Remember how Samuel anointed David to be the next king? In the meantime, Saul was still king. God was pleased with David but not with Saul. So Saul became extremely jealous of David. Time after time, he tried to kill him. David had to live on the run. He even hid in caves in the desert. But God was with David. He delivered him over and over.

After Saul died, David came out of hiding and was crowned king. David was a good king, a man after God’s own heart. He was merciful toward Saul’s family. He ruled God’s people with wisdom and kindness. He won many battles. He became rich and famous. Everyone loved him! Would you want that? Of course! David enjoyed that too. But more than the money, fame, success, and power, he enjoyed God’s presence and promises. One night God spoke to David through the prophet Nathan. He promised David a kingdom that would never come to an end: “Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16). David was amazed. Everything was going so well! But things were about to change.