With the murder of Abner, then of Ish-Bosheth, the northern part of the kingdom was left without a leader. Meanwhile, David grew more and more powerful and the southern part of the kingdom was peaceful and stable. It didn’t take long for the people in the north to realize that David’s reign was in their best interests.

The tribes of Israel sent delegations to declare allegiance to David. They recognized that he had been the successful commander of Saul’s army, and only he was qualified to lead them. They also recognized that David had God’s special blessing on him. From some tribes only the chief rulers came. From others, the whole population of men capable of fighting came. All of this was summarized in the comments about the men of Issachar, “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). David made a covenant with the leaders and they hailed him king of all Israel. The whole assembly celebrated for three days.

At this time, Jerusalem was known as Jebus and was a formidable walled city at one of the highest points of Israel. It was so difficult that the inhabitants thought it impregnable. However, Joab led a charge up the watercourse and delivered the city over to David. David enlarged the city and made it even more formidable, even though it was still small. In Jesus’ time, Jerusalem was about 20 times larger than the city of David.

The Philistines tried to intervene and smash this developing threat to their power. They encamped in a valley southwest of Jerusalem, cutting David off from his support base in Hebron. At God’s guidance, David attacked and defeated the Philistine army. The invaders fled without their idols and the Israelites carried them away and destroyed them. Soon the Philistines returned, but God guided David in another tactic. He circled behind the invaders, charged out of the trees and routed the Philistines, chasing them nearly 30 miles.

When the Philistines returned the ark in 1 Samuel 6, the Israelites installed it at the house of Abinadab in Kiriath Jearim. Now David wanted to bring it to his capital, Jerusalem. In a great celebration, the Israelites transported the ark in the same way it came to Kiriath Jearim-by oxcart. However, when the oxen stumbled, Uzzah touched the ark and died. In fear, David set the ark aside in the home of Obed-Edom, who was probably a Levite from Gath Rimmon, not a native of the Philistine city of Gath.

After three months, David commanded the Levites to carry the ark in the manner prescribed in the Law. Attended by extravagant sacrifices and wild celebration, the priests and Levites made a stately procession with the ark. They installed the ark in a tabernacle pitched by David and every man and woman received a gift of food.

Saul’s daughter, Michal, saw how undignified David was in his frenzied dancing and she confronted him with his conduct. David rejected her criticism and pointed out that he was chosen to rule Israel, not her-or any of her relatives. The fact that she “had no children” shows her complete rejection and desolation.

This chapter is out of chronological order, but makes an excellent sequel to the last chapter. This is the rest of the story of the ark and the tabernacle.

David consulted Nathan the prophet with his idea of building a permanent temple for God-a house. At first, Nathan agrees, but God alters the plan. God declared that He would build David’s house, raising up a son to rule after him and establishing his kingdom as a permanent fixture. David responded with a beautiful prayer of humility, thanksgiving and acceptance.

David continued reclaiming Israelite territory form the incursions of its neighbors. He defeated the Philistines in the southeast, then turned against the Moabites in the southwest. He killed two-thirds of the Moabite captives and made Moab a client-kingdom on his border. A Syrian king in the northeast attempted to assert control of that area, but David won a great victory against him. When Arameans from Damascus came to help their ally, David inflicted a great slaughter against them, then occupied their territory with garrisons and collected tribute from them. Part of the plunder included ceremonial gold shields that David removed to Jerusalem. At the news of David’s victory over his enemy, the king of Hamath, in the north of Lebanon, sent his son with congratulatory gifts.

David campaigned in the south against Edom and slaughtered a great number of Edomites. Then he occupied their territory. God gave victory to David and established his kingdom in stability.

With a measure of stability, David sought to fulfill his vow to Saul and his covenant with Jonathan. Upon investigation, he discovered a former steward of Saul who revealed the existence of a handicapped son of Jonathan. David summoned him, reassured him, and gave him a place of honor in the palace. He also restored Saul’s family land to him and employed the steward, Ziba, to manage the farm and provide income for Mephibosheth. From that time, the son of Jonathan was treated like one of the sons of David.

Discussion Questions:

1. How important is it for us to understand the times and know what God’s people ought to do? Why would David spend so much energy and time conquering one city in the mountains instead of consolidating his gains in the lowlands?

2. Why did the Israelites attempt to transport the ark by oxcart? How should it have been moved? Why was Michal so critical of David? When is it acceptable for us to celebrate God?

3. Why is God’s promise to David so important to us? How is it possible for David’s kingdom to be permanent? Why did God stop David from building a temple?

4. Why is it considered a good thing for David to inflict such slaughter on his neighbors? Does this reflect God’s nature? Did David sin in his harshness?

5. Why was it important to report David’s kindness to Mephibosheth? Why did David install him at the palace? Was it kind to place Ziba under him again?