2 Samuel
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Rev 11:15)
The Transfer of the Kingdom
2 Samuel begins with the news of Saul’s death – it was now time for the Kingdom to come to David. David had already been anointed king, but now he is to take the Kingdom. We can see here clear parallels with what was achieved by Jesus when he came to the earth, died and rose again. Just like Jesus’ kingdom, David’s kingdom didn’t arrive overnight – there was still a fight! This book tracks David’s taking of the Kingdom and establishing God’s rule in the nation.
A Kingdom Centred on God’s Presence
One of David’s key actions was to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This inaugurated a focus on the presence of God and worship around the throne of God. David demonstrates clearly in this action that his kingdom was in fact God’s Kingdom – that he was king on behalf of God not in place of God.
Covenant
God now instigates a covenant with David – promising that David will always have a descendant on the throne. This covenant clearly looks forward to Jesus – the greatest King who rules over God’s Kingdom for ever. The initial fulfilment of God’s promises to David are fulfilled in Solomon – who was to go beyond even what David achieved.
Victory and Opposition
In David’s kingdom we find that although it was a time of great victories and peace, there was still opposition to David’s rule, most notably in the form of David’s son Absalom. David’s reaction to these troubles shows how devoted to God he is: he walks in the fear of God to the extent that he refuses to believe that this might not be God’s judgment against him, and when he is victorious he does not go all out for retribution, but often shows great mercy and forgiveness.
The Book’s Perspective
Many of the events covered in 1 and 2 Samuel are paralleled in the book of 1 Chronicles. The focus in Samuel tends to be more on the wars and politics of Israel whilst the focus in Chronicles is more toward the spiritual life of the nation and its leaders. The dynamic portrayal of the Kingdom in Samuel paints a vivid picture for our times – when God’s kingdom is increasing and becoming stronger even in the face of opposition and is guaranteed, by divine covenant, to succeed!
This Book Background, as well as the one on 1 Samuel, was written by Matthew Ling