The Book of 2 Samuel

Author:

Most likely Abiathar, the priest (15:35) since Samuel had already died by the time of the writing of this book.

Setting:

Roughly 1010 - 970 B.C. during the time of the reign of King David.

Major Events:

After the death of King Saul, David is made king by the southern Jewish tribes of Judah. When the son of Saul, Ishbosbeth, dies some seven years later, David becomes the King over all of Israel. The capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites by King David establishes a new capital city for a unified nation under him and God promises David, "Your throne will be established forever" (7:16). The military victories under King David make him a strong leader, but he falls into sin by having an adulterous relationship with a neighbor, Bathsheba. To worsen matters even more, David has the husband-one of his own soldiers-of Bathsheba murdered. Nathan, the prophet, tells David about the story of a rich man who steals a poor man's sheep. This confrontation angers King David until Nathan announces, "You are the man" (12:7). A repentant David is forgiven by God, but the consequences of David's actions affects him tremendously. The baby that was to be born from the adulterous relationship with Bathsheba dies and David's family begins to fall apart. One of David's sons, Amnon, rapes his half-sister, and a second son, Absalom, full brother of the violated girl, kills Amnon in revenge. Once again, David flees for his life when Absalom conspires to steal the kingdom from David, threatening to kill him. Later on, Absalom dies in battle at the hands of King David's soldiers and David's grief is so severe that it offends his soldiers. David returns to Jerusalem after the death of his son and reasserts his power over Israel. Eventually, Bathsheba gives birth to another son of King David-Solomon.

Transcendental:

The nephew of King David killed a Philistine "of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot (21:20). David's leading soldier, Adino, killed 800 men single-handedly (23:8).

Take Away:

The story of King David in 2 Samuel highlights the vital importance of the choices that we make. With all the great accomplishments of King David throughout his reign over Israel, who would have suspected that such a man could fall miserably into great sin?