2 Samuel 1-4

David is filled with grief upon learning of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. After all this time, David still loved Saul and respected him as the anointed king of Israel. Only after Saul's death is David anointed the new king by the men of Judah. A war between the house of Saul and that of David (essentially, David and the men of Judah) ensued. After some internal quarreling in the house of Saul, and some pitched battles, Abner (the leader of the house of Saul) and David were reconciled and made peace. But Joab, one of David's men, harbored a grudge against Abner for causing the death of one of Joab's brothers. Joab attempted to deceive David about Abner's intentions, pursued Abner, and then killed Abner after tricking him into letting down his guard. David grieved once again, saying "You must recognize that a great general has fallen today in Israel." Thereafter, thinking they were acting in a manner that would please David, two leaders in the army of the house of Saul murdered one of Saul's sons in his bed while he slept. When they brought his head to David, David was again troubled. He killed the men for having murdered an innocent man.

This is, to me, a confusing series of events. In 1Samuel, David showed mercy to Saul time and again. He always respected Saul and showed him honor and deference as the king of Israel--even when Saul sought David's death. David continued to show Saul honor and respect after his death, openly grieving and punishing those who brought about the death of Saul and his sons. There is something about David's love and faithfulness even in the face of Saul's open hostility and attempts at violence toward David that suggests the infinite love and mercy God has for us--for me.