Page 73 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

The Book of I Samuel

2 Samuel

The book of 2 Samuel records the rise of David as King over Israel.

Author and Date: unknown.

Theme(s) include: David’s Reign (1-10), Ruin (11-20), and Review (21-24)

Message: David finally begins his reign as king, divinely established
through universal conquest and unconditional covenant. But his
polygamy and power lead to ruin, with continuing consequences in his
family and kingdom. The review of David’s reigns shows that God remains
faithful to His covenant promises.

Breakdown: David’s Reign (1-10) David’s Ruin (11-20) Review (21-24)

Chapter’s 1-4 focuses on David’s reign over Judah. When news of Saul’s death arrives, David awards the
messenger with sword, not a sum. He expresses great anguish over death of Saul and that of Jonathan
(1). Nation is divided (2-4) David- king of Judah, Ishbaal- king of Israel, resulting in serious conflict,
shifting loyalty: Joab defeats Abner but Aber kills Joab’s brother. So when Abner- shame shifts loyalty to
David, Joab murders Abner, David mourns his death. Ishbaal is murdered and David kills murderers.
Amidst David’s rise to reign over all Israel, cracks appear in armor. His polygamy- harem, politics- Michal
and power- as everything the king did pleased the people signal trouble lies ahead!

Chapter’s 5-10 narrates David’s reign over all Israel. After Ishbaal’s death, Israel’s leaders anoint David
king over the entire nation (5). Once crowned, David picks Jerusalem as his political and religious capital,
defeating Jebusites, building up the city and harem, restoring the symbol of God’s presence to
prominence in Jerusalem. David became great, for YHWH was with him, exalting and establishing his
72