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2 Samuel

Old Testament

Section: History   •   Trad. Author: Gad, Nathan (trad.)   •   Original Language: Hebrew

Bible Project Overview

King David's reign, victories, and failures

Table of Contents

Chapter Summaries

Tip: Click on any chapter number to jump to it, or use the navigation buttons to move between chapters • Use the table of contents above for quick navigation

Chapter Summary Commentary
1
A man reports Saul’s death to David, claiming to have killed him. David mourns Saul and Jonathan with a lament over their bravery and love.
2
David is anointed king over Judah. Saul’s son Ish-bosheth becomes king over Israel. Abner and Joab’s men clash; Asahel is killed by Abner.
3
Abner defects to David after a quarrel with Ish-bosheth. Joab treacherously kills Abner in revenge. David laments Abner’s death.
4
Ish-bosheth is assassinated by two men, who bring his head to David. David executes them for murder and honors Ish-bosheth.
5
David is anointed king over all Israel. He captures Jerusalem and makes it his capital. God grants victory over the Philistines.
6
David brings the ark to Jerusalem. Uzzah dies for touching it. Later, with proper reverence, David dances before the ark. Michal despises him.
7
God makes a covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty. David responds with a prayer of humble gratitude.
8
David defeats surrounding nations and reigns with justice. He dedicates captured treasures to the Lord and establishes officials.
9
David shows kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son, granting him Saul’s land and a permanent place at his table.
10
The Ammonites hire Aramean allies against Israel. David’s army, led by Joab, defeats them. The Arameans withdraw support for Ammon.
11
David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges Uriah’s death. Bathsheba becomes David’s wife, but God is displeased.
12
Nathan confronts David with a parable. David repents, but God announces consequences. Their first child dies; Solomon is later born.
13
Amnon rapes his sister Tamar. Absalom, Tamar’s brother, kills Amnon in revenge and flees into exile.
14
Joab arranges for Absalom’s return to Jerusalem. David allows him back but does not see him for two years.
15
Absalom wins the people’s favor and declares himself king at Hebron. David flees Jerusalem with his followers.
16
Ziba deceives David about Mephibosheth. Shimei curses David. Absalom enters Jerusalem and, on Ahithophel’s advice, sleeps with David’s concubines.
17
Ahithophel advises immediate pursuit, but Hushai counsels delay, saving David. Ahithophel, seeing his advice rejected, commits suicide.
18
David’s army defeats Absalom’s forces. Absalom is caught in a tree and killed by Joab. David mourns deeply for his son.
19
David returns to Jerusalem amid disputes. He shows mercy to Shimei and Mephibosheth, honors Barzillai, and faces division between Judah and Israel.
20
Sheba leads a revolt against David. Joab kills Amasa and besieges Abel Beth Maacah. A wise woman negotiates Sheba’s execution, ending the revolt.
21
Famine comes due to Saul’s past sin against the Gibeonites. Seven of Saul’s descendants are executed. David’s warriors defeat Philistine giants.
22
David sings a psalm of praise for God’s deliverance and faithfulness throughout his reign.
23
David’s last words exalt God’s covenant. The mighty men’s exploits are recounted, honoring their loyalty and bravery.
24
David orders a census, bringing guilt on Israel. God offers three judgments; David chooses plague. David builds an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor, where the plague stops.

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