Title and Author: The book of 2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, along with the prophets Nathan and Gad, as suggested by 1 Chronicles 29:29. However, the exact authorship remains uncertain. The title "2 Samuel" is derived from the book's focus on the reign of King David, who was anointed by Samuel. The book is a continuation of 1 Samuel and is part of the historical books of the Old Testament.

Historical Context: 2 Samuel is set in the period of Israel's history when the nation transitions from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy under King David. This period is approximately dated to the 10th century BC. The book covers the consolidation of David's rule, his military conquests, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Audience: The primary audience of 2 Samuel was the Israelites, particularly those living during the united monarchy. The book was intended to provide a historical account of David's reign and to instruct future generations about God's covenant faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His laws.

Purpose: The purpose of 2 Samuel is to document the reign of King David, highlighting both his successes and failures. It serves to demonstrate God's sovereign choice of David as king and to illustrate the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. The book also underscores the establishment of the Davidic covenant, which has messianic implications.

Genre and Style: 2 Samuel is a historical narrative, characterized by its detailed accounts of events, dialogues, and character development. It combines historical facts with theological insights.1. David (2 Samuel 1:1) - The central figure of 2 Samuel, David is the King of Israel, known for his military prowess, leadership, and complex personal life.

2. Saul (2 Samuel 1:1) - The first King of Israel, whose death is reported at the beginning of 2 Samuel. His relationship with David is a significant backdrop to the narrative.

3. Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:4) - Saul's son and David's close friend, whose death is lamented by David.

4. Amalekite Messenger (2 Samuel 1:8) - A young man who claims to have killed Saul and brings news of his death to David, expecting a reward.

5. Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 2:8) - Saul's son who is made king over Israel by Abner, leading to conflict with David.

6. Abner (2 Samuel 2:8) - The commander of Saul's army who initially supports Ish-bosheth but later defects to David.

7. Joab (2 Samuel 2:13) - David's nephew and the commander of his army, known for his military skill and sometimes ruthless actions.

8. Asahel (2 Samuel 2:18) - Joab's brother, known for his speed and pursuit of Abner, which leads to his death.

9. Abishai (2 Samuel 2:18) - Another of Joab's brothers, a warrior who supports David.

10. Michal (2 Samuel 3:13) - Saul's daughter and David's wife, whom David demands to be returned to him.

11. Paltiel (2 Samuel 3:15) - Michal's second husband, who is forced to return her to David.

12. Rizpah (2 Samuel 3:7) - Saul's concubine, whose relationship with Abner causes a rift with Ish-bosheth.

13. Baanah and Rechab (2 Samuel 4:2) - Brothers who murder Ish-bosheth, hoping to gain favor with David.

14. Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 4:4) - Jonathan's son, who is disabled and later shown kindness by David.

15. Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:3) - A man who touches the Ark of the Covenant and is struck dead by God.

16. Obed-edom (2 Samuel 6:10) - The man in whose house the Ark of the Covenant is kept temporarily, bringing blessings upon him.

17. Nathan (2 Samuel 7:2) - A prophet who advises David and delivers God's covenant promise to him.

18. Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3) - The wife of Uriah, with whom David commits adultery, leading to significant consequences.

19. Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11:3) - Bathsheba's husband, a loyal soldier whom David has killed to cover up his sin.

20. Amnon (2 Samuel 13:1) - David's son, who commits a grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar.

21. Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1) - David's daughter, who is wronged by her half-brother Amnon.

22. Absalom (2 Samuel 13:1) - David's son, who avenges his sister Tamar and later leads a rebellion against David.

23. Jonadab (2 Samuel 13:3) - Amnon's cunning cousin who advises him on how to fulfill his desires for Tamar.

24. Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12) - David's counselor who defects to Absalom during the rebellion.

25. Hushai (2 Samuel 15:32) - David's friend who acts as a spy in Absalom's court to thwart Ahithophel's counsel.

26. Shimei (2 Samuel 16:5) - A man from Saul's family who curses David during Absalom's rebellion.

27. Ziba (2 Samuel 16:1) - The servant of Mephibosheth who brings provisions to David and later deceives him.

28. Amasa (2 Samuel 17:25) - Absalom's appointed commander, later reconciled with David.

29. Barzillai (2 Samuel 17:27) - An elderly supporter of David who provides for him during Absalom's rebellion.

30. Sheba (2 Samuel 20:1) - A Benjaminite who leads a revolt against David after Absalom's rebellion.1. Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1)
- Hebron is the city where David is anointed king over the house of Judah. It serves as his initial capital before he moves to Jerusalem.

2. Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:12)
- Gibeon is the site of a battle between the forces of David, led by Joab, and the forces of Ish-bosheth, led by Abner.

3. Mahanaim (2 Samuel 2:8)
- Mahanaim is where Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, is made king over Israel by Abner. It serves as his capital.

4. Bethlehem (2 Samuel 2:32)
- Bethlehem is mentioned as the burial place of Asahel, one of David's warriors.

5. Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6)
- Jerusalem is captured by David from the Jebusites and becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel as David's capital.

6. Baal Perazim (2 Samuel 5:20)
- Baal Perazim is the site where David defeats the Philistines, and he attributes the victory to God breaking through his enemies.

7. Valley of Rephaim (2 Samuel 5:18)
- The Valley of Rephaim is where the Philistines spread out in battle against David, and he seeks God's guidance for victory.

8. Perez Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:8)
- Perez Uzzah is named after the incident where Uzzah touches the Ark of the Covenant and is struck dead by God.

9. Obed-edom's House (2 Samuel 6:10)
- The house of Obed-edom the Gittite is where the Ark of the Covenant is temporarily kept, bringing blessings to his household.

10. City of David (2 Samuel 6:12)
- The City of David refers to the fortified area of Jerusalem where David brings the Ark of the Covenant.

11. Rabbah (2 Samuel 11:1)
- Rabbah is the capital of the Ammonites, besieged by Joab and later captured by David.

12. Ammon (2 Samuel 10:1)
- The land of the Ammonites, where David sends envoys to express sympathy to Hanun, the new king, leading to conflict.

13. Geshur (2 Samuel 13:37)
- Geshur is where Absalom flees after killing his brother Amnon, and he stays there for three years.

14. Ephraim (2 Samuel 13:23)
- The region where Absalom holds a sheep-shearing event, which becomes the setting for Amnon's murder.

15. Bahurim (2 Samuel 3:16)
- Bahurim is a village on the route of David's flight from Absalom, where Shimei curses David.

16. Gilgal (2 Samuel 19:15)
- Gilgal is where the people of Judah come to meet David and escort him back to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion.

17. Gilead (2 Samuel 17:26)
- Gilead is the region where David's forces regroup during Absalom's rebellion.

18. Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:24)
- Mahanaim is where David takes refuge during Absalom's rebellion and where he organizes his forces.

19. Jordan River (2 Samuel 17:22)
- The Jordan River is crossed by David and his followers as they flee from Absalom.

20. En Rogel (2 Samuel 17:17)
- En Rogel is a location near Jerusalem where Jonathan and Ahimaaz hide to relay messages to David.1. David Learns of Saul's Death (2 Samuel 1:1-16)
After the death of Saul and Jonathan, David receives news from an Amalekite who claims to have killed Saul. David mourns their deaths and orders the execution of the Amalekite for killing the Lord's anointed.

2. David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:17-27)
David composes a lamentation for Saul and Jonathan, expressing his deep sorrow and honoring their legacy.

3. David Anointed King of Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-4)
David inquires of the Lord and is directed to Hebron, where the men of Judah anoint him as their king.

4. Ish-bosheth Made King of Israel (2 Samuel 2:8-10)
Abner, the commander of Saul's army, makes Saul's son Ish-bosheth king over Israel, leading to a division between Judah and the rest of Israel.

5. Conflict Between the Houses of David and Saul (2 Samuel 2:12-32)
A battle ensues between the forces of David and Ish-bosheth, resulting in a prolonged conflict between the two houses.

6. Abner Joins David (2 Samuel 3:6-21)
Abner defects to David's side after a falling out with Ish-bosheth, promising to bring all Israel under David's rule.

7. Joab Murders Abner (2 Samuel 3:22-30)
Joab, David's commander, kills Abner in revenge for the death of his brother Asahel, despite David's disapproval.

8. Ish-bosheth's Assassination (2 Samuel 4:1-12)
Two of Ish-bosheth's captains murder him and bring his head to David, who condemns their actions and has them executed.

9. David Anointed King Over All Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5)
The tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron, anointing him as king over the entire nation.

10. Capture of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6-10)
David captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites and establishes it as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

11. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:1-19)
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great celebration, though Uzzah is struck dead for touching it.

12. God's Covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:1-17)
God makes a covenant with David, promising that his dynasty will endure forever and that his son will build the temple.

13. David's Military Victories (2 Samuel 8:1-14)
David achieves numerous military victories, expanding Israel's territory and securing peace.

14. David's Kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13)
David shows kindness to Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, restoring his grandfather Saul's land and inviting him to eat at the king's table.

15. David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-27)
David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges the death of her husband Uriah to cover up the sin.

16. Nathan's Rebuke and David's Repentance (2 Samuel 12:1-14)
The prophet Nathan confronts David about his sin, leading to David's repentance and God's forgiveness, though consequences follow.

17. The Death of David's Child (2 Samuel 12:15-23)
As a consequence of David's sin, the child born to Bathsheba falls ill and dies despite David's fasting and prayers.

18. Absalom's Rebellion (2 Samuel 15:1-12)
David's son Absalom conspires to overthrow his father, gaining support and declaring himself king in Hebron.

19. David Flees Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13-37)
David flees Jerusalem to escape Absalom's rebellion, leaving behind some loyal followers and advisors.

20. Absalom's Death (2 Samuel 18:9-15)
During the battle in the forest of Ephraim, Absalom is caught by his hair in a tree and killed by Joab, ending the rebellion.

21. David's Mourning for Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33)
David mourns deeply for Absalom, expressing his grief and wishing he had died instead of his son.

22. Sheba's Rebellion (2 Samuel 20:1-22)
A man named Sheba leads a rebellion against David, but it is quickly quashed by Joab and David's forces.

23. David's Song of Praise (2 Samuel 22:1-51)
David sings a song of praise to the Lord, recounting God's deliverance and faithfulness throughout his life.

24. David's Last Words (2 Samuel 23:1-7)
David's final words are recorded, highlighting his role as the anointed king and the everlasting covenant with God.

25. David's Census and the Plague (2 Samuel 24:1-25)
David orders a census of Israel, which displeases God and results in a plague. David builds an altar and offers sacrifices to stop the plague.1. Kingship and Leadership
- 2 Samuel explores the theme of kingship, focusing on David's reign as king of Israel. It examines the qualities of leadership, the responsibilities of a king, and the challenges faced in ruling a nation.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 2:4) "Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and anointed David king over the house of Judah."

2. Divine Covenant and Promise
- The book highlights God's covenant with David, promising that his lineage would endure forever, which is foundational for the messianic hope in the Bible.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 7:12-13) "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom."

3. Sin and Consequences
- 2 Samuel addresses the theme of sin, particularly through David's moral failures, and the resulting consequences that affect his family and kingdom.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 11:2-4) The account of David's sin with Bathsheba.

4. Repentance and Forgiveness
- The narrative emphasizes the importance of repentance and God's willingness to forgive, as seen in David's response to his own sin.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 12:13) "Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.' And Nathan replied, 'The LORD has taken away your sin; you will not die.'"

5. Justice and Retribution
- The book explores themes of justice and retribution, both divine and human, as characters face the consequences of their actions.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 3:39) "And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too harsh for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!"

6. Loyalty and Betrayal
- Loyalty and betrayal are recurring themes, as seen in the relationships between David and his followers, as well as the treachery of figures like Absalom.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 15:10-12) Absalom's conspiracy against David.

7. Family and Conflict
- The narrative delves into family dynamics, highlighting conflicts within David's family, including sibling rivalry and rebellion.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 13:1) The story of Amnon and Tamar.

8. Divine Providence and Sovereignty
- The book underscores God's providence and sovereignty over the affairs of Israel and its leaders, guiding events according to His purposes.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 5:12) "And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel."

9. National Unity and Division
- The theme of national unity and division is explored through the unification of Israel under David and the subsequent divisions that arise.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 5:1-3) The tribes of Israel anoint David as king.

10. Faith and Worship
- The book highlights the importance of faith and worship, as seen in David's devotion to God and his efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.
- First Occurrence: (2 Samuel 6:5) "David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals."1. The Anointed King (2 Samuel 7:12-13)
- Description: In God's covenant with David, He promises that David's offspring will establish a kingdom. This is seen as a prophecy of Jesus, the ultimate Anointed King, who would come from David's lineage and establish an eternal kingdom.
- Verse: "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."

2. The Son of God (2 Samuel 7:14)
- Description: God refers to David's offspring as His son, which Christians interpret as a reference to Jesus, the Son of God, who fulfills this promise in a spiritual and eternal sense.
- Verse: "I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men."

3. The Shepherd King (2 Samuel 5:2)
- Description: David is described as a shepherd of Israel, a role that Jesus also fulfills as the Good Shepherd who leads and cares for His people.
- Verse: "And in the past, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.'"

4. The Suffering King (2 Samuel 15:30)
- Description: David's suffering and humility during Absalom's rebellion are seen as a type of Christ's own suffering and humility, particularly during His Passion.
- Verse: "But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered, and he was barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and were weeping as they went up."

5. The Righteous Judge (2 Samuel 23:3-4)
- Description: David speaks of a ruler who rules justly and in the fear of God, which Christians see as a foreshadowing of Jesus, the righteous judge who will reign with justice and equity.
- Verse: "The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, 'He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.'"1. Prophecy of David's Kingship over Israel
- Prophecy: David is anointed as king over Israel. (2 Samuel 5:2)
- Fulfillment: David becomes king over all Israel. (2 Samuel 5:3)

2. Prophecy of David's Dynasty
- Prophecy: God promises David that his house and kingdom will endure forever. (2 Samuel 7:12-16)
- Fulfillment: The Davidic line continues through Solomon and ultimately leads to Jesus, as referenced in the New Testament. (1 Kings 2:12; Matthew 1:1)

3. Prophecy of Nathan to David about His Sin with Bathsheba
- Prophecy: Nathan tells David that the sword will never depart from his house because of his sin with Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 12:10)
- Fulfillment: David's family experiences turmoil, including the rebellion of Absalom and the death of Amnon. (2 Samuel 13-18)

4. Prophecy of the Death of David's Child with Bathsheba
- Prophecy: Nathan tells David that the child born to him and Bathsheba will die. (2 Samuel 12:14)
- Fulfillment: The child becomes ill and dies. (2 Samuel 12:18)

5. Prophecy of Absalom's Rebellion
- Prophecy: Nathan prophesies that God will raise up evil against David from his own house. (2 Samuel 12:11)
- Fulfillment: Absalom rebels against David, leading to a civil war. (2 Samuel 15-18)

1. David as King  ( 1:1⁠–⁠20:26 )

a. David’s Rise to King of Judah  ( 1:1⁠–⁠3:5 )

i. Saul’s Death Reported to David  ( 1:1⁠–⁠16 )

ii. David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan  ( 1:17⁠–⁠27 )

iii. David Anointed King of Judah  ( 2:1⁠–⁠7 )

iv. Ish-bosheth Made King of Israel  ( 2:8⁠–⁠11 )

v. Civil War  ( 2:12⁠–⁠3:1 )

vi. David’s Sons in Hebron  ( 3:2⁠–⁠5 )

b. David’s Rise to King of All Israel  ( 3:6⁠–⁠5:5 )

i. Abner, Saul’s Former General  ( 3:6⁠–⁠39 )

1. Abner Joins David  ( 3:6⁠–⁠21 )

2. Joab Murders Abner  ( 3:22⁠–⁠30 )

3. David Mourns Abner  ( 3:31⁠–⁠39 )

ii. The Murder of Ish-bosheth  ( 4:1⁠–⁠12 )

iii. David Anointed of All Israel  ( 5:1⁠–⁠5 )

c. David’s Victories as King  ( 5:6⁠–⁠10:19 )

i. David Conquers Jerusalem  ( 5:6⁠–⁠12 )

ii. David’s Sons in Jerusalem  ( 5:13⁠–⁠16 )

iii. David’s victories over the Philistines  ( 5:17⁠–⁠25 )

iv. David Brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem  ( 6:1⁠–⁠7:29 )

1. David Fetches the Ark  ( 6:1⁠–⁠4 )

2. Uzzah Touches the Ark  ( 6:5⁠–⁠11 )

3. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem  ( 6:12⁠–⁠15 )

4. Michal’s Contempt for David  ( 6:16⁠–⁠23 )

5. The Temple and the Kingship  ( 7:1⁠–⁠29 )

a. David Plans a Temple  ( 7:1⁠–⁠3 )

b. God’s Covenant with David  ( 7:4⁠–⁠17 )

c. David’s Prayer of Thanksgiving  ( 7:18⁠–⁠29 )

v. David’s Triumphs  ( 8:1⁠–⁠18 )

vi. David and Mephibosheth  ( 9:1⁠–⁠13 )

vii. David and the Ammonites  ( 10:1⁠–⁠19 )

1. David’s Messengers Disgraced  ( 10:1⁠–⁠8 )

2. David Defeats Ammon and Aram  ( 10:9⁠–⁠19 )

d. David's Troubled Reign  ( 11:1⁠–⁠20:26 )

i. David Commits Adultery  ( 11:1⁠–⁠12:31 )

1. David and Bethsheba  ( 11:1⁠–⁠13 )

2. David Arranges Uriah’s Death  ( 11:14⁠–⁠25 )

3. David Marries Bathsheba  ( 11:26⁠–⁠27 )

4. Nathan Rebukes David  ( 12:1⁠–⁠12 )

5. David’s Loss and Repentance  ( 12:13⁠–⁠23 )

6. The Birth of Solomon  ( 12:24⁠–⁠25 )

7. The Capture of Rabbah  ( 12:26⁠–⁠31 )

ii. David’s Family Issues  ( 13:1⁠–⁠14:33 )

1. Amnon and Tamar  ( 13:1⁠–⁠39 )

a. The Rape of Tamar  ( 13:1⁠–⁠22 )

b. Absalom’s Revenge on Amnon  ( 13:23⁠–⁠33 )

c. Absalom Flees to Geshur  ( 13:34⁠–⁠39 )

2. Absalom’s Return to Jerusalem  ( 14:1⁠–⁠33 )

a. Joab Brings Absalom to Jerusalem  ( 14:1⁠–⁠27 )

b. Absalom Reconciled to David  ( 14:28⁠–⁠33 )

iii. The Rebellions against David  ( 15:1⁠–⁠20:26 )

1. The Rebellion of Absalom  ( 15:1⁠–⁠19:43 )

2. The Rebellion of Sheba  ( 20:1⁠–⁠26 )

2. Epilogue  ( 21:1⁠–⁠24:25 )

a. David Avenges the Gibeonites  ( 21:1⁠–⁠14 )

b. Four Battles against the Philistines  ( 21:15⁠–⁠22 )

c. David's Song of Deliverance  ( 22:1⁠–⁠51 )

d. David's Last Song  ( 23:1⁠–⁠7 )

e. David's Mighty Men  ( 23:8⁠–⁠39 )

f. David’s Failed Census  ( 24:1⁠–⁠25 )

i. David’s Military Census  ( 24:1⁠–⁠9 )

ii. Judgment for David’s Sin  ( 24:10⁠–⁠14 )

iii. A Plague on Israel  ( 24:15⁠–⁠17 )

iv. David Builds an Altar  ( 24:18⁠–⁠25 )