2 Samuel

2 Samuel continues the story from the death of Saul and focuses on King David's reign as king over all Israel. This book records David's victories, failures, and repentance, including the great sin that had long-lasting effects on his family. Throughout it all, the grace and faithfulness of God to His covenant are evident. The book also emphasizes the importance of a repentant heart and a leader who relies on the Lord.

Author: Likely the prophet Samuel, continued by the prophets Nathan and Gad
Date of Writing: Around 930–900 BC

2 Samuel

2 Samuel 1 – David Receives News of Saul’s Death and Laments Saul and Jonathan

2 Samuel 2 – David Anointed King over Judah, War between David and Ish-Bosheth

2 Samuel 3 – David’s Sons, Abner Joins David, and Abner Is Killed by Joab

2 Samuel 4 – Ish-Bosheth Is Murdered

2 Samuel 5 – David Becomes King over All Israel, Captures Jerusalem, and Defeats the Philistines

2 Samuel 6 – The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 7 – The LORD’s Promise to David’s House and Kingdom, David’s Prayer of Thanks

2 Samuel 8 – David’s Victories and Officials

2 Samuel 9 – David and Mephibosheth

2 Samuel 10 – David Wars Against the Ammonites and Arameans

2 Samuel 11 – David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 12 – Nathan Warns David, Leading to His Repentance and the End of the Ammonite War

2 Samuel 13 – Amnon and Tamar, Amnon Is Killed, Absalom Flees

2 Samuel 14 – Absalom Returns

2 Samuel 15 – Absalom’s Secret Conspiracy and David’s Flight from Jerusalem

2 Samuel 16 – David Meets Ziba, Shimei Curses David, Hushai and Ahithophel Before Absalom

2 Samuel 17 – Ahithophel’s Counsel Is Thwarted by Hushai; David Goes to Mahanaim

2 Samuel 18 – Absalom Defeated and Killed; David Hears the News and Mourns

2 Samuel 19 – David Restored as King, Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai

2 Samuel 20 – Sheba’s Rebellion and David’s Officers

2 Samuel 21 – The Gibeonites, Saul’s House, and Battles with the Philistines

2 Samuel 22 – David’s Song of Thanksgiving

2 Samuel 23 – David’s Last Words and His Mighty Men

2 Samuel 24 – Census, Judgment, Altar Near Jerusalem, and the Plague Stops