# 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.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/about
Section: History · 24 chapters

## 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.

## 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

- Chapters 1–5: [David becomes king of all Israel](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/1)
- Chapters 6–10: [The ark comes to Jerusalem and God’s promise](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/6)
- Chapters 11–12: [David and Bathsheba](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/11)
- Chapters 13–20: [Absalom’s rebellion](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/13)
- Chapters 21–24: [Songs, heroes, and a last census](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/21)

## Key verses

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

> Your house and your kingdom will be made firm forever before you; your throne will stand secure forever.’
> — [2 Samuel 7:16](https://www.lumin.faith/read/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](https://www.lumin.faith/read/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](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/22#2)

## Where to start

Chapter 7 holds the promise to David. Then read chapters 11–12. [Read 2 Samuel 7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/7.md)

Read the whole book: https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/1.md
Ask about it: https://www.lumin.faith/ask.md