In verse 1 we’re presented with someone who’s neglecting his duty. We’re not told that in so many words, but look how the events of the chapter are introduced. It was the time of the year when kings go out to battle. But where was David? At home. Now did David have to go out and personally fight every battle? […]

There are 55 chapters in 1st and 2nd Samuel. Out of those 55, the most famous is the story of David and Goliath. But close behind it is the story of David and Bathsheba. One records David’s greatest victory. The other records his greatest failure. One is about David’s rise. The other is about David’s fall. Although we’re less than […]

David mobilises his troops for war. Firstly Joab and Abishai lead the people into battle, and the Syrians and Ammonites flee before them. At this point, in v16, Hadadezer, who’s a Syrian king, sends for reinforcements – and more Syrians arrive. This time David himself takes command of the Israelite forces, and the Syrians are defeated again. 40,000 horsemen and […]