OLD TESTAMENT > HISTORY > 1 + 2 SAMUEL

1 + 2 SAMUEL

1 + 2 Samuel, originally written as one long story, is an epic tale of the rise and fall of Israel’s kings. When the tribes of Israel request a king as their leader, God uses the prophet Samuel to first appoint Saul, and later David. God uses these two very different kings to show how he honors those who are obedient and opposes those who act on their own accord.

Some of the stories in 1 + 2 Samuel might be familiar, like David and Goliath. But are you familiar with the story of Jonathan and the honey? Or Saul attempting to hide some sheep from Samuel? This book includes some classic Bible stories, but also offers a winding narrative of violent wars, men on the run, and near-death experiences.

    • Samuel’s birth, dedication, and ministry

    • Saul rules as king

    • David is anointed

    • David brings the Arc of the Covenant to Jerusalem

    • David’s sins of adultery and murder

    • Absalom’s rebellion

    • Hannah

    • Samuel

    • David

    • Saul

    • Absalom

    • Nathan

    • Bathsheba

    • Author: Samuel (with additions by Gad and Nathan)

    • Date Written: around 550 BC

    • Location: Israel

    • Timeline of Events: The birth of Samuel (1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC)

    • Intended Audience: Jewish people

1 SAMUEL 1

HANNAH PRAYERFULLY PLEADS GOD FOR A SON

A man named Elkanah has two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Although Hannah cannot have children, Elkanah loves her more.

Out of jealousy, Peninnah provokes and irritates Hannah, mocking her for being childless. Elkanah reassures Hannah that their relationship is extremely valuable to him regardless of her ability to have children.

Hannah enters the temple passionately and prayerfully weeping, crying out to God to give her a son. She promises God that if she is able to have a son, she will give him back to God. Eli, one of the priests, sees Hannah and assumes she is drunk because of her great distress. Hannah assures Eli that she is not drunk, but that she is pouring out her soul before God.

Seeing Hannah’s fervor, Eli promises that God will provide her a son. When Hannah conceives a son, she names him Samuel and praised God for His provision.

1 SAMUEL 2

HANNAH PRAISES GOD, ELI INFLUENCES SAMUEL

Hannah praises God, exalting and honoring Him. Hannah recognizes that God is the giver of life and of all good things. Hannah acknowledges that God gives strength to His kings, referring to the king of Israel that the Israelites have been hoping for and alluding to the future reign of Jesus.

Eli has sons who are rebellious, wicked, and do not know God, unlike Samuel, who grew up in Eli's presence and learned to serve as a priest. Eli blesses Hannah and she has three more sons and two daughters. Samuel continues to grow up knowing God and serving people.

1 SAMUEL 3

ELI AIDS SAMUEL IN RESPONDING TO GOD’S VOICE 

God speaks to Samuel, but Samuel is confused and does not recognize God’s voice.

Eli helps prepare Samuel with how to respond, instructing him to say “Speak Lord, for your servant hears.” Samuel does as Eli instructs and God speaks to him.

God tells Samuel that he will punish Eli’s sons for blaspheming God. Samuel shares this somber news with Eli, and Eli responds with humility and trust, saying “It is the Lord, let Him do what seems good to Him.”

As Samuel grows up, God continues to establish him as a prophet among Israel.

1 SAMUEL 4

ISRAEL LOSES THE ARK OF THE COVENANT IN BATTLE

The Israelites battle their enemies, the Philistines, and are defeated. Desperate, the Israelites take the ark of the covenant, containing the stone tablets of the ten commandments, into battle with them. The holy seat, located upon the ark of the covenant, is representative of God’s presence among Israel.

Upon seeing the ark, the Philistines are confused and scared, but they continue to battle and ultimately defeat Israel. Because the Israelites used the ark of the covenant in a way that did not honor God, God allows the ark to be stolen from their possession. The very thing that set Israel apart as God’s people was taken from them.

Eli’s two sons, Phineas and Hophni die, just as God previously told Samuel.

The news of the loss of the ark is so devastating it causes two deaths: Eli falls backwards, breaks his neck, and dies, and the wife of Phineas goes into labor and dies. That is some majorly bad news!

1 SAMUEL 5

DAGON DESTROYED + THE PHILISTINES AFFLICTED

The Philistines do not worship God and instead worship a god called Dagon. After taking the ark of the covenant from the Israelites in battle they dishonor the ark by placing it within the shrine to Dagon.

After placing the ark in the house of Dagon, the Philistines see that Dagon had fallen face down, bowing before the ark of God. The following day, the Philistines see that the head and hands of Dagon have been cut off and removed. God is showing the Philistines that their “god” is powerless against Him. The Philistines are terrified by this and become afflicted with boils and tumors. The Philistines do not turn to God, but they do recognize Him as the source of their afflictions.

1 SAMUEL 6

THE PHILISTINES RETURN THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

After seven months, the Philistines return the ark of the covenant in efforts to end their affliction. They use an interesting strategy including two cows to send it back to the Israelites.

Some of the Israelites receive the ark of the covenant in a field and rejoice! They are so glad to have the ark of the covenant back in Israel, but immediately forget the laws surrounding the ark and are struck down.

1 SAMUEL 7

SAMUEL TRUSTS GOD + MEMORIALIZES HIS FAITHFULNESS

Samuel instructs the nation of Israel to put away false gods and turn their hearts to God. Together they gather at a place called Mizpah, repent of their sin, and fast.

Samuel reminds the Israelites to continually trust God for salvation from the Philistines. Samuel cries out to God on Israel’s behalf and offers a lamb as a sacrifice.

God listens to the cries of Israel, and they are able to defeat the Philistines. Samuel sets up a stone at Mizpah and calls it “Ebenezer” meaning “Thus far, God has helped us.” Samuel is intentional about remembering what God has done for them.

1 SAMUEL 8

THE ISRAELITES REJECT GOD AS KING OF ISRAEL

Samuel has two sons, Joel and Abijah, who he appoints as judges. Unfortunately, his sons do not follow in Samuel’s footsteps, but instead pervert justice and accept bribes.

Because Samuel’s sons are unfit to be judges, the people of Israel ask Samuel to appoint a king. When Samuel asks God for guidance, God instructs Samuel to obey the voice of the people. God tells Samuel that they have not rejected Samuel’s leadership, but have rejected God as their ultimate ruler.

Samuel warns the Israelites, telling them that if a king is appointed, he will steal from them and force them into hard labor. Despite this warning, Samuel follows God's instructions to give the Israelites a king.

Samuel prophecies that the Israelites will cry out to God, but He will not answer them because of their rejection of his kingship. Later on, Saul cries out to God, but God does not answer him because of his decisions. (1 Samuel 28)

1 SAMUEL 9

GOD TELLS SAMUEL THAT HE WILL MEET SAUL

God tells Samuel that he will meet a man from Benjamin, who Samuel will anoint as the king of Israel. The next day, Samuel meets Saul, who is in town looking for some lost donkeys. Upon meeting, Saul and Samuel share a meal together.

1 SAMUEL 10

SAUL ANOINTED KING OVER ISRAEL

Following God’s directions, Samuel anoints Saul as the king over Israel. The Spirit of God comes upon Saul and God gives him a new heart. After waiting seven days, Saul is proclaimed king of Israel, and the people are excited to receive their long-awaited king.

1 SAMUEL 11

SAUL’S FIRST VICTORY IN BATTLE

Saul defeats the Ammonites in battle and the Israelites renew his kingship in Gilgal, honoring him again as king of Israel.

1 SAMUEL 12

SAMUEL’S ADVICE TO THE ISRAELITES

As Samuel grows older and is nearing his death, he gives a farewell speech to Israel. Samuel reminds the Israelites of all that God has done for them, going over their history since Egypt.

Samuel tells the people to turn to God as their king and let Him reign over the Israelites. He tells them to fear the Lord and serve Him alone faithfully.

1 SAMUEL 13

SAMUEL PREDICTS A FUTURE KING WHO FOLLOWS GOD

Saul gathers an army and kills one of the Philistine leaders. Despite their victory, the Israelites are afraid of the Philistines' retaliation. The Israelites realize they are outnumbered and run away in fear.

Saul takes matters into his own hands and makes an unlawful sacrifice. Samuel tells Saul that he has made a huge mistake and that Saul should have waited for God’s instructions. God will no longer bless Saul as king. Samuel tells Saul that God is going to build up a replacement king, one who follows God and listens to His word.

The Philistines make sure that the Israelites cannot sharpen their swords and weapons, since there is not a single blacksmith to be found in Israel. Because of this, only Saul and his son Jonathan are armed.

1 SAMUEL 14

SAUL’S CURSE + JONATHAN’S CONFESSION

Saul’s son Jonathan defeats the Philistines with God’s provision. Jonathan trusts God, unlike Saul who relies on his own strength.

Saul makes a rash decision to curse any of the Israelites who ate while they are at war with the Philistines. Jonathan did not hear this vow his father made and ate some honey. When Jonathan is made aware of Saul’s curse, he does not understand why the Israelites would not be able to eat in battle. Once the other Israelites saw Jonathan eating, they began aggressively eating anything in sight. When they devoured the livestock, they broke the laws regarding not eating blood. Saul’s strange vow is not only unwise, but it also causes others to sin.

Saul asks God for wisdom, but God does not answer Saul. Jonathan confesses to eating the honey and Saul wants to kill him. Luckily, the Israelites stop that from happening. At this point, Saul has defeated all of his enemies, but does not listen to God’s instruction.

1 SAMUEL 15

GOD REMOVES SAUL FROM LEADERSHIP OVER ISRAEL 

Samuel told Saul to do as God had instructed and remove the Amalekites from Israel. From God’s instructions, no adult, child, man, woman, or even cattle should survive. The Israelites were instructed to rid Israel of Amalek long ago, but they had not listened. Saul prepares for battle, but gives warning to the Kenites, who had shown kindness to Israel.

Instead of fully following Samuel’s directions, Saul captures Agog the Amalekite king instead of killing him. Similarly, Saul saves the best of the Amalekite sheep and calves for himself instead of killing them. In his selfishness and pride, Saul builds a monument for himself. God is grieved by Saul’s kingship and desires better leadership for Israel.

Saul tells Samuel that he has completed God’s commands, but Samuel knows he is not telling the full truth. Samuel hears the sheep that Saul kept for himself. Samuel confronts Saul, but Saul makes excuses, saying the animals were for sacrifices and blames others for taking them. Samuel tells Saul that obedience is more valuable to God than anything else they could offer.

Because Saul rejects God’s wisdom, God rejects Saul as king of Israel. As Samuel turns away, Saul reaches to grab his robe and tears it. Samuel tells him that God has torn the kingdom of Israel from Saul and will give it over to a better, more faithful leader. Saul is devastated by this brutal reality.

Saul admits his sin and bows before God, showing remorse for what he has done. Meanwhile, Samuel finishes the work they set out to do and kills Agog the Amalekite king. Saul and Samuel never see each other again, but Samuel is grieved over Saul’s failure as king.

1 SAMUEL 16

SAMUEL APPOINTS DAVID AS THE FUTURE KING OF ISRAEL

Samuel is grieved over Saul’s failure and deeply desires a faithful leader for Israel. God instructs Samuel to visit Jesse, a man in Bethlehem. God plans to appoint one of Jesse’s sons to be the new king of Israel.

Samuel sees seven of Jesse’s sons, but knows that none of them are the one whom God has chosen. God tells Samuel to choose based on character, not outward appearance. Samuel asks to see Jesse’s youngest son, David, who was out watching the sheep. God instructs Samuel to choose David. Samuel appoints David as king, and God’s Spirit rushes upon him.

The spirit of the Lord departs from Saul and a harmful spirit comes to torment him. Saul requests a musician to come play and rid him of the harmful spirit. Saul’s servants suggest David, the humble shepherd and harp player. When David appears before Saul and plays his music, the harmful spirit departs from him. Because of his talents, David finds favor with Saul and becomes his armor-bearer. David is an armor-bearer, shepherd, musician, and future king!

1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

1 SAMUEL 17

DAVID TRUSTS GOD + BATTLES GOLIATH

While the Israelites are at war with the Philistines, a man named Goliath challenges the Israelites to a duel-style battle. Goliath is a giant warrior, towering over the others and weighing a great deal. If Goliath kills the Israelite warrior, the Israelites would be slaves to the Philistines, but if Goliath loses to the Israelite warrior, the Philistines would be slaves to the Israelites. This is a winner-takes-all, double-or-nothing style fight and the Israelites are terrified!

While the Israelites wait for someone to battle Goliath, Jesse asks David to bring some food to his seven brothers who are watching near the battlefield. While David is there, Goliath comes forward once again, challenging the Israelites to a one-on-one fight. David tells Saul that he is going to be the one to fight Goliath, but Saul tells David he is too young.

David assures Saul, remembering times he protected his sheep from lions and bears. David trusts that God would protect him in the same way he protects his sheep. David tries on some armor and a sword, but decides to go without. He chooses five smooth stones to put in his shepherd's bag with his sling. Not only is David much smaller than Goliath, he is unarmed.

When Goliath sees David, a young and armorless boy, he mocks him. David stands firm and says “although you come with a sword and a javelin, I come in the name of the Lord.” David knew the power of his God. And with just his sling and a stone, David defeats Goliath! After Goliath is knocked down by David’s stone, his head is cut off and kept as Israel’s trophy.

1 SAMUEL 18

DAVID CONTINUES TO RISE IN SUCCESS + POWER

Saul’s son, Jonathan, and David have a very close relationship. Jonathan loves David as his own soul and gave him his robe, armor, and sword. David is appointed over all the Israelite warriors and is successful wherever he goes.

Saul becomes jealous of the attention that David receives for his military success. In his rage, Saul throws spears at David, attempting to kill him. Despite Saul’s efforts to diminish David, God is with David, and he remains successful.

Saul’s daughter, Michal, loves David and wants to marry him. Saul requires David to kill one hundred Philistines before marrying Michal, attempting to have David killed in battle. Instead, David is successful and marries Michal. Saul becomes increasingly angry at David and jealous of his high esteem.

1 SAMUEL 19

SAUL’S MANY ATTEMPTS TO KILL DAVID

Saul tells his son Jonathan that he wants David killed. Because of their close friendship, Jonathan warns David to hide himself in secret. Jonathan defends David to Saul, attempting to convince him to spare David. Saul momentarily agrees, but quickly goes back on his promise. As David is playing music, Saul attempts to kill him with a spear.

Saul sent someone to kill David in the middle of the night, but Michal warns him and helps David escape out a window. Saul is relentlessly looking to kill David. After David sneaks away and escapes death once again, he seeks out Samuel to let him know what happened.

1 SAMUEL 20

JONATHAN REALIZES SAUL’S DETERMINATION

Knowing Saul’s every move, Jonathan tries to convince David that Saul would spare him. Jonathan promises his allegiance to David and wants to support him however possible.

When talking to Saul, Jonathan quickly realizes that he was mistaken. When Jonathan stands up to Saul, Saul wants to kill Jonathan, his own son! Jonathan becomes aware of Saul’s determination to kill David and warns David to flee.

1 SAMUEL 21

DAVID FLEES FROM SAUL + ACQUIRES GOLIATH’S SWORD

David goes to Nod, where Ahimelech is the priest. Ahimelech gives David some of the holy bread, since there is no other bread available. When David requests a sword for protection, Ahimelech tells him where to acquire Goliath’s sword.

David continues to flee from Saul and travel towards Gath. David is recognized there and becomes afraid, so he pretends to be an insane madman. That’s one strategy!

1 SAMUEL 22

SAUL’S DETERMINATION TO FIND + KILL DAVID

Continuing his escape, David leaves Gath and escapes to the Cave of Adullam. Four hundred men follow David and he becomes the commander over them. Because he is on the run, David continues moving and goes to a forest in Hereth.

Saul heard that David was spotted and becomes angry that none of the priests or commanders disclosed David’s precise location. An Edomite man named Doeg tells Saul when and where David was last seen, to prove he is not hiding any information from him.

Saul orders all the other priests killed, so Doeg kills eighty-five priests and their families. Saul stopped at nothing to find David and wouldn’t let anyone slow him down. One man, Abiathar, is able to escape Saul and flees to find David for safety.

1 SAMUEL 23

THE PHILISTINES UNKNOWINGLY PROVIDE AN ESCAPE FOR DAVID

The Philistines are at war with the city of Keilah and robbing their threshing floors. David asked God if he should intervene and God instructs him to save the people of Keilah. When Saul hears that David was in Keilah, he chases after him, but is not able to capture him.

When David sees Jonathan, Jonathan encourages him. Jonathan believes that David has nothing to fear and trusts that he would live to be established as king.

Saul continues to chase after David and brings his army to find him. As they were searching, Saul gets scarily close to David, who was on the other side of the mountain. Saul receives a message that the Philistines are raiding his land, so he returns home.

David is able to escape, thanks to the Philistines! God uses an attack by the Philistines to save the future king of Israel, showing His authority over everything, even people who oppose His people.

1 SAMUEL 24

SAUL’S ROBE TORN IN THE CAVE

When Saul returns to search for David, he unknowingly enters the same cave where David is hiding. Saul goes to “relieve himself” and is left in a vulnerable position. David has the opportunity to kill him, but instead spares his life. David sneakily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe, which he would later use as proof.

After Saul left the cave, David follows after him, shouting out to Saul. David proclaims that he had the opportunity to kill Saul, but spared his life instead, showing him the corner of the robe as proof. David knew that God would be faithful to him without his own intervention, the exact opposite of Saul.

Earlier, Saul tore Samuel’s robe, symbolizing the kingdom being torn from Saul. Now, David uses a torn robe to show his authority over Saul. Saul weeps, recognizing David’s mercy. Saul promises that David would be rewarded for his goodness and acknowledges him as the future king of Israel.

1 SAMUEL 25

ABIGAIL PROVIDES FOR DAVID + HIS MEN

Upon Samuel’s death, the people of Israel mourn. Samuel is faithful to God throughout a tumultuous and trying time for the nation.

Aiming to avoid Saul, David continues traveling. While he is in the wilderness of Paran, David and his people watch the sheep of Nabal and Abigail, a wealthy couple. When Nabal returns, David asks for food, since they had been caring for his livestock. Nabal refuses to feed David and his men, which greatly angers David.

One of Nabal’s servants informs Abigail of the dispute and Abigail is upset with Nabal’s denial of David. Abigail prepared a lot of food, including two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred fig cakes! Abigail diffuses the situation with her generosity and discernment. Because she knew David’s future as the king, Abigail prevents David from making a rash, violent decision.

Nabal gets very drunk, so Abigail waits to tell him that she fed David and his men. Nabal does not take this news well and suddenly dies ten days later. After Nabal’s death, David marries Abigail, as well another woman, Ahinoam. Saul had previously taken away his daughter Michal, David’s first wife, and given her to another man.

1 SAMUEL 26

DAVID’S CONTINUES TO SPARE SAUL

The Ziphites go to Saul and tell him they think David is hiding in the wilderness near Hachilah, so Saul and his army of three thousand go to find David. Even after David spares Saul’s life, Saul is still determined to hunt him down. David sends spies to confirm that Saul is nearby.

David and a man named Abishai go to Saul’s camp and see that Saul is sleeping. Abishai encourages David to kill Saul while he has the chance, but David does not want to kill God’s appointed king.

David does not kill Saul, but instead sneakily steals Saul’s spear and water jug. David and Abishai do not wake anyone because a deep sleep from God had fallen upon them. David honored God’s timing and God protected David’s efforts.

David goes and stands over the hill, making sure there is space between him and Saul’s people. David calls out to Saul’s army, showing them the items he has taken from Saul. David previously did this with a piece of Saul’s cloak in 1 Samuel 24, proving he had the ability to kill Saul. Although David had two opportunities to kill Saul, he spared him both times.

Saul repents for attempting to kill David and blesses him as the future king. After years of chasing, Saul finally agrees to stop seeking David.

1 SAMUEL 27

DAVID LIVES IN GATH + FINISHES THE WORK OF SAUL

Despite Saul’s recent blessing of David, David remains fearful of Saul’s attempts to kill him. David travels to Gath, where Saul no longer seeks after him. David asks Achish, a ruler in Gath, for land. David lives with the Philistines for over a year in a place called Ziklag.

David kills many people in the surrounding areas. God instructs Saul to rid the land of these people many years ago, but Saul left this work undone.

David is fulfilling what God asked of the Israelites, but has to remain peaceful with the people of Gath. David lies about the sheep and livestock he is plundering from the surrounding areas. David is striving to serve God, but had to trick Achish to complete his mission.

1 SAMUEL 28

SAUL GRAPPLES WITH THE FATE OF THE ISRAELITES

Saul is afraid of the Philistines and calls out to God, but God does not answer him. When Saul doesn’t hear from God, he resorts to seeking a medium. The medium summons Samuel (who hasn’t even been dead very long!) and Samuel speaks to the medium. Samuel tells Saul that the Israelites would be handed over to the Philistines because of Saul’s disobedience.

Saul is horrified by the news and refuses to eat before the battle. Saul forgets God’s word, turns away from Him, and seeks out another spirit through a medium. Upon receiving this news, he knows that the end is near and realizes he had not lived a righteous life.

1 SAMUEL 29

DAVID SAVED FROM AN UNFORTUNATE REALITY

David, who is still living in Gath, is expected to fight with the Philistines. He had tricked Achish, one of the leaders of Gath, into thinking he was on their side, when really he was just trying to avoid Saul’s wrath.

Although Achish trusts David, the other Philistine leaders do not trust him to fight on their side, so they send him away. David was close to being in a bad situation: having to either fight his own people or blow his cover with the Philistines. David prays for God’s protection and God provides!

1 SAMUEL 30

DAVID DEFEATS THE AMALEKITES + RESTORES WHAT WAS STOLEN

When David returns home, he finds that the Amalekites raided Ziklag, burning it down and taking the women captive. David’s wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, were both captured, and David is deeply distressed. David asks God what to do, and God allows him to pursue and overtake the Amalekites. David and his men defeat the Amalekites and get back everything that was stolen from them!

Not all of David’s men fight with him, but David still restores their lot as well. David shows generosity and compassion to others because of the generosity and compassion that God has shown him.

1 SAMUEL 31

ISRAEL’S DEFEAT + SAUL’S UNFORTUNATE END

Just as Samuel warned Saul, the Israelites are overtaken by the Philistines. During the battle, Saul is badly wounded, and he ends his own life by falling on his sword. Saul’s armor-bearer and three sons have the same unfortunate ending in battle.

When the Philistines find Saul’s dead body, they take off his armor and cut off his head, bringing it to the place of their idols as a trophy. Although the future appears bleak, the Israelites have hope in God’s promise to David.

2 SAMUEL 1

DAVID SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF SAUL’S DEATH 

After the battle with the Amalkites, David returns to Ziklag, where he was living with the Philistines. David knew that a battle was happening between Israel and the Philistines, but was unaware that Saul and his sons died.

An Amalakite messenger travels to Ziklag to tell David of Saul’s death. Instead of telling David the truth of what happened to Saul, that he ended his own life by falling on his sword, the messenger takes credit for killing King Saul.

Instead of being excited by this news and proud of the messenger, David mourns Saul's death and has the messenger killed for claiming to have killed Saul. David knew not to kill God’s appointed king and he was appalled that the Amalkite messenger would be proud of killing Saul.

Although Saul attempted to kill David on many occasions, David is saddened and distressed by Saul’s death and the death of Jonathan, his closest friend.

2 SAMUEL 2

DAVID APPOINTS LEADERSHIP OVER THE TRIBE OF JUDAH

After asking God for guidance, David is sent to the city of Hebron in Judah. David and his two wives pack up all of their belongings and travel to Judah. The people of Judah anoint David as king over Judah, the largest tribe of Israel. David thanks the men of Jabesh-gilead, who buried Saul’s body.

Meanwhile, Saul’s commander Abner makes Saul’s living son, Ish-bosheth, king over Israel, the role that is supposed to be given to David. Only the tribe of Judah follows David and honors him as king.

After a few years, Abner (Saul's commander) and Joab (David’s commander) meet up at Gibeon. There they start a series of twelve battles, one-on-one style similar to David and Goliath. David and Joab’s men are victorious over Abner’s men.

Abner chases down Asahel, one of David’s nephews, and kills him. After this, Abner asked Joab to blow the trumpet and end the battle.

2 SAMUEL 3

ABNER SIDES WITH DAVID, BUT JOAB CONTESTS

As time goes on, David grows stronger and has many children with his now six wives. Abner is also gaining strength and popularity among the eleven tribes, but then things take a turn for the worse. Ish-bosheth, the king of Israel, claims that Abner has been sleeping with one of Saul’s concubines. Although Saul is dead, this accusation greatly offends Abner, and Abner felt betrayed by Ish-bosheth.

Because Abner is so offended by the allegation, he turns to follow David instead of Ish-bosheth, wanting David to serve as king over all twelve tribes. David tells Abner that he can join him, as long as he brings Michal back to David. Michal was David’s first wife who Saul had taken away from him.

Abner agrees to this deal and sets out to convince the eleven tribes to accept David as king over all Israel. This plan sounds great to Abner and David, but not to Joab. Because Abner is a recent enemy, Joab did not trust Abner’s intentions. Abner was also the one who killed Joab’s brother, Asahel. Joab had enough of Abner and murders him, which grieves David greatly.

2 SAMUEL 4

THE DEATH OF ISH-BOSHETH

The only remaining descendants of Saul are Rechab, Baanah, and Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. Rechab and Baanah are military leaders, but Mephibosheth is very young and physically crippled.

Ish-bosheth hears of the death of Abner and is also grieved, even though they were enemies at the time of his death. After receiving this news, Ish-bosheth’s courage fails, making him appear weak and alarming the Israelites. Afraid of having a weak ruler, two of Ish-bosheth’s military leaders and Saul’s remaining relatives murder Ish-boseth in his sleep.

Rechab and Baanah, the two men who killed Ish-bosheth, go to tell David the news. Similar to when he heard the news of Saul’s death, David is saddened by this news and has them killed.

2 SAMUEL 5

DAVID APPOINTED KING OVER ALL TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL

Now that Saul, Abner, and Ish-bosheth have died, the tribes meet at Hebron and David is finally anointed king over all of Israel. Remembering God’s promise, the people refer to David as the shepherd of Israel. David is thirty years old when he becomes king, the same age that Jesus started His public ministry.

David seizes Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it Israel’s capital. He also obtains the fortress of Zion, which is renamed the City of David. God is with David, and he grows greater and greater.

David’s success angers the Philistines, but God allows David to defeat them. After a long stretch of trials, David experiences prosperity and victory!

2 SAMUEL 6

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT TRANSPORTED TO JERUSALEM

David gathers the people of Israel to move the ark of the covenant back into Jerusalem, using a cart carried by oxen. As they are carrying the ark, a man named Uzzah reaches out and touches the ark when one of the oxen stumbles. Uzzah is immediately stuck down and killed. David is saddened and scared by Uzzah’s sudden death. Instead of continuing on his journey with the ark, David stays in the home of a man named Obed-edom for three months.

God blesses Obed-edom and the home where the ark is kept for three months. Eventually David transports the ark to Jerusalem. Once the ark is in Israel’s capital city, David dances in celebration! David’s wife Michal sees David rejoicing and despises him in her heart. Although we are unsure of Michal’s reason for despising David, it is clear that she did not rejoice over the symbol of God’s law and presence arriving in Jerusalem. David disregards Michal’s response and worships God regardless of the consequences or opinions of others.

Another account of this story is recorded in 1 Chronicles 13-16.

2 SAMUEL 7

GOD PROMISES AN ETERNAL KING FROM THE LINE OF DAVID

David decides he wants to build a temple or a house for the presence of God. David realizes that he is living in a beautiful cedar house, but the ark of God is residing in a tent. The prophet Nathan encourages David to do all that is in his heart and build the home for God.

Although Nathan has good intentions, God appears to Nathan telling him to instruct David not to build a house. Instead, God will build a house for David. God clarifies that David’s house will not be a physical house, but a legacy and kingdom that will endure forever. God uses the descendants of David to establish a new eternal throne.

David is amazed at God’s kindness and generosity and responds by praising God. Eventually, God would send Jesus through the descendants of David. Although David’s descendants will not always be on the throne in Israel, God promises David that an everlasting king would be established from his lineage. This promise is known as the Davidic Covenant.

1 Samuel 7:12 - When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.

2 SAMUEL 8

DAVID WAS A JUST + VICTORIOUS RULER OF ISRAEL

David serves as a victorious leader of Israel, defeating the Philistines, the Moabites, the Arameans, and the Edomites. David is given silver, bronze, and gold for his role in winning the battles, but dedicates all these things to the Lord. God is with David and the Israelites and gives victory to David wherever he goes. David continues to reign over Israel with justice.

2 SAMUEL 9

DAVID SHOWS KINDNESS + GENEROSITY TO MEPHIBOSHETH

David asks his servant Ziba to find any living relatives of Saul. David has a very tumultuous relationship with Saul, but wants to show kindness to his ancestors. Ziba finds one of Jonathan’s sons, Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson. Mephibosheth is crippled in both of his feet and describes himself as a “dead dog.”

When David finds Mephibosheth, he is crippled and poor, had no land and no living family. Upon seeing Mephibosheth, David promises to restore Saul’s land to Mephibosheth and include him at the royal table. After David’s generosity, Mephibosheth’s inheritance is restored and he is invited to dine with the king!

2 SAMUEL 10

ISRAEL’S DEFEAT OF THE AMMONITES + ARAMEANS

David receives the news that Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, has died. David sends some messengers to console Hanun, Nahash’s son. When the messengers arrive in Ammon, Nahash assumes they are spies, so he cuts off their beards and half of the robes, leaving them exposed and humiliated.

The Ammonites hired the Syrians (also called Arameans) to help them battle the Israelites, but David, Joab, and the Israelites are able to defeat them all. After this defeat, the Syrians no longer want to team up in battle with the Ammonites.

2 SAMUEL 11

DAVID’S ADULTERY + CONSPIRACY TO MURER

In the springtime, the kings are typically in battle, but David remains behind in Jerusalem. One day, David is on his rooftop and sees a beautiful woman named Bathsheba. David sends someone to take her, although she is married to a man named Uriah, and David sleeps with her.

Uriah is one of David’s mighty men (referenced in 1 Chronicles 11) and is off at war. When Bathsheba realizes she is pregnant, David wants to trick Uriah into thinking that the child is his own. David calls Uriah home from battle, in efforts for him to sleep with Bathsheba, but Uriah is dedicated to the battle and would not go back to the comfort of his own home.

Instead of coming forward, David sends a message to Joab, one of Israel’s military leaders, telling him to put Uriah on the front lines in the most dangerous position. The Ammonites killed many Israelites and David ensured Uriah was one of them. When Bathsheba heard that her husband died, she lamented his death. David takes Bathsheba and makes her his wife.

God is displeased with David’s actions. In this chapter alone, David commits adultery, murder, and likely sexual assault.

2 SAMUEL 12

THE LASTING CONSEQUENCES OF DAVID’S SIN

God sends Nathan to David to share a meaningful story. Nathan tells David of a wealthy man with lots of sheep who stole and killed a poor man’s only lamb, whom he loved dearly. David is enraged that the rich man would do such a thing, stealing something of personal and emotional value to someone who had far less than himself. David says the rich man should be killed and that the poor man should be repaid four times as many lambs.

Nathan says to David “You are the rich man!” David is exposed for his sin and greed. Nathan explains to David that God has abundantly provided for David, but he still sinned greatly. Because of David’s sin, there would be four major consequences. 1) The sword will not depart from David’s house, meaning Israel would continue facing battles in war. 2) Evil would come out of the house of David, meaning some of David’s descendants would bring trouble on Israel. 3) David would lose his many wives, and 4) lastly, David’s son with Bathsheba would die.

Although these consequences are severe, God could have killed David for his actions. Even in His anger, God shows mercy for David’s life.

Seven days after David’s son is born, he dies. During those seven days, David fasted and laid on the ground. Once the child died, the servants were afraid to tell David because they did not want him to harm himself in his grief. After David realizes his son has died, he gets up, cleans himself and his clothing, and worships God. Even in the worst of circumstances, David trusts God’s judgment.

David comforts Bathsheba after the death of their child. This time as his wife, David sleeps with Bathsheba and she becomes pregnant with a son named Solomon.

The Israelites are still at war with the Ammonites in the city of Rabbah. David participates in this battle and the city of Rabbah is captured. In their victory, the Israelites place the Ammonite king’s crown on David’s head.

2 SAMUEL 13

AMNON’S WRONGDOING + ABSALOM’S RESPONSE

Amnon, David’s firstborn son, lusts after his beautiful half-sister Tamar. Amnon receives terrible advice from a distant relative named Jonadab, who tells him to pretend to be ill in bed so that he could be in a position of leverage to rape her. While Amnon is pretending to be ill, he asks David to send Tamar to bring him food. Tamar diligently makes food for her half-brother and brings it to him. When Amnon attempts to sleep with her, Tamar says no. But because Amnon is larger and stronger than her, he is able to violate and rape his half-sister.

After this horrible act, Amnon now hates Tamar. Although scripture records Amnon as having loved Tamer, we can see from his actions that this was not true and that he confused love with lust. Not only does Amnon rape Tamar, he sends her away and locks her out. In the culture of Israel at this time, Tamar would most likely remain single and childless since she was no longer a virgin. Amnon took away her virginity, and possibly her future. Tamar grieves her loss, putting ash on her face and tearing her robes. Tamar lives a lonely desolate life with her brother, David’s other son, Absalom, who no longer speaks to Amnon. David is informed about what happened and is angered.

Two years later, Absalom is ready for revenge. He tricks Amnon into traveling with him, gets him drunk, and instructs his servants to kill him. After Amnon’s death, Absalom is David’s oldest living son and heir to the throne.

All of David’s other sons flee after hearing of Amnon’s murder. David is incorrectly told that all of his sons died, not only Amnon. As David is grieving the loss of his sons, Jonadab goes to tell David the truth that it was only Amnon who had died. Absalom, afraid in his guilt, flees to Geshur to get away. All of David’s other sons go to find David, and he weeps. Years pass and David grieves his missing son, wanting to be reunited with Absalom.

2 SAMUEL 14

ABSALOM + DAVID REUNITE

Joab, David’s military leader, knows that David’s heart longs for Absalom. Joab sends a woman named Tekoa to David, who pretends to be in mourning and tells a story about two brothers, one who killed the other. David’s response to the story reveals how he feels about Absalom, and He agrees to make amends with Absalom. David sends Joab to bring Absalom back from Geshur.

Once Joab returns to Jerusalem with Absalom, David instructs Joab to separate Absalom. Absalom lives apart from David without seeing him for two years. Absalom is the most attractive man in Israel, he has no blemish from head to toe and has very lush, long hair.

Absalom has been waiting for a long time and wants to see David, so he calls for Joab. When Joab does not respond to Absalom, Absalom sets his nearby fields on fire. Absalom gets Joab’s attention and Joab allows Absalom to see the king. When they see each other, Absalom bows humbly before David, and David kisses and embraces him. David loves his son and is happy to see him regardless of what he has done.

2 SAMUEL 15

ABSALOM’S BETRAYAL OF DAVID

What seems like a sweet reunion between Absalom and David is really just a trick! Absalom, David’s estranged son, is not trying to make peace. Instead, he is conspiring to take David’s throne. Absalom collects horses and chariots to prepare for battle.

Absalom sits by the city gates, waiting for people who want advice and counsel from David. Absalom stops them on their way in and wins them over, telling them anything they want to hear. Instead of sending them to David, he woos them for personal gain.

After a few years, Absalom asks David if he could travel to Hebron to “fulfill a vow” that he made back when he lived in Geshur. Absalom is lying about the vow and really leaves to gather the men, chariots, and horses he has been secretly collecting.

David’s messengers let him know what is happening, that Absalom betrayed him and is plotting to overthrow Jerusalem. David decides not to battle with his son and instead flees, leaving his concubines, the priests, and the ark of the covenant behind.

David finds out that Ahithophel, one of his most trusted mentors and advisors, betrayed him and joined Absalom. Luckily David finds a friend named Hushai, who serves as a spy to inform David what is happening back in Jerusalem.

2 SAMUEL 16

ABSALOM’S WICKEDNESS ON DISPLAY

David flees to Jerusalem to avoid war with his son, Absalom.

Ziba, one of Mephibosheth’s servants, brings David donkeys, bread, fruit, and wine. Ziba wants Israel to return under David’s kingship, not Absalom’s or Mephibosheth’s. David thanks Ziba by giving him all that belonged to Mephibosheth.

David travels to Bahurim and meets Shimei, a descendant of Saul who hates David. Shimei insults David and throws rocks at him, shouting at him to go away. Another man, Abishai, threatens to kill David.

Absalom and his army arrive in Jerusalem. Hushai, David’s spy, pretends to show allegiance to Absalom instead of David. Ahithophel, who had previously been David’s advisor, gives Absalom terrible advice: to sleep with David’s concubines as a sign of disgrace to his father. Absalom takes this advice and sleeps with David’s concubines publicly for all of Israel to witness.

2 SAMUEL 17

HUSHAI INFORMS DAVID OF ABSALOM’S PLANS TO ATTACK

Ahithophel orders Absalom to gather 12,000 men and attack David, but Absalom wants Hushai’s opinion too. Hushai tells Absalom to create an even bigger army, gathering men from all of Israel. Hushai did this to give himself time to warn David of the attack.

Absalom listens to Hushai’s advice over Ahithophel’s advice. Ahithophel hangs himself, possibly to avoid death upon David’s eventual return.

Absalom crosses the Jordan with his men, ready for a battle with David. Absalom appoints Amasa over the army instead of Joab, who David had previously appointed. Hushai sends messengers to David in Mahanaim to bring him food and supplies as well as inform him of Absalom’s plans.

2 SAMUEL 18

JOAB KILLS ABSALOM

David gathers his army and divides them into three groups led by Joab, Absahai, and Ittai. During the battle, Absalom rides a mule and gets caught in a tree, left dangling by his head.

The men who find him do not want to be responsible for killing David’s son. Instead, Joab is alerted that Absalom is stuck. Joab takes the opportunity to kill Absalom, throwing three javelins at him while he is hanging. Absalom is killed and the news is brought to David.

Even though David has been delivered from his enemies and regained the throne, he still mourns the death of his son. David loved his children even when they turned on him, modeling God’s love for His creation.

2 SAMUEL 19

DAVID REGAINS THE THRONE 

David weeps and mourns over the loss of his son Absalom, despite his attempts to overthrow David. Joab confronted David, telling him that it was better for his wicked son to die. Joab accuses David of loving those who hate him and hating those who love him. Joab is not compassionate towards David over the loss of his son because Absalom’s wickedness threatened David’s reign.

Although David had been overthrown by Absalom, Absalom was killed, which made David king once again. David decides to appoint Amasa, who was previously Absalom’s commander, to be in charge of the Israeli army instead of Joab.

Shimei, a man who previously harassed David, comes to David to apologize. Although his actions are punishable by death, David forgives him. Ziba, one of Mephibosheth’s servants, tells David that Mephibosheth was disloyal to David. Mephibosheth denies these claims. Unsure of what to do, David split everything evenly between them. David’s previous interactions with Shimei and Ziba are recorded in 2 Samuel 16.

An older man named Barzillai showed kindness and generosity to David. In response, David asks him to accompany him in Jerusalem, but Barzillai does not go with David.

2 SAMUEL 20

JOAB DEFEATS AMASA + SHEBA

Sheba, who is described as “a worthless man,” summons the Israelites to follow him instead of David. All of the Israelites turn to follow Sheba, except for the tribe of Judah. David turns to Amasa, the man he chose over Joab to lead the Israelite army. David asks him to gather the men of Judah, but Amasa takes far longer than David expected.

David warns Abishai that Sheba is far more dangerous than Absalom ever was—a bold statement! Joab, David’s previous military leader, finds Amasa and stabs him to death. Joab commands Amasa’s army to follow him instead.

David’s men go after Sheba and attack the city where he is hiding. With the help of a wise woman, the attack on the city is stopped, protecting the innocent people and killing Sheba alone. Sheba's head was thrown over a wall into Joab’s possession!

2 SAMUEL 21

THE GIBEONITES KILL SAUL’S DESCENDANTS

When a longstanding famine occurs in Israel, God tells David that the famine is a consequence of Saul's attack on the Gibeonite people. The Israelites had previously sworn to spare the Gibeonites, but Saul ruthlessly killed them.

David asks the Gibeonites how he could reconcile the situation. The Gibeonites request to kill seven of Saul’s descendants. David spares Mephibosheth, but gives the Gibeonites seven other descendants of Saul. In response to Saul’s violence towards them, the Gibeonites publicly hanged the seven descendants of Saul.

Rizpah, one of Saul’s concubines and mother of two of the hanged men, mourns their death. After they are removed, she is given their bones.

David and his men battle the Philistines, including some giants with twelve fingers and twelve toes. David is getting older and starts to become weary in battle. After a near-death experience, David is told to no longer enter into battle.

2 SAMUEL 22

DAVID’S SONG OF PRAISE

David offers God a song of praise, thanking God for His protection and provision throughout his life. Because of God’s mercy and faithfulness, David is victorious over many challenges and enemies. In his song, David recalls times of distress and remembers the ways that God was his rock and his refuge.

David ends the psalm by referring to himself as God’s king and God’s anointed. David trusts in God’s great salvation and steadfast love. David views all of his accomplishments and his life itself as means to serve God and bring Him glory. David expresses similar themes in one of his many songs, recorded in Psalm 18.

2 SAMUEL 23

DAVID REFLECTS ON GOD’S PROVISION + RIGHTEOUSNESS

As he grows older in age, David shares a final speech with the people of Israel and reflects on God’s influence in his life. David emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness among leaders. David remembers God’s everlasting covenant and that eternal king will come from his lineage.

David recalls some of the great acts of his mighty men and their victories in battle. David tells a brief story of his mighty men risking their lives to bring him water. This inclusion of his military leaders shows David’s humility and loyalty towards them. Despite challenges, David's rule is marked by divine favor, exemplifying his deep connection with God.

2 SAMUEL 24

DAVID TAKES A CENSUS + PURCHASES A THRESHING FLOOR

David organized a census to be taken in Israel, counting the number of men in his army. While David thinks this is a good idea, Joab did not agree. God is not pleased with David’s decision to take a census. Although taking a census itself is not sinful, David is acting out of his own volition over trusting God’s timing.

David realizes that he sinned and confessed. God is angry with David and allows him to choose between three years of famine, three months of persecution, or three days of plague and illness. David could not choose and allows God to choose for him. God chose three days of plague. Although God must deal with sin, He does not prolong Israel’s suffering.

During the three days, 70,000 men die, but Jerusalem is not destroyed. David cries out to God to stop the illness and God instructs him to make an offering at the threshing floor. David purchases the threshing floor from the man who owned it, even though he offered it for free. David did not want to sacrifice to God something that did not cost him anything. David offers a sacrifice at this new location and God accepts the sacrifice. Although David acted against God’s desires, God is ultimately still honored by David’s new place of sacrifice. This account is also recorded in 1 Chronicles 21.