Second Samuel

Author : Keith Sharp

ThemeThe theme of Second Samuel is the great reign of King David (2 Samuel 5:10,12). The entire book is about his rule. There is more written in the Scriptures about David than about any other Bible character except Jesus Christ.

DavidDavid was great because he had such deep faith in God (2 Samuel 22:1- 4,32-37,47-51). Thus, he was truly God’s choice as king (1 Samuel 13:14; 16:7,11-13). David was also a prophet from the day he was anointed king (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 23:1-2) and was the greatest of the psalmists (inspired poets) of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1) as well as its greatest warrior (1 Samuel 18:6-7; 2 Samuel 22:1). He ruled justly (2 Samuel 8:15) in the fear of God (2 Samuel 23:3-4). His life and rule became the standard by which later kings were measured (cf. 1 Kings 9:1-4; 11:4-6,38; 15:3-5,11; 2 Kings 14:3; 16:2; 18:3; 2 Chronicles 28:1; 29:2; 34:2). Thus, the pinnacle of Israel’s greatness was reached as the result of the reign of King David and through the help of the Lord (2 Samuel 5:12).

David was also guilty of great sins (2 Samuel 11,24), but he was forgiven (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 32:1-5; 2 Samuel 24:25) because he repented (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51:1-4; 2 Samuel 24:10).

God’s Promise to DavidGod promised to set up the rule of David’s house perpetually (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This promise has been ultimately fulfilled in the reign of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:30-33; Acts 2:29-36; 13:22-23), the seed of David (Matthew 1:1).

Outline1. David’s Great Victory Over the House of Saul – chapters 1 – 4

a. David Mourns for Saul & Jonathan – chapter 1
b. War Between David & Ishbosheth – chapters 2 – 4

2. David’s Great Rule – chapters 5-7

a. David Unites the Kingdom – chapter 5
b. David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem – chapter 6
c. God’s Great Promise to David – chapter 7

3. David’s Great Victories Over God’s Enemies – chapters 8 – 10

a. David Defeats Moab, Philistia, Zobah, & Syria – chapter 8
b. David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth – chapter 9
c. David Defeats the Ammonite & Syrian Alliance – chapter 10

4. David’s Great Sins & Their Punishments – chapters 11 – 21

a. David Commits Adultery & Murder – chapter 11
b. God’s Judgment on David – 12:1-23
c. Birth of Solomon – 12:24-25
d. Defeat of Ammon – 12:26-31
e. Rape of Tamar & Death of Amnon – chapter 13
f. Rebellion of Absalom – chapters 14-19
g. Rebellion of Sheba – chapter 20
h. Three Years of Famine – 21:1-14 |
i. Defeat of Philistines – 21:15-22

5. Conclusion: Great Faith, Great Strength, Great Sin – chapters 22 – 24

a. Great Faith: David’s Psalm of Praise – 22:1 – 23:7
b. Great Strength: David’s Mighty Men – 23:8-39
c. Great Sin: David’s Punishment for Sin of Numbering People – chapter 24

Summary1. The theme of Second Samuel is the great reign of David.
2. David was great because of his faith in God.
3. David was Israel’s greatest king, psalmist, and warrior; and he was a prophet.
4. David’s great sins were adultery, murder, and an unauthorized census.
5. God forgave David’s sins because David repented.
6. God’s great promise to David was “Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16).