23-29). - Absalom flees to his mother's father, Talmai king of Geshur, and stays three years (13:37-38; compare 3:3).
Scripture > “But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.” > — 2 Samuel 13:21
“And David mourned for his son every day.” — 2 Samuel 13:37
“And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.” — 2 Samuel 13:39
Absalom Brought Back (2 Samuel 14)
Joab sends a wise woman of Tekoa to move the king. Absalom returns to Jerusalem but does not see David's face for two full years; at last the king kisses him.
Scripture The woman of Tekoa:
“For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God take away life, but deviseth means, that he that is banished be not an outcast from him.” — 2 Samuel 14:14
“And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem; and he saw not the king’s face.” — 2 Samuel 14:28
“So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.” — 2 Samuel 14:33
Absalom Steals Hearts (2 Samuel 15:1-12)
At the city gate Absalom wins the people's hearts. Under cover of a vow at Hebron he has himself proclaimed king, and Ahithophel, David's counselor, joins him.
Scripture > “And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” > — 2 Samuel 15:6
“But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom is king in Hebron.” — 2 Samuel 15:10
“And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.” — 2 Samuel 15:12
On time How long after Absalom's return this began is not clear. 15:7 reads “at the end of forty years” (2 Samuel 15:7) in the ASV, and does not say from when the years are counted.
David Flees Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13–16:14)
David leaves the city and crosses the brook Kidron. He sends the ark back with Zadok, goes up the Mount of Olives weeping and barefoot, and on the road is cursed by Shimei.
The account - Ittai the Gittite, a foreigner, refuses to turn back (15:19-22). - Hushai the Archite is sent back to the city to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel (15:32-37). - Ziba meets David with provisions and accuses his master Mephibosheth (16:1-4). - Shimei of the house of Saul curses David and throws stones; David will not let Abishai kill him (16:5-13).
Scripture > “And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favor in the eyes of Jehovah, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation: but if he say thus, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.” > — 2 Samuel 15:25-26
“And David went up by the ascent of the mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered, and went barefoot: and all the people that were with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.” — 2 Samuel 15:30
Psalm tie-in: Psalm 3 Its title (printed as part of verse 1 in the ASV): “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.” (Psalms 3:1)
“But thou, O Jehovah, art a shield about me; My glory and the lifter up of my head.” — Psalms 3:3
Ahithophel's Counsel Defeated (2 Samuel 15:31; 16:15–17:29)
Ahithophel urges an immediate strike at the weary king; Hushai counsels delay. Absalom follows Hushai, Ahithophel hangs himself, and David crosses the Jordan to Mahanaim.
The account - On Ahithophel's advice Absalom goes in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel (16:20-22). Compare Nathan's word in 12:11-12. - At Mahanaim, Shobi, Machir and Barzillai bring food for David and his people (17:27-29).
Scripture David's prayer on the ascent:
“O Jehovah, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” — 2 Samuel 15:31
“And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For Jehovah had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Jehovah might bring evil upon Absalom.” — 2 Samuel 17:14
The Death of Absalom (2 Samuel 18:1–19:8)
David charges his captains to deal gently with Absalom. In the forest of Ephraim Absalom is caught in an oak, and Joab kills him. David's grief is so great that Joab warns him he will lose his people.
The account - Absalom's head is caught in the boughs of a great oak (18:9). - Joab thrusts three darts through him, and his young men finish the deed (18:14-15). - Joab rebukes the king for mourning while his people have saved his life; David rises and sits in the gate (19:5-8).
Scripture > “And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom.” > — 2 Samuel 18:5
“And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” — 2 Samuel 18:33
Return to Jerusalem; Sheba's Revolt (2 Samuel 19:9–20:26)
David returns across the Jordan, sparing Shimei and hearing Mephibosheth. A quarrel between Judah and Israel ends in the revolt of Sheba, which is put down.
The account - David swears to Shimei that he shall not die (19:16-23). - Mephibosheth comes to meet him, not having dressed his feet, trimmed his beard or washed his clothes since the king departed; David divides the land between him and Ziba (19:24-30). - Barzillai, eighty years old, escorts the king over the Jordan (19:31-39). - Joab kills Amasa, whom David had made captain in his place (20:4-10; compare 19:13). - A wise woman of Abel persuades her city to give up Sheba (20:16-22).
Scripture > “We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.” > — 2 Samuel 20:1
Song of Deliverance and Last Words (2 Samuel 21–23; Psalm 18)
2 Samuel closes with gathered accounts: a famine and the Gibeonites, wars with the Philistines, David's song of deliverance (found again as Psalm 18), his last words and his mighty men.
The account - A three-year famine is traced to Saul's killing of the Gibeonites; the bones of Saul and Jonathan are buried at last in the tomb of Kish (21:1-14). - David grows faint in battle and Abishai rescues him; his men will no longer let him go out to war (21:15-17). - The list of David's mighty men ends with the name of Uriah the Hittite (23:39).
Scripture > “Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel.” > — 2 Samuel 21:17
“And David spake unto Jehovah the words of this song in the day that Jehovah delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:” — 2 Samuel 22:1
“Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse saith, And the man who was raised on high saith, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me, And his word was upon my tongue.” — 2 Samuel 23:1-2
Psalm tie-in: Psalm 18 Its title (printed as part of verse 1 in the ASV): “For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the servant of Jehovah, who spake unto Jehovah the words of this song in the day that Jehovah delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul:” (Psalms 18:1)
The psalm is the same song as 2 Samuel 22, with small differences of wording.
“Great deliverance giveth he to his king, And showeth lovingkindness to his anointed, To David and to his seed, for evermore.” — Psalms 18:50
A note on order 2 Samuel 21–24 is not dated. The famine is set only “in the days of David” (2 Samuel 21:1), and the song looks back on deliverance from Saul. These chapters are placed here by the book's order, not by a known time.
The Census and the Threshing-Floor (2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21:1–22:1)
David numbers the people and then confesses his sin. Pestilence follows until the angel is stayed at the threshing-floor of Araunah, which David buys to build an altar.
The account - The census takes nine months and twenty days (24:8). - Offered a choice of judgments through the prophet Gad, David chooses to fall into the hand of Jehovah (24:11-14).
Scripture > “And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto Jehovah, I have sinned greatly in that which I have done: but now, O Jehovah, put away, I beseech thee, the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.” > — 2 Samuel 24:10
“And David spake unto Jehovah when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done perversely; but these sheep, what have they done? let thy hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.” — 2 Samuel 24:17
“And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will verily buy it of thee at a price; neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah my God which cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing-floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.” — 2 Samuel 24:24
Chronicles adds - The two books name the mover differently. 2 Samuel: “the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them, saying, Go, number Israel and Judah.” (2 Samuel 24:1) 1 Chronicles: “And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.” (1 Chronicles 21:1) - The numbers also differ as they stand: 2 Samuel 24:9 gives eight hundred thousand in Israel and five hundred thousand in Judah, 1 Chronicles 21:5 a million one hundred thousand and four hundred seventy thousand; the famine offered is seven years in 2 Samuel 24:13 and three years in 1 Chronicles 21:12. - Chronicles calls the owner Ornan, records six hundred shekels of gold paid for the place (21:25), and says Jehovah answered by fire from heaven upon the altar (21:26). - David names the site as the place of the house of Jehovah (22:1), and there Solomon later builds the temple (2 Chronicles 3:1).
“Then David said, This is the house of Jehovah God, and this is the altar of burnt-offering for Israel.” — 1 Chronicles 22:1
A note on order The census opens “And again the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel” (2 Samuel 24:1) but is not dated. Chronicles places it before David's preparations for the temple.
Preparing for the Temple (1 Chronicles 22; 28–29)
Recorded in Chronicles: David may not build the house of Jehovah, but he gathers materials, charges Solomon and the leaders, gives the pattern of the house, and blesses Jehovah before the assembly.
Why David did not build > “But the word of Jehovah came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build a house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.” > — 1 Chronicles 22:8
The account - Because Solomon is young and tender, David prepares abundantly before his death (22:5). - He gives Solomon the pattern of the temple and its courts (28:11-12).
Scripture > “Thine, O Jehovah, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Jehovah, and thou art exalted as head above all.” > — 1 Chronicles 29:11
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” — 1 Chronicles 29:14
A note on order These assemblies are found only in Chronicles. 1 Chronicles 23:1 says David, old and full of days, made Solomon king, and 29:22 says “they made Solomon the son of David king the second time” (1 Chronicles 29:22), so they are usually placed around Solomon's accession; their exact relation to 1 Kings 1 is not stated.
Solomon Made King (1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 23:1)
As David grows old, his son Adonijah exalts himself as king. Nathan and Bathsheba remind David of his oath, and Solomon is anointed at Gihon.
The account - Abishag the Shunammite is brought to care for the aged king (1:1-4). - Adonijah prepares chariots and runners and holds a feast (1:5-10). - David sends Zadok, Nathan and Benaiah to anoint Solomon at Gihon (1:32-40).
Scripture > “verily as I sware unto thee by Jehovah, the God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; verily so will I do this day.” > — 1 Kings 1:30
“And Zadok the priest took the horn of oil out of the Tent, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, Long live king Solomon.” — 1 Kings 1:39
“And also thus said the king, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, who hath given one to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing it.” — 1 Kings 1:48
The Charge and the Death of David (1 Kings 2:1-11; 1 Chronicles 29:26-30)
David charges Solomon to keep the law of Moses and gives instructions about Joab, Barzillai's sons and Shimei. Then he sleeps with his fathers and is buried in the city of David.
The charge > “I am going the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man; and keep the charge of Jehovah thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his ordinances, and his testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself;” > — 1 Kings 2:2-3
- He asks that Joab and Shimei not go down to Sheol in peace, and that Barzillai's sons eat at Solomon's table (2:5-9).
The end > “And David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.” > — 1 Kings 2:10-11
Chronicles adds > “And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.” > — 1 Chronicles 29:28
- The acts of David are said to be written in the histories of Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer (1 Chronicles 29:29).