THE BOOK OF II SAMUEL
Introduction:
“As First Samuel marks the failure of man in Eli, Saul, and even Samuel, so Second Samuel marks the restoration of order through the enthroning of God’s king, David. This book also records the establishment of Israel’s political centre in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6-12), and her religious centre in Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 6:1-17). When all was thus ordered, Jehovah established the great Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-17) out of which all kingdom truth is henceforth developed. David, in his ‘last words’ (2 Samuel 23:1-7), describes the millennial kingdom yet to be.” — Scofield.
Author: Unknown; “This book, in many copies of the Hebrew Bible, is carried on without any new title put unto it; the reason of it is, because, by some, this, with the preceding, has been reckoned but one book: hence the Jews say, Samuel wrote his book, not his books;” —-John Gill’s Expositor
Main Subject: The reign of David.
First Period:
The Early Years of the Reign: During this period the king, although engaged in military campaigns common to the age, yet he manifested a spiritual mind.
1) Preliminary Events.
a. The execution of the Amalekite who slew King Saul, 2 Samuel 1:2-16.
b. David’s lamentation for Saul and Jonathan, 2 Samuel 1:17-27.
2) David Anointed King over Judah, 2 Samuel 2:4.
3) The Battle between the followers of David and the servants of Ishbosheth, 2 Samuel 2:8-32.
4) Facts which Indicate the Kings’ Godliness:
a. His seeking the divine direction, 2 Samuel 2:1.
b. His punishment of those who sought to curry favor by assassinating his rival, 2 Samuel 4:5-12.
c. His discernment, after having been exalted to be king over all Israel, in perceiving that his promotion had come from God, 2 Samuel 5:1-12.
d. His humility in attributing his military success to divine power, 2 Samuel 5:20.
e. His enthusiasm for the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, 2 Samuel 6:1-5.
f. His desire to build a temple for Jehovah and the dedication of great treasures for its erection, 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18.
g. His kindness to the son of Jonathan, 2 Samuel 9.
The Middle Period
1) The King’s great Military Successes, 2 Samuel 10.
2) His Fall and Punishment
a. Tempted while at ease, 2 Samuel11:1-2.
b. His pollution of a humble home and murder of Uriah, 2 Samuel 11.
c. Divine judgments overtake him:
1. In the denunciation by Nathan, the prophet, 2 Samuel 12:1-14.
2. In the death of the babe, 2 Samuel 12:15-19.
3. In the corruption of his son Ammon, 2 Samuel 13:1-20.
4. In his son Absalom’s rebellion, 2 Samuel 15:1–18:33.
Final Period: David’s Last Years, 2 Samuel 20:1–24:25.
Choice Selections:
1) David’s generosity to Mephibosheth, 2 Samuel 9.
2) Nathan’s Parable, 2 Samuel 12:1-6.
3) David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving, 2 Samuel 22:1.