The book is named for Samuel, the judge who anointed Saul and David, the first two kings of Israel, of whom 1 and 2 Samuel tell the story. In the Hebrew Bible 1 and 2 Samuel were originally one book. The Greek translators (second century bc), who divided the book, used the titles 1 and 2 Kingdoms.
Key Text: 7:16
"Your house and kingdom will endure before Me forever, and your throne will be established forever."
Some view David's moving the Israel's capital from Hebron to Jerusalem as the most important geographical decision in the Bible. Shown here is Warren's Shaft, an almost 50-foot vertical channel through which water came into the fortified Jebusite citadel from the Gihon Spring (2Sm 5:7–8). David and his men took this heavily fortified Jebusite stronghold by making entry through this shaft, discovered in 1867 by Sir Charles Warren, a British Army officer and archaeologist.
Key Term: "David"
The name "David" appears more than 200 times in this book. It focuses entirely on the time he was king of Israel.
One-Sentence Summary
David's reign over Israel included times of elation, such as his conquest of Jerusalem and the Lord's promise of an everlasting dynasty, as well as times of failure, such as his adultery with Bathsheba and the treason of his son Absalom.
Original Historical Setting
Author and Date of Writing
Unknown, Perhaps Around 950 bc (During Solomon's Reign).
Because 1 and 2 Samuel first existed as a single composition, see the discussion on Author and Date of Writing in 1 SAMUEL.
First Audience and Destination
Israelites Living in the Land of Israel During the Monarchy
Occasion
Unknown
Water shaft at Gibeon. Following Saul's death a crucial meeting occurred in Gibeon involving Abner and Joab, the respective generals of Saul and David (2Sm 2:12–17). A "sporting" battle (v. 14) by the pool of Gibeon ensued in which the men of Joab proved to be victorious. Archaeologists have discovered a spiraling shaft and tunnel with circular stairway leading to water and providing the city a way to get water inside the city walls during enemy attacks. Gibeon also played host to part of Sheba's rebellion against David (2Sm 20:8–13).
Purpose
Because 1 and 2 Samuel first existed as a single composition, see the discussion in the Purpose section for 1 SAMUEL.
First pass
God Establishes
Second Samuel continues the story of how God established His kingdom through the leadership of Israel's monarchy. The book begins by tracing the triumphs of David's reign, first over the tribe of Judah (2:1–32) and then over all Israel (5:1–12). David secured the borders of Israel, subjugated its enemies, and brought prosperity to the fledgling kingdom. The Davidic covenant is the theological centerpiece of the book (chap. 7). God promised David and his heirs an eternal lineage that would rule over an everlasting kingdom (7:12–16). The Davidic king was God's adopted son who ruled in the name of the Lord and enjoyed God's providential care. This covenant promise became the messianic hope of God's people. This promise is fulfilled by David's greater Son, Jesus Christ (Lk 1:31–33).
God Chastens
The sin of David and Bathsheba changes the tenor of the story from David's triumphs to his mounting troubles (11:1–27). Nathan the prophet delivered a divine oracle of judgment against David for his sin with Bathsheba (12:1–23). Unlike Saul, who tried to excuse his sin, David confessed his sins before the Lord (12:13). The child that was conceived died. God, however, gave Bathsheba the child Solomon, whom the Lord loved (12:24–25). God continued to reveal His will to David through the prophets Nathan and Gad and the priests Zadok and Abiathar (12:1–14; 15:24–29; 24:11–14). Also, He was merciful by safeguarding David during the rebellions of Absalom and Sheba (chaps. 18; 20).
God Preserves
The last section of the book is an appendix to David's career as the Lord's anointed. Here the emphasis falls on David's praise for God's sovereign mercies and the mighty warriors the Lord used in the service of the king (21:1–24:25). The stories of famine, war, and pestilence resulting from Israel's sin were fitting reminders that no king was above the word of the Lord.
The Reliability of 2 Samuel
See The Reliability of 1 and 2 Samuel in 1 Samuel
David's skill as a military leader greatly extended the territory over which a united Israel had control.
How 2 Samuel fits into God's Story
- 1. Prologue: Creation, Fall, and the Need for Redemption
- 2. God Builds His Nation (2000–931 bc)
- 3. God Educates His Nation (931–586 bc)
- 4. God Keeps a Faithful Remnant (586–6 bc)
- 5. God Purchases Redemption and Begins the Kingdom (6 bc to ad 30)
- 6. God Spreads the Kingdom Through the Church (ad 30-?)
- 7. God Consummates Redemption and Confirms His Eternal Kingdom
- 8. Epilogue: New Heaven and New Earth
Christ in 2 Samuel
As founder of the dynasty of which Jesus ("Son of David") is the eternal King, David illustrates Christ's kingship in many ways. His compassion and loyalty to Mephibosheth (9:1–13) was one example of the undeserved love we receive from God.
CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW ELEMENTS
Teachings About God
God is sovereign in carrying out His kingdom plans. His unconditional covenant with undeserving David (chap. 7) is as magnificent as His covenant with Abraham. This book also says a great deal about approaching God in worship. He desires the worship of His people, but only in the ways He has revealed, as the material about the ark of the covenant emphasizes.
Teachings About Humanity
Second Samuel throws the spotlight on one individual, David, who modeled magnificently that humans can accomplish great tasks for God when their hearts are passionately turned to pleasing him. On the other hand, David's sins and failures show that redeemed humans still must deal with the effects of the fall in their lives.
Teachings About Salvation
The account of David's adultery, Nathan's confrontation with the king, and David's subsequent repentance and restoration stand as a profound paradigm of salvation. The following exchange distills the message of redemption even today: "David responded to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' Then Nathan replied to David, 'The Lord has taken away your sin; you will not die'" (12:13). David's reflection on this experience, Psalm 51, stands unsurpassed in Scripture on the relationship between confession of sin and divine forgiveness.
Genre and Literary Style
A Historical Narrative Written in Hebrew, with a Few Passages of Poetry
The narrative of 2 Samuel focuses on David's exploits as king. His relationship to God, Israel's true King, also receives attention. The writer portrayed him realistically and was careful not to gloss over David's faults. The memorable poetic sections were David's compositions: "The Song of the Bow" (1:19–27); "Psalm of Praise" (22:1–51, which is also Psalm 18); and "David's Last Words" (23:1–7). Second Samuel in the Hebrew canon was part of the "Former Prophets." See comments on Genre and Literary Style in 2 KINGS for further material about the possible literary relationship of the "Former Prophets."
PRINCIPLE TO LIVE BY
God's Sovereign Plan (2Sm 7:1–17, Life Essentials Study Bible, p. 398–99)
Though our journey through life includes many human factors, we must remember that God's sovereign plan for each one of us continues to unfold.
