The book of 2 Samuel picks up Israel's story where 1 Samuel ended. After Saul's death, the people recognized David as their new king, first by the tribe of Judah in chapter 2, and then by all the remaining tribes in chapter 5. Chapters 6-10 depict the success and glory of David's reign and recount his faith and his glorious victories over Israel's enemies.
But David falls into sin. In chapter 11, he commits adultery with Bathsheba and has her husband, Uriah, killed in battle. That ugly episode began the decline of both David's family (chapters 13-14) and his kingdom (chapters 15-20).
Chapters 21-24 close the story with God's gracious restoration of David and his kingdom.
What does it say?
The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are two halves of one book. Second Samuel tell the story of David's reign as king over Israel. It records David's acceptance as king, first by Judah and then by all the tribes. David then rises to great prominence, bringing prosperity and power to the kingdom of Israel. The borders of Israel are extended and justice is the norm within the entire land. It is a great day for the people of God. And God promises David that a king from his line would reign forever. (2 Samuel 7)
But there is a tragic side to the story as well. Two chapters (11-12) tell of David's adulterous affair with Bathsheba, his murderous attempt to cover the crime, and his heart-wrenching repentance before the prophet Nathan. And eight full chapters (13-20) describe the problems David had with his son, Absalom. The book comes to a close with some final reflections on David's long reign as the king of Israel.
Faces & Places
David, Israel's second king is the main character of this book. God sends the prophet Nathan to help David and to rebuke him when David falls into sin with Bathsheba, an attractive married women living in view of David's palace roof top.
Many chapters of the book revolve around Absalom, David's favorite son. Absalom leads a rebellion against his father and attempts to become king himself. The plot is defeated and Absalom is killed, and David's favorite son is lost.
Joab is David's general, the leader of David's mighty military power, and also the man who personally killed Absalom, bringing great sorrow to his master.
Key Verses & Themes
The Davidic Covenant:
2 Samuel depicts David as the true (though not entirely perfect) representative of the ideal theocratic king; a king who would genuinely rule for God. In the course of David's reign, God makes a promise to David. Israel will always have a king from David's family. David's throne will be established forever.
2 Samuel 7:12-13 "When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."
2 Samuel 7:16 "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever."
So what?
The cost of sin is very high indeed! David's sin with Bathsheba (chapters 11-12) and his leniency with his wicked sons (13:21; 14:1, 33; 19:4-6) and insubordinate general (3:29, 39; 20:10, 23) had a tremendous cost to David's family and to the nation under his stewardship. Sometimes it is easy to see the connection between sin and its results, and sometimes it is not. But there are results.
Paul tells us that the stories of the Old Testament have been written for our example (1 Corinthians 10:6). Perhaps we would be well advised to look at our lives and ask which of our problems can be related to our sin.
