2 Samuel

The reign of King David. God promises David a dynasty that will last forever. David unites the kingdom and makes Jerusalem its capital, but his sin with Bathsheba brings deep trouble to his family and his kingdom.

Author

Unknown, drawing on court records

Written

Events about 1010 to 970 BC

Chapters

1. 12 Samuel 1David learns of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths and mourns them in a moving lament: “How the mighty have fallen!”
2. 22 Samuel 2David is anointed king over Judah at Hebron, while Saul’s son Ish-bosheth rules the north. War breaks out between the two houses.
3. 32 Samuel 3Abner, Saul’s commander, defects to David, but Joab murders him in revenge. David mourns publicly.
4. 42 Samuel 4Ish-bosheth is murdered in his bed, and David executes the killers.
5. 52 Samuel 5David becomes king over all Israel, captures Jerusalem, and defeats the Philistines.
6. 62 Samuel 6David brings the ark to Jerusalem. Uzzah dies touching it. David dances before the Lord with joy, and Michal despises him.
7. 72 Samuel 7David wants to build God a house, but God promises to build David a house instead: a dynasty and a throne established forever.
8. 82 Samuel 8David’s victories over surrounding nations, and his officials.
9. 92 Samuel 9David shows kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s disabled son, for Jonathan’s sake, and he eats at the king’s table.
10. 102 Samuel 10The Ammonites humiliate David’s messengers, and Israel defeats them and the Arameans.
11. 112 Samuel 11While his army is at war, David sleeps with Bathsheba, then arranges for her husband Uriah to be killed in battle.
12. 122 Samuel 12The prophet Nathan tells a parable that exposes David’s sin: “You are the man!” David repents, but the child dies. Solomon is born.
13. 132 Samuel 13David’s son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar. Her brother Absalom murders Amnon and flees.
14. 142 Samuel 14Joab arranges for a wise woman to persuade David to bring Absalom back, but David does not see him for two years.
15. 152 Samuel 15Absalom steals the hearts of Israel and launches a revolt. David flees Jerusalem in tears.
16. 162 Samuel 16On the run, David is cursed by Shimei and deceived by Ziba. Absalom takes over his father’s palace.
17. 172 Samuel 17Hushai, David’s friend, gives Absalom bad advice and warns David. Ahithophel, whose advice was rejected, takes his own life.
18. 182 Samuel 18David’s army defeats Absalom, who is caught by his hair in a tree and killed by Joab. David weeps: “O Absalom, my son, my son!”
19. 192 Samuel 19Joab rebukes David for mourning while his men despair. David returns to Jerusalem and shows mercy to his enemies.
20. 202 Samuel 20Sheba leads a new revolt against David and is killed. Joab murders Amasa.
21. 212 Samuel 21A famine is linked to Saul’s crime against the Gibeonites. Wars with the Philistines and their giants.
22. 222 Samuel 22David’s song of praise for deliverance: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.”
23. 232 Samuel 23David’s last words, and a list of his mighty warriors.
24. 242 Samuel 24David sins by counting his army. God sends a plague, and David buys a threshing floor to build an altar, the future site of the temple.