II Samuel Introduction

Second Samuel Continues where First Samuel left off in the Account of the Life of David.

David was the "half-way" point between Abraham and Christ (Abraham 2,000 BC David 1,000 BC) He reigned as King of Israel from 1,005 to 965 BC, a period of 40 years. The first 4 years of his reign was controversial. During those 4 years, Ishbosheth Saul's son, attempted to maintain his fathers dynasty in the northern tribes but was assassinated in 1,001 BC.

David's 40-year reign can be divided into two parts:

1. His Triumphs Chapters 1 thru 12.
2. His Troubles Chapters 13 thru 24.

The Author, as with First Samuel, is unknown. Both books undoubtedly, were compiled from many sources. It is believed that these sources varied in their accounts as some were Judean and some were from the Ephraimites. Certainly the Prophets Samuel, Nathan and Gad contributed as well as the two Priests of David's era, Abithar and Ahimaaz. The present form was completed about 500 BC. Mentioned in Second Samuel 1:18, another source The Book of Jashar, has portions that appear in Joshua, Second Samuel, First Kings and the Story of Deborah.

First and Second Samuel were originally one book. Second Samuel covers approximately 60 years of Hebrew history. David took a kingdom that was on the verge of ruin and with the Lord's help, transformed it into a formidable empire. It was not easy because of the differences that were growing between northern and southern Israel. These differences dated back to the time of the Judges (1200 BC). They became a reality some 270 years later with the death of Solomon. Judah absorbed Simeon and the southern part of Benjamin and became the Southern Kingdom. The northern 10 tribes became the Northern Kingdom of Israel. After David established the Capitol at Jerusalem, we saw a unified kingdom that lasted for 75 years.

Second Samuel offers a very candid picture of David. His strengths are not glorified at the neglect of his weaknesses. The obvious truth that has come out so clearly since Genesis is, "Obedience brings blessings and disobedience brings judgment". More is known about David than any other individual in the Old Testament. With this introduction let's look at the Book of Second Samuel.

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