In the Story of King David, we walk through the entire saga of King David from the anointing of a young shepherd boy by the prophet Samuel until his death in old age and his son Solomon’s securing the throne. David not only gives us a great story that rivals anything HBO has to offer, but allows us to dive deep into the Scriptures and find Jesus. This Lesson covers thirteen weeks and 1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2.
The David Saga, Episode 1 – Shepherd Boy and Musician
For Episode 1 of the David Saga, please read 1 Samuel 16. This week we are introduced to David when the prophet Samuel anoints the young boy as the (future) king and we have the first meeting between David and King Saul, whom David will later replace.
The David Saga, Episode 2 – Goliath
For Episode 2 of the David Saga, please read 1 Samuel 17. This week the young boy David encounters and slays the Philistine giant Goliath of Gath.
The David Saga, Episode 3 – Saul’s Jealousy
For Episode 3 of the David Saga, please read 1 Samuel 18-22. This week’s story is about Saul’s murderous jealous rage towards David which culminates in the massacre of the priestly village of Nob.
The David Saga, Episode 4 – David the Outlaw
For Episode 4 of the David Saga, please read 1 Samuel 23-26. This week’s story is about David’s life as an outlaw and fugitive from King Saul.
The David Saga, Episode 5 – Saul’s Death
For Episode 5 of the David Saga, please read 1 Samuel 27-31. In this week’s episode, David’s fortunes change when King Saul dies at the hands of the Philistines. This is an episode of treachery, death, and ultimately redemption.
The David Saga, Episode 6 – The War of Saul’s Succession.
For Episode 6 of the David Saga, please read 2 Samuel 1-4. This week’s episode is the story of the War of Saul’s Succession with the palace intrigue of shifting loyalties and personal vendettas.
The David Saga, Episode 7 – Jerusalem
For Episode 7 of the David Saga, please read 2 Samuel 5-10. This week’s episode is the apex of David reign and is the only time in our story when David is secure from all his enemies – foreign, domestic, and, more importantly, even himself.
The David Saga, Episode 8 – Bathsheba
For Episode 8 of the David Saga, please read 2 Samuel 11-12. This is the infamous story of David and Bathsheba. It is a story of rape, murder, condemnation, and ultimately contrition.
The David Saga, Episode 9 – Absalom and Tamar
For Episode 9 of the David Saga, please read 2 Samuel 13:1-15:6. This episode begins with the Rape of Tamar which ultimately leads to Absalom’s Rebellion. In this episode we are faced with incestuous rape, fraternal murder, and filial rebellion.
The David Saga, Episode 10 – Absalom’s Rebellion
For Episode 10, please read 2 Samuel 15:7-17:14. This week’s story is the second part of Absolm’s Rebellion where Absolom quickly gains the upper hand but squanders his advantage by relying on the misleading advice of an agent of influence.
The David Saga, Episode 11 – Absalom’s Defeat
For Episode 11, please read 2 Samuel 17:15-19:43. In this week’s episode, Absalom’s Rebellion is put down with the violent death of the pretender, and David is reconciled to those who fought against him.
The David Saga, Episode 12 – Rebellion and Flashbacks
For Episode 12, please read 2 Samuel 20-24. In this week’s episode, David crushes another rebellion and there are flashbacks to David’s war with the Philistines and David’s violent destruction of Saul’s family.
The David Saga – A Thanksgiving
Thoughout David’s Saga, we see David compose songs of Thanksgiving. This post is a meditation on those Psalms.
The David Saga, Episode 13 – The King is Dead, Long Live the King
For our final Episode, please read 1 Kings 1-2. Here, David dies peacefully in his bed and his son Solomon (by Bathsheba) violently ascends the throne with the aid of Nathan the prophet. The King is dead, long live the King!