Introduction to 2 Samuel

The book of 2 Samuel continues where 1 Samuel left off. These two books were originally one book titled after the Prophet Samuel, who ordained the first two kings of Israel. Although these books were named after Samuel, he was not the likely author. These books themselves gave no indication of who had written them. But whoever the author was, he seemed to have access to the records of the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David. References in the 1 Chronicles indicate some people who had provided records for the compilation of these books. First Chronicles 27:24 speaks of the book of the chronicles of King David. Then in 1 Chronicles 29:29 we are told of the records of Samuel the seer, the records of the Prophet Nathan, and the records of Gad the seer.  It was probably their records that had provided the materials for the compilation of 1 and 2 Samuel.

In 1 Samuel, Saul started off the period of the monarchy as the first king of Israel. Though he started well, he was rejected early into his reign because of his failure to obey and keep the instruction which God gave to him through Samuel, the prophet. He was mainly a man after man’s heart. Because of the fear of man, he was snared. In 1 Samuel, we see the description of his failures and the events that led to his downfall and death. This book also gives us glimpses of the slow but meteoric rise of David as the second king of Israel. Though ordained as king, it took David much struggles and pain to finally ascend the throne. It was a tough and arduous journey for him, and in 2 Samuel we will see how he made it to the throne finally.

As we journey through the book of 2 Samuel, we will see more of the life and ministry of David. Under his reign, Israel reached the pinnacle of her golden years. But it was not without its attending struggles. In this book, we will see David’s leadership skills and decisiveness, but we will also see his moral failings and how they affected the course of his life, his family and his reign.  The frank and honest description of his life, his successes, struggles and failures lend authenticity to the book. There are many lessons to glean from his life. So, let us  approach our contemplation of this book with an open and receptive heart. And as we do, the same Spirit who had inspired the compilation of this book will surely illuminate our heart and mind and lead us to the God we love. We must then like David face them squarely and take steps to close rank with Him to fulfil the plan He has for our lives.