David: Giant Slayer
1) What was the situation in Israel at this time?
-1015 BCE
-Israelites at war with Philistines
2) Why was David’s battle against Goliath important?
-in the middle of a war—whoever won would convey victory to their side
-turning point for David personally
-David comes to Saul’s attention—gains a position as Saul’s key weapon-bearer where he can hone his skills
3) What was Saul concerned about?
-passing kingdom to his son, Jonathan
-David’s growing popularity
-David’s relationship with Saul’s son Jonathan
4) Who was David forced to ally with?
-the Philistines
5) What happened at Mt. Gilboa?
-raid by the Philistines—who are victorious
-Saul and Jonathan are doomed
-Saul takes his own life
-Israelite monarchy done
6) What are David’s first actions once he is King?
-civil war
-trying to wipe out Saul’s bloodline
-campaign to get Israel’s throne
-purge of his enemies
-securing his place as King
-execution of Saul’s grandsons
7) How does David deal with the Philistines?
-turns against them
-subdues them—they know fight for David
-gets David the Philistine war chariot
8) Why does David move to take Edom? What is the result?
-natural resources
-trade route (King’s Highway)—connects Syria and Egypt
-brutal carnage—complete extermination of male population; children and women made slaves
-Edom essentially ceases to exist
9) Why does David attack Moab?
-buffer state before—now a possible threat
-David is not taking chances
10) Describe David’s struggle against the Ammonites?
-turns against Ammon—Israel’s main competitor
-Ammonites turn to Aram (geographically above Egypt)
11) What happens at Rabbah? How do the Israelites respond?
-Israelites surrounded—split army into two
-chariots attack Aram infantry
-battle essentially a draw
12) What happens in the battle of Helam?
-combined infantry/chariot battle
-Aramians overwhelmed
-following the battle there were local revolts and uprisings and David’s troops continue attack
-Hadedezer, King of Aram, forced to split troops—leads to destruction of Aram
13) What distracts David from his military conquests?
-beautiful girl, Bacheva
-she’s married to a Hittite warrior
14) What happens at the Second battle of Rabbah?
-Israelites cut down by Ammon archers—eventually succeed
-David joins march on the city
-David continues vanquishing of foes
15) Describe David’s regime after Rabbah?
-bloody
16) What is one of Solomon’s first acts?
-Kill Youab