Old Testament Survey: Book of 2 Samuel King David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth “Before the Lord”

Background The author and date of writing are unknown. Tradition attributes to Nathan and Gad Bears Samuel’s name because of his place and influence during this period Covers time of David’s reign: 1055—1015 BC Parallels history in 1 Chronicles 11-29 1 and 2 Samuel one book, 1 and 2 Kings, the story of the rise and fall of the monarchy

Background David’s history begins in 1 Samuel and ends in 1 Kings. Four parts of his history: His testings His triumphs His troubles His testimonies

Background Main events: David drives out the Jebusites and builds a strong capital at Salem Ushering in Jerusalem’s long and eventful history Center of the Hebrew nation, the city around which the remainder of the Bible revolves Subduing the Philistines The ark of the covenant returns Kindness to Mephibosheth

Keys of the Book of 2 Samuel Key words— Before the Lord Key phrase— ”Thou are the man.” (12:7) Key Verses: 7:12,13 22:21 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

Keys of the Book of 2 Samuel Key words— Before the Lord 6:5,21; 7:18; 21:9 Key Phrase— ”sin very great before the Lord.” (2:17) “Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the LORD on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals.”

Keys of the Book of 2 Samuel Key words— “David inquired of the Lord” 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1 Frequent references to David’s praying show his dependence on God and desire to please Him. “It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, ‘Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?’ And the LORD said to him, ‘Go up.’ David said, ‘Where shall I go up?’ And He said, ‘To Hebron.’”

Keys of the Book of 2 Samuel God’s presence in David’s life was very real as he lived as a: Shepherd Ruler Warrior Fugitive Sinner Penitent sinner Musician Poet “Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, ‘The men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul.’”

Keys of the Book of 2 Samuel Key Chapter Chapter 11 Turning point in David’s life Sinned grievously Displeased the Lord Nathan sent to reprove David despised the commandment of God. “And when her mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.”

Keys of the Book of 2 Samuel Key Chapter Chapter 11 Punishment was administered quickly Consequences would follow David Immediately Later in life 12:10-12 “Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.”

Keys of the Book of 2 Samuel Key Chapter Chapter 11 David’s repentant heart He made no excuse Two statements 12:13 12:23 Psalm 51 “But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

The Book’s Message King David is the principal subject of 2 Samuel. First reigned in Hebron; then in Jerusalem 7 years - Hebron 33 years - Jerusalem The book records the highlights of his reign. Halfway between Abraham and Christ “Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.”

The Book’s Appeal David’s sin had far- reaching consequences. Sin does find us out. Very few happy moments after that Deaths of infant son and Absalom Hosea 8:7 Numbers 32:23 Galatians 6:7 “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.”

Notable Points First to describe the king as the “Lord’s anointed” 1:14 24:6 Same term is used to designate the Messiah or Christ “So David said to him, ‘How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?’”

Notable Points Ruler likened to a shepherd 5:2 Uzzah’s death showed the necessity of obeying God. 6:1ff Two parables 12:1-7 14:1-20 “Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the LORD said to you, 'You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.’”

“The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.” Notable Points David claimed his words came from God 23:2 David’s godliness 6:21,22 His desire to build a temple Chapters 7,8 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.”

Notable Points God forbade David—a man of war—to build the temple. 1 Chronicles 28:3 David’s conduct resulted in the murder of his servant, Uriah. 11:16-18 Death of infant son 12:18-22 “But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.’”

Notable Points David reproved by God 12:1-7 Retribution came when Absalom died. Chapters 15-18 David sinned in numbering the people. 24:1ff “Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab and against the captains of the army. Therefore Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel.”

Notable Points God is not a respecter of persons. 14:14 David’s victories came from God. 5:20 Remorse and lament for Absalom 18:32,33 Followed God with his heart 1 Kings 14:8 “Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: ‘O my son Absalom-my son, my son Absalom-if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!’”

More Information about David in the “Special Studies” under “Reign of King David.”