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II SAMUEL

The purpose of II Samuel is to record the history of David's reign, to demonstrate effective leadership under God; to reveal that one person can make a difference; to show the personal qualities that please GOD; and to depict David as an ideal leader of an imperfect kingdom, and to foreshadow Christ, who will be the ideal leader of a new and perfect kingdom.

The author of this book is unknown. Some have suggested that Nathan's son Zabud may have been the author(1 Kings 4:5). The book also includes the writings of Nathan and God

It was written 930BC soon after David's reign. 1059-970B.C. It takes place in Israel under David's rule, The key people in this book are David, Joab, Bathsheba, Nathan, and Absalom

KEYVERSE: "And David realized that the Lord had made him king over Israel and had made his kingdom great for the sake of his people Israel" 5:12. The book is named after the prophet who anointed David and guided him in living for God.

David took the fractured kingdom that Saul had left behind and built a strong united power. Forty years later David would turn this kingdom over to his son Solomon. David had a heart for God. He was a king who governed God's people by God's principles, and God blessed him greatly.
David sinned with Bathsheba and then tried to cover his sins by having her husband killed.

MAJOR THEMES IN SAMUEL II

Kingdoms growth: Under David's leadership, Israel's kingdom grew rapidly. With the growth came many changes; from tribal independence to centralized government, from the leadrship of judges to a monarchy, from decentralized worship to worship at Jerusalem

Personal Growth: David's popularity and influence increasd greatly. He realized that the Lord was behind his success because he wanted to pour out his kindness on Israel. David regarded God's Interests as more important than his own.

Justice: King David showed justice, mercy, and fairness to Saul's family, enemies rebels, allies, and close friends alike. His just rule was ground in his faith in and knowledge of God. God's perfect moral nature is the standard for justice.

Consequences of Sin:
David abandoned his purpose as leader and king in time of war. His desire for prosperity and ease led him from triumph to trouble. Because David committed adultery with Bathsheba, he experienced consequences of his sin that destroyed both his family and the nation..

Feet of Clay: David not only sinned with Bathseheba, he murdered an innocent man, He neglected to discipline his sons when they got involved in rape and murder. This great hero showed a lock of character in some of his most important personal decisions. The man of iron had clay feet.

It can be confusing to keep track of all the characters introduced into the first few chapters of II Samuel
Joab: Was the son of Zeruiah, David's half sister. He was one of David's military leaders and later, commander in chief, he kept his loyalty with David.

Abner: Saul's cousin, was Sauls's commander in chief. He was loyal to Saul and Ishbosheth's but made overtures to David.

Abishai: Joab's brother, was a high officer in David's army....he was one of David's 30 select warriors ("Mighty Men") He remained loyal to Joab and David.

Ishbosheth: Was Saul's son, he was Saul and Abner's selection as king, and remained loyal to Saul.

Both David and the Israelites were guily of sin, David's sin was pride, but the Bible does not say why God was angry with the people of Israel. Perhaps it was due to their support of the rebellions of Absalom and Sheba or perhaps they put their security in military and financial prosperity rather than in God, as David did, God dealt with the whole nation through David, who exemplified the national sin of pride.

The book of II Samuel describes David's reign. Since the Israelities first entered\the Promised Land under Joshua, they had been struggling to unite the nation and drive out the wicked inhabitants. Now, after more than 400 years, Israel was finally at peace. David had accomplished what no leader before him, judge or king had done. His adminstration was run on the principle of dedication to God and to the well-being of the people. Yet David who sinned. Despite his sins, however, the Bible calls David a Man after God's own heart, because he had sinned, he recognized it and confessed his sins to God. David commited his life to God and remained loyal to him throughout his life time. Psalms gives an even deeper insight unto David's love for God.

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AFTER THE HEART OF GOD

The Bible tells the story
of one who stood the test.
The boy who took the glory
For ridding his people of stress

The giant had come to fight
Yet no one wanted the job
David stepped forth to try as he might,
He slayed him with a sling and stone
with one big lob.

The giant fell, the ground shook,
Now David was recognized as the one
To lead the Isrealites with what it took
To lead the battles and take them home.

He was chosen by God to lead
The Israelites and keep them in line
David decided to lead in deed,
But discovered his sin was denied.

He learned a valuable lesson
Of how to be a leader to trust,
You must confess your own sins,
To be an effective, it's a must.

We need to follow David's lead,
Although he sinned, he repented
He knew that God had showed the need
To live your life and honor your commitment.

Written By Shirley Barr
February 24, 2005
All Rights Reserved