Overview of 1 Samuel 16:1—2 Samuel 1:27

These chapters are often designated the “History of David’s Rise” and provide a vivid account of events during a period of more than ten years, during which David progresses through triumph and tribulation from tending sheep to ascending the throne. After recounting David’s triumphs and trials at Saul’s court (1 Samuel 16–18) and the various stages of David’s life as a fugitive from Saul (1 Samuel 19–27), the narrative concludes by contrasting the circumstances of Saul’s death with those of David during the same period (1 Samuel 28–2 Samuel 1).

It is often noted that this material displays a strong apologetic stance. Many remain suspicious of how David becomes king, regarding him as a usurper. The narrator demonstrates that David is the legitimate successor of Saul and worthy of the loyalty of all Israel—the northern tribes as well as Judah. He has remained a loyal member of Saul’s court until he is forced to flee for his life from it. Furthermore, he bears no responsibility for the death of Saul or Jonathan.

Although the narrative bears an apologetic orientation, this does not warrant discrediting its factuality, as has occurred in some recent studies of David that degenerate into the realm of historical fiction rather than pursuing biblical exegesis. Quite apart from the need to maintain the accuracy and reliability of Scripture, it is doubtful if a doctored narrative could have functioned effectively as an apology. Moreover, while the narrator is sympathetic to David, he by no means whitewashes his character. David’s actions are not always set in a positive light; consider, for instance, how he intends to deal with Nabal (1 Samuel 25) or how he enters Philistine service (1 Samuel 27; 29). The narrator’s primary concern is a truthful record.

At one level, continuity is provided throughout this division of the book by the political theme of an era of two kings. Saul nominally remains king of Israel, but he no longer rules effectively or justly. He is portrayed as paralyzed by the Philistine threat in 1 Samuel 17 and as perpetrating the atrocity of the slaughter of Nob in 1 Samuel 22. It is not primarily his political touch that he loses as he indulges in his persecution of David. His spiritual integrity steadily declines until on the night before his death it reaches its nadir when he consults the medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28). This is the record of the disintegration of one who has refused to align his will with that of God.

Offsetting the dark side of the narrative of Saul’s decline is the emergence of David—the theme foregrounded by the narrator. While still a youth, he is privately anointed as king but then must wait for many years before this divine promise is realized. David is portrayed as possessing many admirable characteristics, not least of which is his robust trust in God, exemplified when he slays Goliath (1 Samuel 17). But, because of Saul’s opposition, the path to the throne is not straightforward. God uses these years of difficulty and danger to prepare David to become king of Israel. David does not, of course, always behave as he should. There are times of failure and divine disciplining (1 Samuel 27; 29), but the dominant note in the account is one of progress. Time and again it is to David’s credit that he does not take Saul’s life when it is in his grasp (1 Samuel 24; 26); he is content to leave the accomplishment of the promise in God’s hands. David is being educated in the ideals of covenant kingship. Thus this account is not merely one of David’s rise to political power; it records a process of spiritual maturation and victory in submission to God, which is of relevance whatever one’s personal circumstances.

Of the other characters who appear in the narrative, notice should be taken particularly of Jonathan, Saul’s son and heir (1 Sam. 18:1–4; 19:1–7; 20:1–42; 23:16–18; 31:8–13). He is a man of faith and a fearless warrior who recognizes in David a kindred spirit. Although it means foregoing any personal claim on the kingdom, he supports David and helps him escape from Saul’s murderous rage. Even so, he remains loyal to his father, dying at his side.