Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Kings 1:1b - David Appoints Solomon as His Successor

David is stirred into action by BatSheva and Nathan and he appoints Solomon as his successor.

Kings 1:1a - A Crisis of Succession

David is withdrawn, elderly and depressed, and cannot muster the strength to appoint a successor. His spoiled and arrogant son Adoniyahu takes matters into his own hands and declares himself the next king.  The prophet Nathan and BatSheba must act quick to ensure that Solomon will take the throne.

Samuel 2:24 - David Learns a Lesson, and Establishes the Site of the Future Temple

David counts the people in a census and learns an important and humbling lesson about the nature of leadership.  He then purchases and establishes the site of the future Temple in Jerusalem.

Samuel 2:23 - David’s [Not So] ”Final” Words

David sings another song about his being chosen as leader. We list the heroic soldiers who supported David's rise to leadership and some of their exploits in battle.

Samuel 2:22c - David’s Song Part 3

David sings praise to God as the leader of the people, thanking God for saving the nation. God who saves the humble and righteous, not the arrogant and crooked.

Samuel 2:22b - David’s Song Part 2

David sings to God and praises Him for his personal salvation.

Samuel 2:22a - David’s Song Part 1

David sings to God upon his liberation from his enemies.

Samuel 2:21b - The Slaying of the Four Giants

We read of four curious battles during David's reign in which four giants were killed.

Samuel 2:21a - The Givonites Get Their Revenge

There is a hunger in the land, and David allows the Givonites to settle an old score with Saul's family to end the hunger.

Samuel 2:20b - A Wise Woman Saves Her Town

Yo'av and his troops attack the town of Aveilah and are on the verge of tearing down its' defenses.  A wise woman understands that she must do something to save the town.  She strikes a deal with Yo'av to hand him the man he is looking for, Sheva ben Bichri, thus averting a disaster.