2 Samuel is the 10th book of the Bible. It is the second of two books that originally constituted a single text known as the Book of Samuel. The Book of Samuel was likely composed between 931 and 721 BC, and its authorship is traditionally ascribed to the prophets Samuel, Gad, and Nathan.
The Bible records that Samuel authored a book in 1 Samuel 10:25, indicating that he likely authored at least a portion of the text that bears his name. However, since the book contains information from after his death, it is clear that other authors were also involved. The prophets Gad and Nathan are considered potential contributors, as 1 Chronicles 29:29 records that they each authored a historical account that included some of David’s activities. It is possible that these three accounts were eventually combined to create the Book of Samuel we know today.
While the complete book is named after Samuel since a substantial part of the work recounts his life and influence over the people of Israel, 2 Samuel primarily focuses on King David’s reign and the challenges he faced in establishing and maintaining his rule over Israel.
Notable figures in the book include King David, Bathsheba, Uriah the Hittite, Absalom, and Joab.
Background of 2 Samuel
2 Samuel covers the rise of David to kingship, his military successes, and his personal and family struggles. The book provides insights into the political, religious, and social context of ancient Israel. It shows how the people of Israel faced internal divisions and external threats from neighboring nations. The main themes of the book include God’s faithfulness to David and Israel, the importance of obedience to God, and the consequences of disobedience.
Outline of 2 Samuel
- David becomes king of Judah (2 Samuel 1-2)
- David’s rule expands over all Israel (2 Samuel 3-5)
- David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6)
- God establishes an everlasting covenant with David (2 Samuel 7)
- David’s military victories (2 Samuel 8-10)
- David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11)
- Nathan’s rebuke and David’s repentance (2 Samuel 12)
- The consequences of David’s sin: Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom (2 Samuel 13-18)
- David’s return to Jerusalem and further challenges (2 Samuel 19-20)
- David’s final years, a census, and the building of an altar (2 Samuel 21-24)
Biblical Timeline
- 1010 BC: David becomes king of Judah
- 1003 BC: David becomes king over all Israel
- 1000 BC: David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem
- 990 BC: God establishes an everlasting covenant with David
- 993 BC: David’s sin with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah
- 976 BC: Absalom’s rebellion against David
- 970 BC: Death of David
Practical Lessons from 2 Samuel
- The Importance of Trusting in God (2 Samuel 7): God’s promise to David demonstrates His faithfulness and the importance of trusting in Him
- The Importance of Repentance (2 Samuel 12): David’s repentance after Nathan’s rebuke teaches the importance of humility and repentance when confronted with sin.
- The Consequences of Sin (2 Samuel 13-18): David’s sin show the devastating impact of disobedience and the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God.
- Reconciliation (2 Samuel 19): David’s return to Jerusalem in illustrates the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Additional Notes
Extrabiblical Support for 2 Samuel
There are some extrabiblical sources that provide important context and evidence supporting the historicity of King David and the united Israelite monarchy described in 2 Samuel.
- Tel Dan Stele: The Tel Dan Stele, discovered in 1993-1994, is a broken stele (inscribed stone) from the 9th century BC, which contains an Aramaic inscription. This inscription mentions the King of Israel and the House of David, providing direct evidence for the existence of a Davidic dynasty. This find corroborates the biblical account of King David and his rule over Israel.
- Mesha Stele: The Mesha Stele, also known as the Moabite Stone, dates to around 840 BC. It was discovered in 1868 in Dhiban, Jordan, and bears an inscription by Mesha, the king of Moab. The inscription narrates Mesha’s revolt against the Israelite kingdom, which is also described in 2 Kings 3. Although the stele does not mention David specifically, it confirms the historical context of the united Israelite monarchy, which is the setting of 2 Samuel.
- Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem: Excavations in the City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem, have uncovered remains of structures and artifacts dating back to the time of King David. These finds include fortifications, a large public building, and pottery, which provide evidence for a centralized administration and a growing urban center, supporting the biblical narrative of the expansion of Jerusalem under David’s rule.
- The Amarna Letters: The Amarna Letters are a collection of clay tablets from the 14th century BC, discovered in Egypt. They contain correspondence between the Egyptian pharaohs and various rulers in the Levant, including the Canaanite city-states. While the letters predate the time of David, they provide valuable insights into the political and cultural landscape of the region during the Late Bronze Age, which helps to contextualize the events described in 2 Samuel.