2 Samuel: The Reign of David

At a Glance

2 Samuel at a Glance

Author. Not named. First and Second Samuel were one book in the Hebrew Bible, so see the notes on 1 Samuel. The prophets Nathan and Gad, who knew David well, probably helped record his reign (1 Chronicles 29:29).
Date. David's forty-year reign, about 1011 to 971 BC: seven years and six months at Hebron over Judah, and thirty-three years at Jerusalem over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:4–5). The book reached its final form after the kingdom divided in 931 BC (1 Samuel 27:6).
Written To. Israel under the kings, to show what a godly king looks like, what sin costs him, and how God's promise to David stands.
Setting. Hebron, then Jerusalem, which David took from the Jebusites and made his capital. Battlefields run from the Philistine coast to Syria.
Key Verse. thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever (2 Samuel 7:16).
Key Word or Theme. David's kingdom. God promises David a house, a kingdom, and a throne for ever, and David learns what it costs to fall.

For Deeper Study

Be RestoredAmazon Warren W. WiersbeA practical study of 2 Samuel (with 1 Chronicles) that deals honestly with David's fall and God's restoration.
The Making of a Man of God: Studies in the Life of DavidAmazon Alan RedpathA well-loved series of sermons (1962) on David's life, by a British Baptist pastor, with strong application.
David: A Man of Passion and DestinyAmazon Charles R. SwindollA warm and readable study of David's life, honest about both his faith and his failures.
Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.

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1 Samuel

First Samuel tells how Israel moved from the judges to the kings, asking for a king like the nations, receiving Saul, and then seeing the LORD choose David, a man after His own heart.

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