2 Samuel 5

Yes, the war is over. All the tribes of Israel came and paid homage to David. David made a covenant with the tribes and is anointed king over Israel.

The chapter covers a few high points of his reign:

David was 30 years old when he became king at Hebron. He reigned there for 7 ½ years before becoming king over all Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem for 33 years.

David’s first order of business – move his capital. His actions are not explained (i.e., why move to Jerusalem?), but he attacks Jerusalem and wrests it from the Jebusites. Afterwards, he takes up residence and builds up the city.

The King of Tyre sends a bunch of building supplies for the construction of David’s palace. David also marries more women and has a lot more children.

That appears to be the highlight reel. Now for the nitty-gritty of David’s reign.

The Philistines heard that David is now king of Israel (yes, he was a turncoat after all), so they move their armies into the Valley of Rephaim. David asks God what he should do (a smart move) and God says go attack the Philistines. David is unleashed on the Philistines. The Philistines abandon their idols and David and his men carry them off. Why is David carrying off the idols as opposed to destroying them on the ground? – I don’t know.

The Philistines move into the Valley of Rephaim again. God gives David a battle strategy to attack from the rear. David does this and defeats the Philistines again.