April 5, 2025

David, David, David

2 Samuel 22-24

Ryan Lenamon
Saturday's Devo

April 5, 2025

Saturday's Devo

April 5, 2025

Big Book Idea

From David's line will come a ruler who will sit on the throne forever!

Key Verse | 2 Samuel 22:2-4

He said,

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies."

2 Samuel 22-24

Chapter 22

David's Song of Deliverance

And David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said,

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my 1 22:3 Septuagint (compare Psalm 18:2); Hebrew lacks my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
    my stronghold and my refuge,
    my savior; you save me from violence.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

For the waves of death encompassed me,
    the torrents of destruction assailed me; 2 22:5 Or terrified me
the cords of Sheol entangled me;
    the snares of death confronted me.

In my distress I called upon the LORD;
    to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
    and my cry came to his ears.

Then the earth reeled and rocked;
    the foundations of the heavens trembled
    and quaked, because he was angry.
Smoke went up from his nostrils, 3 22:9 Or in his wrath
    and devouring fire from his mouth;
    glowing coals flamed forth from him.
10  He bowed the heavens and came down;
    thick darkness was under his feet.
11  He rode on a cherub and flew;
    he was seen on the wings of the wind.
12  He made darkness around him his canopy,
    thick clouds, a gathering of water.
13  Out of the brightness before him
    coals of fire flamed forth.
14  The LORD thundered from heaven,
    and the Most High uttered his voice.
15  And he sent out arrows and scattered them;
    lightning, and routed them.
16  Then the channels of the sea were seen;
    the foundations of the world were laid bare,
at the rebuke of the LORD,
    at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

17  He sent from on high, he took me;
    he drew me out of many waters.
18  He rescued me from my strong enemy,
    from those who hated me,
    for they were too mighty for me.
19  They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
    but the LORD was my support.
20  He brought me out into a broad place;
    he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

21  The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness;
    according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.
22  For I have kept the ways of the LORD
    and have not wickedly departed from my God.
23  For all his rules were before me,
    and from his statutes I did not turn aside.
24  I was blameless before him,
    and I kept myself from guilt.
25  And the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
    according to my cleanness in his sight.

26  With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
    with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
27  with the purified you deal purely,
    and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
28  You save a humble people,
    but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.
29  For you are my lamp, O LORD,
    and my God lightens my darkness.
30  For by you I can run against a troop,
    and by my God I can leap over a wall.
31  This God—his way is perfect;
    the word of the LORD proves true;
    he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

32  For who is God, but the LORD?
    And who is a rock, except our God?
33  This God is my strong refuge
    and has made my 4 22:33 Or his; also verse 34 way blameless. 5 22:33 Compare Psalm 18:32; Hebrew he has blamelessly set my way free, or he has made my way spring up blamelessly
34  He made my feet like the feet of a deer
    and set me secure on the heights.
35  He trains my hands for war,
    so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
36  You have given me the shield of your salvation,
    and your gentleness made me great.
37  You gave a wide place for my steps under me,
    and my feet 6 22:37 Hebrew ankles did not slip;
38  I pursued my enemies and destroyed them,
    and did not turn back until they were consumed.
39  I consumed them; I thrust them through, so that they did not rise;
    they fell under my feet.
40  For you equipped me with strength for the battle;
    you made those who rise against me sink under me.
41  You made my enemies turn their backs to me, 7 22:41 Or You gave me my enemies' necks
    those who hated me, and I destroyed them.
42  They looked, but there was none to save;
    they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them.
43  I beat them fine as the dust of the earth;
    I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.

44  You delivered me from strife with my people; 8 22:44 Septuagint with the peoples
    you kept me as the head of the nations;
    people whom I had not known served me.
45  Foreigners came cringing to me;
    as soon as they heard of me, they obeyed me.
46  Foreigners lost heart
    and came trembling 9 22:46 Compare Psalm 18:45; Hebrew equipped themselves out of their fortresses.

47  The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock,
    and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,
48  the God who gave me vengeance
    and brought down peoples under me,
49  who brought me out from my enemies;
    you exalted me above those who rose against me;
    you delivered me from men of violence.

50  For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations,
    and sing praises to your name.
51  Great salvation he brings 10 22:51 Or He is a tower of salvation to his king,
    and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
    to David and his offspring forever.”

Chapter 23

The Last Words of David

Now these are the last words of David:

The oracle of David, the son of Jesse,
    the oracle of the man who was raised on high,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
    the sweet psalmist of Israel: 11 23:1 Or the favorite of the songs of Israel

“The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me;
    his word is on my tongue.
The God of Israel has spoken;
    the Rock of Israel has said to me:
When one rules justly over men,
    ruling in the fear of God,
he dawns on them like the morning light,
    like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
    like rain 12 23:4 Hebrew from rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.

For does not my house stand so with God?
    For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
    ordered in all things and secure.
For will he not cause to prosper
    all my help and my desire?
But worthless men 13 23:6 Hebrew worthlessness are all like thorns that are thrown away,
    for they cannot be taken with the hand;
but the man who touches them
    arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear,
    and they are utterly consumed with fire.” 14 23:7 Hebrew consumed with fire in the sitting

David's Mighty Men

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the three. 15 23:8 Or of the captains He wielded his spear 16 23:8 Compare 1 Chronicles 11:11; the meaning of the Hebrew expression is uncertain against eight hundred whom he killed at one time.

And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. 10 He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the LORD brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain.

11 And next to him was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, 17 23:11 Or gathered together as a camp where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the men fled from the Philistines. 12 But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and struck down the Philistines, and the LORD worked a great victory.

13 And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. 15 And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 16 Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the LORD 17 and said, “Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.

18 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. 18 23:18 Two Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts three And he wielded his spear against three hundred men 19 23:18 Or slain ones and killed them and won a name beside the three. 19 He was the most renowned of the thirty 20 23:19 Compare 1 Chronicles 11:21; Hebrew Was he the most renowned of the three? and became their commander, but he did not attain to the three.

20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man 21 23:20 Or the son of Ishhai of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two ariels 22 23:20 The meaning of the word ariel is unknown of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. 21 And he struck down an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff and snatched the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear. 22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and won a name beside the three mighty men. 23 He was renowned among the thirty, but he did not attain to the three. And David set him over his bodyguard.

24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 25 Shammah of Harod, Elika of Harod, 26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa, 27 Abiezer of Anathoth, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai of Netophah, 29 Heleb the son of Baanah of Netophah, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, 30 Benaiah of Pirathon, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, 31 Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth of Bahurim, 32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, 34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai of Maacah, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35 Hezro 23 23:35 Or Hezrai of Carmel, Paarai the Arbite, 36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, 38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.

Chapter 24

David's Census

Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” So the king said to Joab, the commander of the army, 24 24:2 Septuagint to Joab and the commanders of the army who was with him, “Go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the people, that I may know the number of the people.” But Joab said to the king, “May the LORD your God add to the people a hundred times as many as they are, while the eyes of my lord the king still see it, but why does my lord the king delight in this thing?” But the king's word prevailed against Joab and the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army went out from the presence of the king to number the people of Israel. They crossed the Jordan and began from Aroer, 25 24:5 Septuagint; Hebrew encamped in Aroer and from the city that is in the middle of the valley, toward Gad and on to Jazer. Then they came to Gilead, and to Kadesh in the land of the Hittites; 26 24:6 Septuagint; Hebrew to the land of Tahtim-hodshi and they came to Dan, and from Dan 27 24:6 Septuagint; Hebrew they came to Dan-jaan and they went around to Sidon, and came to the fortress of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites; and they went out to the Negeb of Judah at Beersheba. So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to the king: in Israel there were 800,000 valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were 500,000.

The LORD's Judgment of David's Sin

10 But David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” 11 And when David arose in the morning, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, 12 “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the LORD, Three things I offer 28 24:12 Or hold over you. Choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’” 13 So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, “Shall three 29 24:13 Compare 1 Chronicles 21:12, Septuagint; Hebrew seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? Now consider, and decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.” 14 Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.”

15 So the LORD sent a pestilence on Israel from the morning until the appointed time. And there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba 70,000 men. 16 And when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was working destruction among the people, “It is enough; now stay your hand.” And the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 17 Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me and against my father's house.”

David Builds an Altar

18 And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19 So David went up at Gad's word, as the LORD commanded. 20 And when Araunah looked down, he saw the king and his servants coming on toward him. And Araunah went out and paid homage to the king with his face to the ground. 21 And Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the LORD, that the plague may be averted from the people.” 22 Then Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering and the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. 23 All this, O king, Araunah gives to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” 24 But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels 30 24:24 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams of silver. 25 And David built there an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel.

Footnotes

[1] 22:3 Septuagint (compare Psalm 18:2); Hebrew lacks my
[2] 22:5 Or terrified me
[3] 22:9 Or in his wrath
[4] 22:33 Or his; also verse 34
[5] 22:33 Compare Psalm 18:32; Hebrew he has blamelessly set my way free, or he has made my way spring up blamelessly
[6] 22:37 Hebrew ankles
[7] 22:41 Or You gave me my enemies' necks
[8] 22:44 Septuagint with the peoples
[9] 22:46 Compare Psalm 18:45; Hebrew equipped themselves
[10] 22:51 Or He is a tower of salvation
[11] 23:1 Or the favorite of the songs of Israel
[12] 23:4 Hebrew from rain
[13] 23:6 Hebrew worthlessness
[14] 23:7 Hebrew consumed with fire in the sitting
[15] 23:8 Or of the captains
[16] 23:8 Compare 1 Chronicles 11:11; the meaning of the Hebrew expression is uncertain
[17] 23:11 Or gathered together as a camp
[18] 23:18 Two Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts three
[19] 23:18 Or slain ones
[20] 23:19 Compare 1 Chronicles 11:21; Hebrew Was he the most renowned of the three?
[21] 23:20 Or the son of Ishhai
[22] 23:20 The meaning of the word ariel is unknown
[23] 23:35 Or Hezrai
[24] 24:2 Septuagint to Joab and the commanders of the army
[25] 24:5 Septuagint; Hebrew encamped in Aroer
[26] 24:6 Septuagint; Hebrew to the land of Tahtim-hodshi
[27] 24:6 Septuagint; Hebrew they came to Dan-jaan and
[28] 24:12 Or hold over
[29] 24:13 Compare 1 Chronicles 21:12, Septuagint; Hebrew seven
[30] 24:24 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams
Table of Contents
Introduction to 1–2 Samuel

Introduction to 1–2 Samuel

Timeline

Author and Date

The author or authors of 1 and 2 Samuel are not known. These books recount the stories of Samuel, Saul, and David. Saul’s reign began between 1050–1030 B.C. and ended in 1010. David then reigned until 971. The books were probably written soon after the end of his reign.

Theme

The central theme of the books of Samuel is how the Lord (1) established a dynasty (“house”) in Israel for David rather than Saul and (2) how he chose Jerusalem as the place where David’s successor would establish the temple (“house”) for the worship of the divine King Yahweh.

Purpose

The purpose of 1 Samuel is to highlight two major events: the establishment of the monarchy in Israel (chs. 8–12); and the rise of David to be king after Saul (chs. 16–31). After ruling for a while, Saul was rejected by the Lord in favor of David (chs. 15–16), though Saul stayed on the throne until his death at Mount Gilboa (ch. 31). Later, in 2 Samuel 7, God promises David and his house an eternal dynasty. The book of 1 Samuel establishes the principle that obedience to the word of God is the necessary condition for a king to be acceptable to the God of Israel.

First and Second Samuel deal with a transitional period in the history of ancient Israel. There is a transition of leadership first from the priest Eli to the judge Samuel, then from the judge Samuel to the king Saul, and then from Saul to David. Samuel thus is the link between the judgeship and the kingship in Israel. He is the prophet God uses to anoint both Saul and David. The kingdom of Saul was also transitional. Under Saul, Israel was more than a loose confederation that gathered together whenever there was a common threat, but there was no strong central rule such as existed later. The story of the rise of David in the second half of 1 Samuel prepares for the full-scale kingship of David in 2 Samuel.

1 Samuel Key Themes

  1. God’s kingship. God is King of the universe and always has been. No human king can assume kingship except as a deputy of the divine King.
  2. God’s providential guidance. God providentially and individually guided the lives of chosen people such as Hannah, Samuel, and David. Even the life of Saul was in God’s providential care (see 1 Sam. 9:16). God’s timing is always perfect (see 1 Samuel 9 and the end of 1 Samuel 23), for he is the Lord of history.
  3. God’s sovereign will and power. God chooses or rejects people according to his absolute sovereign will and purpose. He may change his way of dealing with individuals according to his plan and purpose, but his decision is always just and right. At the same time, he is merciful and gracious.

Therefore, obedience to God’s word is of prime importance. Only God’s grace allows sinful human beings to be in relationship with the holy God. Only the God-given way of approaching him through sacrifice can prepare humans to come closer to God. Believers can only wait on God, who will do his will according to his own purpose. What is impossible for humans is possible for God. This should encourage believers to put their faith in the one who is sovereign over the entire creation.

2 Samuel Key Themes

The themes of 1 Samuel are related to the themes of 2 Samuel: the sovereign God, who has guided David’s life, chooses David as the ruler of God’s people. God pledges to David an eternal covenant. David thus becomes the prototype of the future Messiah, Jesus Christ.

  1. Davidic covenant. See 2 Samuel 7.
  2. Messianic promise. Second Samuel 7 is a turning point in the history of salvation. God chose David to be the beginning of an enduring dynasty, from which the ultimate Ruler, Jesus, would come. God used David to fulfill his eternal plan of salvation, not because he was perfect from a human viewpoint, but because the Lord was “with him” and showed grace to him.

1 Samuel Outline

  1. The Story of Samuel (1:1–7:17)
  2. Transition to the Monarchy (8:1–22)
  3. The Story of Saul (9:1–15:35)
  4. The Story of Saul and David (16:1–31:13)

2 Samuel Outline

  1. Story of King David (1:1–20:26)
  2. Epilogue (21:1–24:25)

The Setting of 1 Samuel

c. 1050 B.C.

The book of 1 Samuel is set in Israel during the transition between the period of the judges and the period of the monarchy. It opens with Samuel’s birth and then describes his role as judge over Israel. When the people ask for a king, the Lord instructs Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king.

The Setting of 1 Samuel

The Setting of 2 Samuel

The Setting of 2 Samuel

c. 1000 B.C.

The book of 2 Samuel recounts David’s reign over Israel and his battles to establish Israel as the dominant power in Syria and Palestine. David expanded Israel’s borders from Saul’s smaller territory. By the end of his reign, David controlled all of Israel, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Other kingdoms, such as Tyre and Hamath, established treaties with him.

The Setting of 2 Samuel

The Global Message of 2 Samuel

The Global Message of 2 Samuel

Second Samuel in Redemptive History

The reign of King David in 2 Samuel represents a breakthrough in God’s plan to redeem the world. The covenants that God had already made with his people, first with Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3; 15:1–21; 17:1–21) and then with Israel (Exodus 19–24), culminate in God’s promise to give David an eternal kingdom (2 Sam. 7:8–16). The later kings of Israel and Judah will be far from perfect—their unrighteousness eventually leads to God’s punishment through exile to a foreign land. But God’s promise of an eternal kingdom means that David’s family will ultimately bring a worldwide blessing for all peoples, most notably in the last and greatest Son of David, Jesus Christ.

The Israelites asked for a king. That was what they got. But their kings were plagued with the same fundamental problem that afflicted the people—sin. What the people needed most desperately was not a king to reign over them as a fellow sinner and to lead them to victory over other nations. What they needed was a king to lead them in victory over sin itself, and to bring that victory to other nations.

Blessing the Nations

The covenant with Abraham. God’s covenants with Abraham and Israel paved the way for his covenant with David. Back before Abraham’s time, rebellious humanity had plotted to “make a name for ourselves” (Gen. 11:4). Such sinful rebellion was thwarted when God chose an unlikely man, Abraham, and sent him on a rather different road to greatness: “I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing” (Gen. 12:2). God planned to bless Abraham so that he would be the channel through whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). The Abrahamic commission to bless the world is later extended to Abraham’s descendants, Israel, a people chosen by God to be “a kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6). Thus the covenant God made with Israel at Sinai commissions a people who will mediate between a righteous God and a sinful world.

The covenant with David. The Davidic covenant joins together the ideas of divine election, kingship, priesthood, and blessing for the nations, all of which are found in God’s earlier covenants with Abraham and Israel. After God has given rest from Israel’s enemies (2 Sam. 7:1), King David desires to build God a “house” (7:2), that is, a temple like those of other deities in the ancient world. But the God of Israel does not need such a house, since his presence is not confined to a single place (7:4–7). As in the promises to Abraham, God promises David a “great name” (7:9; compare Gen. 12:2) through building him a “house” (2 Sam. 7:11–12)—that is, an eternal kingdom through David’s descendants (7:13). Unlike other kings, the “house” of David will remain even when his descendants fall into sin. God will forgive them and establish this dynasty forever (7:14–17).

Understanding the global significance of God’s promises to him, David responds with words of gratitude and amazement (2 Sam. 7:18–29). This guarantee of a future dynasty must serve as “instruction for mankind” (7:19), a truth that all nations must know (see also 22:50–51). David receives “greatness” (7:21) so that he might declare to the nations that God is “great” (7:22). The mighty God who promises David a “great name” (7:9) has been working since the days of the exodus to make a name for himself among the nations of the world (7:23, 26).

A Sure Promise

David’s sin. God’s promise of an everlasting kingdom is quickly jeopardized by the sinful behavior of David and the later kings of Israel and Judah. David commits adultery with Bathsheba and then manipulates the death of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11–12). David’s son Absalom attempts to seize the throne (chs. 13–18). Solomon walks away from God, and the Davidic kingdom splits in two (1 Kings 11–12). And the last of numerous evil Davidic rulers, King Zedekiah, is taken into exile when Jerusalem is destroyed by Babylon (2 Kings 25). Kingship, then, appears to work out poorly in the long run for God’s people. Yet David could assert at the end of his life that God would preserve his throne forever: “He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure” (2 Sam. 23:5). But how can David’s royal line endure in light of his family’s tendency to rule sinfully like other earthly kings?

The Messiah’s suffering. The answer lies in the way the Bible speaks of the coming Messiah more broadly than as a Davidic king of military power. For all his virtues, David was typical among ancient rulers for maintaining his kingdom with military might (e.g., see 2 Sam. 22:35, 38). The New Testament transforms the expectation of a coming king by joining the military dimensions of Davidic kingship with other messianic foreshadowings such as the “suffering servant” of Isaiah 40–55. Jesus is not only a king who will one day rule over his enemies in perfect justice. He is also a king who suffers for the sake of God’s people (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33–34). Indeed, Jesus’ “weakness” in suffering is precisely what overcomes the powers of the world and crowns him as the rightful king (Phil. 2:5–11; Col. 2:14–15). The cross of Jesus redefines true greatness.

The Global Message of 2 Samuel for Today: True Kingship

In his suffering, then, Jesus Christ is crowned as the last and greatest king, fulfilling the Davidic covenant. It is in Jesus that God’s promise of an eternal kingdom is fulfilled. Yet this promise is clinched in two stages. His first crowning as a suffering king occurs through his death on the cross in the middle of history (Matt. 27:29; Mark 15:12–13; John 19:19). His second crowning as a triumphant king will occur when Jesus returns to earth at the end of history to claim and vindicate his own people, a people from every tribe and language and people group (Rev. 5:5, 9).

Around the globe today, many different forms of government exist. Some are more healthy than others. Leaders within various governmental systems vary widely in terms of integrity, virtue, and wisdom. Throughout the world, believers are to submit to the government God has placed over them (Rom. 13:1–7; 1 Pet. 2:13–17), while always remembering that their first loyalty is to God (Acts 4:19–20; 5:29).

We must work for justice and peace in the various governments that are over us, yet not place our final hope in human government. Whatever the specific political situation of global believers, we take heart in the hope of a coming leader and king who will reign one day in perfect integrity, virtue, and wisdom. This is the final Son of David, Jesus himself. “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness” (Isa. 9:7).

Joshua Fact #1: The Historical Books

Fact: The Historical Books

The Historical Books. Joshua begins the section of the Bible known as the Historical Books. There are 12 Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 12 Samuel, 12 Kings, 12 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.

1 Chronicles Fact #10: How does Chronicles differ from Samuel and Kings?

Fact: How does Chronicles differ from Samuel and Kings?

How does Chronicles differ from Samuel and Kings? The books of 12 Samuel and 12 Kings show that the Lord drove Israel and Judah from their land because of their sin. The books of 12 Chronicles agree that Israel sinned and suffered exile as a result. They also show that God still had a purpose for his people.

1 Chronicles Fact #11: King David

Fact: King David

King David is the main character in 1 Chronicles. The writer presents a very positive picture of him, leaving out many of the tragic details of his life that the writer of 2 Samuel describes.

2 Samuel Fact #19: Song of Deliverance

Fact: Song of Deliverance

David’s Song of Deliverance is nearly identical to Psalm 18. Perhaps 2 Samuel 22 was meant to be read aloud for instruction and Psalm 18 was meant to be sung or prayed as part of worship.

2 Samuel Fact #20: David’s census

Fact: David’s census

David’s census was most likely a military census. Its purpose would have been to find the age and location of potential new draftees for service in the army. It was either intended to give David pride in the number of his supporters or was a sign of his fear of another rebellion. Either way, it showed his lack of faith in God.

The Setting of 2 Samuel

The Setting of 2 Samuel

c. 1000 B.C.

The book of 2 Samuel recounts David’s reign over Israel and his battles to establish Israel as the dominant power in Syria and Palestine. David expanded Israel’s borders from Saul’s smaller territory. By the end of his reign, David controlled all of Israel, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Other kingdoms, such as Tyre and Hamath, established treaties with him.

The Setting of 2 Samuel

Events of 1–2 Samuel Referenced in the Psalms

Events of 1–2 Samuel Referenced in the Psalms

1 Samuel Incident Psalm
19:11 David’s house surrounded 59
21:10–11 David seized by Achish 56
21:12–22:1 David escapes from Achish (called Abimelech in Psalm 34 title) 34
22:1 (possibly also 24:3) David in cave 57; 142
22:9–19 Doeg the Edomite 52
23:14–15 (possibly) Desert of Judah 63
23:19 David betrayed by Ziphites 54
2 Samuel Incident Psalm
8:1–14 Victory over Transjordan 60
chs. 11–12 Against house of Uriah 51
chs. 15–17 Absalom’s revolt 3
chs. 15–17 (possibly) Desert of Judah 63
ch. 22 Victory over all enemies 18
The Rise and Failure of David in 1 and 2 Samuel

The Rise and Failure of David in 1 and 2 Samuel

David’s Rise (1 Samuel 16–2 Samuel 10) David’s Failures (2 Samuel 11–20)
Eager holy warrior Remains in palace
Marries honorably Adultery with Bathsheba
Protects Saul’s life Plots Uriah’s death
Decisive Indecisive
Prayers effective Prayers ineffective
Fearless when outnumbered Fearfully takes census
Attracts thousands of followers Loses thousands of followers
Comparison of 1–2 Chronicles with 2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings

Comparison of 1–2 Chronicles with 2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings

1 Chronicles 2 Samuel
Genealogies 1:1–9:44
Death of Saul and sons 10:1–14 1 Sam. 31:1–2 Sam. 1:16
Lament for Saul 1:17–27
David king of Judah 2:1–7
War between house of Saul and David; Ish-bosheth made king 2:8–3:1
David’s sons in Hebron 3:2–5
Abner helps David 3:6–21
Joab kills Abner 3:22–39
Ish-bosheth killed 4:1–12
David king of Judah and Israel 11:1–3 5:1–5
Conquest of Jerusalem 11:4–9 5:6–10
David’s mighty men 11:10–47 23:8–39
David’s men at Ziklag 12:1–22
Celebration at Hebron 12:23–40
Attempted return of ark; death of Uzzah 13:1–14 6:1–11
David’s house built 14:1–2 5:11–12
David’s children in Jerusalem 14:3–7 5:13–16
David defeats Philistines 14:8–17 5:17–25
Spiritual preparation for the ark’s return 15:1–24
Ark brought to Jerusalem 15:25–16:6 6:12–19
David and Michal 6:20–23
David’s psalm of praise 16:7–43
David’s desire to build the temple 17:1–2 7:1–3
Davidic covenant 17:3–15 7:4–17
David’s prayer of praise 17:16–27 7:18–29
David’s victories 18:1–13 8:1–14
David’s officials 18:14–17 8:15–18
David helps Mephibosheth 9:1–13
Ammonites defeated 19:1–15 10:1–14
Syrians defeated 19:16–19 10:15–19
Ammonites defeated 20:1–3 11:1; 12:26–31
David and Bathsheba 11:2–12:25
Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom 13:1–14:33
Absalom’s rebellion 15:1–19:43
Sheba’s rebellion 20:1–26
Famine; death of Saul’s sons 21:1–14
War with Philistines; the Philistine giants 20:4–8 21:15–22
David’s psalm of deliverance 22:1–51
David’s last words 23:1–7
David’s census 21:1–27 24:1–25
David plans for the temple 21:28–22:5
David’s charge to Solomon and the leaders 22:6–19
David organizes temple personnel 23:1–26:32
Israel’s military 27:1–15
Israel’s leaders 27:16–34
David’s charge to Israel; affirmation of Solomon 28:1–10
Pattern for the temple 28:11–21
Offerings for the temple 29:1–9
David’s prayer of thanks for the temple 29:10–19
1 Kings
David and Abishag 1:1–4
Adonijah claims the throne 1:5–27
Solomon’s coronation 29:20–25 1:28–40
David instructs Solomon 2:1–9
Death of David 29:26–30 2:10–11
Solomon establishes his kingdom 2:12–46
2 Chronicles
Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter 3:1–3
Solomon at Gibeon 1:1–6 3:4
God gives Solomon wisdom 1:7–12 3:5–14
Solomon’s wise judgment 3:16–28
Solomon’s prosperity 1:14–17 4:20–34
Preparations for the temple 2:1–18 5:1–18
Temple built 3:1–5:1 6:1–38;7:13–51
Solomon’s palace 7:1–12
Ark brought to the temple 5:2–12 8:1–9
God’s glory fills the temple 5:13–14 8:10–11
Solomon blesses the people 6:1–11 8:12–21
Solomon consecrates the temple 6:12–42 8:22–61
Fire from the Lord consumes the sacrifices 7:1–3
Solomon and the people offer sacrifices 7:4–7 8:62–64
Feast of Tabernacles 7:8–10 8:65–66
The covenant confirmed 7:11–22 9:1–9
Solomon’s territory increases 8:1–6 9:10–19
Solomon’s enemies defeated 8:7–10 9:20–23
Solomon’s religious practices 8:11–16 9:24–25
Solomon’s economic operations 8:17–18 9:26–28
Queen of Sheba visits 9:1–12 10:1–13
Solomon’s wealth 9:13–28 10:14–29
Solomon’s apostasy and adversaries 11:1–40
Death of Solomon 9:29–31 11:41–43
Division of the kingdom 10:1–11:23 12:1–33
Man of God from Judah warns Jeroboam (Israel) 13:1–34
Ahijah’s prophecy against Jeroboam 14:1–18
Death of Jeroboam 14:19–20
Shishak invades Judah 12:1–12 14:25–28
Reign of Rehoboam (Judah) 12:13–16 14:21–24,29–31
War between Judah and Israel 13:1–22 15:1–8
Evaluation of Asa (Judah) 14:1–8 15:9–12
Ethiopians defeated 14:9–15
Azariah the prophet 15:1–7
Asa’s reforms 15:8–19 15:13–15
Asa defeats Syria 16:1–10 15:16–22
Death of Asa 16:11–14 15:23–24
Reigns of Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri (Israel) 15:25–16:28
Ahab becomes king (Israel) 16:29–34
Elijah 17:1–19:18;21:17–29
Call of Elisha 19:19–21
Ahab conquers Syria, acquires Naboth’s vineyard 20:1–21:29
Evaluation of Jehoshaphat (Judah) 17:1–9
Expansion of Judah 17:10–19
Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab; death of Ahab 18:1–34 22:1–40
Jehoshaphat’s reforms, crisis, and deliverance 19:1–20:30
Reign of Jehoshaphat 20:31–37 22:41–50
Reign of Ahaziah (Israel) 22:51–53
2 Kings
Death of Ahaziah; Elijah’s prophecy 1:1–18
Elijah and Elisha 2:1–25
Evaluation of Jehoram (Israel) 3:1–3
Moab rebels 3:4–27
The widow’s oil 4:1–7
The Shunammite woman 4:8–37
Miracles for the prophets 4:38–44
Naaman healed 5:1–27
The axe head recovered 6:1–7
Chariots of fire 6:8–23
Siege of Samaria 6:24–7:20
Shunammite’s land restored 8:1–6
Hazael kills Ben-hadad 8:7–15
Evaluation of Jehoram (Judah) 21:1–7 8:16–19
Edom and Libnah rebel 21:8–11 8:20–22
Warning of Elijah 21:12–15
Invasion of Philistia and Arabia 21:16–17
Death of Jehoram 21:18–20 8:23–24
Reign of Ahaziah (Judah) 22:1–9 8:25–29; 9:15–16, 27–28; 10:12–14
Reign of Jehu (Israel) 22:7–9 9:1–10:36
Reign of Athaliah (Judah) 22:10–23:15 11:1–16
Jehoiada’s reforms (Judah) 23:16–21 11:17–20
Evaluation of Joash (Judah) 24:1–3 11:21–12:3
Joash repairs the temple 24:4–14 12:4–16
Death of Jehoiada 24:15–16
Jehoiada’s son killed 24:17–22
Syria invades Judah 24:23–24 12:17–18
Death of Joash 24:25–27 12:19–21
Reign of Jehoahaz (Israel) 13:1–9
Reign of Jehoash (Israel) 13:10–13
Elisha’s final prophecy and death 13:14–25
Reign of Amaziah (Judah) 25:1–16 14:1–20
Israel defeats Judah 25:17–24 14:8–14
Death of Amaziah 25:25–28 14:17–20
Evaluation of Uzziah (Judah) 26:1–5 14:21–22; 15:1–5
Reign of Jeroboam II (Israel) 14:23–29
Victories of Uzziah 26:6–15
Sinful offering of Uzziah 26:16–21
Death of Uzziah 26:22–23 15:6–7
Reign of Zechariah (Israel) 15:8–12
Reign of Shallum (Israel) 15:13–16
Reign of Menahem (Israel) 15:17–22
Reign of Pekahiah (Israel) 15:23–26
Reign of Pekah (Israel) 15:27–31
Reign of Jotham (Judah) 27:1–9 15:32–38
Evaluation of Ahaz (Judah) 28:1–4 16:1–4
Israel defeats Judah 28:5–21 16:5–9
Ahaz’s idolatry and death 28:22–27 16:10–12
Fall of Israel 17:1–23
Resettlement of Israel 17:24–41
Evaluation of Hezekiah (Judah) 29:1–2 18:1–8
Hezekiah cleanses the temple 29:3–19
Hezekiah restores temple worship 29:20–36
Hezekiah restores Passover 30:1–27
Hezekiah destroys idols, organizes priests 31:1–21
Fall of Israel (restated) 18:9–12
Assyria invades Judah 32:1–23 18:13–19:37
Hezekiah’s illness and restoration 32:24–26 20:1–11
Hezekiah’s wealth and foolish pride 32:27–31 20:12–19
Death of Hezekiah 32:32–33 20:20–21
Reign of Manasseh (Judah) 33:1–9 21:1–18
Manasseh’s repentance 33:10–20
Reign of Amon (Judah) 33:21–25 21:19–26
Evaluation of Josiah (Judah) 34:1–2 22:1–2
Josiah’s early reforms 34:3–7
Josiah repairs the temple 34:8–13 22:3–7
Book of Law discovered; Josiah’s reforms 34:14–33 22:8–23:20
Passover celebrated 35:1–19 23:21–27
Death of Josiah 35:20–27 23:28–30
Reign of Jehoahaz (Judah) 36:1–3 23:31–33
Reign of Jehoiakim (Judah) 36:4–8 23:34–24:7
Reign of Jehoiachin (Judah); Babylonian captivity 36:9–10 24:8–17
Evaluation of Zedekiah (Judah) 36:11–12 24:18–20
Destruction of Jerusalem 36:13–21 25:1–21
Remnant flees to Egypt 25:22–26
Jehoiachin released 25:27–30
Proclamation by Cyrus 36:22–23
Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalm Incident in David’s Life References
3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17
7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown
18 David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel 22
30 Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; see 1 Kings 8:63
34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1
51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12
52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19
54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19
56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11
57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3
59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11
60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14
63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15?
142 David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm 57
Abishai

Abishai

Abishai was David’s nephew and became the commander of David’s “thirty men.” Like his brothers Joab and Asahel, Abishai was a loyal but ruthless warrior. He killed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He urged David to allow him to kill Saul, but David refused to let him kill “the LORD’s anointed” (1 Sam. 26:8–9). He fought alongside his brothers at the Battle of Gibeon, where Abner killed Asahel. Abishai later helped Joab kill Abner in revenge. When Shimei cursed David, Abishai thought he should be put to death, but again David refused his request. He helped lead David’s troops against Absalom, and again fought for David when Sheba led a rebellion against him. Abishai also saved David’s life by killing the Philistine giant Ishbi-benob. (2 Samuel 23:18–19)

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:5–6 Here Sheol is a synonym for “death.”

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:7 Heard implies an attentive listening and, usually, a positive response. Temple probably refers to the heavenly temple of God, from which he came down (v. 10; see Ps. 11:4; Mic. 1:2–3).

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:10 Bowed the heavens could mean “spread open” or “parted” the heavens.

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:15 Them refers to David’s enemies.

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:8–16 The Lord’s sudden appearance to help David is described in vivid language. It sounds like a description of a volcano, which causes earthquake, smoke, fire, fiery coals, and ash clouds (compare Ps. 77:18; Isa. 5:25; 24:18).

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:17 many waters. Compare v. 5, where “waves” and “torrents” of trouble were overwhelming David.

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:20 A broad place is a place of comfort and freedom.

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:26–27 To the crooked, God shows himself tortuous. That is, he makes simple truths seem confusing and impossible to understand.

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:35 A bow of bronze is probably a bow reinforced with bronze, which would be powerful but difficult to draw.

Study Notes

2 Sam 22:1–51 David’s song recorded in this chapter is almost identical with Psalm 18, where it was adapted to serve as a public hymn.

See chart See chart
Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalm Incident in David’s Life References
3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17
7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown
18 David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel 22
30 Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; see 1 Kings 8:63
34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1
51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12
52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19
54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19
56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11
57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3
59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11
60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14
63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15?
142 David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm 57
2 Samuel Fact #19: Song of Deliverance

Fact: Song of Deliverance

David’s Song of Deliverance is nearly identical to Psalm 18. Perhaps 2 Samuel 22 was meant to be read aloud for instruction and Psalm 18 was meant to be sung or prayed as part of worship.

Study Notes

2 Sam 23:1 The man who was raised on high refers to David’s position as king. the sweet psalmist of Israel. David wrote about half of the psalms in the book of Psalms.

Study Notes

2 Sam 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me. David describes himself as a prophet, whose songs and wise sayings come from God (see Acts 1:16; 4:25).

Study Notes

2 Sam 23:4 Like the morning light, like the sun . . . like rain are images for bringing health and life. He in this verse refers to the just ruler of the previous verse.

Study Notes

2 Sam 23:5 This verse refers to the covenant God made with David in ch. 7 (see also Ps. 89:29; 132:12). Ordered in all things and secure is probably a legal term. It stresses the validity of God’s covenant with David.

Study Notes

2 Sam 23:1–7 The “last words of David” are a song praising God for establishing his house as the ruler; the song recalls God’s promise in 7:8–19. It contrasts the just ruler and worthless men. The righteous ruler is like the morning light at sunrise; worthless men are like uprooted thorns.

Study Notes

2 Sam 23:11–12 Shammah is remembered for defending a garden against the Philistines. Compare the Philistines’ robbing the threshing floors in 1 Sam. 23:1.

Study Notes

2 Sam 23:13–17 The three men remembered in these verses were apparently not the “three” of vv. 8–12 but rather members of the “thirty” listed in vv. 18–39. This episode may have occurred while David was fleeing Saul, or possibly during one of the Philistine attacks in 5:17–25. Oh, that someone would give me water . . . from the well of Bethlehem. David’s words are not a command. It probably did not occur to him that someone might actually act on his words.

2 Sam 23:16–17 When his men actually brought David water from Bethlehem, he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the LORD. David realized that the water represented the very blood of his men, for they had risked their lives to get it. By pouring it out, David was saying that he was not worthy of it; he offered it “to the LORD” instead.

Study Notes

2 Sam 23:32 The sons of Jashen probably refers to two men, possibly twins. In the list, however, they seem to be counted as one item.

Study Notes

2 Sam 23:8–39 This list of David’s mighty men is divided into two groups: the three (vv. 8–12), and the thirty (vv. 18–39). Together, these two groups include thirty-seven in all (v. 39). Actually, the list of the “thirty” includes 34 names. This could mean that (1) “thirty” is a round number; or (2) the group began with 30 members and continued to be called “the thirty” when other men were added to the group; or (3) the group remained at 30, but when some died they were replaced by others on this list (the parallel list in 1 Chron. 11:10–47 has 16 additional names, probably for this reason).

2 Sam 23:18–39 This is the list of David’s thirty men. Some of the names appear as officers in 1 Chronicles 27. Most appear in the list in 1 Chron. 11:20–47, which is an expansion of this list but is not labeled as being a list of “the thirty” (compare 2 Sam. 23:24 and 1 Chron. 11:26).

Abishai

Abishai

Abishai was David’s nephew and became the commander of David’s “thirty men.” Like his brothers Joab and Asahel, Abishai was a loyal but ruthless warrior. He killed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He urged David to allow him to kill Saul, but David refused to let him kill “the LORD’s anointed” (1 Sam. 26:8–9). He fought alongside his brothers at the Battle of Gibeon, where Abner killed Asahel. Abishai later helped Joab kill Abner in revenge. When Shimei cursed David, Abishai thought he should be put to death, but again David refused his request. He helped lead David’s troops against Absalom, and again fought for David when Sheba led a rebellion against him. Abishai also saved David’s life by killing the Philistine giant Ishbi-benob. (2 Samuel 23:18–19)

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:1 Here the text says the LORD . . . incited David, while the parallel account in 1 Chron. 21:1 reads, “Satan . . . incited David.” God himself never does evil, but sometimes he uses either Satanic forces or sinful human beings to accomplish his purposes. For more on how to reconcile the two accounts, see note on 1 Chron. 21:1; see also notes on Gen. 50:18–21; 1 Sam. 16:14; Mark 14:21; Acts 2:23.

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:3 By numbering the people for military purposes (v. 9), David apparently was showing a lack of trust in the Lord to supply soldiers when they were needed. He was also displaying a sinful pride in the hundreds of thousands of fighting men at his command (see v. 10). Joab knew it was wrong. See note on 1 Chron. 21:5–6.

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:5–8 The fortress of Tyre was probably an Israelite fortress.

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:9 For the contradiction between these numbers and those given in 1 Chron. 21:5–6, see note there.

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:10 I have sinned. See note on v. 3.

Study Notes
2 Samuel Fact #20: David’s census

Fact: David’s census

David’s census was most likely a military census. Its purpose would have been to find the age and location of potential new draftees for service in the army. It was either intended to give David pride in the number of his supporters or was a sign of his fear of another rebellion. Either way, it showed his lack of faith in God.

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:13 Pestilence kills faster (three days) than famine (three years).

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:17 Behold, I have sinned. David pleads that the people may not suffer for his sin. But he is the representative of God’s people: they will bear the consequences of his behavior, whether good or evil.

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:18 Go up. From David’s home there was a yet higher place, the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. The Jebusites were the previous inhabitants of Jerusalem (see 5:6), and some still lived there.

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:20 Araunah looked down. Threshing floors were usually on a high place so that the wind could blow the chaff away. This site was on the top of a hill about 450 yards (412 m) to the north of the city of David (see illustration).

Jerusalem In the Time of David (c. 1010–970 B.C.)

Jerusalem In the Time of David (c. 1010–970 B.C.)

About four millennia ago, Melchizedek was king of Jerusalem, which was then called Salem (Gen. 14:18). This was an unwalled city, which was taken over in c. 1850 B.C. by the Jebusites, who built a city wall around it and called it Jebus (see 1 Chron. 11:4).

King David captured this city after having ruled for seven years in Hebron (2 Sam. 5:5). The city was strongly fortified, especially the area around the Gihon Spring, where massive towers dating from this period have been excavated. The Jebusites were so confident of their fortifications that they taunted David, saying that even the blind and the lame would prevent him from capturing their city (2 Sam. 5:6).

However, Joab, David’s commander-in-chief, managed to secretly enter the city through its water system and open the gates for David to take control (1 Chron. 11:6). The Jebusite Citadel was destroyed and replaced by the “stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David” (2 Sam. 5:7).

Later on in his life, David built an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, which stopped a plague sent by God upon Israel from reaching Jerusalem (2 Sam. 24:18–25).

Jerusalem In the Time of David

Study Notes

2 Sam 24:23–24 David feels that, because he is the one who sinned, and because it is for the sake of the nation, he should pay for the sacrifice. He pays fifty shekels of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen.

Study Notes

21:1–24:25 Epilogue. The last four chapters provide an epilogue to David’s story. They contain six episodes, which are not necessarily in chronological order (e.g., the first episode occurred “in the days of David”; 21:1). The first describes a famine and its connection to Saul’s family. The second details David’s wars with Philistia. The third and fourth are psalms of David. The fifth lists David’s heroic warriors. The sixth describes David’s pride and its results, concluding with the important story of how David acquired the future site of the temple.

2 Sam 24:1–25 The Lord’s anger and David’s sin lead to a plague. It also leads to the purchase of a place of worship in Jerusalem.

2 Sam 24:25 The parallel account in 1 Chron. 22:1 states that this threshing floor is where Solomon would build the temple. This is a fitting end to the story of David.

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Events of 1–2 Samuel Referenced in the Psalms

Events of 1–2 Samuel Referenced in the Psalms

1 Samuel Incident Psalm
19:11 David’s house surrounded 59
21:10–11 David seized by Achish 56
21:12–22:1 David escapes from Achish (called Abimelech in Psalm 34 title) 34
22:1 (possibly also 24:3) David in cave 57; 142
22:9–19 Doeg the Edomite 52
23:14–15 (possibly) Desert of Judah 63
23:19 David betrayed by Ziphites 54
2 Samuel Incident Psalm
8:1–14 Victory over Transjordan 60
chs. 11–12 Against house of Uriah 51
chs. 15–17 Absalom’s revolt 3
chs. 15–17 (possibly) Desert of Judah 63
ch. 22 Victory over all enemies 18
See chart See chart
The Rise and Failure of David in 1 and 2 Samuel

The Rise and Failure of David in 1 and 2 Samuel

David’s Rise (1 Samuel 16–2 Samuel 10) David’s Failures (2 Samuel 11–20)
Eager holy warrior Remains in palace
Marries honorably Adultery with Bathsheba
Protects Saul’s life Plots Uriah’s death
Decisive Indecisive
Prayers effective Prayers ineffective
Fearless when outnumbered Fearfully takes census
Attracts thousands of followers Loses thousands of followers
Jerusalem In the Time of David (c. 1010–970 B.C.)

Jerusalem In the Time of David (c. 1010–970 B.C.)

About four millennia ago, Melchizedek was king of Jerusalem, which was then called Salem (Gen. 14:18). This was an unwalled city, which was taken over in c. 1850 B.C. by the Jebusites, who built a city wall around it and called it Jebus (see 1 Chron. 11:4).

King David captured this city after having ruled for seven years in Hebron (2 Sam. 5:5). The city was strongly fortified, especially the area around the Gihon Spring, where massive towers dating from this period have been excavated. The Jebusites were so confident of their fortifications that they taunted David, saying that even the blind and the lame would prevent him from capturing their city (2 Sam. 5:6).

However, Joab, David’s commander-in-chief, managed to secretly enter the city through its water system and open the gates for David to take control (1 Chron. 11:6). The Jebusite Citadel was destroyed and replaced by the “stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David” (2 Sam. 5:7).

Later on in his life, David built an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, which stopped a plague sent by God upon Israel from reaching Jerusalem (2 Sam. 24:18–25).

Jerusalem In the Time of David

The Setting of 2 Samuel

The Setting of 2 Samuel

c. 1000 B.C.

The book of 2 Samuel recounts David’s reign over Israel and his battles to establish Israel as the dominant power in Syria and Palestine. David expanded Israel’s borders from Saul’s smaller territory. By the end of his reign, David controlled all of Israel, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Other kingdoms, such as Tyre and Hamath, established treaties with him.

The Setting of 2 Samuel

Introduction to 1–2 Samuel

Introduction to 1–2 Samuel

Timeline

Author and Date

The author or authors of 1 and 2 Samuel are not known. These books recount the stories of Samuel, Saul, and David. Saul’s reign began between 1050–1030 B.C. and ended in 1010. David then reigned until 971. The books were probably written soon after the end of his reign.

Theme

The central theme of the books of Samuel is how the Lord (1) established a dynasty (“house”) in Israel for David rather than Saul and (2) how he chose Jerusalem as the place where David’s successor would establish the temple (“house”) for the worship of the divine King Yahweh.

Purpose

The purpose of 1 Samuel is to highlight two major events: the establishment of the monarchy in Israel (chs. 8–12); and the rise of David to be king after Saul (chs. 16–31). After ruling for a while, Saul was rejected by the Lord in favor of David (chs. 15–16), though Saul stayed on the throne until his death at Mount Gilboa (ch. 31). Later, in 2 Samuel 7, God promises David and his house an eternal dynasty. The book of 1 Samuel establishes the principle that obedience to the word of God is the necessary condition for a king to be acceptable to the God of Israel.

First and Second Samuel deal with a transitional period in the history of ancient Israel. There is a transition of leadership first from the priest Eli to the judge Samuel, then from the judge Samuel to the king Saul, and then from Saul to David. Samuel thus is the link between the judgeship and the kingship in Israel. He is the prophet God uses to anoint both Saul and David. The kingdom of Saul was also transitional. Under Saul, Israel was more than a loose confederation that gathered together whenever there was a common threat, but there was no strong central rule such as existed later. The story of the rise of David in the second half of 1 Samuel prepares for the full-scale kingship of David in 2 Samuel.

1 Samuel Key Themes

  1. God’s kingship. God is King of the universe and always has been. No human king can assume kingship except as a deputy of the divine King.
  2. God’s providential guidance. God providentially and individually guided the lives of chosen people such as Hannah, Samuel, and David. Even the life of Saul was in God’s providential care (see 1 Sam. 9:16). God’s timing is always perfect (see 1 Samuel 9 and the end of 1 Samuel 23), for he is the Lord of history.
  3. God’s sovereign will and power. God chooses or rejects people according to his absolute sovereign will and purpose. He may change his way of dealing with individuals according to his plan and purpose, but his decision is always just and right. At the same time, he is merciful and gracious.

Therefore, obedience to God’s word is of prime importance. Only God’s grace allows sinful human beings to be in relationship with the holy God. Only the God-given way of approaching him through sacrifice can prepare humans to come closer to God. Believers can only wait on God, who will do his will according to his own purpose. What is impossible for humans is possible for God. This should encourage believers to put their faith in the one who is sovereign over the entire creation.

2 Samuel Key Themes

The themes of 1 Samuel are related to the themes of 2 Samuel: the sovereign God, who has guided David’s life, chooses David as the ruler of God’s people. God pledges to David an eternal covenant. David thus becomes the prototype of the future Messiah, Jesus Christ.

  1. Davidic covenant. See 2 Samuel 7.
  2. Messianic promise. Second Samuel 7 is a turning point in the history of salvation. God chose David to be the beginning of an enduring dynasty, from which the ultimate Ruler, Jesus, would come. God used David to fulfill his eternal plan of salvation, not because he was perfect from a human viewpoint, but because the Lord was “with him” and showed grace to him.

1 Samuel Outline

  1. The Story of Samuel (1:1–7:17)
  2. Transition to the Monarchy (8:1–22)
  3. The Story of Saul (9:1–15:35)
  4. The Story of Saul and David (16:1–31:13)

2 Samuel Outline

  1. Story of King David (1:1–20:26)
  2. Epilogue (21:1–24:25)

The Setting of 1 Samuel

c. 1050 B.C.

The book of 1 Samuel is set in Israel during the transition between the period of the judges and the period of the monarchy. It opens with Samuel’s birth and then describes his role as judge over Israel. When the people ask for a king, the Lord instructs Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king.

The Setting of 1 Samuel

The Setting of 2 Samuel

The Setting of 2 Samuel

c. 1000 B.C.

The book of 2 Samuel recounts David’s reign over Israel and his battles to establish Israel as the dominant power in Syria and Palestine. David expanded Israel’s borders from Saul’s smaller territory. By the end of his reign, David controlled all of Israel, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Other kingdoms, such as Tyre and Hamath, established treaties with him.

The Setting of 2 Samuel

The Global Message of 2 Samuel

The Global Message of 2 Samuel

Second Samuel in Redemptive History

The reign of King David in 2 Samuel represents a breakthrough in God’s plan to redeem the world. The covenants that God had already made with his people, first with Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3; 15:1–21; 17:1–21) and then with Israel (Exodus 19–24), culminate in God’s promise to give David an eternal kingdom (2 Sam. 7:8–16). The later kings of Israel and Judah will be far from perfect—their unrighteousness eventually leads to God’s punishment through exile to a foreign land. But God’s promise of an eternal kingdom means that David’s family will ultimately bring a worldwide blessing for all peoples, most notably in the last and greatest Son of David, Jesus Christ.

The Israelites asked for a king. That was what they got. But their kings were plagued with the same fundamental problem that afflicted the people—sin. What the people needed most desperately was not a king to reign over them as a fellow sinner and to lead them to victory over other nations. What they needed was a king to lead them in victory over sin itself, and to bring that victory to other nations.

Blessing the Nations

The covenant with Abraham. God’s covenants with Abraham and Israel paved the way for his covenant with David. Back before Abraham’s time, rebellious humanity had plotted to “make a name for ourselves” (Gen. 11:4). Such sinful rebellion was thwarted when God chose an unlikely man, Abraham, and sent him on a rather different road to greatness: “I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing” (Gen. 12:2). God planned to bless Abraham so that he would be the channel through whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). The Abrahamic commission to bless the world is later extended to Abraham’s descendants, Israel, a people chosen by God to be “a kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6). Thus the covenant God made with Israel at Sinai commissions a people who will mediate between a righteous God and a sinful world.

The covenant with David. The Davidic covenant joins together the ideas of divine election, kingship, priesthood, and blessing for the nations, all of which are found in God’s earlier covenants with Abraham and Israel. After God has given rest from Israel’s enemies (2 Sam. 7:1), King David desires to build God a “house” (7:2), that is, a temple like those of other deities in the ancient world. But the God of Israel does not need such a house, since his presence is not confined to a single place (7:4–7). As in the promises to Abraham, God promises David a “great name” (7:9; compare Gen. 12:2) through building him a “house” (2 Sam. 7:11–12)—that is, an eternal kingdom through David’s descendants (7:13). Unlike other kings, the “house” of David will remain even when his descendants fall into sin. God will forgive them and establish this dynasty forever (7:14–17).

Understanding the global significance of God’s promises to him, David responds with words of gratitude and amazement (2 Sam. 7:18–29). This guarantee of a future dynasty must serve as “instruction for mankind” (7:19), a truth that all nations must know (see also 22:50–51). David receives “greatness” (7:21) so that he might declare to the nations that God is “great” (7:22). The mighty God who promises David a “great name” (7:9) has been working since the days of the exodus to make a name for himself among the nations of the world (7:23, 26).

A Sure Promise

David’s sin. God’s promise of an everlasting kingdom is quickly jeopardized by the sinful behavior of David and the later kings of Israel and Judah. David commits adultery with Bathsheba and then manipulates the death of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11–12). David’s son Absalom attempts to seize the throne (chs. 13–18). Solomon walks away from God, and the Davidic kingdom splits in two (1 Kings 11–12). And the last of numerous evil Davidic rulers, King Zedekiah, is taken into exile when Jerusalem is destroyed by Babylon (2 Kings 25). Kingship, then, appears to work out poorly in the long run for God’s people. Yet David could assert at the end of his life that God would preserve his throne forever: “He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure” (2 Sam. 23:5). But how can David’s royal line endure in light of his family’s tendency to rule sinfully like other earthly kings?

The Messiah’s suffering. The answer lies in the way the Bible speaks of the coming Messiah more broadly than as a Davidic king of military power. For all his virtues, David was typical among ancient rulers for maintaining his kingdom with military might (e.g., see 2 Sam. 22:35, 38). The New Testament transforms the expectation of a coming king by joining the military dimensions of Davidic kingship with other messianic foreshadowings such as the “suffering servant” of Isaiah 40–55. Jesus is not only a king who will one day rule over his enemies in perfect justice. He is also a king who suffers for the sake of God’s people (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33–34). Indeed, Jesus’ “weakness” in suffering is precisely what overcomes the powers of the world and crowns him as the rightful king (Phil. 2:5–11; Col. 2:14–15). The cross of Jesus redefines true greatness.

The Global Message of 2 Samuel for Today: True Kingship

In his suffering, then, Jesus Christ is crowned as the last and greatest king, fulfilling the Davidic covenant. It is in Jesus that God’s promise of an eternal kingdom is fulfilled. Yet this promise is clinched in two stages. His first crowning as a suffering king occurs through his death on the cross in the middle of history (Matt. 27:29; Mark 15:12–13; John 19:19). His second crowning as a triumphant king will occur when Jesus returns to earth at the end of history to claim and vindicate his own people, a people from every tribe and language and people group (Rev. 5:5, 9).

Around the globe today, many different forms of government exist. Some are more healthy than others. Leaders within various governmental systems vary widely in terms of integrity, virtue, and wisdom. Throughout the world, believers are to submit to the government God has placed over them (Rom. 13:1–7; 1 Pet. 2:13–17), while always remembering that their first loyalty is to God (Acts 4:19–20; 5:29).

We must work for justice and peace in the various governments that are over us, yet not place our final hope in human government. Whatever the specific political situation of global believers, we take heart in the hope of a coming leader and king who will reign one day in perfect integrity, virtue, and wisdom. This is the final Son of David, Jesus himself. “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness” (Isa. 9:7).

Joshua Fact #1: The Historical Books

Fact: The Historical Books

The Historical Books. Joshua begins the section of the Bible known as the Historical Books. There are 12 Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 12 Samuel, 12 Kings, 12 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.

1 Chronicles Fact #10: How does Chronicles differ from Samuel and Kings?

Fact: How does Chronicles differ from Samuel and Kings?

How does Chronicles differ from Samuel and Kings? The books of 12 Samuel and 12 Kings show that the Lord drove Israel and Judah from their land because of their sin. The books of 12 Chronicles agree that Israel sinned and suffered exile as a result. They also show that God still had a purpose for his people.

1 Chronicles Fact #11: King David

Fact: King David

King David is the main character in 1 Chronicles. The writer presents a very positive picture of him, leaving out many of the tragic details of his life that the writer of 2 Samuel describes.

Why was God so angry with Israel?

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | 2 Samuel 22-24

Do you ever make a decision and think, "What's the big deal?," especially when you receive a reaction you weren't expecting? At first glance, that could have been what David was thinking when he ordered a census for Israel. This was a very common practice at that time, but David's motives are unclear. Was he doing this in order to know what chess pieces were at his disposal if he wanted to conquer a neighboring country to expand Israel's territory? Was he doing this to show how great a king he was and how many people were under his rule? Or maybe anxiety got the better of him, and this helped him sleep at night knowing Israel wasn't in a vulnerable position to be conquered again? At this point, David was probably tired of being on the run or being a prisoner in an enemy camp.

Joab, the commander of David's army and right-hand man, even asks David, ". . . [W]hy does my lord the king delight in this thing?" (2 Samuel 24:3) How many times in life do we have a friend, family member, or spouse throw us one last lifeline to help save us, only for us to continue down the path of personal destruction because we have our blinders on? As we have seen throughout the book of Samuel, David continues down this path and receives another round of consequences, which ultimately costs thousands of lives. It isn't until after David receives these consequences that he ultimately repents and builds an altar to the Lord. David had no idea that one day the temple would be built on this altar.

It's so easy to get lost in the moment or when reason tells us that, logically, something is a wise answer. Our blinders allow us to see only what's right in front of us; but when you take them off, you can begin to look around and see the whole picture. When you seek the wisdom of God first, you can rest in the fact that God has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

This month's memory verse

"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?" (NLT)

– 2 Samuel 22:31-32

Discussion Questions

1. Looking back, what is one decision you made with your blinders on and didn't look at the big picture? How do you think this decision would have gone differently if you had sought God's wisdom before making this decision?

2. Currently, what keeps you from seeking God first when it comes to making decisions?

3. Do you have a community in place around you that you can go to for wise counsel when it comes to making decisions? If not, what steps can you take to have others around you to help point out when your blinders are on? (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

4. After all of David's mistakes, God still promised David that Messiah would come from his lineage. No matter where you are or what you've done, what promises of God can you hold on to today?