Jerusalem

1002 - 994 B.C.; age 38-46; regnal years 8-16

David conquers Jerusalem
2 Sam. 5:6-10 [1 Chron. 11:4-9]

David builds a palace
2 Sam. 5:11-12 [1 Chron. 14:1-2]

David fathers other sons in Jerusalem
2 Sam. 5:13-16 [1 Chron. 14:3-7] [[1 Chron. 3:5-9]]

David defeats the Philistines in Rephaim Valley
2 Sam. 5:17-25 [1 Chron. 14:8-17]

The Ark of God brought to Jerusalem

• David plans to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem
  1 Chron. 13:1-4
• David's procession is abruptly halted
  2 Sam. 6:1-11 [1 Chron. 13:5-14]
• David consecrates Levites to carry the ark
  1 Chron. 15:1-24
• David succeeds in bringing the ark to Jerusalem
  2 Sam. 6:12-19a [1 Chron. 15:25 - 16:3]
• David gives thanks to God
  1 Chron. 16:4-43; see also 2 Sam. 6:19b-20a
• David argues with Michal
  2 Sam. 6:20-23

David rules with justice and equity
2 Sam. 8:15-18 [1 Chron. 18:14-17]

David shows kindness to Mephibosheth
2 Sam. 9:1-13

Hebron

1009-1003 B.C.; age 31-37; regnal years 1-7

David is proclaimed king over Judah in Hebron
2 Sam. 2:1-7

David fathers sons in Hebron
2 Sam. 3:2-5 [1 Chron. 3:1-4]

David is opposed by Ish-bosheth
2 Sam. 2:8-11

David wins initial victory at Gibeon
2 Sam. 2:12 - 3:1

David accepts Abner's offer
2 Sam. 3:6-21

Joab kills Abner
2 Sam. 3:22-27

David curses Joab and honors Abner
2 Sam. 3:28-39

David punishes Ish-bosheth's murderers
2 Sam. 4:1-12

David is proclaimed king of all Israel
2 Sam. 5:1-5 [1 Chron. 11:1-3]

Armed men gather to David
1 Chron. 12:23-40

Exile

1011-1010 B.C.; age 29-30

David flees to Philistia
1 Sam. 27:1-12

Mighty men join David in Ziklag
1 Chron. 12:1-7

David drafted and expelled from the Philistine army

• Achish drafts David and his men
  1 Sam. 28:1-2
• Philistines exclude David from their army
  1 Sam. 29:1-11

David receives defectors from Saul's army
1 Chron. 12:19-22

Saul consults a witch at Endor
1 Sam. 28:3-25

David finds Ziklag plundered and burned
1 Sam. 30:1-6

David rescues his family from the Amalekites
1 Sam. 30:7-31

Saul dies in battle
1 Sam. 31:1-13 [1 Chron. 10:1-14]

David receives news of Saul's death
2 Sam. 1:1-27

Most Wanted

1016-1012 B.C.; age 24-28

David flees

• David obtains supplies from priests at Nob
  1 Sam. 21:1-9
• David temporarily flees to Gath
  1 Sam. 21:10-15

David becomes a leader

• David comforts the oppressed
  1 Sam. 22:1-5
• David gathers soldiers
  1 Chron. 12:8-18
• David gives refuge to Abiathar the priest
  1 Sam. 22:6-23
• David saves Keilah
  1 Sam. 23:1-13

David moves from place to place

• David avoids Saul
  1 Sam. 23:14-29
• David spares Saul's life near Engedi
  1 Sam. 24:1-22

Samuel dies
1 Sam. 25:1a

David gets a wife

• Nabal insults David
  1 Sam. 25:1b-13
• Abigail intercedes for Nabal
  1 Sam. 25:14-35
• David marries Abigail
  1 Sam. 25:36-44

David spares Saul's life in the Desert of Ziph
1 Sam. 26:1-25

Court Appearance

1023–1016 B.C.; age 17-24

David and his family are introduced twice in 1 Samuel (16:1-23 and 17:1 - 18:9). David is described in both introductions as a handsome shepherd and a son of Jesse. The introductions are overlapping chronologically since they both end with him serving as a soldier in Saul's army. The following chronology eliminates the contradictions many have seen in the accounts. A full discussion of this problem can be found in my book King David: A Biography and Devotional Commentary.

David anointed by Samuel to replace Saul
1 Sam. 16:1-13

David leads Israel to victory over the Philistines

• Goliath insults the Israelite army
  1 Sam. 17:1-11
• David enters the Israelite camp
  1 Sam. 17:12-30
• David prepares for battle
  1 Sam. 17:31-40
• David kills Goliath
  1 Sam. 17:41-54
• Saul inquires about David
  1 Sam. 17:55-18:1
• David arouses Saul's jealousy
  1 Sam. 18:6-9

David enters Saul’s family

• Saul sends for David
  1 Sam. 16:14-23; cf. 1 Sam. 16:22 and 18:2
• Jonathan makes a covenant with David
  1 Sam. 18:3-5
• David eludes Saul and becomes successful
  1 Sam. 18:10-16
• David marries Michal
  1 Sam. 18:17-30
• Jonathan intercedes for David
  1 Sam. 19:1-7

David expelled from Saul’s family

• David flees for his life
  1 Sam. 19:8-17
• David finds refuge with Samuel
  1 Sam. 19:18-24

David fails to renew Saul's favor
1 Sam. 20:1-42