Stories from and about David's reign provide the background and justification for the accession of Solomon.

Unlike the other prominent patriarchs of Israel, whose names also function as tribal or local designations, the Abraham who stands at the beginning of the patriarchal traditions appears to have been a historical individual before he became the subject of tradition and legend.

Seeing David in historical perspective means to see Israel's greatest king as a military commander superior to all others of his region, yet strangely flawed in personal and governmental affairs.