A chord

The idea of a musical chord is a symbol or, arguably, a metaphor, for David's family and kingdom. A chord is made up of three notes, usually played in harmony to make music. Sometimes there is a dissonance or discord as some of the notes are literally up against each other. The same is true in David's family and kingdom. At times everything works together as he is building a kingdom and operating in harmony and peace. But David's sin brings in discord. The resulting consequences of death, rape, murder and treason bring division to David's household and for a period of time disloyalty in the kingdom. Among the male heirs Natan comments, "But like a harp string whose tuning key if forced a turn or two past proper pitch, tempers were pulled to their limits" ( 235).

Anointing with oil

Anointing with oil is a symbolic...