People of 2 Samuel

David

King of Israel who defeated Goliath and established the Davidic dynasty

The second king of the United Monarchy of Israel, a shepherd-warrior and psalmist known as a man after God's own heart.

Israel

Patriarch who wrestled with God and fathered the twelve tribes

The third patriarch of the covenant, formerly known as Jacob, who received his name after wrestling with God and became the father of the twelve tribes.

Joab, Commander of the Army

Commander of David's army who captured Jerusalem and killed Absalom

Joab was the nephew of King David and the supreme commander of Israel's military during the United Monarchy, known for his tactical brilliance and ruthless pragmatism.

Absalom

Prince of Israel who led a major rebellion against his father King David

The third son of King David, Absalom was a charismatic prince who staged a major rebellion against his father and was ultimately killed in battle by Joab.

Saul

King of Israel who was the first to rule the United Monarchy before being rejected by God

Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel from the tribe of Benjamin to lead the United Monarchy against the Philistine threat.

Abner

Commander of Saul's army who eventually sought to unite Israel under David

The commander-in-chief of King Saul’s army and a pivotal military leader during the transition of power to the house of David.

Judah, Son of Jacob

Patriarch who received the blessing of the scepter and whose lineage produced King David and Jesus Christ

The fourth son of Jacob and Leah, ancestor of the Tribe of Judah and the Davidic line, known for his leadership and pivotal role in the preservation of his family.

Amnon, Firstborn Son of David

Firstborn son of David who violated his half-sister Tamar and was later murdered by Absalom

The firstborn son of King David, Amnon is primarily known for the violation of his half-sister Tamar, an act that triggered a bloody cycle of revenge within the royal family.

The Wise Woman of Tekoa

Wise woman who used a parable to convince King David to pardon Absalom

A skilled orator from Tekoa who, under the direction of Joab, used a parabolic petition to persuade King David to reconcile with his exiled son, Absalom.

Uriah the Hittite

Elite soldier and husband of Bathsheba whose integrity was met with betrayal by King David

A loyal elite soldier in King David’s army whose integrity served as a foil to the king's adultery and eventual plot to have him killed in battle.

Jonathan, Son of King Saul

Prince of Israel and loyal friend of David who died at Mount Gilboa

A prince of Israel and renowned warrior of the Tribe of Benjamin, famous for his profound covenantal friendship with David and his loyalty to God over his own royal succession.

The Amalekite Who Claimed to Kill Saul

Young man who brought Saul’s crown to David and claimed responsibility for Saul's death

An Amalekite young man who arrived at David’s camp in Ziklag claiming to have delivered the coup de grâce to King Saul on Mount Gilboa.

Abishai

Military commander and nephew of David who served as chief of the Three and killed three hundred men in one battle

A high-ranking military commander and nephew of King David, known for his fierce loyalty, battlefield prowess, and leadership during the United Monarchy.

Ahithophel

Counselor to King David who betrayed him to join Absalom's rebellion

A renowned counselor to King David who defected to support Absalom’s rebellion, ultimately committing suicide when his advice was rejected.

Zeruiah

Mother of Joab and sister of King David whose sons were the primary military leaders of Israel

The sister of King David and mother of his three most powerful military leaders, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, during the United Monarchy.

Zadok, Priest of the United Monarchy

High priest who anointed King Solomon and established a faithful priestly dynasty

A high priest of Israel during the reigns of David and Solomon who remained loyal to the Davidic line and established a permanent priestly dynasty.

Ziba

Steward of Saul's house who provided for David during Absalom's rebellion

A servant of the house of Saul who served as an informant and steward for King David and Mephibosheth during the United Monarchy.

Benjamin, Son of Jacob

Youngest son of Jacob and the full brother of Joseph whose presence in Egypt led to his family's reconciliation

The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin was the beloved patriarch of one of the twelve tribes of Israel and a central figure in the narrative of Joseph's rise in Egypt.

Mephibosheth, Son of Jonathan

Son of Jonathan who was granted a place at King David's table despite being from the house of Saul

The grandson of King Saul and son of Jonathan who was crippled in childhood and later restored to royal honor by King David.

Tamar, Daughter of David

Daughter of King David whose violation by Amnon led to the fracture of the royal family

A princess of the United Monarchy and daughter of King David, whose tragic violation by her half-brother Amnon triggered a violent feud within the royal house.

Asahel, Brother of Joab

Nephew of David and one of 'The Thirty' known for his incredible speed

A renowned warrior and nephew of King David known for his incredible speed, who served as a commander in David's army before being killed by Abner.

Hushai

King David’s loyal counselor who served as a double agent to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel

Hushai the Archite was a loyal counselor and 'friend' to King David who served as a strategic double agent to thwart the rebellion of Absalom.

Ish-bosheth

King of Israel who succeeded Saul and fought a civil war against David

The youngest son of King Saul who reigned as the second king over Israel for two years during a period of civil war with the house of David.

Nathan the Prophet

Prophet who confronted King David about Bathsheba and delivered the Davidic Covenant

A pivotal prophet during the United Monarchy who served as King David's advisor, delivered the Davidic Covenant, and confronted the king regarding his sin with Bathsheba.

Ahimaaz, Son of Zadok the Priest

Priestly messenger who outran a Cushite to bring news to King David

A Levite priest and loyalist to King David known for his exceptional speed as a runner and his role as a tactical messenger during the rebellion of Absalom.

Abiathar

High priest who escaped the massacre at Nob and supported King David

The last high priest from the line of Eli, Abiathar was a loyal companion to David during his exile but was eventually deposed by Solomon for supporting Adonijah.

Hadadezer

King of Zobah who fought King David for control of the Euphrates region

Hadadezer, son of Rehob, was the powerful Aramean king of Zobah whose defeat by King David established Israelite dominance in the Levant during the 10th century BC.

Bichri

Father of the rebel Sheba who rose against King David

A Benjamite whose significance in the biblical narrative is defined by his son, Sheba, who led a major revolt against King David during the United Monarchy.

The Gibeonites

Canaanite group that deceived Joshua into a peace treaty

A remnant of the Amorites who used deception to secure a peace treaty with Israel during the Conquest and later became perpetual servants of the sanctuary.

Heth

Patriarch who was the son of Canaan and ancestor of the Hittite people

Heth was the son of Canaan and the eponymous patriarch of the Hittites, a significant nation in the land of Canaan during the era of the Patriarchs.

Amasa, Nephew of David

Military commander of Israel under Absalom and later David who was murdered by Joab

Amasa was a military commander and nephew of King David who served as general under Absalom and later briefly replaced Joab before his assassination.

Sheba, son of Bichri

Benjamite rebel who attempted to lead the northern tribes in a secession from King David

A Benjamite rebel who led a short-lived insurrection against King David following the defeat of Absalom during the United Monarchy.

The Wise Woman of Abel

Wise woman who saved her city by negotiating with Joab and arranging the execution of the rebel Sheba

A sagacious diplomat from Abel-beth-maacah who successfully negotiated with Joab to end a siege and prevent the destruction of her city during Sheba's rebellion.

Shimei, Son of Gera

Benjaminite who cursed King David during the rebellion of Absalom

A Benjamite who famously cursed King David during Absalom’s rebellion and was later executed under King Solomon for violating a house arrest agreement.

Ornan

Jebusite landowner who sold his threshing floor to King David as the site for the Temple

A Jebusite landowner whose threshing floor became the site of David’s altar and the subsequent location of Solomon’s Temple.

Ner

Father of Abner and uncle of King Saul who dedicated spoils to the house of God

A high-ranking Benjamite of the United Monarchy, father of the commander Abner, and uncle to Israel's first king, Saul.

Michal

Daughter of Saul who loved David and saved his life but later despised his worship

The daughter of King Saul and the first wife of King David, Michal is a complex figure who navigated the political and personal tensions of Israel's early monarchy.

Ittai the Gittite

Philistine commander who remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion

A Philistine commander from Gath who demonstrated profound loyalty to King David during Absalom’s rebellion, eventually commanding a third of David's army.

Barzillai the Gileadite

Wealthy Gileadite who provided for King David during Absalom's rebellion

A wealthy Gileadite landowner who provided critical sustenance to King David during Absalom's rebellion and declined a royal invitation to Jerusalem due to his advanced age.

Jonadab, Son of Shimeah

Nephew of David who gave Amnon the advice to trap Tamar

A cousin and advisor to Amnon, Jonadab was a shrewd man whose cunning advice facilitated the tragedy of Tamar and who later accurately predicted the murder of Amnon.

Gad, David's Seer

Prophet and seer who advised King David and designated the site for the Temple

A prominent prophet and royal seer during the United Monarchy who served as a spiritual advisor to King David and chronicled his reign.

The Cushite Messenger

Messenger who informed King David of the death of Absalom

A messenger and soldier under Joab who delivered the news of Absalom's death and victory to King David.

Aiah, Father of Rizpah

Father of Rizpah who was a concubine of King Saul

Aiah was a man of the United Monarchy period whose legacy is defined through the resilience and loyalty of his daughter, Rizpah.

Rizpah

Concubine of Saul who protected the bodies of her executed sons from scavengers

A concubine of King Saul whose grief-stricken vigil over her executed sons prompted King David to show mercy and grant the house of Saul a proper burial.

Baanah, Son of Rimmon

Assassination of King Ish-bosheth

A Benjamite leader of raiding parties who assassinated King Ish-bosheth during the United Monarchy, expecting a reward from King David but receiving execution instead.

Rechab, Captain of the United Monarchy

Military captain who assassinated King Ish-bosheth and was executed by David

Rechab was a Benjamite military leader who, along with his brother Baanah, assassinated King Ish-bosheth during the power struggle between the houses of Saul and David.

Jebusites

Patriarchal son of Canaan whose descendants founded the city of Jerusalem

A son of Canaan and the patriarchal founder of the Jebusite nation, whose descendants inhabited the hill country and the city of Jerusalem until the reign of King David.

Uzzah, Son of Abinadab

Son of Abinadab who died after touching the Ark of the Covenant

Uzzah was a son of Abinadab who was struck dead by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant during its transport to Jerusalem.

Benaiah, Son of Jehoiada

Commander of David's bodyguard who killed a lion in a pit and became Solomon's army chief

A mighty man of valor who served as the commander of King David's elite bodyguard and eventually became the commander-in-chief of King Solomon's army.

Cherethites, The Royal Bodyguard

Elite military unit that served as King David's personal bodyguard

An elite military unit serving as the personal bodyguard to King David and King Solomon during the United Monarchy.

Jehoiada, Father of Benaiah

Priestly leader of the house of Aaron and father of the mighty warrior Benaiah

A prominent Aaronic priest and military leader during the United Monarchy whose son Benaiah became the commander of Solomon’s army.

Pelethites

Elite royal bodyguard unit who remained loyal to King David and secured Solomon's throne

A specialized group of elite warriors who served as King David’s personal bodyguard and remained fiercely loyal during various rebellions.

Hanun, King of the Ammonites

King of Ammon who humiliated David’s ambassadors by shaving their beards and cutting their clothes

The son of Nahash and King of Ammon whose mistreatment of King David's ambassadors triggered a major regional war during the United Monarchy.

Archites

Patriarchal clan of counselors whose territory bordered Ephraim and whose most famous member served as King David's loyal friend

An ancient clan or patriarchal line whose territory marked the southern border of Ephraim and produced Hushai, the loyal counselor to King David.

Jonathan, Son of Abiathar the Priest

Priestly courier who carried vital intelligence to King David during the rebellions of Absalom and Adonijah

A loyal priest of the tribe of Levi who served as a courier and intelligence agent for King David during the rebellions of Absalom and Adonijah.

Rapha

Patriarch of the giants of Gath who fought against King David

An ancestral figure in Gath during the United Monarchy whose descendants were giants who fought against King David’s forces.

Rimmon

Father of Rechab and Baanah who assassinated Ish-bosheth

A Benjamite from Beeroth and the father of Rechab and Baanah, the two captains who assassinated King Ish-bosheth during the United Monarchy.

Solomon

King of Israel who built the first Temple and was famous for his wisdom

The third king of Israel who built the First Temple in Jerusalem and was renowned for his God-given wisdom and immense wealth during the United Monarchy.

Obed-edom

Levite who hosted the Ark of the Covenant and was blessed by God

A Levite during the United Monarchy who hosted the Ark of the Covenant and served as a musician and gatekeeper in the Tabernacle.

Ammiel, Father of Machir

father of Machir of Lo-debar who aided King David and Mephibosheth

Ammiel was the father of Machir of Lo-debar, a prominent landholder who provided refuge for Mephibosheth and later supported King David during Absalom’s rebellion.

Machir, Son of Ammiel

Landowner from Lo-debar who sheltered Mephibosheth and provided for David's army

A wealthy and influential landowner from Lo-debar who protected Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth and sustained King David during Absalom’s rebellion.

Shimeah, Brother of David

Third son of Jesse and brother of King David who served in Saul's army

The third son of Jesse and an elder brother of King David, Shimeah served in the army of Saul and was the father of the shrewd Jonadab and the warrior Jonathan.

Gera, Father of Shimei

father of Shimei who cursed King David

Gera was a Benjamite of the house of Saul whose primary identification in the biblical narrative is as the father of Shimei, the man who cursed King David.

Chimham

Man who joined King David's court as a surrogate for Barzillai

A man who accompanied King David to Jerusalem following the defeat of Absalom, acting as a surrogate for the elderly Barzillai the Gileadite.

Abigail, Wife of David

Wise and beautiful wife of David who prevented him from slaughtering Nabal's household

An intelligent and beautiful woman from Carmel who averted a massacre through diplomacy and later became one of King David’s primary wives.

Ahinoam of Jezreel, Wife of David

Wife of King David and mother of his firstborn son Amnon

Ahinoam of Jezreel was the first of King David's wives during his wilderness years and the mother of his firstborn son, Amnon.

Ephraim

Son of Joseph who received the firstborn blessing from Jacob

The second son of Joseph and Asenath, Ephraim was adopted by his grandfather Jacob and received the primary blessing of the firstborn, becoming the progenitor of a dominant tribe in Israel.

Nabal

Wealthy Calebite whose refusal of hospitality to David led to his divine judgment

A wealthy but harsh Calebite landowner whose refusal to offer hospitality to David nearly resulted in his household's destruction, leading to his divine judgment and death.

Talmai, King of Geshur

King of Geshur and grandfather of Absalom who provided him refuge after the murder of Amnon

Talmai was the King of Geshur during the 10th century BC and the maternal grandfather of David's son Absalom.

Abinadab, Custodian of the Ark

Custodian who housed the Ark of the Covenant in his home for twenty years

A resident of Kiriath-jearim whose household served as the sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant for twenty years following its return from the Philistines.

Ahio, Son of Abinadab

son of Abinadab who walked in front of the Ark of the Covenant on its journey to Jerusalem

A son of Abinadab who assisted in transporting the Ark of the Covenant during King David’s first attempt to bring it to Jerusalem.

Ahilud

Father of Jehoshaphat the recorder and Baana the governor

The father of Jehoshaphat the recorder and Baana the district governor during the United Monarchy of Israel.

Jehoshaphat, Recorder to David and Solomon

Royal recorder who served under both King David and King Solomon

A high-ranking royal official who served as the 'recorder' for both King David and King Solomon during the United Monarchy of Israel.

Rehob, Father of Hadadezer

Patriarch whose son Hadadezer was the king of Zobah defeated by David

Rehob was the father of Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, during the period of the United Monarchy in the 10th century BC.

Seraiah the Scribe

Royal scribe and high official under King David and father of Solomon's secretaries

High-ranking administrative official and royal scribe serving during the reign of King David and into the early United Monarchy.

Toi

King of Hamath who sent tribute to David after the defeat of Hadadezer

Toi (also spelled Tou) was the King of Hamath during the 10th century BC who established a diplomatic alliance with King David after the defeat of their mutual enemy, Hadadezer.

Shobach

Aramean general who led the forces of Hadadezer against King David

The supreme commander of the Aramean forces under King Hadadezer who led a coalition against King David during the United Monarchy.

Bathsheba

Queen mother of King Solomon and wife of David who secured the succession for her son

The daughter of Eliam, wife of Uriah the Hittite, and later the wife of King David and mother of King Solomon.

Jesse

Patriarch of the house of David and ancestor of Jesus Christ

The father of King David and a resident of Bethlehem, Jesse is a pivotal link in the genealogy of the Davidic dynasty and the Messianic line.

Hushathites

lineage of elite warriors who served as David's mighty men

The Hushathites were a group or lineage identified in the Hebrew Bible by their ancestral origin in Hushah, known primarily for their military prowess during the reign of King David.

Lahmi

Brother of Goliath who was killed by Elhanan

A Philistine warrior and brother of Goliath who was killed by Elhanan during the wars of King David’s reign.

Sibbecai

Elite warrior who killed the giant Saph during the Philistine wars

A distinguished Hushathite warrior and commander in King David's elite guard, known for slaying a Philistine giant.

Ahoah

Patriarch of the Ahohite clan within the Tribe of Benjamin

A son of Bela and grandson of the patriarch Benjamin, Ahoah was a tribal leader who gave his name to the ancestral house of the Ahohites.

Gad, Son of Jacob

Seventh son of Jacob and founder of the warrior tribe of Gad

The seventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Zilpah, Gad was a patriarch of Israel whose descendants became a warrior tribe known for their courage and inheritance east of the Jordan River.

The Hararites

Mountaineer warriors who served as King David's elite 'Mighty Men'

A group of elite mountain-dwelling warriors who served as part of King David's distinguished 'Mighty Men.'

Jashar

Scribe and purported author of the lost Book of Jashar

The eponymous figure or title associated with the 'Book of Jashar,' an ancient collection of Hebrew poetry and heroic songs documenting Israel's early military and national history.

Asher

Patriarch who founded one of the twelve tribes of Israel and was noted for the fertility of his land

Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, the second born to Zilpah, and the ancestral patriarch of the Tribe of Asher, known for the fertile lands and prosperity promised in his father's blessing.

Abital

Wife of King David and mother of Shephatiah

Abital was one of King David's wives during his reign in Hebron and the mother of his fifth son, Shephatiah.

Adonijah, Son of David

Prince who attempted to usurp the throne of King David before Solomon's coronation

The fourth son of King David, Adonijah attempted to seize the throne of Israel during his father's final days, ultimately failing and meeting his execution under King Solomon.

Chileab

Second son of King David and Abigail

Chileab was the second son of King David, born in Hebron to Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel during the United Monarchy.

Eglah

Wife of King David and mother of his son Ithream

Eglah was one of King David's wives and the mother of his sixth son, Ithream, during David's reign in Hebron.

Haggith

Mother of Adonijah and wife of King David

Haggith was one of King David's wives and the mother of Adonijah, who attempted to seize the throne during David's old age.

Ithream

sixth son of King David born in Hebron

The sixth son of King David, born to his wife Eglah during David's seven-year reign in Hebron.

Laish

Father of Palti who was given David's wife Michal by King Saul

A man from Gallim during the United Monarchy and the father of Palti, to whom King Saul gave Michal, David’s wife.

Maacah, Daughter of King Talmai

Mother of Absalom and daughter of the King of Geshur

A foreign princess and wife of King David who became the mother of Absalom and Tamar during the United Monarchy.

Palti, Husband of Michal

Husband given King Saul's daughter Michal after David fled into exile

A Benjamite from Gallim who was given King Saul’s daughter Michal in marriage after David fled the royal court.

Shephatiah, Son of David

fifth son of King David born in Hebron

Shephatiah was the fifth son of King David, born in Hebron to his wife Abital during the early years of the United Monarchy.

Eliada, Son of David

son of King David born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy

Eliada was a son of King David born in Jerusalem, listed among the children of the United Monarchy period.

Eliphelet, Son of David

son of King David born in Jerusalem

Eliphelet was a son of King David, born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy, and is listed among the royal children in the books of Samuel and Chronicles.

Elishama, Son of David

Son of King David born in Jerusalem

A son of King David born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy and listed among the royal descendants in the books of Samuel and Chronicles.

Elishua

Son of King David born in Jerusalem

A son of King David born in Jerusalem during the early years of the United Monarchy.

Hiram, King of Tyre

King of Tyre who provided the timber and labor for Solomon's Temple

A Phoenician monarch who served as a critical ally to both King David and King Solomon, providing essential materials and labor for the construction of the Jerusalem Temple.

Ibhar

Son of King David born in Jerusalem

Ibhar was a son of King David, born in Jerusalem during the era of the United Monarchy.

Japhia, Son of David

Son of King David born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy

Japhia was a son of King David born in Jerusalem, listed among the children born to David after he established his throne in the holy city.

Jerusalem_wives

Woman living at the time of United Monarchy

Nathan, Son of David

son of David and Bathsheba who appears in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke

Nathan was a son of King David and Bathsheba, born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy, and is listed as a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ in the genealogy provided by Luke.

Nepheg, Son of David

Son of King David born in Jerusalem

Nepheg was a son of King David born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy, listed among the children of David's Jerusalem wives.

Shammua, Son of David

Son of King David and Bathsheba born in Jerusalem

Shammua was a son of King David and Bathsheba, born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy as a full brother to King Solomon.

Shobab, Son of David

Son of King David and Bathsheba born in Jerusalem

Shobab was a son of King David and Bathsheba, born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy of Israel.

Nacon

Landowner of the threshing floor where Uzzah touched the Ark

Nacon was the owner of a threshing floor where Uzzah was struck dead while attempting to steady the Ark of the Covenant during its journey to Jerusalem.

Ahimelech, Son of Abiathar

Priest who assisted King David in organizing the divisions of the sanctuary service

A high-ranking priest during the reign of King David and a member of the line of Ithamar who assisted in the organization of the sanctuary service.

Ahitub, Father of Zadok

Levite of the line of Eleazar and the father of the High Priest Zadok

Ahitub was a Levite of the line of Eleazar and the father of Zadok, who served as the prominent High Priest during the reigns of King David and King Solomon.

Joram, Son of Toi

Prince of Hamath who brought tribute to King David after the defeat of Hadadezer

Joram was the son of King Toi of Hamath who was sent as an ambassador to King David to offer tribute and congratulations following David's victory over the Syrians.

Micah, Grandson of Jonathan

grandson of Jonathan and son of Mephibosheth who continued the lineage of King Saul

The son of Mephibosheth and grandson of Jonathan, Micah was a member of the royal house of Saul during the reign of King David.

Nahash, Father of Hanun

King of the Ammonites who showed kindness to King David during the United Monarchy

Nahash was a King of the Ammonites during the United Monarchy who showed kindness to King David and was the father of Hanun.

Abimelech, Son of Gideon

Son of Gideon who murdered his seventy brothers to become king

A son of Gideon who usurped power as a king in Shechem after murdering his brothers, only to die in battle when a woman dropped a millstone on his head.

Eliam, Father of Bathsheba

father of Bathsheba and grandfather of King Solomon

Eliam was a man of the United Monarchy best known as the father of Bathsheba and a relative by marriage to King David.

Gideon

Judge who defeated the Midianites with only three hundred men

A reluctant judge and military leader of Israel who defeated the Midianites with a small band of three hundred men after seeking divine signs.

Ammihud

Man living at the time of United Monarchy

Tamar

Absalom's daughter living at the time of United Monarchy