King James Version

Book of 2 Samuel

Author: Unknown. Date: Probably 10th century BC. Content: Second Samuel covers approximately forty years, which is the bulk of David's reign as king. It begins with David's being proclaimed king and consolidating his position against others who claimed the throne. David moved the capital to Jerusalem, brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there, and ultimately defeated the Philistines for all time. David's troubled career is described in some detail, including his family problems (his son Absalom) and his personal problems (adultery with Bathsheba). A summary of David's latter years concludes the book. Theme: The life of David is given as an example of good and evil. The sins of David are exposed, so that too much trust will not be put in men, and the victories of David are recorded so that it may be seen what God can do with someone who wholly trusts in him. God used David in spite of this faults because he found in David a willingness to repent and start again, no matter how far he had fallen.