Page 52 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook

away- like father, like son. After 2 yrs. of plotting, Absalom deceives David to send Amnon to sheep-
shearing, where he is killed for raping Tamar (13). (3) Absalom: after sojourn in Geshur- 2 yrs Joab
returns Absalom to Jerusalem, but tensions remain. After winning heart of people, Absalom plots coup
to take throne. David flees to Jerusalem, but when Absalom follows bad counsel, he is killed in battle, as
David sends army against him (13-19). (4) Sheba: King’s return raises tribal tensions, Sheba sparks revolt
but is quickly killed (20) (5) Adonijah: plots coup, struggle for throne concubine, Solomon sends to
death- 1 Kings. 2

Promises (21-24). These final chapters review the major themes of Samuel: David’s superiority to Saul,
his success, his sin and sentence, and surety of God’s covenant promises. A. Saul’s sin (21:1-14) recalls
Saul’s folly, David honored Saul, 1 Sam. 15-2 Sam 4 B. David’s mighty men (21:15-22) recounts victories,
2 Sam 5-10 C. David’s song of thanks, final words (22-23:7) praise God protection and promise. B’
David’s mighty men (23:8-39) recount more victories! A’ David’s sin (24) reminds reader of cracks in his
armor, power and polygamy, their continuing consequences, 2 Sam. 11-20

The Book of 2 Samuel

1-2 KINGS
1-2 Kings narrate the history of the Israel in the United Kingdom (David and
Solomon) and divided Kingdom (Israel and Judah). Theme(s) include: Failed
Obedience, Future Hope and Foremost Supremacy (Solomon, Jeroboam, and
Prophets/Ahab). The main message of these books can summarized this way: From
united to divided, the books of Kings highlight Israel’s failed obedience, repeatedly
violating God’s covenant by worshiping other gods resulting in exile, the future hope
found only in repentance, and YHWH’s jealousy for foremost supremacy, showing His
superiority both to Baal and Israel’s kings. The two books can be divided as follows: Solomon’s Character
(1-11), Jeroboam’s Consequence (12-16), Prophets’ Challenge (1 Kings 17-2 Kings 8).

1 Kings 1-3 focuses on the rise of Solomon as King over Israel. When David is debilitated and Adonijah
seeks throne, Solomon is elected king, exhorted to keep God’s covenant: obey blessing and kill hostiles-
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