David: The Lion of Judah

By Polly McBee Hutchison

David’s saga continues as he becomes King of Judah. Although he finds the great love of his life, he is faced with overwhelming problems. Beginning with Jonathan he loses the most important people in his life. Even though he has many sons, the son everyone believes is his firstborn and heir could be the son of the Amalakite raider who took Ahinoam prisoner. While David tries to find a peaceful way to unite the rival Kingdom of Judah under his rule, Joab takes matters into his own hands, which leads to the destruction of David’s plans. Forced to banish Joab in an attempt to salvage something from this disaster, Abishai angrily leaves David’s service. Now without the support and protection of his nephews, not only is the kingdom in danger, but David’s life is at risk.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Mar 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781532071065

Polly McBee Hutchison

Polly McBee Hutchison was an Army Brat. She attended jr high in Junction City, Kansas and at the Army School in Ft. Levenworth, Kansas. She attended High School in the Army school in Sendai, Japan and graduated at East Point, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia for two years, and graduated from Eastern Montana College. She taught history and English at the jr high and high school levels, and authored the world history textbook STREAMS OF CIVILIZATION used in schools and in home schooling. She was the winner of the Evangelical Press Association national bi-centennial writing contest. She has lived in Wyoming, Colorado, California, Florida and Hawaii. She now resides in Chandler, Arizona. Her website is www.pollymcbee.com.

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Copyright © 2019 Polly McBee Hutchison.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-7105-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-7106-5 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 03/19/2019

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 1

Leaving the city of Ziklag, David’s people began the leisurely journey to Hebron, where he was to be crowned King of Judah. First they stopped in Carmel to check on how his wife, Abigail’s, property was prospering.

The next day, as David left Carmel, the streets were lined with people cheering and singing. He soon discovered the people of Judah, aware of his trek to Hebron, were leaving their villages and coming to get a glimpse of their future king. They were not disappointed, for at thirty David presented a magnificent figure. Although not as tall as most of his men, his auburn hair and red beard made him distinctive in an area where almost everyone had dark hair and eyes.

David found it more difficult to be gracious when the people of Ziph came out to cheer. He could too easily remember when these people not only betrayed him but guided Saul’s army in an attempt to capture him. Abishai, David’s tall dark nephew who since fourteen had guarded his back, said acidly,

If this wasn’t such a joyous occasion I would remind them of their treachery, and mete out a just reward.

David placed a restraining hand on his nephew’s arm, Let it be, Abishai. As you said, this is a joyous occasion, and even in the moment of triumph we can’t afford to alienate any of our people. We are going to be involved in a long process of trying to turn individual cities, villages and tribes into a strong unified kingdom. We need to leave the past in the past.

The closer they came to Hebron, the larger became the crowds lining the road. Finally David decided since the people wanted a spectacle, to provide one for them. Picking out thirty of his mightiest captains to act as his escort, he walked at their head, leaving the rest of the men, women, children and pack animals to slowly bring up the rear. As the people cheered, David would wave first at one side of the road, and then the other. Before they reached Hebron he decided waving at crowds could be as hard on the arm as wielding a sword in battle, and his face felt stiff from smiling.

Upon reaching the gates of Hebron, all the elders of Judah were gathered to greet him, and as one, went to their knees before him. David immediately bade them rise, uncomfortable with having elderly men kneeling to him.

Once the welcomes were over, David was taken to the Great House, which would now be his home. The elders took him though the rooms, and after the much smaller quarters in Ziklag, David was afraid he would rattle around in so large a house. When he mentioned this to Ahithophel, his most valued counselor just laughed saying,

In a couple of years you will be wishing for a larger residence.

David chuckled, I won’t argue with you. I’ve already seen how you seem to have an uncanny knack for predicting the future, but how you think I could so quickly outgrow this house puzzles me.

I will not try to explain now, My Lord, but you will come to see I am right.

David had a servant sent to the camp to escort his wives, Abigail and Ahinoam, to their new home. As when in Ziklag, he left it up to the women to settle which rooms they chose for their own. He did not wish to become involved in the petty details of running his home.

Ahinoam took precedence although the youngest, because she had been wed to David the longest. The daughter of one of the most prominent men in northern Israel, she had married David shortly after he became a fugitive. She chose the largest room for herself, and chose her decorations based on their value ignoring the disharmony this produced.

Abigail had met David when her husband had refused to provide him with supplies in exchange for the protection given his shepherds during the winter. She had brought provisions just in time to prevent David’s punitive raid on her home. When her husband died a few days later, she had married David. Now she was just happy to no longer be sharing quarters with the self-centered and often petulant Ahinoam. Choosing her furnishings for comfort, she created a peaceful haven where David could relax at the end of the day.

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The night before his crowning, David remained awake praying earnestly for God to guide and help him rule wisely. Now that the time had arrived when he would actually become a king, he felt woefully inadequate. It seemed such a gigantic undertaking, turning the individual tribes into one nation. Israel was faced with so many external enemies, and split by so many internal conflicts and divisions, it seemed totally impossible.

At least he was coming to the throne with the blessing of the Philistines, who had agreed to him becoming King of Judah, hoping he would fight a civil war with Saul’s youngest son, Ishobeth, who had been crowned King of Israel in Mahanaim. Realizing this would weaken both kingdoms, David intended to do no such thing, believing God would give him the entire kingdom, even as the Prophet Samuel foretold many years ago.

Although he couldn’t see that he had any abilities, or for that matter experience, that would automatically make him a good king, he realized that with God nothing was impossible.

Even as he thought on these things, his mind went back to the time when he had been promoted Captain over a Thousand. He had only been Captain over a Hundred for a year, and knew nothing about organization, strategy or commanding a large group of men. Because of his inexperience, King Saul had expected him to be killed in battle. However, he had taken his dear friend, Jonathan’s advice. (Ruthlessly David pushed away the devastating pain that always assailed him when reminded of Jonathan’s recent death at the disasterous Battle of Gilboa.) Jonathan had encouraged him to rely upon the experience of his captains, and as a result his men had become famous for their many victories. He realized he already had good advisors. Now he would have to find men he could rely upon in every aspect of ruling his kingdom, trusting their wisdom and experience to guide him until he could take full control. Perhaps it was a good thing he was beginning to rule over the Tribe of Judah only. When he gained enough experience, then he would be able to handle the extra difficulties of molding together the rest of Israel’s twelve tribes.

As morning arrived, Abigail and Ahinoam sent word they would like to see him. When they arrived, arms loaded with clothing, David remembered how they had prepared special garments for him to wear for his first interview with King Achish of Gath. Now he could see they had been hard at work preparing him garments fit for a king.

When Abigail stepped forward, the lamplight reflecting highlights from her light brown hair, David noticed with a frown that this time he was not to wear a tunic. As they arranged the long inner garment, he remembered the problems he’d experienced when he had been forced to borrow the long robes of Ahinoam’s father, Zoar, when he had brought his wounded nephew, Abishai, to Zoar’s home for medical treatment. Only used to a simple tunic, he had almost tripped when he tried walking in the unaccustomed longer garment. On this solemn occasion, the last thing he wanted was to stumble in the unaccustomed clothing. However, he couldn’t bring himself to hurt his wives when they had obviously taken so much trouble to prepare these garments for him.

The outer robe was gorgeous. Made from some Philistine weave, it had many colors, and the turban they arranged on his head was a perfect match. They insisted he wear many rings, chains and bracelets, and a large gem was set in the folds of the turban.

Abigail smiled, You can hand the turban to Abishai when the High Priest is ready to pour the anointing oil on your head. Her pride in him was in her voice and eyes and once again he was grateful to his nephew, Joab, who had insisted he marry her.

Looking over at Ahinoam, he again marveled at how her otherwise good looks were marred by her eyes being too close together. He could see her uncertainty. A word now would restore her confidence and her position, but all he could remember was her flirty voice and giggle before he entered the tent and found her in bed with the Amalakite raider who had taken her prisoner. He had not put her away for political reasons, but he could not bring himself to resume intimate relations with her. Therefore, he thanked them both impartially and left to join his honor guard who would escort him to the sacred shrine where he would be crowned.

Abishai, his leather armor shining, took up his position directly behind David, his sword drawn, ready even in so sacred an occasion to protect his uncle.

As David stepped out of the house, he stood still for a moment in amazement. Apparently during the night people had been coming into Hebron from all over Judah. The city was jammed, and the air crackled with expectancy. David’s men were standing in front of his house, ready to form an escort. His oldest nephew, Joab, his squat muscular figure set off by his armor, called out an order and the thousand men, as one, came to attention.

As David started down the stairs, the priests began blowing on the ram’s horn trumpets, and immediately the crowd began roaring, the high pitched trilling cries of the women blending with the throaty yells of the men making an overwhelming noise. David thought it possible his parents in far away Bethlehem would be able to hear, and thus share in their son’s triumph. He did not have to worry about tripping over his long garment. The pace set by the priests was very slow and sedate.

The soldiers parted ranks as David approached, some going before, some taking up the rear, the rest marching on each side. It soon became evident this was necessary, as the people lining the way surged forward, each wanting to touch this hero who for years had been a legend, and was now about to become their king.

Young women, carrying their tambourines, led the procession, singing and dancing, but David could not make out their words, their song just a part of the general cacophony.

The procession wound its way to the most sacred shrine in Israel, the tomb of Abraham. At the altar before the shrine, two men stood dressed in the garments of the High Priest. The sacrificial lamb was on the altar. As the procession approached, the rest of the priests went to stand behind the High Priests, while the soldiers formed a ring around the area to keep the excited crowds from coming closer.

David went to where the two men stood, waiting for an explanation. Abiathar, was the son of the former High Priest. He had escaped the slaughter when King Saul had ordered God’s priests killed and their city destroyed for helping David. Abiathar had taken the Holy Ephod and joined David, where he served as priest during his years as a fugitive.

Now he stepped forward saying, This is Zadok, Lord. While I have been with you, he has been serving as Israel’s High Priest, and now he claims the right to anoint and crown you. The petulance in Abiathar’s voice was enough to alert David to the fact this was his first major crisis as king.

For a few minutes he stood thinking, then in his most authoritative voice announced, Abiathar has been with me during all my years as a fugitive, and his family paid with their blood because of a mistake I made, therefore Abiathar should be High Priest.

Abiathar shot a triumphant glance at Zadok. David raised a hand and continued, That Zadok has been performing the duties of High Priest for all these years indicates he should remain as High Priest.

Now both men looked confused as David continued, It is my judgment that the two of you should share the duties of High Priest.

But Lord, Zadok started to protest, then stopped as he looked into David’s cold golden eyes.

David snapped, I have had two wives sharing the same tent in harmony for many years. Surely two men, guided by the Spirit of the Lord, can work out the details of sharing this position. You can begin by sharing in my coronation. One of you can pour the oil of consecration and pronounce the prayer of dedication. The other can place the crown and pronounce the blessing, and you can both oversee the sacrifice.

The two men looked at each other, then whispered together. Receiving Zadok’s signal, David removed his turban, handing it to Abishai, and went down on his knees. Immediately a hush fell over the crowd, and the sudden quiet after so much noise was almost unnerving.

Zadok raised high the Holy Anointing Oil in its elaborately decorated ram’s horn. Do you, David, swear to defend and protect the people of Judah, to uphold God’s holy laws, to administer justice and judgment impartially and to rule to the best of your ability in a Godly manner?

David’s voice shook with emotion as he responded, I will.

I now anoint you King of Judah.

The rich smelling oil poured over his head and trickled down his beard. Instantly the odor carried him back in time to that long ago day at his father’s house when, unsuspecting what was about to happen, he had first knelt before the Prophet Samuel. As the oil was still running down his face, he had objected, because he had not wanted to steal his best friend, Jonathan’s birthright. Now here he was, Samuel’s prophecy fulfilled in part, and Jonathan had just died and was unable to share the moment with him.

The thought filled him with such overwhelming grief he was surprised as the unaccustomed weight of Saul’s crown was placed on his head. (A man claiming to have killed Saul at Gilboa had brought it to him.) Abiathar then raised his hands and holding them over David’s head pronounced the ancient blessing Moses taught his people all those centuries earlier:

The Lord bless and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you,

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you,

And give you peace.

As David rose to his feet the people once again began cheering and yelling. The priests blew upon the ram’s horns. David turned to face the people, and Abishai dropped to his knees, placing his sword at David’s feet saying,

When you first gave me this sword, I swore to protect and defend you with my life. My Lord King, I now renew my oath.

Instantly his entire army fell to their knees, and then the people. David was the only person in that vast concourse still standing. The awesome responsibility of the position he now held washed over him, and he silently prayed,

"Oh God of my Fathers, give me the wisdom and ability to rule as You would have me rule."

Then he called out, You may rise.

As everyone rose to their feet, they began chanting, God save the King! God save the King!

Once again, ringed by his soldiers, David walked back through the streets of Hebron to his house. All the way the people called out, God save the King! It seemed like some strange dream, and David realized it would take him a while to get used to thinking of himself as a king.

As he entered the house, David signaled Abishai to come with him, and together they entered David’s apartment. With a sigh of relief, David sank into a chair, saying:

Abishai, would you mind pouring us some wine? I’d just as leave not have a servant fawning over me right now.

Abishai walked over to the sideboard and poured two cups of wine. Seeing some bread and cheese laid out on