A review of 2 Samuel

A review of 2 Samuel

Title

In the original Hebrew Scriptures the two Samuel books were one book. Therefore, in the Greek and English Samuel's name was retained for second Samuel as well.

Authorship

Same as First Samuel - Anonymous.

Date

2 Samuel records the major events of David's forty year reign from 1010 B.C. - 970 B.C. As with First Samuel, it was likely composed later on, probably after the death of King Solomon.

Outline

1. The Triumphs of David (1:1-10:19)

2. The Transgressions of David (11:1-27)

3. The Troubles of David (12:1-24:25)

Plot

The central character of 2 Samuel is King David around whom the entire book is written.

Following Saul's death, David's fortunes soar. Although he had been anointed to be king much earlier, he receives the kingship of Judah with his capital at Hebron.

Seven years later sovereignty over all of Israel is his and remains so for the next 33 years.

After conquering the Jebusites at Jerusalem he made it the capital city of the whole nation and then returns the Ark of the Covenant to the center of Israel's national and religious life. The Ark had not had a permanent home since it's capture by the Philistines during the days of Eli.

The Lord honors David by giving him military victories on every hand. He conquers Moab, Ammon, Edom, Syria and he totally defeats the Philistines.

David is totally committed to promoting God's name and expresses a desire to construct a great temple to the Lord in Jerusalem. God denies David this wish but promises that his son will indeed build the temple.

More importantly, God makes an unconditional Covenant with David that his "dynasty" or "house" will never end.

Unfortunately storm clouds of shame, stress and violence darken David's life after conquest. It all begins when he yields to the triple sins of adultery, dishonesty and murder.

Confronted by Nathan the prophet, David repents and receives forgiveness from the Lord. The consequences of sin, though, fill his remaining years with great strife. Incest, murder and rebellion tear the king's family apart and break his heart.

The cruelest blow comes when his own gifted son Absalom stages a coup and sends David to exile. Absalom is eventually killed and David is restored to the throne but his grief and sorrow almost consume him.

David regains his composure and ends this book confessing his sin and building an alter to the Lord. God hears him and fellowship is restored.

Major Characters

David, Jonathan, Joab the military commander, Bathsheba, Nathan the prophet, Absalom

Major Events

David becomes king of Israel

The return of the Ark of the Covenant

The taking of Jerusalem

David's military conquests

God's covenant with David

David's adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah

Absalom's revolt

Purpose and Message

1. Same as item 1-3 in 1 Samuel

2. To describe the events and benefits of King David's reign

3. To introduce the Davidic covenant with it's promise of a permanent Messianic Kingdom in David's line (2 Sam. 7:9-16)

Return to the Old Testament from 2 Samuel