2 Sam. 1:1–5:25 · David Unifies Judah and Israel:When Saul dies it appears that Israel’s experiment with the monarchy has been a failure. Philistine control has increased rather than decreased, and Israel is on the verge of splitting into north and south because of the dispute between Saul and David. Within seven years, however, David is able to unify the people of Judah and Israel, defeat the Philistines, and establish a strong national presence in the Near East. Israel’s golden age is about to begin.

1:1–16 · It must have been with a heavy heart that David awaited news of the battle in the north. Although an Israelite defeat would hasten David’s rise to the throne, it would also bring hardship and sorrow to the young nation…