Book of 2 Samuel

We see in this book that David obtained the ark from Baale of Judah, so he can bring it to his own city; however, Uzzah was smitten for his error of touching the ark and died. David was displeased at this and left the ark at the house of Obededom for three months, which brought a blessing to that house. David heard of this and the joy accompanying, and decided to post offerings in its place as well as give gifts to the people. However, Michal, his wife, was displeased with some of his gestures during this occasion, and brought trouble between them and resentment from the Lord for his behavior. Therefore, Michal became barren because of this situation.

God declared that the line of David would be enduring, and that it would rule perpetually over the nation. The one condition made was that disobedience would result in chastisement, but it would not void the covenant nonetheless. David had a desire to build a temple, but God would not let him because of the blood shed in which he had been involved.

Synopsis

In late tenth century BC, an unknown author wrote Second Samuel. Second Samuel is a book that outlines the civil war, the establishment of David’s kingdom, and other conflicts and problems that were dealt with.

David learned about Saul’s death from one of Saul’s men, and lamented over his death and Jonathan’s death. He cursed the place where Saul died, and praised the bravery of both of them, for Saul brought prosperity to the people. Onward to chapter two, we learn that the Philistines now controlled much of Israel’s territory located west of Jordan. The Philistines then allowed David to become king over Judah in the South. David’s side, during battles, had consistent victories. In becoming the king in Judah, David had a good rule over Judah. This was by ending the line of Saul successfully.

David was then enthroned king of all of Israel, and began to establish his kingdom, where he conquered Jerusalem and established it as the political center. After that, his kingdom was extended. The ark was brought to Jerusalem, but somebody touched the ark and was killed. David feared a setback, and removed it. However, after figuring out God wasn’t angry at that, he moved the ark again. Upon bringing it back to Jerusalem, everyone was rejoicing and celebrating its arrival. David had expressed a desire to build a permanent dwelling place for God, but was soon reminded that God was not to be contained to one place. God was not overtly concerned about them building a temple, but He wanted the house of David built and firmly established. The dynasty of David is what the Lord was seeking, not a palace or dwelling place. David would have a royal descendant line, which would rule for generation after generation in Israel. This was God’s final plan, it seems, for kingly rule in Israel, was for David’s line of descendants to rule in Israel forever.

This could be also a prophecy of Jesus’ reign as king over the spiritual Israel, as Jesus came from the line of David. It would show that the old Israel (ruled by many generations of kings) transitioned into the New Israel (that would arise as a spiritual Israel, one where Jesus was the king). Anyway, this was to be a permanent dynasty that God established through David. David fully supported God in this, and prayed for the plan to be carried out. Therefore, the Davidic covenant was established. After that, we see that God was strengthening the royal house of David, as many military victories had occurred. David’s army had victories over Philistia, Moab, Zobah, Aram, Edom, and Ammon.

But, soon, we see a big problem of sin/transgressions from David, as he was found to have committed adultery with Bathsheba, and then he murdered Uriah (and tried to cover it up). Nathan the prophet pronounced over David the guilt and judgment. David confessed his sin before God, where God had pardoned him. However, that didn’t remove the consequences/punishment resulting.

David would then see years of reaping the consequences of his sin, where we see the judgment on David’s household, which involved death. His son of adultery would die (the one by Bathsheba and him), and David felt it was the responsibility of God’s judgment, in which the child died. We learn that Solomon was born to David and Bathsheba later. Other issues had occurred because of the sins of David; where we see that Amnon rapes Tamar, and then Absalom kills Amnon in revenge.

We also see the judgment on David’s kingdom, which involved Absalom conducting an insurrection – one where he wanted to seize the throne. Soon, David flees to Jerusalem in disgrace of this; meanwhile, Absalom seized power in Jerusalem later on. This didn’t last long, as Absalom was then overthrown and murdered, which caused grief to David. However, soon David would be restored as king and continue his rule. After this, we see Sheba’s revolt against David by leading people of the northern tribes to break away from David. Nevertheless, this revolt only brought death unto Sheba.

We then see the last years of David as king, where it first starts out with a three-year famine, which was caused by God’s judgment on Israel for Saul slaughtering the Gibeonites. The oath of Joshua was broken for the Gibeonites unto God. Saul’s sin needed to be eradicated, so seven of Saul’s descendants were executed. After this, the judgment on Israel was lifted. Only for soon, a battle began with the Philistines. This didn’t worry David, as we see that David wrote a couple psalms of praise for the victory over his enemies.

After that, we see Scripture outlining the mighty men that David had built, which were strong/tough in fighting. Israel’s strength and prosperity increased under David, so God allowed satan to tempt David to take a census of the people. This tested the pride of David, and the pride became sinful. A punishment was to come to Israel, for God acted in judgment and gave David a choice between three calamities. However, David trusted God and His mercy for the decision. So therefore, a plague broke out in Israel, which physically weakened the nation. Nevertheless, God, soon, in His mercy, stopped the plague before it would destroy Israel. David repented and interceded with God, for God had shown mercy!