2 Samuel 8 recounts David's military campaigns against surrounding nations, his dedication of plunder to Yahweh, and his administration of justice. It shows Yahweh giving David victory wherever he went.

In 2 Samuel 7, David desires to build a temple for God, but God instead promises to establish David's dynasty forever. David responds with a prayer of awe and gratitude.

David gathers Israel to bring God's ark to Jerusalem, but Uzzah dies when he touches it, so David leaves it with Obed-Edom. After three months of blessing, David brings the ark up with dancing and sacrifices, and Michal despises him for it.

2 Samuel 5 recounts David's anointing as king over all Israel, his capture of Jerusalem, and his two victories over the Philistines. It highlights David's obedience to Yahweh and Yahweh's establishment of David's kingdom.

2 Samuel 4 recounts the murder of Saul's son Ishbosheth by two of his own captains, who then bring his head to David expecting a reward. David instead condemns their crime and has them executed, honoring the memory of Saul's house.

2 Samuel 3 recounts the long war between Saul's house and David's house, Abner's defection to David, and Joab's murder of Abner. David mourns Abner publicly, demonstrating his innocence and strengthening his claim to the throne.

After Saul's death, David inquires of Yahweh and is directed to Hebron, where the men of Judah anoint him king. Meanwhile, Abner installs Ishbosheth as king over Israel, and a battle at Gibeon sparks a prolonged conflict between the two houses.

After Saul's death, an Amalekite brings David news of the defeat and claims to have killed Saul. David mourns deeply, orders the messenger's execution, and composes a lament for Saul and Jonathan.

This chapter records the final defeat of Saul and his sons by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, ending with Saul taking his own life. It closes with the men of Jabesh Gilead recovering the bodies and giving them burial.

First Samuel 30 recounts the Amalekite raid on Ziklag, David's strengthening in Yahweh, and his pursuit that recovers all that was taken. It also records his decision that those who stay with the baggage share equally with those who fight.

1 Samuel 29 recounts how the Philistine lords reject David's presence in their army before a major battle against Israel. Achish defends David's loyalty, but the other commanders fear betrayal, so David and his men are sent back to Philistine territory.

1 Samuel 28 recounts Saul's desperate attempt to hear from God after Yahweh stops answering him. He consults a medium at Endor, Samuel appears, and announces that Saul and his sons will die and Israel will fall to the Philistines.

1 Samuel 27 recounts David's decision to flee to the Philistine king Achish to escape Saul, his settlement in Ziklag, and his raids against Israel's enemies while deceiving Achish about his targets. The chapter shows David's pragmatic survival strategy and the moral ambiguity of his actions.

David and Abishai enter Saul's camp at night and find Saul asleep. David refuses to kill Saul, taking his spear and water jar as proof, then confronts Abner and Saul from a distance.

In 1 Samuel 25, David asks Nabal for provisions, but Nabal insults him, prompting David to seek revenge. Abigail intercedes with gifts and wise words, preventing bloodshed, and later Nabal dies, after which David marries Abigail.

In 1 Samuel 24, David has a chance to kill Saul in a cave but refuses because Saul is Yahweh's anointed. David confronts Saul, who weeps and acknowledges David's righteousness, then asks David to swear not to destroy his descendants.

David saves Keilah from the Philistines, then learns from God that Saul will come and the men of Keilah will betray him, so he flees. Saul pursues David through the wilderness, but Jonathan strengthens him, and a Philistine raid forces Saul to withdraw.

David escapes to Adullam's cave and becomes captain of about four hundred distressed men, then sends his parents to Moab for safety. Saul, hearing of Ahimelech's aid to David, orders the slaughter of the priests at Nob, but Abiathar escapes and joins David.

David comes alone to Ahimelech the priest at Nob, asking for bread and a weapon. After receiving the show bread and Goliath's sword, he flees to Gath, where he pretends to be insane to escape the Philistine king.

In 1 Samuel 20, David flees from Saul and seeks Jonathan's help to discover Saul's true intentions. Jonathan and David renew their covenant, and when Saul openly seeks David's death, Jonathan sends David away in peace.