Introduction to 2 Samuel1 and 2 Samuel were originally one book. It was divided into two parts by the translator. The author cannot be known with certainty since the book itself gives no indication of his identity. 1 Samuel describes the background of establishing the kingship of Israel, especially David's kingdom which is a shadow of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Afterwards, 2 Samuel describes the success and failure of David and his kingdom. When David obeyed God's Word, his kingdom was prosperous, he subdued all the surrounding nations, and his kingship was stable. But when he committed adultery and induced murder, his kingship became weak, encountered a crisis, and then, had a complete breakdown. Through 2 Samuel, we realize how hard it is to keep God's blessing and seek God purely and wholeheartedly, and love him more than the blessing. Lastly, we learn what we have to do when we commit a sin against God and need to restore a right heart with him. 2 Samuel could be divided as such: Ch. 1-5 David's Kingship is Established Ch. 6-10 The Success and Glory of David's Kingship Ch. 11-20 The Failures of David's Kingship Ch. 21-24 David's Last Actions
HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN
1. Tragic news (1-16)
Israel was defeated, and Saul and his sons were killed in a great battle with the Philistines. The Amalekite who came to David with news of Saul's death was expecting a reward. He brought Saul's crown and lied to David, saying that he had killed Saul (1 Sa 31:4). He assumed that David hated Saul who had harassed him so mercilessly and driven him from Israel. But David did not hate Saul. He respected him as the Lord's anointed king. He had the Amalekite executed for his own testimony of killing Saul. David did not delight in evil, nor rejoice in another's tragedy (1 Co 13:6).
2. David's lament for Saul and Jonathan (17-27).
David wrote a lament, commemorating the great and noble things about Saul and Jonathan. He ordered all the people to learn it. He was sorry that the Philistine enemies would hear of Saul's death and rejoice (19, 20). Mount Gilboa, where Saul died, was shamed by that event (21). David grieved for Jonathan his friend and wrote about his love and loyalty (26). There was no hint of malice in David.
Application: Lord, take the spirit of vengeance from our hearts and help us to remember the positive things about those who have harmed us.
One Word: Don't hold grudges and trust God