INTRODUCTION 2 As this book in the Hebrew origin, is a complementary to the first book of Samuel, we urge the reader to refer back to the introduction of that book. According to the Jewish tradition, the authors of this book were the prophets Nathan and Gad, beside some of those who were raised in the school of the prophets, founded by the prophet Samuel. In the Septuagint version, it is called “The second Kingdoms book.” WHEN WAS IT WRITTEN? It was written after the division of the kingdom, and before the captivity. It embraces a complete record of the reign of King David (2 Samuel 5: 5); and mentions the kings of ‘Judah,’ as distinct from those of ‘Israel’ (1 Samuel 27: 6). ITS FEATURES 1- Its topic was a survey of King David’s life, following his strife with king Saul, who was killed by the enemies at the end of the previous book; a narration of king David’s ascension to the throne, his wars, and the moving up of the Tabernacle of God to Jerusalem. It also gave a record of David’s fall in certain sins, with all the incessant troubles and grieves they entailed. In other words, this book represents the history of the people during the 40 years of king David’s reign. Its study is considered to be of special importance to everyone intending to comprehend David’s psalms. We should not wonder about the dedication of such a voluminous part of the Holy Book to the life of one man as David, actually, was the true founder of the kingdom, and not Saul. He prepared for his son the proper materials and the atmosphere to build the temple of God; organized the services of worship; wrote the majority of the psalms; and prophesied about the Lord Christ, the desire of the nations, who came of his offspring according to the flesh. 2- This book included poetry, and songs written by King David, like: the song of the bow, a lamentation over the death of Saul and his son Jonathan (2 Samuel 1: 17-27); that mourning the death of Abner (2 Samuel 3: 33, 34); the praise for God’s deliverance (2 Samuel 22); and David’s last words (2 Samuel 23). 3- This book reveals, beside the exciting life of David, his weaknesses, and the detrimental fruits resulting from sin. It is as though, nobody could be justified before the Lord, not even His great men! This book represents a warning for everyone, particularly for dedicated ministers; and as said by the apostle Paul: “Let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he falls” (1 Corinthians 10: 12). And that was what motivated St. John Chrysostom, amid his ministry to his people to care for the salvation of his own soul saying: [My words are of more use for my life, than they are for that of those who hear me1]. ITS SECTIONS (1) The victories of David. 1-10. 1- David’s victory over Saul’s household 1-4. 2- David’s victory over the Jebusites and the Philistines 5. 3- David brings up the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem 6-7. 4- David’s victory over the adversary nations 8-10. 1 In 2 Thes. Pg. 62: 498. 3 (2) David’s weaknesses and troubles. 11-24. 1- David and the wife of Uriah the Hittite 11-12. 2- The troubles caused by Ammnon 13. 3- The rebellion of Absalom 14-19. 4- The rebellion of Sheba 20. 5- A famine because of the Gibeonites 21. 6- A praise to God by David, and his last words 22-23. 7- The census and the plague 24. Note: What came here about Israel in the Old Testament, became a heritage for “New Israel,” namely the Church of the New Testament, and not for the nation of Israel. THE FIRST SECTION THE VICTORIES OF KING DAVID 1- David’s victory over Saul’s household 1-4. 2- David’s victory over the Jebusites and the Philistines 5. 3- David brings up the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem 6-7. 4- David’s victory over the adversary nations 8-10. 5 In the previous book, the prophet David was introduced as a true man of God, who conquered and triumphed, not over others, as much as within his own life. King Saul, his pursuer, fell into his hands, at least twice, yet he refused to stretch his hand against the Lord’s anointed. And when his anger was aroused against the foolish Nabal, and intended to avenge himself, he listened to the wise advice of Abigail, and blessed her because she kept him from shedding blood. Now, Saul and his three sons fell in the war, to reveal more, how David’s heart was filled with pure love! He forgot Saul’s wrong doings and his persistent persecutions. Instead of being preoccupied with his right to ascend the throne, he lamented Saul and his son Jonathan, only remembering their good parts, and describing how pleasant they were in their lives. He mourned them with his heart and tears, as well as by his tongue and lips. This man of great heart, was found worthy to enjoy continuous triumphs over the adversary surrounding nations, to have his kingdom well established not only for his son Solomon to succeed him, but rather, for the Savior Messiah to come from his offspring, to reign forever over the hearts of His believers, setting in them the kingdom of God.
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