“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.

Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

Abner Joins David

There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.

Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.

And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward.

David Defeats the Philistines

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold.

And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.

But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.

And while Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.

my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.

He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.

This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless.

David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.