3:1
Even though we read of David assuming the kingdom of both Judah and Israel, this is really not a happy chapter. There is little mention of God, and lots of human intrigue. The chapter begins by telling us that “the war between the houses of Saul and David lasted a long time”, with the house of Saul growing progressively weaker. The writer refers to the “house of Saul” rather than Israel. The conflict is seen as one between Saul and David (even though Saul is now dead). Maybe we could see this as analogous to the war between the flesh and the spirit?
3:2-5
Next we get an update on the family of David. He now has six wives, and one child from each is named. It may be that some of the wives had more than one child, but only the firstborn is named. Whatever the case, David is acting in contravention to the Law, for Deut 17:14-20 specifically commanded that kings should not take many wives. Moreover, Maakah was not an Israelite. Some of these wives may have been taken for political wives.
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