1Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, “Look, we are your own flesh and blood. 2In the past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel in and out; and the LORD said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be ruler over Israel.’” 3So there at Hebron, King David made a covenant before the LORD with all the elders of Israel; and they anointed David king of Israel. 4David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5He reigned over Judah in Hebron for seven years and six months; and then he reigned over Israel and Judah in Jerusalem for thirty-three years.

6And the king led his men to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there; and the Jebusites said to David, “Even the blind and the lame (the weakest among us), will prevent you from coming in here!” They were that confident that king David could never get in there. 7Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion; which is now called the city of David. 8For David had said on that day, “Whoever would conquer the Jebusites will have to use the water shaft to reach ‘the lame and the blind’, who are David's enemies.” That is why they say, “The blind and the lame shall not enter the palace.” 9So David took up residence in the fort, and he named it “The city of David.” And David built up the area around it from the terraces at Millo inward. 10And David grew more powerful, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

11And Hiram, king of Tyre, sent envoys to David, along with cedar trees, carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house. 12And David perceived that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people, Israel.

13And David took to him more concubines and wives at Jerusalem, after he had come from Hebron; and there were yet more sons and daughters born to David. 14Here are the names of those who were born to him at Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 15Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet.

17When the Philistines learned that they had anointed David king over Israel, the Philistines came up in full force after David; but David heard they were coming, and went down to the stronghold. 18Then the Philistines went there, as well, and arrayed themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 19And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up to attack the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” And the LORD said, “Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 20And so David went to Baal-perazim, and attacked them there, and said, “The LORD has broken out upon my enemies before me, like surging water.” Therefore, he called the name of that place “Baal-perazim” (The LORD bursts out). 21And there the Philistines abandoned their images (idols), and David and his men burned them.

22And the Philistines came up, and again deployed themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 23And when David inquired of the LORD, He said, “You shall not go straight up; but circle around behind them, and come at them opposite the mulberry trees. 24And when you hear what sounds like marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall move quickly; for then shall the LORD go before you, to strike the army of the Philistines.” 25And David did as the LORD had commanded him; and struck the Philistines from Geba until you come to Gazer.