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Books of the Bible |
Like first Samuel, it is hard to determine who actually wrote this book. Since the events of II Samuel take place after the death of Samuel it is hard to see how he could have written it.
It is pretty certain that the book was complete before 722 B.C. Many scholars are of the opinion that I and II Samuel were written during the reigns of David and Solomon, so they would be dated between 1010 and 930 B.C.
To show historical development of the kingdom of Israel into its glory days. To reveal the character of David as king to show how he was qualified for the position.
David's personal triumphs (1-10)
David's reign over Judah at Hebron (2-4)
David's reign over all of Israel (5-10)
The Davidic covenant established (7)
David's personal troubles (11-20)
David's sin with Bathsheba against Uriah and the Lord (11-12)
David's family troubles (13-18)
The rape of Tamar by Amnon, Amnon killed by Absalom, Absalom conspires against David, David flees Jerusalem, the defeat of Absalom.
David is reinstated as king (19-20)
Events of the life of David (21-24)
Reconciliation with the Gibeonites, the exploits of David and his men, David's psalm of praise and his last words, a list of David's mighty men.
Saul died in about 1010 B.C. which is where II Samuel begins. Over the 40 years of his reign David consolidated the nation of Israel from a loosely affiliated group of tribes into a single nation under a strong central monarchy with sufficient military strength to dominate the surrounding nations.
Other historical events include the expansion of Phoenician trade along the Mediterranean west beyond Cyprus and the coast of Morocco, early settlement of Spain and, in China, the beginning of refrigeration using ice cut in winter and stored.
Death of Saul; David made king of Judah; David consolidates all of Israel under his rule; the ark is returned to Jerusalem; God makes his covenant with David; David sins with Bathsheba; death of David's son and the birth of Solomon; Rape of Tamar and the subsequent murder of Amnon; Absalom attempts to seize the throne; David flees Jerusalem; Absalom is killed and David restored to the throne; David makes a sacrifice for his sin in numbering the people.
David, Saul, Abner, Joab, Michal, Bathsheba, Uriah, Nathan, Solomon, Amnon, Absalom, Tamar, Gad
Theologically, II Samuel is most important because it describes the establishment of a kingly line through David that would ultimately end with the coming of Christ. We see a rather negative view of the monarchy, especially in that the sons of David are greedy for power. David illustrates some of the most basic principles for how we should relate to God. He assumes responsibility for his actions and begs God to forgive him, he shows mercy to his enemies and does not take advantage of his position of superior strength. He is not willing to let God punish the entire nation when he alone is responsible. He will not accept a gift of the materials for his burnt offering, but insists on paying, understanding that those things that are without cost are also without value.