The Second Book of Samual
Author	Unknown (possibly Gad and Nathan).
Date Written	Probably between 1010 and 931 BC However, the book was not put into its final form until some years later, possibly between 930 and 722 BC
Time Span	About 40 years (during the reign of King David).
Title	Although Samuel is not living during the time this book takes place, it is named after him because he is the one who anointed David, the chief character of 2 Samuel.
Background	2 Samuel is a sequel to the book of 1 Samuel. This narrative of the life of David continues with his being crowned king of Israel at the death of Saul. 2 Samuel covers the majority of David's 40 year reign in Hebron and Jerusalem. (Saul also reigned 40 years.) 1 and 2 Samuel consist of one book in the Hebrew Bible since they cover the continuous story of 3 main characters: Samuel, Saul, and David.
Where Written	Unknown (probably in Israel).
To Whom	To the Israelites.
Content	The life of King David dominates the book of 2 Samuel. First, David rules over Judah for about 7 years. Then, his kingship is recognized by a unified Israel over which he reigns for 33 years. During this transition the capital is changed from Hebron to Jerusalem, where the Ark of the Covenant is located. David's military victories expand the borders of the Promised Land as his triumphs bring the nation to the very zenith of her power. David's triumphs quickly turn to tragedy in the middle of his reign, however, when his lust toward Bathsheba ultimately leads to adultery and the murder of her husband, Uriah. The prophet Nathan rebukes David for his sins, and David earnestly repents and is restored to God. But the price of sin still has to be paid: his son Absalom's revolt, civil war, and unrest in the nation. Although the fame and glory of David has now diminished, never to be the same again, God still blesses...for to David and Bathsheba is born Solomon, who will succeed David as king and become part of the royal ancestry of Jesus Christ.
Themes	God can accomplish extraordinary things through the lives of ordinary people. Our total trust should be only in God...not in men. Though forgiven, we still must pay the consequences of our sins. God is ready to forgive us and use us, if only we will repent and place our faith in Him. There is no sin so great that God will not forgive us if we sincerely forsake the sin and turn to Him. Obedience brings victory...disobedience brings defeat. As a ruler thrives, so thrives his nation...as a ruler stumbles, so stumbles his nation. We, like David, should be men "after God's own heart."
Key Words	"Anointed" "David." The entire book revolves around the "anointed" life of "David." His victories and his failures are given in light of his position, which could only have been given to him by God.
Outline	1:1- 4:12 David's reign over Judah begins 5:1-10:19 David's reign extends over Israel 11:1-11:27 David sins 12:1-18:33 Troubles result for David's house 19:1-20:26 David is restored as king 21:1-24:25 Commentary on David's latter years
More	Audio of the Book of 2nd Samuel

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