Historical Background

Second Samuel continues the story of the establishment of the kingdom of Israel after the death of Saul. Second Samuel follows David’s reign as king of Israel (about 1010–970 BC). David was “a man after the heart of God” (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22) and was sovereignly blessed by God with the Davidic Covenant. Though David had several serious sins and faced the tragedy of two sons who tried to seize the kingdom, God was faithful to his covenant (2 Sam. 7), forgave David, and established his throne forever in the coming of Jesus Christ.

Tip:

To keep things fresh in my preaching I rotate my yearly sermon schedule between expository series on a book of the Bible and a thematic sermon series. In the expository series I decided to preach through the OT books so that my people would understand the glory and practicality of the OT, especially as it leads to the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan in the New Testament. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Sermon Series

The following is a series through 2 Samuel in 16 sermons. 2 Samuel continues the life of “a man after the heart of God” through great heights of faith and extreme dark valleys of sin. We see that one of the greatest men of the OT was imperfect, but through this the grace, mercy, and unfailing purpose of God shine through.

Special Note: In this outline, I will point out “companion Psalms” which David wrote during the events of 2 Samuel. These Psalms add a great deal to our understanding of David’s thoughts, prayers, and faith in God during the highs and lows in his life.

Text: 2 Samuel 1

• Title: Love Your Enemies
• Big Idea: David honored King Saul on his death as a mighty one in Israel.
• Details: King Saul had been severely wounded in battle and took his own life (1 Sam. 31:4). Thinking that David would reward him, an Amalekite claimed that he had killed Saul. David had him killed because “he testified against himself.” David then gave a profound elegy for Saul and Jonathan.
• Note: Did Saul commit suicide (1 Sam. 31:4) or did the Amalekite kill him (2 Sam. 1:15-16)? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Note: Was there inappropriate affection between David and Jonathan (2 Sam. 1:26)? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Application Suggestion: David was severely persecuted by Saul for 10 years, but he did not take revenge on him because Saul was God’s anointed (2 Sam. 1:14, cf. 1 Sam. 24:6; 24:10; 26:9-11; 26:23). Instead, he praised Saul on his death. We should never take revenge into our own hands but allow God to bring justice (Rom. 12:19-20; 2 Tim. 4:14). Jesus commanded us to “love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44), and “to bless those who persecute you and pray for them” (Luke 6:28) and he modelled this on the cross (Luke 23:34).

Text: 2 Samuel 2-3

• Title: Israel’s Civil War
• Big Idea: David is anointed king over Judah, but Abner initiated a war.
• Details: God directed David to Hebron where he was anointed king of Judah. Abner, Saul’s cousin and the commander of Saul’s army, made Ish-bosheth king over all Israel. A deadly battle erupted between the two armies leading to civil war. Abner eventually defected to David but in jealousy and revenge, Joab killed Abner. When David heard of Abner’s death, he called for a time of mourning and called down a curse on the house of Joab (Deut. 21:7-9; 28:25-29).
• Note: Why did God allow David to have multiple wives (2 Sam. 2:2; 5:13)? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Application Suggestion: 1) God’s Will - David’s highest priority was to know and to obey God’s will for his life (“David inquired of the Lord” 8x). Jesus is our greatest example of willing obedience to the Father. “I have come to do your will” (Heb. 10:7, 9) and “I delight to do your will” (Ps. 40:7-8). 2) Genuineness - As a leader David was careful to live a transparent life in the eyes of all the people (3:36). People watching to see if our lives match our words (Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 3:15).

Text: 2 Samuel 4-5

• Title: The King Who Patiently Waited
• Big Idea: David is anointed king over Israel and makes Jerusalem the capital city.
• Details: The death of Ish-bosheth grieved David (4:9-12 cf. 1:14-15) but it opened the way for him to rule all of Israel. David had patiently waited for God’s timing (nearly 20 years since Samuel anointed him) knowing that the Lord would keep his promise of making David king over all Israel (1 Sam. 13:14; 16). God called David not only to be the king of his people, but also their spiritual shepherd (2 Sam. 5:2; Ps. 78:70–72).
• Note: David wisely chose Zion (Jerusalem) as the new capital. It was on the border of Benjamin (Saul’s tribe) and Judah (David’s tribe) but had not previously been a part of Israel but formerly Jebusite, so he could not be accused of being partial.
• Application Suggestion: 1) David is an encouraging example of patient waiting for God’s timing. Our human nature is impatient and rushes ahead, but David tells us to “wait patiently on the Lord” (Ps. 27:14; 37:34; 40:1). Jesus modelled patience during the years he worked as a carpenter, waiting 30 years for God’s timing for ministry (Mark 6:3; Luke 3:23). 2) David “became more powerful because God was with him” (5:10). Believers also can have victory because we “can do everything through him who gives strength” (Phil. 4:13; Eph. 3:16; 2 Cor. 12:9).

Text: 2 Samuel 6

• Title: The Terror and Joy of the Lord
• Big Idea: The holy Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem, but it had to be done according to God’s instructions.
• Details: The Ark of the Covenant represents “the Name of the Lord Almighty” and David was very eager to have it placed in the capital city. However, in his eagerness David did not follow the strict transportation instructions God had given (Exod. 25:12-14) and the anger of the Lord burned. In great fear David left the Ark for three months until he could move it correctly (with poles, 1 Chron. 15:15) and with great rejoicing. Michal despised him for the very thing that made David great—devotion to God and joy in worship.
• Note: Is the Ark of the Covenant a source of devastating power? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Application Suggestion: 1) God’s Holiness - As in ancient Israel, Christians today are often far too casual in our approach to God. God is full of grace, but he is also awesome in holiness (cf. Isa. 6:1-5). It is only with a proper understanding of the “fear of the Lord” (27x in Scripture) that we can approach God boldly through the sacrifice of Jesus, our Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16; 1 Jn. 2:1-2). 2) The Joy of the Lord – David openly showed unashamed joy and personal humility when he danced before the Lord with all his might (6:14). Whatever our tradition of worship might be, we should be sure that we rejoice in the joy of the Lord (Ps. 118:24; Neh. 8:10; Phil. 4:4; John 15:11; Rom. 12:12)

Text: 2 Samuel 7

• Title: When God Says ‘No’
• Big Idea: It was David’s great desire to build a house for the Lord, but God said “no” and instead guaranteed to build a house for David.
• Details: Now in a time of peace, David’s heart turns toward building a sanctuary for the presence of God. David knew that it was God’s desire to have a sanctuary in the capital of Jerusalem (Deut. 12:5, 11; 16:2; 26:2). However, God said “no” to David’s plans. Instead, the Lord revealed that he would build a house/family for David, establishing the Davidic Covenant (called a covenant in 23:5).
• Note: Why was David denied his heart’s desire to build the Temple for the Lord? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Note: What is the significance of the Davidic Covenant? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Application Suggestion: 1) Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. A son born from the lineage of David (Matt. 1), will rule on the throne of David forever (Luke 1:33), bringing peace and justice to our world (Isa. 9:6-7). Our response is to put our faith in him (Acts 4:12, Rom. 10:9-10), worship him (Phil 2:10), and obey him (Luke 6:46). 2) When God tells you “no” it means that he has something much better for you (Rom. 8:28). He knows your heart’s desire and will not forget all you have done for him (Heb. 6:10).

Text: 2 Samuel 9

• Title: The Kindness of God
• Big Idea: David searched out the only surviving son of Jonathan and showed him kindness.
• Details: “The kindness of God” (hesed) is a major theme in this chapter (vv. 1, 3, 7). David didn’t see Mephibosheth as a threat to his power, but instead kept his covenant with Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:11-17) and showed kindness to Mephibosheth.
• Application Suggestion: David’s kindness to Mephibosheth illustrates how God showed undeserved grace to sinners through Jesus. We were completely underserving, but God showed his kindness to us through his Son (Titus 3:4; Eph. 2:7).
• Note: For further discussion on “kindness” (hesed), see the “Theological Issues” section.

Text: 2 Samuel 11

• Title: Idle Hands Are the Devil's Tools
• Big Idea: Instead of going to war with the army, David’s sloth provided an opportunity for Satan to tempt him.
• Details: While kings go to battle, David was taking it easy in the palace and was sleeping during the afternoon (11:2). Seeing Bathsheba taking a bath his lust took hold and he acted on it (Jam. 1:13-15) and she became pregnant. When David could not get Uriah to go home to Bathsheba, he set him up to be killed. Ultimately David broke three commandments: #10 (coveting), #7 (adultery), and #6 (murder). David married Bathsheba and assumed his coverup worked.
• Application Suggestion: One of Satan’s most effective temptations is that our sins can be concealed. There is no such thing as hidden sin. David “had done evil in the sight of the Lord” (1:27) and “nothing is hidden from God’s sight … before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:13).

Text: 2 Samuel 12

• Title: Sin Always Has Consequences
• Big Idea: After his adultery, murder, and coverup, David is confronted by God’s prophet.
• Details: It has been at least nine months since David committed his multiple sins. Just when he must have breathed a sigh of relief, God sent Nathan to pierce his heart with the words “you are the man!” To his credit, David made a full confession and received forgiveness, but the terrible consequences of his sin will last until David’s death. Ultimately, five will die as a result of his sin: Uriah (11:17), Bathsheba’s first child (v.18), Amnon (13:28–29), Absalom (18:14–15), and Adonijah (1 Kings 2:25).
• Note: How could God forgive David of murder and adultery? The temple sacrifices covered “unintentional sins” (Lev. 5:18; Heb. 9:7) but David’s were intentional and multiple. See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Note: Do the words of David on the death of the baby, “I will go to him,” provide any comfort to parents about the heavenly destiny of babies who die? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Companion Psalms - Psalm 51 and Psalm 32 are companion psalms to this dark event in David’s life. Psalm 51 was his prayer for pardon; Psalm 32 follows it, stressing God’s forgiveness and the lesson David learned.
• Application Suggestion: David’s confession here (and in Psalm 51) is a model for our prayers for forgiveness of sins. Through sincere confession to Jesus, we have a Great High Priest who speaks to the Father in our defense and whose blood cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn. 1:7-2:2). We can take heart that as David was forgiven (Psa. 32:5), so we can be forgiven and restored.

Text: 2 Samuel 13

• Title: Like Father Like Son
• Big Idea: Although forgiven of his sins, David will face the consequences for the rest of his life (12:10), beginning with his son Amnon.
• Details: David now enters the dark night of the consequences of sin; nothing will ever be the same. David’s son Amon lusted for his half-sister Tamar. Instead of resisting his sin, he nurtured it and ultimately acted on it, just as his father David had done with Bathsheba. Amnon soon discovered that the thrill and hunger of desire had turned to disgust and anger after he carried out his lust. Although David heard of all that Amnon had done (13:21), he did nothing, and so Absalom plotted revenge for his sister.
• Application Suggestion: Ever since Eve’s temptation in the garden (Gen. 3:6), Satan has presented sin as pleasurable, excusable, and beneficial. Our old nature conspires with Satan (James 1:14-15) to deceive us into allowing sin to take root in our thoughts. However, Jesus pulled the mask off of sin when he taught that it doesn’t start with an action but with a desire (Matt. 5:27-30). We are to “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about ways to indulge your evil desires” (Rom. 13:14).

Text: 2 Samuel 14

• Title: Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold
• Big Idea: Absalom was furious with Amnon for the rape of his sister but waited for the best time to carry out revenge.
• Details: Absalom waited two years and then revenged his sister by killing Amnon. He may also have had the secondary plan of removing his first-born brother from competition for succession to the throne. David knew that his son deserved punishment, but David was known for being lenient with his sons (1 Kings 1:6). Absalom ran to his grandfather’s kingdom and eventually returned home, but it will be five years before father and son see each other face-to-face (13:38; 14:28).
• Application Suggestion: Jesus is our example in not taking revenge but forgiving those who abused and ultimately crucified him (Luke 23:34) and he commanded his followers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27). When Stephen was martyred, he echoed the words of his Master (Acts 7:60).

Text: 2 Samuel 15-16

• Title: David’s Darkest Hour
• Big Idea: Absalom returned to Israel and cleverly plotted to undermine David’s rule.
• Details: Joab mediated for Absalom (14:28-33), but Absalom harbored resentment against David and began a clever plot to steal the hearts of the people. His heart is inflated with pride in his own abilities (14:25-26) and the “injustice” done to him. When four years passed, he took action to murder his father and take the throne. David ran for his life, but left Hushai, a trusted advisor, to thwart Absalom. David refused to take revenge against Shimei’s curses on his sad journey out of Jerusalem.
• Companion Psalms - Psalm 3, 4, 41, 55, 61, 62, 63, and 143 are companion psalms to this episode of David’s life and are known as “exile psalms.” Psalms 41 and 55 indicate that David was not well (and perhaps unable to meet with people), and that may have prompted the actions of Absalom’s plot.
• Note: 2 Samuel 15:7 - How long did Absalom’s plot continue – “4 years” (NIV, ESV) or “40 years” (NASB, KJV)? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Application Suggestion: Although God has forgiven David’s sin, the practical consequences continue to multiply. Like David (15:25-26; 16:10-12), we should humbly accept God’s will and realize he disciplines us as a loving heavenly Father (Heb. 12:4-9). There is always hope, not despair, in discipline (Heb. 12:10-12).

Text: 2 Samuel 17-18

• Title: A Sad Victory
• Big Idea: David is on the run from his murderous son, but God continually protected David.
• Details: God used Hushai to thwart Ahithophel’s excellent (but treacherous) advice, to protect David, and “bring calamity on Absalom” (17:5-14). Spies informed David of the battle plan (17:15-23). Ahithophel hanged himself when his advice was disregarded. God gave David’s smaller army a great victory and defeated Absalom using only the branch of a tree. David began to grieve inconsolably over the death of his son.
• Note: When Absalom entered Jerusalem (15:37), David was only one mile away behind a hill. Only Hushai’s advice to wait saved David from destruction.
• Note: Why did Ahithophel, David’s closest advisor (cf. Psa. 41:9; 55:13-14), support the revolt? Bathsheba was his granddaughter and he had revenge in his heart for David’s sins of adultery and murder against his family.
• Note: 2 Samuel 14:27 states that Absalom had three sons, why does Absalom say he had “no son to preserve his name” (18:18)? Contrary to general usage, the names of the sons are not given, in all probability, because they died in infancy (Keil & Delitzsch, 644).
• Application Suggestion: God made a way for David where there seemed to be no hope. God used timing (15:37), the support of friends (17:7-21), and nature (18:9) to bring victory from defeat. God has promised to work “all things together for our good” (Rom. 8:28) and can use any and all circumstances for our victory (Gen. 50:20).

Text: 2 Samuel 19-20

• Title: The Agonizing Weight of a Guilty Conscience
• Big Idea: David’s grief nearly turns victory into defeat, until he is rebuked.
• Details: David is overcome by grief brought on by the inner knowledge that he is the ultimate cause of these disasters (12:10). He listens to the rebuke of Joab (he does not yet know that Joab killed Absalom) and wins back the hearts of the people. David does not take revenge on Shimei or Joab at this time (but cf. 2 Kings 2:5-6; 2:8-9). Sheba leads yet another rebellion against David and is killed at the counsel of a wise woman.
• Note: Why did David constantly put up with Joab’s sins (2 Kings 2:5)? Joab supported David through many difficult times, but had murdered innocent men. Joab was David’s nephew and the brother of Abishai and Asahel, and all of them were powerful and influential. Joab had also been involved in David’s scheme to kill Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah (2 Sam. 11:14ff), and he may have used his knowledge to coerce David.
• Note: Ziba (2 Sam 9) may have been resentful at having to care for Mephibosheth’s land and thus slandered Mephibosheth as though he wanted to take the throne from David after David’s kindness to him (16:3). David later discovered the truth from Mephibosheth (19:24-30) who calls David “my lord, the king” five times.
• Application Suggestion: An unresolved guilty conscience can lead to self-pitying guilt that can overwhelm your life. The best action is to confess sin, accept God’s cleansing, and then live by faith that all sins are covered by the blood of Christ (1 Jn. 1:7-10; 2:1-2; Zech. 3:1-5).

Text: 2 Samuel 21

• Title: Time Does Not Erase Sin
• Big Idea: Three years of famine are due to Saul’s sin from long ago.
• Details: A famine is caused by Saul’s long-ago sin of betraying the covenant with Gibeon (Josh. 9). The Lord does not overlook sin but requires justice. Money cannot atone for sin, only the shedding of blood (Num. 35:33). David spared Mephibosheth because of his covenant with Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:15-16). God lifted the famine because the sin has been atoned.
• Note: Why does the text say Elhanan killed Goliath of Gath? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Application Suggestion: We all have very fallible and fading memories of our past unconfessed sins. Time does not erase our sins but perfect justice has been served, and our sins forgiven, by the blood of Jesus for us (Rom. 8:1-4; Rom. 8:34; 1 Jn. 1:7)

Text: 2 Samuel 22-23

• Title: David’s Song of Praise to God His Deliverer
• Big Idea: As an old man, David sings a song of praise for God’s faithfulness to him.
• Details: In spite of his sins, David was a “man after the heart of God” and this is how God wants him to be remembered (1 Kings 15:5, David is named 900 times in Scripture). In his life of obedience, David stood against Goliath, unified the nation, established Jerusalem, prepared for the building of the temple, wrote one half of the Psalms, and through the Davidic Covenant, Christ became the human descendant of David (Rom. 1:3). This personal song of praise was later made a national psalm of praise (with a new introduction, Psalm 18).
• Application Suggestion: Our praise should also rise to God as we remember his faithfulness, grace, forgiveness, and mighty answers to our prayers. How often do we take the time to keep a record of all that God has done for us and to give thanks to God for who he is (Heb. 13:15)?

Text: 2 Samuel 24

• Title: A Godly Man Can Still Sin
• Big Idea: David sent Joab to number the people of Israel and this brought God’s judgment.
• Details: God was angry with Israel for some unnamed sin (24:1) and so God punished Israel. David wanted a census, perhaps to ensure that there sufficient fighting men for the transition of the throne to Solomon. However, this greatly displeased the Lord (1 Chron. 21:7) and David realized that he had “greatly sinned.” David’s sin with Bathsheba caused the death of five people, but this sin took the lives of 70,000 people. David put himself into the hands of a merciful God, he built an altar, and the plague was halted.
• Note: Who incited David to take the census, God (2 Sam. 24:1) or Satan 1 Chron. 21:1)? See the “Theological Issues” section.
• Application Suggestion: There are three avenues by which we are tempted: The world, the flesh, and the devil (Eph. 2:1-2) and we must be on constant guard against them. Our strength is through the victory which Christ has won for us and in which we should stand (Col. 2:14-15; Heb. 2:14; Eph. 6:10-18).

Theological Issues

2 Samuel 1:15-16 – Did Saul commit suicide (1 Sam. 31:4) or did the Amalekite kill him (2 Sam. 1:15-16)?

For a good discussion of this debated issue see: Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992), 806.

2 Samuel 1:26 – Was there inappropriate affection between David and Jonathan?

David’s statement that Jonathan’s “love” for him was “more wonderful than that of women,” has occasionally and perversely been understood in a homosexual sense. It should rather be understood to have covenantal connotations; “love” in such contexts meaning “covenantal/ political loyalty.” See Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 3 (Zondervan, 1992), 816.

2 Samuel 2:2, 3:2-5; 5:13; 11:27 – King David’s Multiple Wives

God gave the kings a strict command about their behavior toward wealth and wives (Deut. 17:14-17). Unfortunately, most of the early kings in Israel did not obey God's command. David had eight wives, starting with Michal, King Saul's daughter, to his last wife, Bathsheba. King David loved God greatly (Acts 13:22) but in this area he was disobedient and paid the price with several sons rebelling against him. God is gracious in forgiving sins and works his plan through imperfect people.

2 Samuel 6:7 – Is the Ark of the Covenant the source of devastating power?

According to Hollywood, the Ark is a source of vast power which can defeat armies and perform supernatural feats. This is a misunderstanding of the nature of the Ark. It represents a powerful and holy God, who takes action when offended, but it does not contain God. For a very good discussion of this topic see Randall Price, Searching for the Ark of the Covenant (Harvest House, 2005), chapters 1-2; and Joyce G. Baldwin, 1 and 2 Samuel, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 219–221.

2 Samuel 7:5 - Why was David denied his heart’s desire to build the Temple for the Lord?

God loved David and his pursuit of the heart of God. However, David was not to be the one to build the Temple. God appointed David to establish the nation of Israel through war and David had spilled much blood (1 Chron. 22:8; 28:3). Therefore, God chose Solomon (literally “peace”), to build his temple (1 Chron 22:9-10).

2 Samuel 12 - How could God forgive David’s murder and adultery?

Under OT law the sacrifices covered only “unintentional sins” (Lev. 5:18; Heb. 9:7) but David’s sins were intentional and multiple. Murder and adultery were both capital crimes (Ex. 21:12; Lev. 20:10). The answer is that God’s grace and mercy has provided a greater sacrifice than goats and bulls through the body of his own Son (Heb. 10:1-10). God forgave David through his sincere confession in anticipation of the Great High Priest who speaks to the Father in our defense and whose blood cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn. 1:7-2:2).

2 Samuel 12:7 - How long did Absalom’s plot continue – “4 years” or “40 years”?

Translators and commentators are virtually unanimous in preferring the evidence of some LXX MSS, the Syriac, and Josephus for “four” in preference to the Hebrew, which reads “forty.” Joyce Baldwin, 1 and 2 Samuel, TOTC (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 276.

2 Samuel 12:23 – Do the words of David on the death of the baby, “I will go to him,” provide any comfort to parents about the heavenly destiny of babies who die?

The heartfelt question is “where did the soul of the baby go on death?” For a good discussion of this question see: Mark Hitchcock, 55 Answers to Questions about Life after Death (Multnomah, 2005), 232-236; Jack Hayford, I’ll Hold You in Heaven, (Hayford, Reissue 2003); Randy Alcorn, Heaven (Tyndale, 2004) pp. 354-356.

2 Samuel 21:19 - Why does the text say Elhanan killed Goliath of Gath when David is the one who killed him? (1 Sam. 17)

There are several possible solutions, the most likely is that Elhanan killed “the brother of Goliath” (1 Chron. 20:5). See: Eugene H. Merrill, “2 Samuel,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, vol. 1 (Victor Books, 1985), 477; Edward J. Young, An Introduction to the Old Testament rev. ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1960), 198; Gleason Archer, Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982), 178–179.

2 Samuel 24 – Who incited David to take the census in 2 Samuel 24, God (2 Sam. 24:1) or Satan (1 Chron. 21:1)?

The parallel account of the census reveals it was Satan who incited David to take the census (1 Chronicles 21:1). However, 2 Samuel 24:1 says that it was God who “moved David” to take the census. This discrepancy can be explained by the understanding that sometimes God sovereignly permits Satan to act in order to achieve God’s purposes. God uses Satan in various ways, among them the refining, disciplining, and purification of disobedient believers (Luke 22:31-32; 1 Cor. 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 12:7-10). Such is the case with David. God allowed Satan to tempt him and David sinned, revealing his pride and allowing God to deal with him for it.

Theological Themes

The Davidic Covenant

This is an unconditional covenant made by God with David through which God promises David that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah. This covenant fulfills the ancient prophecy of a king in Judah “from whom the scepter will not depart” (Gen. 49:10). From this promise will come the King of Kings (Ps. 2; Jer. 23:5-6; Isa. 16:5), the greatest son of David (Matt. 1:1; Rom 1:3), who will reign on an eternal throne (Luke 1:32-33). Other references to the Davidic Covenant are found in Isaiah 9:7; 11:1; Luke 1:32, 69; Acts 13:34; and Revelation 3:7.

God Is Sovereign

God continues to unfold his eternal purpose which he first stated in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15), explicitly promised in the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12:1-3), and progressively revealed in the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7:10-16). Through his sovereign choice of a young man taken from the sheepfolds (Ps. 78:70), God began a line of kings through whom will come the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16), who will reign over his kingdom forever (Isa. 9:6-7).

God Is Holy

God is separate from all that is unclean and evil. He is pure and has no darkness in him (1 Jn. 1:5). Thus, he requires his people to treat him as holy and to “be holy as I am holy” (Lev. 11:44; 1 Pet. 1:15-16). The Ark of the Covenant was the symbol of God’s presence on earth and thus God required it to be treated as holy also (Num. 4:15; 2 Sam. 6:7). As in ancient Israel, Christians today are often far too casual in our approach to God. God is full of grace, but he is also awesome in holiness (cf. Isa. 6:1-5). It is only with a proper understanding of the “fear of the Lord” (27x in Scripture) that we can approach God boldly through the sacrifice of Jesus, our Great High Priest (Heb. 4:15-16).

God is Merciful and Forgives the Truly Repentant

David was a man “after the heart of God” (1 Sam. 13:14) but he was also fallible and committed several serious sins. There was no sacrifice given in the OT law for deliberate sins (Lev. 5:18; Heb. 9:7). David confessed his sins to God and pleaded the grace and goodness of God who responds to a broken and contrite heart (Ps. 32; 51).

God is Kind

The great “kindness” of God is emphasized in 2 Samuel (2:6; 7:15; 15:20; 22:51) and is shown by David to others (9:1, 3, 7; 10:2). The Hebrew word hesed (cf. Exod. 34:6-7; Num. 14:18; Deut. 7:9) reveals the steadfast love of God in giving promises to David and others. This word speaks of God’s goodness, kindness (especially in granting his favors to the lowly and underserving), mercy, and loyal love in keeping his covenants with Moses, Abraham, and David.

Christology

Through the Davidic covenant announced in 2 Samuel 7, God will bring forth his Christ, through the line of David. He will have a never-ending kingdom, rule over the earth in justice, bring true world peace, and bless both Jews and Gentiles. The spiritual blessings God offered to David are today offered in Jesus Christ to all who will trust him (Isa. 55:1–7; Acts 13:32–39). The line of David brought Jesus Christ the Son of God into the world (Matt. 1; Luke 1:32-33, 54–55, 68–79).

My Encounter with 2 Samuel

I greatly enjoy reading the life of David in 1 & 2 Samuel. The highlights of his faith and victories in 1 Samuel are profound, but I am also heartened to read of his missteps and failures in 2 Samuel. This sounds odd, but I think of it in this way: God knew David completely before he ever chose him (Ps. 139), his heart for God (1 Sam. 13:14), and his deep trust in God (1 Sam. 17:45-47). But God also foreknew all of David’s weaknesses and failures (Bathsheba, his failures with his sons, numbering the people, etc.). If God knew all of that about David, yet still chose him, put him in the line of Christ, and gave his legacy as “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22), then there is hope for me. I love the Lord, yet I make huge mistakes, stumble, and must repeatedly confess my sins to him. God foreknew all of my life and still chose me to be in the ministry. What a gracious and merciful God!

Commentaries

Joyce G. Baldwin, 1 and 2 Samuel, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove: InverVarsity Press, 1988).

A careful scholar who writes in an accessible way. The emphasis is on exegesis and theology. Concise and very helpful for the busy pastor.

Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992).

One of the best in the EBC series. Gives a balanced view of the material and includes helpful secondary resources.

Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Restored, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton: Victor, 2002).

Provides theologically accurate insight that a pastor can readily use in a sermon. Includes helpful cross-references to other OT and NT passages and historical information.

William Crockett, A Harmony of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles: The Books of the Kings of Judah and Israel (Fleming H. Revell Company, 1897).

Provides a quick way to access the parallel passages between 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. This often supplies additional insights not included in the text of 2 Samuel.

David Finch is a retired pastor, after 29 years in ministry, he is also a free-lance editor for Preaching Today.