Author

Prophets Nathan and Gad were main contributors. Samuel also is thought to have contributed records and such, even though he died during the reign of King Saul.

Written

AROUND 900 BC Covering the time period of 1000-975 BC

Main Themes

Covers the reign of King David

David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and embarrasses his wife while dancing joyfully. (2 Samuel 8)

David takes Bathsheba, another man's wife. (2 Samuel 11)

The attempted coup and death of David's son Absalom (2 Samuel 18)

Key Verses

2 Samuel 12:21-22 He replied, While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept: for who knows if GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
23 But now he is dead, why should I fast? can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.

Important Points

Second Samuel covers the reign of King David. He became known as the first good king of Israel. There were only a few good kings!

Chapters 1 through 10 show David as an excellent warrior and leader who also is compassionate to the sick and poor and always tries to do what would make God happy.

In Chapters 11 through 24, we see David facing trials and tribulations. There are many upsets in his family, including his bad choice to commit adultery, the death of an infant son, and a coup attempt by his oldest son, who ended up being killed by David's own warriors.