Upon learning of Saul's defeat by the Philistines, David sings a song lamenting the deaths of Saul and his friend, Jonathan. David goes to Hebron, where his followers and the southern tribe of Judah anoint him as king. Meanwhile, Saul's chief commander, Abner, garners the support of the northern tribes and instates Saul's son, Ish-Bosheth, as king of Israel. A war ensues between the conflicting regimes, played out in a series of small hand-to-hand contests between Abner's men and the army of Joab, David's general.When Ish-Bosheth falsely accuses Abner of sleeping with one of the royal concubines, Abner defects to David's court. David welcomes Abner's support. Abner convinces the other tribes to recognize David's claim to the throne. Joab, however, seeks revenge for his brother's earlier death at Abner's hands, and he stabs Abner in secret. David's public censure of Joab and mourning for Abner wins Israel's respect, and two of Ish-Bosheth's men betray their ruler by presenting David with the severed head of the northern king. David is horrified that they have killed an innocent man, and he publicly executes these men. The united tribes declare David king of Israel.David leads the Israelites in conquering the city of Jerusalem, a Canaanite stronghold lingering in the heart of Israel's territory. He erects his palace there and calls it "The City of David" or "Zion." Growing in power, David quells the ever-present Philistine threat in a decisive military victory. With the help of thirty thousand Israelites, David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem in an elaborate procession. Amidst shouting and music, David dances and leaps in front of the Ark, to the embarrassment of his wife Michal. David rebukes her, claiming that he will humiliate himself as much as he wants so long as it pleases God. God is pleased that David has made a permanent home for the Ark and reveals a message to David's prophet, Nathan.
