Shalom! Welcome back to our Bible study series. We are continuing our journey through the books of the Bible. So far, we’ve covered the first nine books, and today we’ll look at the next one: 2 Samuel.
This is not a comprehensive verse by verse study. Instead, it’s a summary and reflection on key lessons and themes. Keep in mind that Scripture doesn’t offer just one interpretation God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and the Holy Spirit may reveal many layers of truth even from a single verse, depending on what He wants to teach each person.
If you are a believer filled with the Holy Spirit, it’s important to set aside time for personal study of the Bible. The Spirit of God, who is not limited like man, can give you fresh insights that no pastor or teacher has ever preached (John 16:13). He reveals truth to the hungry-hearted.
Unlike 1 Samuel which was largely written by the prophet Samuel (with the final chapters written by Nathan and Gad, since Samuel died before the book ended) 2 Samuel was written primarily by the prophets Nathan and Gad.
These men served as spiritual advisors and record keepers for King David, delivering God’s messages to him and documenting the key events of his reign.
2 Samuel is a continuation of David’s story, beginning with the death of King Saul (Israel’s first king) and David’s rise to the throne. But David didn’t become king easily. Unlike Saul, who became king almost overnight, David’s path was long, painful, and filled with trials.
This teaches us a crucial truth: God doesn’t deal with everyone the same way. Sometimes, what one person receives quickly, another must struggle for yet both may be equally within God’s plan. As Proverbs 13:11 says:
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (ESV)
David was anointed by Samuel as king while still young, and he likely assumed the transition would be quick and smooth, just as it was with Saul. But after being anointed, David endured 15 years of suffering and persecution before becoming king.
He was literally living as a fugitive, knowing that being spotted could mean death. Imagine being on the run from your own king, with the nation viewing you as a traitor. David’s only defense was God Himself.
Many of the Psalms the songs and prayers of David were written during his time in the wilderness, not when he was living in a palace. For example, read Psalm 13, where David cries:
“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me?”(Psalm 13:1, ESV)
He wrote with real pain, not poetic exaggeration. His words came from personal experiences of fear, betrayal, hunger, and loneliness.
Some Psalms, like Psalm 18, give us insight into how deeply he trusted God. What’s more interesting is that the same words appear in 2 Samuel 22, showing us that these were real time songs of deliverance, not just reflections after the fact:
“David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.”(2 Samuel 22:1, ESV)
Compare this with Psalm 18:1–7. It’s the same heartfelt expression of a man who was rescued from destruction.
David’s journey to the throne teaches us that God may not work in obvious or easy ways. While Saul received the kingdom with no struggle, David had to be shaped through suffering. But that suffering prepared him to value the calling and walk in righteousness.
The years of being chased, betrayed, and misunderstood formed David’s heart. When he finally became king, he ruled with humility, mercy, and godliness because he had tasted affliction.
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.”(Psalm 119:67, ESV)
David didn’t receive the full kingdom all at once. First, he ruled over just one tribe (Judah) for 7 years, and only after that was he made king over all Israel for another 33 years (2 Samuel 5:4-5).
God’s promises take time, but He is faithful.
God made a covenant with David, promising that from his lineage would come the Messiah Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King.
“I will raise up your offspring after you… and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”(2 Samuel 7:12-13, ESV)
That’s why Jesus is called “the Son of David” throughout the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32).
David’s life parallels that of Jesus Christ in many ways:
As Isaiah prophesied about Christ:
“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and with grief.”(Isaiah 53:3, ESV)
Like David, Jesus was not accepted by His own (John 1:11), and yet He now reigns as King of kings a role that will be fully manifested during His millennial reign (Revelation 20:4).
If you haven’t given your life to Jesus Christ, now is the time. This life offers no guarantees not even for tomorrow. Only in Christ is there eternal hope and salvation.
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19, ESV)
Believe in Him, be baptized in His name (Acts 2:38), and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The same God who walked with David will walk with you.
May the Lord bless you richly as you continue in His Word.
Print this post
Prisca Yohana, known by her artist name "binti wa Mungu" born 24th december, 2000 in Dar es salaam Tanzania. Gospel artist with a deep passion for worship and spreading the message of God’s love through music.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Δ