BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Samuel’s second volume opens in tragedy: Israel’s king slain in battle, the crown prince fallen by his side, and a heartbroken David preparing to assume the royal throne. The messenger who tells David about Saul’s death probably expected some gloating. The crazy, murderous king is dead. Instead, David grieves. He still sees Saul as Yahweh’s anointed leader and, therefore, not a rival.

Saul’s death creates a power vacuum in Israel. David proves himself a savvy politician as he launches his bid for the throne. Abner, the power broker for Saul’s household, abandons Saul’s family and approaches David to form an alliance. David agrees on one condition: Abner must bring Michal with him. It’s a strategic move on David’s part. By reclaiming Saul’s daughter as his wife, David strengthens his claim to Saul’s crown.

David’s careful work to win over Saul’s supporters threatens to unravel when Joab, David’s nephew and general, murders Abner. David gives Abner a public funeral, making sure all the Israelites see both himself and Joab mourning Saul’s slain general. David’s display of grief defuses a public relations crisis and wins over the people, opening a path to the throne.

Saul’s kingship has ended. How will David’s begin? How will it go? Watch the video to preview the story of David’s reign in the second half of Samuel.

Reflection Questions

• Compare the messenger’s story about Saul’s death (2 Sam. 2:1-10) to the narrator’s version in 1 Samuel 31. What do the messenger’s revisions of the facts tell you about his character and about how he was expecting David to react to the news?
• Meditate on the Torah’s regulations for Israelite kings in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. How does David’s behavior stack up against these requirements? Are there any signs of trouble in today’s reading?