Books of the Bible Study Questions: 2 Samuel

In the Book of 2 Samuel, we get to witness David’s rise to power and his rule as king of God’s people. In David’s kingship, we are reminded of our heavenly King Jesus, who is ruling and reigning over us today.

Overview

In the original Hebrew text, the books we know as 1 and 2 Samuel are actually one book. 1 Samuel records the life of Samuel, Israel’s final judge, and Saul, Israel’s first king. It’s in this book that we first meet the future king David when he’s just a shepherd boy.

In 2 Samuel, we read all about King David’s reign, including his rise to power, his adultery with Bathsheba, and his reign on the throne of Israel.

Author

Samuel wrote 1 Samuel up until his death in 1 Samuel 25. We’re not sure who completed his work and recorded the entire story of David in 2 Samuel, but many scholars have theorized that it was one of Samuel’s successors or assistants.

Purpose

2 Samuel follows King David’s reign and traces the blessings and curses Moses pronounced upon Israel in Deuteronomy. Throughout the text, we are reminded of the Son of David, our King Jesus, who would descend from the line of David.

Application

Throughout the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, you will see David grow from a ruddy young shepherd into a powerful king who abuses his power and forsakes God. In the midst of that, you will also see God’s grace and forgiveness, and His ultimate plan to redeem His people through the line of David—even after David’s mistakes.

Thank God for preserving His people through David so that a Savior could be born to save us from our sins!

Key Verses

2 Samuel 7:21–22

Because of Your promise, and according to Your own heart, You have brought about all this greatness, to make Your servant know it. Therefore You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

2 Samuel 12:13

David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”

2 Samuel 22:2–4

He said,

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my 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.

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

    and I am saved from my enemies.”

Scripture: ESV^®.

Praise God for forgiving our sins through the Son of David, Jesus!