The book of 2 Samuel also preserves two songs of David: a lament for Saul and Jonathan (1) and a prayer of thanks for deliverance (22). It narrates David's military victories over Philistia , Moab ...

Second Samuel begins with David at the peak of his career. Saul, who had attempted to kill him, ... In order to estimate military potential, David undertook a census (24:1–9).