Books of the Nebi’im/Nevi’im (Prophets)

David (r. c. 1000-961 BC)

Philistines Judges

Saul (r. 1020-1000 BC), succeeded by David(in Judah) and Ishbaal, then David(in Israel)

Book(s) of Samuel explaining transformationof nomadic tribal society into settledmonarchy

Choice of David (1 Sam. 16: 1-13)

Shepherd/king motif

Youngest, but most suitable, son

Consolidation of regime and building ofinstitutions (2 Sam. 5: 6-8: 18)

Tribal concerns: Ark, children, warswith Philistines (2 Sam. 5: 6-6: 20)

Urban concerns: dynastic succession,state wars, official bureaucracy(2 Sam. 7: 1-8: 18)

Conquest of Jerusalem from the Jebusites(2 Sam. 5-6)

On non-building of temple, see 2 Sam. 7: 4-7

God’s promise to David (2 Sam. 7: 1-17):Root of Messianic hopes, unconditional(?)

2 Sam. 9-20: “Succession narrative.”Elimination of Amnon (2 Sam. 13) andAbsalom (2 Sam. 14-19). Climacticmoments: death of Uriah (2 Sam. 11) anddeath of Absalom (2 Sam. 18: 33-19: 8)

Parallels and Contrasts

Both deaths result of state activities

Both deaths involving Joab acting for David

However, David grieves for Absalom (whoopposed him) and not for Uriah (whoserved him)

David as expression of ambiguity of humanexperience in world ordered by God ofIsrael?

God taking David to task:manifestation of2 Sam. 7: 14-16

“Take” here, better translatedas “make depart.” Sameverb used about sword in2 Sam. 12: 10. Role ofGod’s sustaining love vs.jeopardising sword

2 Sam. 21-24: Collection of tribal memories:

2 Sam. 21: Expiation of blood guilt forSaul’s slaying of Gibeonites: statesubordination of tribal feud system

2 Sam. 22-23: Poems on power of God.2 Sam. 23: 1-7 as re-affirmation of2 Sam. 7

Story of the reign of Solomon:

Purpose?

Presentation of Solomon?

Depiction of the Temple?