David the consummate diplomat, leader, and general: loyal to allies, sensitive to his men, alert to the enemy, successful in war. David the consummate politician: suspicious of loyal servants, corrupt in his dealings, unbridled in his passions. David at his best, David at his worst. What will become of God’s king, and of his people? Join us for 2 Samuel 10–11, and an ominous “to be continued…”

David, a ruler out of Judah, provides security and reigns justly over a united kingdom, subduing Israel’s enemies on every side. Though some of his actions rightly give us pause, the clear message is that David, flaws and all, is a king after God’s own heart, who shepherds his people and gives him the glory. More than this, it is through David here that we see the Lord bringing his land promises to Abraham to fulfillment, tying together two covenants. How then will David’s faithfulness to a covenant with Jonathan compare with the Lord’s faithfulness to his people? Join us as we consider these next two chapters of 2 Samuel.

Join us in a riveting discussion as we explore the Bible’s most fascinating turn of phrase in 2 Samuel 7. What begins as a noble desire to build a house for the Lord takes an unexpected turn as God flips the script, promising an everlasting dynasty for David. Consider with us the profound significance of this covenant, the anticipation of an eternal reign, and the profound implications for New Testament history. Don’t miss this deep dive into 2 Samuel 7, where earthly aspirations meet divine promises, shaping the very fabric of God’s redemptive plan.

As David continues to consolidate his new reign, he attempts to move the ark to his new capitol. But an aborted first attempt that reminds left and right of the Philistines ends in disaster! How will the new king respond to God’s wrath? Does he repent and walk in new obedience, or do we have Saul 2.0?

In 2 Samuel 5 David is finally recognized as king by the northern tribes. Though deep divisions remain and shadows of future sin fall across the page, the dominant note is a recognition of God’s faithful presence with David and with the nation as the Lord blesses David for his people’s good. A new capital is established and the Philistines are finally defeated by a king of Israel—not once, but twice—as David contrasts with Saul in his reliance on the Lord. As David continues to establish his reign what will become of his kingdom? Will he rule as the Lord directs, or will he become a run-of-the-mill Ancient Near Eastern monarch?

Tonight we close a chapter on David’s long rise as the last of his rivals for the throne of Israel are removed. In the thick of schemes and statecraft, polygamy and politics, conspiracy and murder, the grand sweep reveals God’s careful and decisive providence in moments when his absence seems most keenly felt. But cracks in the new administration and its policy begin to show even as David’s grip on the nation consolidates. As we look forward to David’s accession in the chapters to follow, we cannot help but ask: will he prove a better king than Saul? God help us!

Saul has died, but David’s path to the throne is far from clear. How will David navigate the delicate politics and what will guide his decisions? How will Abner, commander of Saul’s army, respond? How will the Lord orchestrate the protection of his people and the fulfillment of his promises to David in the midst of it all? Join us for 2 Samuel 2!

David and his men have retrieved their wives and children back from Amalekite bandits when yet another Amalekite stumbles into their camp. He brings along surprising news, betting everything that what he has to say will please Israel’s next king. It’s a deadly wager that costs him his life and displays for all to see that David’s respect for Saul’s position as the Lord’s anointed was real and that his affection for Jonathan ran deep.

Driven by fear, Saul dies in as ignoble a fashion as he often reigned. And, in the aftermath of Saul’s tragic demise, the kingdom of Israel is left at a low point mirroring the turbulent times of the judges.
As we move forward in our study, we must ask:
How will David, the anointed one, respond to the news?
How will the tribe of Judah react to the changing political landscape and David’s claim to the throne?
And, perhaps most crucially, how will the rest of Israel respond to David and Judah?
The fates of the nation and the monarchy hang in the balance as power shifts, alliances form, and a new era of leadership is about to unfold.