After Goliath’s death, Saul’s son Jonathan became David’s closest friend. Their bond was deep, and Jonathan gave David everything he needed to serve both in battle and at court.
David rose quickly as a military leader. The people admired him, and his men were fiercely loyal. One day, as Saul returned from war, women sang, “Saul has killed thousands, but David tens of thousands.” Saul was furious. “They give him more glory than me,” he said. “What’s next—my throne?”
From that moment, Saul grew jealous. The next day, God allowed an evil spirit to torment him. As David played the harp to calm him, Saul twice hurled a spear at him, trying to kill him. David dodged both times and escaped with a few loyal men.
David settled in Ziklag, a Philistine town, and warriors from every tribe began joining him daily until he had a powerful army. After Saul’s death, David asked the Lord whether to return to Judah. God said, “Go to Hebron.” So David and his men moved there, and the tribe of Judah anointed him king.
Meanwhile, Saul’s commander Abner made Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, king over the other tribes, sparking civil war. Abner led Israel’s forces, and Joab—David’s nephew—led Judah’s.
The armies met by a pool. Abner proposed a contest: twelve warriors from each side would fight. All 24 died. A full battle followed, and Joab’s forces won. Abner fled, pursued by Joab’s brother, a swift runner but inexperienced in combat. Abner warned him to turn back, but the young man kept coming. Reluctantly, Abner struck and killed him.
As Joab’s army pressed on, Abner’s reinforcements arrived. Abner called out, “End this fight before it leads to deeper bitterness.” Joab agreed and blew the ram’s horn. Both sides returned home, and Joab buried his brother in Bethlehem.
The war dragged on between Judah and the rest of Israel. David’s power steadily grew, while Ish-bosheth’s grew weaker.
Ish-bosheth’s kingdom grew weaker, while Abner’s power increased. One day, Ish-bosheth accused Abner of sleeping with his father’s concubine. Furious, Abner replied, “I’ve stayed loyal to your father’s house, and now you accuse me of sin? I’m done. I’ll make David king over all Israel.”
He sent a message to David: “Let’s make a deal—I’ll give you the kingdom.” David agreed, but on one condition: “Bring my wife Michal, Saul’s daughter.”
Michal was taken from her new husband, who followed behind weeping. Eventually, Abner turned and said, “Go home.” So he left.
Abner rallied Israel’s elders to support David, then met with David to seal the plan. They held a feast, and Abner promised, “I’ll finalize your coronation.” David sent him away in peace.
But Joab, David’s commander, returned and was furious. “Abner is tricking you!” he warned. Without David’s knowledge, Joab lured Abner back and murdered him in revenge for his brother’s death.
David was devastated. He cursed Joab’s family, made his men mourn, and walked behind Abner’s funeral procession, weeping. He fasted and declared, “A great leader has died today.” All Israel saw David had no part in the killing.
Later, two men murdered Ish-bosheth while he napped. They brought his head to David, expecting a reward. David said, “I executed a man in Ziklag who claimed to kill Saul out of mercy. You killed a sleeping king.” He ordered their execution and had their bodies displayed.
Finally, all the tribes gathered in Hebron and made David king. He was 30 years old.
David grew old and frail and was always cold. Blankets didn’t help, so they assigned a beautiful virgin to sleep beside him as a nurse — she kept him warm but they did not sleep together.
Adonijah, David’s fourth son and younger brother of Absalom, had never been disciplined. Seeing David bedridden, he proclaimed himself king, paraded with fifty bodyguards, and gained the support of Joab and the priest—though Nathan and others refused. He held a self‑congratulatory banquet, deliberately excluding Solomon.
Nathan warned Bathsheba that Adonijah’s plot could cost her and Solomon their lives. Bathsheba and Nathan confronted David, and at once he declared, “Solomon shall be king today.” He ordered Solomon anointed, had trumpets blown, and the people acclaimed him on the throne.
Hearing the commotion, Adonijah’s guests fled. Terrified, Adonijah seized the horns of the altar and begged mercy. Solomon promised to spare him if he proved himself honourable — otherwise, he would be killed. Adonijah bowed and submitted to the new king.