2Samuel

Second Samuel records David's reign over Israel, his triumphs and failures, and the establishment of the Davidic covenant. The book opens with David learning of Saul and Jonathan's deaths, mourning genuinely despite Saul's persecution. David becomes king over Judah at Hebron, while Saul's son Ish-bosheth rules the northern tribes, initiating civil war. After Ish-bosheth's assassination, all Israel acknowledges David as king.

David captures Jerusalem, making it his capital, and brings the ark to the city with great celebration. When David desires to build God a temple, God responds through Nathan the prophet, declining David's offer but establishing an everlasting covenant—God will build David a house, a dynasty, from which an eternal King will come. This Davidic covenant forms the foundation for Messianic expectations. David subdues surrounding nations, establishing Israel's golden age.

However, the narrative's tone shifts dramatically when David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges her husband Uriah's death in battle. Nathan confronts David, who repents but faces severe consequences—the child dies, and violence plagues his household. David's son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar, and Absalom kills Amnon in revenge. Absalom later leads a rebellion, forcing David to flee Jerusalem.

Though David's forces defeat the rebels, David mourns Absalom's death. Political intrigue and further rebellions follow. The book concludes with David's song of praise, his last words, a list of his mighty men, and a census that brings judgment. Second Samuel reveals that even God's chosen servants fail but that God's purposes and promises remain steadfast.