Arguments on the Bible: 2 Samuel, Isaiah, Book of Jonah, and Psalms

Professor's Name
Religion & Theology
10th, February 2021
DAVID DOES SO MANY THINGS TO FORFEIT HIS LEGITIMACY THAT IT IS SURPRISING THAT THE AUTHOR OF 2 SAMUEL STILL CONSIDERS HIM A LEGITIMATE RULER.
David's ascension to power was quite glorious and a smooth transition without bloodshed. It is a scenario that would not be expected in most cases, importantly when deposing a sitting and an alive king-King Saul. The book of 1 Samuel introduces the Israelite monarchy and rulership. The 2 Samuel elaborates on the genesis, establishment, and creation of God's preferred dynasty and ruler, David.
After Saul's death, his only surviving son Ishbaal was anointed as his successor, unanimously supported by the Israelite's northern tribes. However, perhaps through Yahweh's guidance, the southern elders went to David's military camp, Hebron. They anointed him king over the house of Judah – the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. "And they told David, saying, "the men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul" (King James Version, 2 Samuel 2:4). He eventually became God's anointed ruler over the entire of Israel, uniting all twelve tribes into a tight-knit nation. The scripture says, "so all the elders of Israel came to the King at Hebron, and king David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD. And they anointed David king over Israel" (King James Version, 2 Samuel 5:3). The book of 2 Samuel 1:19-27 opens with David learning of King Saul's death. He bitterly mourns the deaths of Jonathan, his unlikely best friend, and Saul. David portrayed personal grief over their demise despite King Saul numerously trying to have him killed before.
In the wake of his early reigns and rise to power, David was a wise and benevolent ruler loved by all. His actions were often well thought of, and he made sober decisions and rulings. The initial ten chapters of the book of 2 Samuel chronicles King David as a successful leader who reigned over Israel without any hiccups and conquered his enemies. He was righteous in God's eyes, compassionate to the poor and the sick, and was praised by the people. In 2 Samuel 6: 12-16, King David is seen having a jubilant dance for the Lord in Jerusalem's streets as his men brought back home the ark of the covenant. The ark had stayed in the house of Obed-Edom for three months-"the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household" (King James Version, 2 Samuel 6: 11).
King David's grace, kindness, and forgiveness were unrivaled. In 2 Samuel, David extends grace to Jonathan's crippled son, Mephibosheth. Jonathan was his best friend and always stood by him when Saul, his father, was king and wanted to persecute him. So David said to him, "do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather, and you shall eat bread at my table continually" (King James Version, 2 Samuel 9:7). His gesture towards Mephibosheth was applauded as it contravened how other kings would have behaved towards the heirs of a former dethroned monarchy, either have them detained, killed, or exiled. King David's triumphs...