2 Samuel - Introduction

Introduction

1 and 2 Samuel originally comprised a single book. The division into two happened when the Greek version was put together, and was largely a result of practical constraints over the length of the manuscripts.

1 Samuel has prepared the ground for David becoming king. In 2 Samuel David finally assumes the throne. We have already seen many good characteristics of David, and these come forth in the early chapters of 2 Samuel. However, we also saw hints of David’s flaws, and from chapter 11 onwards these come to dominate. David was a “type” of the Messiah, but was in no way the Messiah, being, like all mankind, a deeply flawed human being. From the beginning of the book it might look as though a new day was dawning when Israel could fulfil its destiny, but before long we see that the fundamental problem of sin remains, and dominates humanity. Any analysis of a situation that neglects the fundamental problem of sin is a deeply flawed and inadequate analysis.