King David

A kingdom and its cost

Consolidation in Jerusalem, and a reign the text refuses to sanitise.

Reading plan

How the story unfolds

1
Jerusalem taken
The city becomes the political and religious centre.
2 Samuel 5
2
The ark brought up
Worship is centralised with celebration and controversy.
2 Samuel 6
3
Bathsheba and Uriah
The narrative records the king's worst act plainly.
2 Samuel 11
4
Nathan's parable
The prophet confronts the king.
2 Samuel 12

Historical context

The Tel Dan inscription refers to the 'house of David', widely taken as external reference to a Davidic dynasty.

Scriptured labels editorial context separately from Scripture, and never presents interpretation as consensus.