The Second Book of Samuel

The Story of the Second King

As noted in the title of this book in your Bible, the book of 2 Samuel is “Otherwise Called the Second Book of the Kings.” The story of Saul is found in 1 Samuel along with the story of the first king in Israel, and 2 Samuel is the story of the second king, David. Samuel could not have written the book of 2 Samuel since he died before the end of 1 Samuel. For more information on 1–2 Samuel, see the Bible Dictionary, “Samuel, books of” (p. 769).

Important People in 2 Samuel

IshboshethSon of Saul who claimed the kingdom after his father’s death

AbnerLeader of Saul’s army who first supported Ishbosheth but then joined with David

JoabLeader of David’s army who killed Abner

MephiboshethSon of Jonathan who was disabled and honored and protected by David

BathshebaWoman with whom David committed adultery

UriahBathsheba’s husband, whom David had killed so he could marry his wife

NathanProphet in the days of David

AmnonSon of David who was killed by his brother Absalom

AbsalomSon of David who killed his brother and tried to take the kingdom from his father

• 2 Samuel 1–3: After Saul’s Death

• 2 Samuel 4–5: David Becomes King

• 2 Samuel 6: The Ark of the Covenant Comes to Jerusalem

• 2 Samuel 7: David Wants to Build a Temple

• 2 Samuel 8–10: David’s Political and Personal Success

• 2 Samuel 11–12: David’s Tragic Mistakes

• 2 Samuel 13–14: The Sins of David’s Children

• 2 Samuel 15–18: Absalom Seeks to Be King

• 2 Samuel 19–20: Continued Troubles for David

• 2 Samuel 21–23: More about David

• 2 Samuel 24: More of David’s Mistakes