House of Saul

The narrative further presents Saul as a representative of the Tribe of Benjamin and David as a representative of the Tribe of Judah, and covers the story of the dynasties which the two founded: the House of Saul and the House of David.

[1] This is not the only Biblical narrative of an Israelite or Juhadite leader gaining an important victory.

The narrative was more important than a mere victory in battle or the establishment of a state, because it depicted the foundation of the kingdom where the audience lived.

[1] The narrative defends the legitimacy of David and his dynasty, and accomplishes this through the delegitimization of the House of Saul.

There, Shimei ben Gera accuses David of having murdered the House of Saul.

In 2 Samuel, 20:1, Sheba son of Bichri of the Tribe of Benjamin proclaims a rebellion against the House of David.

In 2 Samuel, 5:5, the narrative reports that David ruled over Judah at the capital city of Hebron for 7 years and 6 months, before reigning over Israel.

In 2 Samuel 3:10, Abner states his intentions to set up the throne of David over both kingdoms, Israel and Judah.

[1] The Saul-David narrative depicts the House of David gaining the throne without resorting to illegal actions, such as usurpation or acts of violence.

The kingdom of northern Israel then sent representatives to David at the city of Hebron, where they anointed him king.

The reign and death of Ishbaal are recorded in 2 Samuel, but omitted entirely in the Books of Chronicles.