After many long years of preparation, David finally assumed the throne as Israel’s king. God had taken David through many battles. Now it was time for David to take his rightful place as God’s chosen leader of God’s chosen people.
The Book of 2 Samuel records the highlights of King David’s reign, first over the territory of Judah, and finally over the entire nation of Israel. It traces the ascension of David to the throne, his ugly sins of adultery and murder, and the shattering consequences of those sins upon his family and the nation.
Second Samuel paints a picture of a man who loved God deeply, a leader of God’s own choosing who became Israel’s greatest king, a warrior who fought and won many battles on behalf of his God and his people. David truly was a hero of the faith—but he was far from perfect. Second Samuel also tells the story of David’s fall into sin, his repentance, and his restoration. David, the warrior king, could often be drawn aside by his passions.
Still, David never lost his desire to know and please God. He became mighty in spirit because he never wavered in his love for God. David grew close to the Lord because of his heart’s desire to spend time alone with the Lord. This is where spiritual greatness is born—in the presence of God.
Second Samuel teaches us that God isn’t looking for perfect people to serve Him, but rather for those who have a heart of love and commitment for Him and who will willingly present themselves and all their flaws and imperfections to Him for service.
Themes: God will sovereignly act to bring about His own perfect will. Despite much opposition and several brushes with death, David ascended to the throne in God’s way and in God’s timing. Second Samuel also shows us that we never get away with sin and that it always has consequences. At the same time, we see that God loves to forgive and restore us.
Author: Unknown
Time: David became King of Judah around 1010 B.C. and over all of Israel around 1004 B.C. His reign lasted 40 years.
Structure: Second Samuel can be divided into four parts: David’s ascension to the throne and his early reign (chapters 1–9); his great military conquests (chapter 10); his falling into sin and the resulting consequences (chapters 11–19); and the last years of his reign (chapters 20–24).
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As you read 2 Samuel, watch for several life principles that play an important role in this book: 10. If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to show us His will. See 2 Samuel 2:1. 23. You can never outgive God. See 2 Samuel 7:1–17. 6. You reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow. See 2 Samuel 12:7–12. 16. Whatever you acquire outside of God’s will eventually turns to ashes. See 2 Samuel 15:13, 14. 8. Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time. See 2 Samuel 15:31. |