Lesson 5

Transition of Power

Chronology Summary

Mourning Saul's Death (II Samuel 1)

David battled the Amalekites and defeated them. A young man from Saul's camp came to David in Ziklag. David inquired of the man how the battle went. The man explained that things did not go well and that the king and his son were dead. The young man said that he had killed the mortally wounded Saul. He offered the king's crown and his bracelet as proof to David. David mourned the death of Saul and his dear friend Jonathan. David then had the young man executed. (II Samuel 1:1-16)

David composed an emotional song in memory of Saul and Jonathan. (II Samuel 1:17-27)

Civil War! (II Samuel 2-4)

David inquired of the Lord as to what he should do with Saul being dead. God instructed him to go to Hebron. David, his wives, and his men all went as God instructed. (II Samuel 2:1-3)

David was appointed king of Israel. The first order of business was to properly thank the men of Jabesh Gilead for how they handled the recovery and burial of Saul. (II Samuel 2:4-7)

Soon thereafter, a civil war erupted between Israel and Judah. The problem began when Judah accepted David as king and Israel rejected him. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, pronounced Ishbosheth, Saul's son and seemingly the rightful heir, the king of Israel. This disagreement grew and a military conflict lasted for some time. Finally, the dispute over the appointment of Israel's king fell apart. Abner and his soldiers were defeated by David's army, under the command of Joab. Abner tried to flee the outcome of defeat and was chased by Asahel, Joab's brother. Asahel was in turn killed by a spear strike from Abner. Abner decided to support David. However, Joab vengefully killed Abner. Ishbosheth was killed by his own men, who in turn were executed by David. (II Samuel 2:8-4:12)

The Kingdom Unites (II Samuel 5)

The warring factions of Israel consolidated under David's rule. David went to the city of Jebus to finalize the consolidation. The Jebusites refused to surrender their city to David. David offered an attractive military post to the individual defeating the Jebusites. Joab led the victory assault against Jerusalem. With the resistance gone, David was made the king of all Israel. He rebuilt Jerusalem and made it the center of his new kingdom. Hiram, King of Tyre, assisted David in building his palace in Jerusalem. (II Samuel 5:1-11; I Chronicles 11:1-9)

David settled his prospering kingdom. As he sought military victories over his neighbors, David always prayed to God for guidance. He took many concubines and wives and had many children. (II Samuel 5:12-25)

Psalm 18 – I will love You, O Lord, my Strength

How did David describe his relationship with God? What is involved in this kind of relationship?
What role did God play in the challenging situations that David faced? What can we learn from this?
How was David able to emerge victorious over his foes? How did David feel about this?
What is David's disposition toward God for his goodness (Psalms 18:49-50)?

Psalm 21 – The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord

What does it mean to "trust in the Lord"? Why is it important to incorporate this into your life?
What emotion did David experience upon victory?
Who will dole out punishment and vengeance? How might this affect us in life?