THE KING DAVID TRILOGY
Chapter by chapter overview of the book:
King David - Born to Reign
© 2012
Book 1 of 3
by Ramón Kenan
Key Scripture:
The God of Heaven says, "I will forever establish David's name as
greatness could ever be announced throughout history. I will continually empower his throne with my Name upon it."
Psalm 89:3-4 (A Song of David - paraphrased)
"God Almighty has taught me the methods of war. I now know how to break steel with my bare hands."
Psalm 18:34 (A Song of David - paraphrased)
This synopsis is taken from I Samuel chapters 4 – 31
General overview of the book: Israel is sorely defeated in battle against the Philistines. The Ark of the Covenant has been stolen and the people of Israel feel demoralized. They desire a king over them by requesting the prophet Samuel to inquire of God on their behalf. The request is granted but with consequences. David is introduced as a teenager on his father Jesse’s estate who later discovers much of his future potential in certain unusual events that occur in several years of his life. Goliath plays more of a key component of what original scripture reveals that leads up to David facing him in the valley of Elah. David becomes a famous warrior with the favor of Saul’s house behind him. Saul becomes deeply vexed by an evil spirit and decides to plot David’s death on at least three occasions. David escapes Saul’s presence and flees into exile. He finds himself and his men in Gath and befriends the King of the Philistine’s, King Achish. This makes an unusual alliance that further leads to more essential measures that sets the stage for David’s eventual reign as the second King of Israel.
Chapter 1, The Glory Has Departed - Telling of how the nation of Israel is in battle with the Philistines and suffers great defeat. The Ark of the Covenant is captured by their main enemy. Eli’s sons are executed, Eli dies from the news of their deaths, his wife dies from a pre-mature labor. The chief councilmen are traveling away from the battle scene towards Eli’s home then to prophet Samuel’s on their way back to Jerusalem. The legendary giant Goliath is introduced.
Chapter 2, Origin - More specifics on the origin of Goliath. The leaders of Ashdod discuss another campaign to destroy Israel. They plan to move the Ark of the Covenant to the city of Gath, Goliath’s home. Samuel is instructed by God to hear the people’s request for a king. Their request is granted but with consequences. Israel’s councilmen meet with Samuel. Nathan, the prophet who will be the next judge over Israel is mentioned but not introduced.
Chapter 3, In the Field - David is introduced as a teenager. Two of his brothers are mentioned by name. His father shows special favor toward him. David is assigned to travel two hours from his home to lord Damius’ estate. While traveling, he encounters a bear but makes it unscathed. He meets a young Bathsheba and realizes they will meet again. Samuel finds Israel’s first king in the province of Benjamin, house of Kish.
Chapter 4, Second Encounter – David’s return home. His second encounter with the bear. Saul is pronounced first king of Israel.
Chapter 5, The Next Day – Goliath hears of the Ark of the covenant being kept at his home town and decides to visit. David reaches his home and has to explain what happened to him. Saul has his first victory in battle and confirms his ruler ship. Samuel is getting closer to his death and prepares Nathan. David’s family ram gets eaten by a lion. David proves himself first hand to his family of his “special” skills.
Chapter 6, Two Years Later – David meets Jonathan and they quickly become friends. David’s fighting skills have improved by his finding of a new teacher. He also begins documenting his poems (psalms). An angel appears before him one night and proclaims a word from God. Saul commits an unpardonable sin and is rejected by God as king. Goliath discovers that his mother dies from a disease in which he suspects was caused by the Ark of the Covenant. He vows to avenge his mother by reeking havoc upon the Israelites. Samuel is commissioned to find the next king of Israel.
Chapter 7, A New Dawn – Saul laments over his dilemma. Samuel discovers David and anoints him as the new future king of Israel. David’s second encounter with the lion.
Chapter 8, Who Can Stop Him? – Goliath begins his reign of terror throughout Israel. The councilmen meet with Saul about this problem. David and Jonathan meet again.
Chapter 9, Send Me a Man to Fight with Me – Goliath challenges the army of Israel in the valley of Elah. Saul mentions the reward for any man who could kill the giant. Jonathan mentions the skill of David to his father.
David steps up to the challenge and establishes his fame throughout Israel and the surrounding countries. Saul invites David to live with him in the palace.
Chapter 10, In the Palace - Saul has a distressing spirit and requires a minister of music to soothe his ails. David is discovered in being a musician and plays for Saul. Saul devises a plan for David and Michal to meet and hopefully marry. David is assigned a military leadership position and is quickly promoted. He leads several successful battle campaigns. Jonathan warns David of Saul’s jealousy of him. David flees from Saul’s presence for fear of his life.
Chapter 11, What Now? - David continues to live in momentary exile from Saul but maintains his responsibilities as captain over a thousand soldiers. Jonathan sends word to David that it is safe to return to the palace. David returns and lives in his wife’s house on the palace grounds for a sort while until Saul has another distressing moment and attempts to kill David again. David flees once more and meets with the prophet Samuel and stays with him in Naioth in the province of Ramah. Saul sends his men to search David out but unsuccessfully.
Chapter 12, In Exile – David is still leading his men but in retreat from Saul. 600 men are with him. He stops in Nob and retrieves the sword of Goliath. He continues his trek through desert and wilderness and caves. Saul visits Nob and orders that all the priests be killed. David has a chance to kill Saul in a cave and decides against it. Samuel dies.
Chapter 13, I Entreat You – Several months pass and David continues his nomadic quest. He stops and guards an area in Carmel that is owned by a wealthy man named Nabal. Due to Nabal’s unscrupulous business practices David becomes angry and plans an invasion on the city of Carmel. Abigail, Nabal’s wife at the time entreats David to not invade. David heeds to her advice and Nabal dies from a heart attack ten days later. David receives word that Saul has given his wife Michal to another man. David then
proposes to Abigail and she becomes his wife. He also weds Ahinoam, one of Abigail’s maidens.
Chapter 14, An Unusual Alliance – Wearied from his exile David arrives in the city of Gath, for reason to stop Saul from pursuing him and to make a home for his family and his men. This is also the home of King Achish, ruler of the Philistines. David requests that his people live in the land of Ziklag, a suburb of Gath and Judah. To show his allegiance with the Philistine King David would invade surrounding countries who were enemies of the Philistine nation. He lived in Ziklag for 1 year and 4 months.
Chapter 15, Here Is Our True King! – David’s request to fight alongside the Philistine’s against Israel is refused by the princes and lords of the Philistine’s. David returns with his men by next morning to Ziklag and discovers all of the women and children have been abducted by the Amalekites. Also, the town had been scorched by fire. David’s men become angry with him and threaten to kill him. David inquires of the Lord of what he should do. God tells him to pursue and recover all. While they are in pursuit 200 of David’s men become too weary to continue and stay behind at Brook Besar while the other 400 men go onward. They come upon a nearly dead Egyptian whose life they spare due to him knowing where the Amalekites were camped. David and his men attacked and killed all but 400 of the Amalekites and recovered all their wives children and livestock. Also, they took the extra things that the Amalekites left as a spoil and shared it with their surrounding neighbors who they were in good standing with. David’s men were overcome with joy at the recovering of their families that they crown him as their king. Unknown to David during his encounter with the Amalekites Saul is killed in battle along with Jonathan and his two brothers. **This sets the stage for a transition in power for David to become the officially declared King of Israel (written out in book 2 –King David, The Continued Chronicles).
​
A Chapter by Chapter Overview of the book:
King David
The Continued Chronicles
© 2012
Book 2 of 3
by Ramón Kenan
General overview of the book: David takes full ruler ship of Judah. A new King is crowned in Israel, Saul’s surviving son, Ishbosheth. The giant brothers of Goliath strike a plan of revenge against David. David’s eventual take over of Israel. His adultery with Bathsheba and the conspiracy surrounding it. God’s anger and judgment on David. David repents, God forgives him and makes him a promise.
Chapter 1– Life After Death (taken from II Samuel chapters 1-2) – Following the events of David’s encounter with the Amalekites and Saul’s defeat and death at Mount Gilboa, an Amalekite wanders into the camp of David and gives a false report of how King Saul died. As a result David orders the man’s death and laments over Saul’s and Jonathan’s deaths. David composes and teaches his people a new song to sing in honor of Saul and Jonathan. King Achish and his military leaders and chiefs agree to offer David the land of Judah as his personal territory. This is offered in order to keep peace between David and the Philistine Empire. David inquires of God to go to Hebron, a city in Judah; God tells him to “go”. He discovers who gave the proper burial for Saul and his sons and informs them of his appreciation and friendship.
Chapter 2 - A Difference of Opinion (II Samuel chapter 2) (both fact and fiction)- The commander of Saul’s army, Abner, crowned one other surviving son of Saul, Ishbosheth, as King over Israel. David gets another visit from the angel, Gabriel, with an important message from Heaven. The prophet Nathan leaves the southern region of Israel and joins David in Judah. Joab and Abner meet in Basir with bitter confrontation. Corinth, David’s 2nd in command dies and Joab replaces him.
Chapter 3– A Taste for Revenge (This chapter is primarily fictional; The scriptures reveal that Goliath did have surviving brothers but it does not reveal details of their lives. This chapter adds a nice
dramatic plot and tone to the book) – Goliath’s six living giant brothers: Mongol, Genar, Sevon, Troth, Brude and Seth devise a plan to kill David and his men.
Chapter 4 – The Beginnings of an Empire (II Samuel chapter 3) – David decides to move to Hebron and use it as his capital city over the province of Judah. **Other special notes from II Samuel 3: Abner is accused by King Ishbosheth of having sexual relations with his concubine, Rizpah, an inheritance left from King Saul. Abner is so outraged by this wrongful accusation that he warns Ishbosheth of his willingness to aid David in ruling all of Israel. Abner then sends word to David through some of his men that he desires to assist David by making a League with him. David agrees to this on one term ,that Abner bring Michal, David’s first wife given by Saul with him. Even though Michal had married another man (Palti) given to her by her father (Saul), Ishbosheth adheres to David’s request for fear of vengeance. Her husband wept and followed her for a long way (as far as Bahurim) before she arrived in Hebron. Abner speaks with the self-seeking Zimri of helping David to gain full ruler ship of Israel.
Chapter 5 – The Great Escape (fiction and fact) –(The seven Councilmen by name: Zimri, Arimus, Dara, Azaria, Zairian, Kenaz, and Iram.) Zimri aids in Abner’s escape from King’s Isbosheth’s prison. Abner along with Zimri leave Jerusalem and go to the province of Benjamin and convince the elders of the tribe to join in assisting David to fight Ishbosheth. David marries more women and begins having children. His first six sons are born, one of them by the name of Absalom. Periodic Battles between King Ishbosheth (Israel) and David (Judah) happen over a period of several years. David used Hebron for 7 ½ years as his headquarters. Abner was proving to David of his skills in diplomacy. Eventually David elects Abner to be his Chief Diplomat and Foreign Affairs Counselor.
*Note- the order of the birth of his sons and their respective mothers: 1. Amnon, mother is Ahinoam; 2. Chileab, mother is Abigail; 3. Absalom, mother is Talmai; 4. Adonijah, mother is Haggith; 5. Shephatiah, mother is Abital; 6. Ithream, mother is Eglah.
Chapter 6 – Cunning (Fact and Fiction) – During the time that Abner is aiding David, Joab is in surveillance over the region. At some point Asahel, Joab’s brother challenges Abner against Abner’s will and falls to his death as a result. Joab hears of his brother’s untimely death, he secretly avenges his brother and kills Abner. At the very least Abner helped David to further his stronghold upon the eventual overtaking of Israel.
Even though Zimri has resigned his position as the chief councilman over the affairs of war in Israel, his lust for power grows when he secretly aids Goliath’s six brothers in attempts to kill both David and Ishbosheth in order to gain dictatorship over Israel.
Chapter 7 – Evil Comes in Pairs (Fictional) – Goliath’s brothers comprise their efforts into three assault groups. While one group attacks Hebron and another attempts siege over Jerusalem the third band attacks the Province of Benjamin. This momentarily creates a fortified defense between David’s men and Israel’s army. The Mother Witch Divina conjures up an ancient demon by the name of Leviathan (Job 41); a fire breathing flying dragon! The demonic opposition reveals to David one of the reasons that Gabriel gave him the heavenly sword. Zimri soon learns a fatal lesson for betrayal.
**Special notes: David encounters the dragon; Ishbosheth runs in fear and is eventually murdered by his own men. The Mother Witch Divina is found guilty of declaring war on another nation without the consent of the Philistine King and Counsel and is tried and burned at the stake. King Achish falls sick and dies after hearing of the activities of the giant brothers and realizes that Philistine is now enemies again with David. David returns to Hebron and faces Sevon and Genar and then leaves for Jerusalem to encounter Mongol and Zimri. He then is crowned King over all of Israel and Judah with the Prophet Nathan speaking blessings over him.
Chapter 8 – Newlyweds (Fiction based on fact) - The meeting, courtship and marriage of Uriah and Bathsheba. Uriah is a soldier who quickly goes up in rank in Israel’s army. David now has full command of Judah and Israel. He decides to keep Judah as a south western territory and military outpost. He meets Uriah when the two armies join forces under his rule. David and Bathsheba meet (again)
at a banquet. David’s memory is jarred from a past encounter with her. Bathsheba also remembers him from when he visited her foster father’s home, lord Damius when David was a teenager. She realizes David’s interest in her and decides to bathe on her roof top in direct view of David’s palace bed chamber. Passion and lust overtake the King and his desires for her become insatiable. He sends for her and lays with her secretly on many occasions for over a period of two weeks. She becomes pregnant and he tries to cover his sin by having Uriah to take off from his duties and return home. When this scheme falls through David designs a wicked plan to have Uriah killed in the heat of battle in order to cover up his adultery.
Chapter 9 – When Having It All Is Not Enough – After Uriah’s death David married Bathsheba. The prophet Nathan is shown a vision from God of David’s muddled ethics and approaches him with a parable. David tries to act noble when the parable is told and demands justice on the guilty party. However, Nathan reveals that David himself has been found out by the Lord. The child that he and Bathsheba have dies soon after it is born. Another year and a half pass and Solomon is born with Bathsheba being his mother. God makes a statement about Solomon’s future and makes David a promise.
​
​
A chapter by chapter overview of the book:
King David
The Rebellion of Absalom
© 2012
Book 3 of 3
by Ramón Kenan
Brief Overview:
This is the third and final installment of the life of David as King of Israel.
Basic Plot:
David has several children by his various wives one of them being Absalom. Absalom’s sister Tamar is raped by her half brother Amnon. Absalom becomes infuriated by this act and is also upset with his father’s reluctance in punishing Amnon. As a result, Absalom plots the murder of his half brother to avenge his sister. He kills Amnon and flees from the city to avoid his father’s wrath. David sees that his earlier indiscretions with Bathsheba has brought the prophesied curse upon his house. He then wants Absalom to return home in peace but his son has now begun to persuade the various inhabitants in the land to sympathize with his disgruntled attitude toward his father. From this point a general air of frustration and complaint against David’s rule as a king arises. Absalom meticulously gains the support of some of David’s most trusted palace guards and dignitaries. He forms a small army and dwells in tents near the desert where he desires to establish his own kingdom.
More of this plot develops with David searching for his son and not finding him for some time. Eventually, David receives word that his son now has a powerful army and plans to invade the city. David is advised to leave the city for a season and avoid confrontation with Absalom. This would give David time to devise a plan to “win” his son back. David knew his reputation with surrounding kingdoms was ebbing and fighting his own son in battle would only escalate this dilemma. While David is in momentary exile Absalom returns to the city and degrades David’s house by taking his father’s concubines on the roof of the palace and commits lewd acts before the eyes of the citizens.
Time passes and Absalom decides to search for David and confront him. As a result a small battle between David’s and Absalom’s men breaks out.
Absalom sees that his side is losing the fight and runs in fear. Joab chases Absalom. During the course of the chase Absalom’s mule runs under a low hanging tree branch and Absalom’s hair gets caught in the branch and is left hanging by his hair. Joab takes advantage of this situation and kills Absalom. When David knows of this horrid event he goes to his son’s slain body and weeps over him bitterly.
Afterwards, God directs David to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant. David is further instructed to purchase the necessary things for the new temple. However, he will not build this temple during his lifetime, rather his new born son Solomon will perform this sacred task. Also, God promises that during the reign of Solomon there will be a time of peace and prosperity for the land of Israel. Solomon grows up and begins an arduous task of education. David is now grown old and dies. This signifies the end of one era and the beginning of a new one.
Chapter 1 – The King’s Kids – The introduction of David’s children from several wives and their interaction with each other. Solomon is the youngest son and is loved by his sisters and taunted by two of his brothers. With the relation of half brothers and sisters an interesting family tapestry is woven.
Chapter 2 - Indecent – Amnon has unnatural desires towards his half sister Tamar. He becomes emotionally overwhelmed by her. His cousin Jonadab who is very crafty suggests a plot for Amnon to have her to himself. Amnon follows through on the idea and gets his half sister alone and makes advances toward her that she refuses. As a result, Amnon rapes Tamar and leaves her to her shame in which she tells her brother Absalom. David hears of it and becomes very angry but does not punish Amnon to the extent that Absalom approves.
Chapter 3 – Unforgiveness –Absalom becomes very enraged with both his brother Amnon and his Father David. But he plans and waits for two years before he acts in revenge for his sister’s shame. He finds a way to kill Amnon and flees to avoid his father.
Chapter 4 – Return to Me – Absalom is in exile in Geshur for three years. David is distraught by the recent events in his family: Tamar’s rape, Amnon’s death from the hand of his brother and Israel becoming a laughing stock to the surrounding nations. David inquires with his Councilmen of
what to do. Joab comes up with an idea to use a woman in disguise as a mourner in order to convince David to place an order for Absalom’s return. A series of challenges face Joab to retrieve the young man but eventually succeeds in his mission. Absalom returns on the condition that he remains under house arrest and cannot see his father David until further instructed.
Chapter 5 – The Fallacy of Narcissism – Despite his father’s orders to remain at home Absalom flaunts his good looks around the city of Jerusalem and becomes admired by many. He speaks openly against his father’s methods of ruling and creates a following in favor of his ideals. David hears of this and does nothing about it. Absalom sends messages to Joab in request to see King David but is ignored. Absalom orders that Joab’s personal field be burned. This gets Joabs attention and Absalom sees his father David face to face. David breaks down in tears and welcomes his slighted son home.
Chapter 6 – The Throne Must Be Challenged – Absalom is not satisfied with his father’s long awaited reception of his return. He continues to work his efforts in gaining a large following of the people of Jerusalem and surrounding villages. He even bought chariots and horses and started a small band of men who would serve in a military fashion. David is aware of these things but takes no action to correct Absalom. The Councilmen are getting nervous over a potential revolt led by his son. Besides the problems concerning Absalom, many of David’s men become greatly disturbed by David’s non-decisiveness. Some men defect to the side of Absalom and some remain loyal to David.
Councilmen names: Haman, Bashur, Janiff, Shimri
Chapter 7 – A Leave Of Absence – David receives word of his life being in danger so he decides to take a small garrison of men with him to evacuate the city until things “cool off” with Absalom.
Chapter 8 – Not A Pretty Picture – Absalom easily lays siege of Jerusalem and commits lewd acts on the rooftop of the palace with his father’s concubines.
Chapter 9 – Unexpected – Absalom gathers his men to stage an attack on David in the woods of Ephraim. Absalom dies.
Chapter 10 – Time Will Tell – Joab is rebuked by David for the killing of his son. Joab’s response is one of frustration and accusation toward David for
him seeming to have “turned against” his own people because of Absalom’s rebellion. He advises David to make things right with his men. David speaks with the men and wins much of their confidence back. But as a slight against Joab, David places Amasa in Joab’s position as Casptain over his army. As a result Joab becomes enraged with Jealousy and finds a way to secrectly kill Amasa. David finds out what happens and publicly rebukes Joab for his crime and says that the Lord will avenge Amasa’s death and a awful fate will fall upon Joab in due time.
David wills the kingdom to his youngest son Solomon and commissions him to build God a temple of prayer. But before David dies he tells Solomon to have Joab executed for his wrong doings in killing Abner, Absalom and Amasa. A brief overview of how Solomon’s reign is the most peaceful and prosperous in Israel’s history. This only happens because of the mighty man who preceded him, David; warrior, King, worshipper of the Almighty God.