The Samson cycle of heroic legends (Judg 13–16) concludes the circle of narratives about charismatic leaders in the pre-monarchic period.
Various allusions indicate that movements similar to the Danite migration took place among other tribes, though the respective traditions have been lost.
It was in the central hill country, the strategic “saddle,” that Samuel, prophet/judge/Levite, had his “circuit” of ministry:
It appears that Israelite-Philistine relations were a continuous chain of hostile actions and reactions. The surprising Israelite victory in the days of Samuel may have brought about, in turn, more intensified efforts on the part of the Philistines.
King Solomon is credited with being the first major builder in the Davidic dynasty. David is said to have built a palace for himself with Phoenician architects (1 Chr 14:1–2; 15:2) and there is no reason tdoubt that during his long reign he did initiate his own projects.
The tragic deaths of Abner and Eshbaal led to David’s kingship over Israel and Judah. Abner was slain by Joab at Hebron.
For seven years it is said that war raged between the Davidic coalition in the south and the Saulide coalition in the north.
In the mid-eleventh century events were leading toward a decisive battle between Israel and the Philistines for supremacy in the Land of Canaan.
David’s home was Bethlehem, the key town in the true heartland of the tribe of Judah. His prowess as a warrior and as a musician enabled him to rise rapidly in the ranks of the young kingdom (1 Sam 18:13).
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