Key word: David
This historical book begins with David ascending the throne of Israel and ends as he is old and approaching death. So, it is the account of God at work in Israel during the dynasty of King David, which extends about 40 years. David’s reign does not begin peacefully. Judah makes him king first and David reigns over them for 7 ½ years, but there was civil war with the rest of Israel and the house of Saul (3:1). Finally, Israel is united under David and would follow him for the next 33 years (5:5). David increases in greatness for the Lord was with him (5:10).
The Lord was with David because his heart was right before God as seen in his bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem (chapter 6), and desiring to build a house for the Lord (chapter 7). The Lord would not allow David to build a house for Him, but the Lord promises to build a house for David (7:11, 16). This is known as the Davidic Covenant and its ultimate fulfillment will be when Christ Himself sits on David’s throne when He returns (Luke 1:32-33).
Chapter 7 constitutes the high mark of the book; the rest describes the highs and lows of David’s life. The best-known low is his sin with Bathsheba. Even a man after God’s own heart can commit terrible sin if they are not on guard. David let down his guard and does a horrifying thing, and the consequences of that sin, although forgiven, are recorded in the remainder of the book.
This little key verse epitomizes David’s life, and should ours as well. David was not a great man, except as he trusted a great God.
Key verse: 2 Samuel 22:2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.” (also found in Psalm 18)
