This keepsake edition of the second book of Samuel was taken from the King James translation of the Bible. The King James Translation is a masterwork of style, and the most important book in the English language, it has been the driving force in shaping the English-speaking world for hundreds of years. The Second Book of Samuel begins as David learns that Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle at Mount Gilboa. The elders of Judah anoint David as king, but in the north Saul's son Ish-bosheth, or Ishbaal, rules over the northern tribes. After a long war, Ishbaal is murdered by Rechab and Baanah, two of his captains who hope for a reward from David; but David has them killed for killing God's anointed. David is then anointed King of all Israel. David captures Jerusalem and brings the Ark there. David wishes to build a temple, but Nathan tells him that one of his sons will be the one to build the temple. David defeats the enemies of Israel, slaughtering Philistines, Moabites, Edomites, Syrians and Arameans.