Title
In the Hebrew text, 1 and 2 Samuel originally made up one volume. Though its author is not named, tradition assigns both 1 and 2 Samuel to the prophet Samuel and credits the prophets Nathan and Gad with the completion of the volume after Samuel’s death (1 Sam. 25:1; see 1 Sam., Introduction).
Date
The Book of 2 Samuel covers the 40 years of David’s reign (1010 B.C. to 970 B.C.).
Background
Setting
As one of the historical books of the Old Testament, 2 Samuel was written primarily to give the Hebrew people the facts as well as the implications of King David’s reign. The book focuses on the effects of David’s reign on the nation from a spiritual perspective.
After the death of Saul, David first ruled over Judah in Hebron for seven and one-half years. He then united Judah with Israel and established Jerusalem as his capital city. Through military conquest and political alliances, he extended his control from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Phoenician coast. As his empire grew, David set up an efficient administration and developed trade and international relations. He also organized the nation’s religious life and encouraged musical expression. Despite domestic and political problems, which this book describes in detail, David left his son Solomon a strong, pacified kingdom.
Themes
Second Samuel is part of the larger story of God’s relationship with the people of Israel. This book focuses on King David, one of the nation’s greatest leaders. David was concerned above all with God’s approval and humbly recognized that all his victories came from the Lord. God promised to establish from David’s line a dynasty of kings that would rule forever. This covenant looks forward to the Messiah, the Son of David, and His eternal reign. David was called a man after God’s own heart; yet his sins, including adultery and murder, led to disaster in David’s family and in the nation.
Second Samuel shows how God deals with His children in sin. When they repent, their relationship with Him is fully restored, and they again can experience peace and hope. There are painful consequences to their actions that cannot be avoided, but in the midst of correction, God also reveals His grace. The people of God suffer when a leader sins; yet hope exists, even in the worst situations. God is with His people to deliver and to provide a better way.
Finally, the life of King David illustrates the danger of multiple marriages. Even when such polygamous unions are culturally acceptable, they undermine moral character and weaken parental authority. An additional consequence of polygamy is that children often suffer from jealousy, strife, and abuse (see Gen. 32, Blended Family; Prov. 28, Favoritism; 1 Tim. 3, Polygamy).
Outline
I. David’s Reign from Hebron (1:1–4:12)
A. The death of Saul and Jonathan (1:1–27)
B. The war between David’s house and Saul’s house (2:1–3:39)
1. David and Abner (2:1–3:1)
2. The birth of David’s sons in Hebron (3:2–5)
3. The defection of Abner from the house of Saul (3:6–21)
4. Joab’s murder of Abner (3:22–39)
C. The murder of Ishbosheth (4:1–12)
II. David’s Reign in Jerusalem (5:1–10:19)
A. The conquest of Jerusalem (5:1–25)
B. The moving of the ark to Jerusalem (6:1–23)
C. God’s covenant with David (7:1–29)
D. The conquests of David (8:1–18)
E. David and Mephibosheth (9:1–13)
F. David’s triumph over Ammon and Syria (10:1–19)
III. David’s Sin and Its Consequences (11:1–20:26)
A. David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah (11:1–27)
B. Nathan’s rebuke and David’s repentance (12:1–31)
C. Amnon’s sin against Tamar and Absalom’s revenge (13:1–39)
D. Absalom’s return from exile (14:1–33)
E. Absalom’s rebellion (15:1–19:8)
1. David’s escape (15:1–37)
2. David’s friends and foes (16:1–14)
3. Ahithophel’s advice (16:15–17:29)
4. Absalom’s death (18:1–19:8)
F. David’s restoration to the throne (19:9–43)
G. Sheba’s revolt (20:1–26)
IV. A Commentary on David’s Reign (21:1–24:25)
A. The execution of Saul’s descendants (21:1–22)
B. David’s song of praise (22:1–51)
C. David’s heroes (23:1–39)
D. The census and plague (24:1–25)