The Lord had given a final test to Saul after he had disobeyed a few times. Sadly, Saul completely failed (1 Sam. 15). Yet God allowed him to continue reigning, during which time He called Samuel to anoint David in private, as the king after God’s heart (1 Sam. 16). Marked by obedience and love of God, young David took on the giant Goliath (1 Sam. 17), an unbelievable victory! But after that, King Saul began to persecute him, and David fled to Rama (19:18) to visit Samuel, who had anointed him.

David soon entered God’s school to learn many important lessons during these years of persecution (1 Sam. 18–21), and many joined him. After Saul caused the death of 85 priests, the surviving son of the high priest, Abiathar, fled the scene to join David, whom Saul was also persecuting (22:20–23). In addition to the Books of Samuel and Kings about Israel’s history, the Chronicles describe it from the viewpoint of God’s grace.

David was publicly anointed at Hebron (meaning “association” or “fellowship”), which was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt (Num. 13:22). Zoan represents the world’s wisdom, whereas God’s wisdom to have a company of sons for Himself preceded any plan the world offers. Hebron was the right place for David to be anointed king and for the kingdom to be transferred from Saul to him (1 Chr. 12:23–40). This transfer saw all of Israel’s tribes involved, fully committed. Judah, David’s tribe, was first (v. 24), together with Simeon of the same territory (v. 25), followed by Levi (vv. 26–28), and Benjamin, Saul’s tribe (v. 29). All were for the new king.