Lumin
Get the appAsk on the web
Search Lumin
Download on the App StoreAsk on the web

Book introduction

The book of 2 Samuel

2 Samuel is the story of David as king. He unites the tribes, takes Jerusalem, and receives God’s promise of a lasting throne. Then his sin with Bathsheba sets off trouble in his own family that never fully heals.

History · 24 chapters

Read 2 Samuel 7Start at chapter 1

Who wrote 2 Samuel?

Not named; see 1 Samuel. The book draws on records such as the “Book of Jashar” it mentions.

When was it written?

Covers about 1010–970 BC, David’s reign.

See 2 Samuel on the Bible timeline

Main themes

God’s covenant with David
Chapter 7 promises a king from David’s line forever, a promise the New Testament sees met in Jesus.
Sin and its fallout
Forgiven sin still leaves wounds in a family and a kingdom.
Repentance
When Nathan confronts him, David owns his sin.

Outline of 2 Samuel

  1. Chapters 1–5David becomes king of all Israel
  2. Chapters 6–10The ark comes to Jerusalem and God’s promise
  3. Chapters 11–12David and Bathsheba
  4. Chapters 13–20Absalom’s rebellion
  5. Chapters 21–24Songs, heroes, and a last census

Key verses

Your house and your kingdom will be made firm forever before you; your throne will stand secure forever.’

2 Samuel 7:16

David said to Nathan, I have sinned against Yahweh.” Nathan said to David, “Yahweh has taken away your sin. You will not die.

2 Samuel 12:13

He said: Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my own deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.

2 Samuel 22:2-3

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

Where to start

Chapter 7 holds the promise to David. Then read chapters 11–12.

Read 2 Samuel 7

Ask about this book

Questions about 2 Samuel?

Lumin answers in a few sentences and shows each verse it cites in full.

Press Enter to ask. Shift and Enter starts a new line.

3 free questions a day here, no account. Questions are kept without your name to improve these guides (privacy). In crisis? Call or text 988 in the US and Canada, call 116 123 in the UK and Ireland, or find your country’s line at findahelpline.com.

All 66 books· Bible map· Search the Bible· Ask

Each introduction gives the traditional view and the main views scholars hold today. Where Christians disagree, it says so.

Report an error in this introduction. If we agree, we fix it and add a dated note.

This inbox is for corrections. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 in the US and Canada, call 116 123 in the UK and Ireland, or find your country’s line at findahelpline.com.

Try

Go to