II Samuel deals with important incidents in David’s 40-year reign. In a series of unforgettable accounts, the author relates David’s triumphs, transgressions and troubles. Several of the Psalms reveal David’s thoughts and there is additional information in I Chron. 11-29. Combined, the three sources provide a good insight into David’s character as king.
Outline of the book
Early in his reign, David displayed an exemplary obedience to God who, in turn, favored him and gave him victory over his enemies. David’s positive attitude toward his people and his military might established him as a popular ruler throughout Israel (chapters 1-10).
Then he consummated a ‘lustful gaze at a married woman in sins of adultery, deception and murder (11).
These dire sins had severe consequences for David, his family and the nation. Eventually, David fled from Jerusalem to escape his own son, Absalom, who sought David’s throne. Rebellion and violence followed, but God restored David to power (12-20).
The final chapters, which contain additional history and comments, complete Samuel’s account of David’s reign (21-24).
The consequence of iniquity
Adultery and murder are among the worst of sins (I Cor. 6:9; Gal. 5:21) and II Samuel reveals their consequences for David: Family life was disrupted and acts more evil than David’s were committed by his sons. Amnon raped Tamar his sister (13:14); Absalom arranged for Amnon’s murder (13:29) and then took his father’s concubines in full sight of the people (16:22).
Today, as in David’s day, children follow what they see more than what they are taught. It is our duty as parents to set a good example.
The suddenness of David’s fall is also a warning to all. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…” (I Cor. 10:12,13). Due to the frailty of human nature, our resolve to follow our Lord is easily broken. Surely God has preserved the record of these events to help us avoid similar tragedies in our lives (I Cor. 10:11).
David’s sins still strengthen God’s enemies
If we dwell on the enormity of David’s sin, we may wonder how God can say: “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart…” (Acts 13:22).
Today, even as in David’s day, his sins have “given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme” (12:14). The skeptic concludes such a sinner cannot be a man after God’s own heart and, in saying this, justifies his own distrust of the scriptures.
Overall, an upright man
Yet, such a negative view of David runs counter to the Bible. Scripture plainly says David “turned not aside from anything that he [God] commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite” (I Kings 15:5). As you read II Samuel, try to discover the qualities of David that pleased God so much He could tell Nathan to say: “The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (12:13).
David’s godly attributes
He showed remarkable respect for God’s appointment of Saul as king. Although Saul hunted David and often tried to kill him, David did not honor the Amalekite who claims to have slain Saul (1:1-16). Rather, he lamented Saul and Jonathan, extolling their bravery and the actions that were beneficial to Israel (1:17-27).
Fine qualities of loyalty and friendship are evident as David showed kindness to Ishbosheth and Mephibosheth of the family of Saul (4:12; 9:11) thereby keeping his pledge to Jonathan.
He relied on God at every turn. Before leaving Ziklag, he asked, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? and the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron” (2:1). Before going to battle, he sought God’s advice and implicitly followed it (5:19,23). His willingness to seek and obey God reminds us of Jesus who sought not to do his own will, “but the will of the Father…” (John 5:30).
In regard to relying on God, we would do well to examine ourselves. Do we seek God’s advice when we make our plans? Do we seek advice from the scriptures or do we wrest them to justify our own desires? Are the opinions of our brethren considered or ignored?
Willingness to accept blame
David’s attitude on having his sins exposed is commendable; he was quick to repent when Nathan said: “Thou art the man” (12:7). His repentance was genuine and the sins were not repeated. With the same attitude our sins can also be blotted out and we can experience the “sure mercies of David” (Acts 13:34).
David’s fairness is seen in his dealing with Shimei. As David fled Jerusalem, Shimei cursed him and cast stones. Although Abishai offers to slay Shimei, David instructed: “…let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David” (16:10). Upon David’s victory, Shimei sought mercy. While Abishai again wanted to slay Shimei, David again refused such action and gave Shimei temporary clemency.
Lessons to be learned
In addition to considering the brighter side of David’s character, there are two lessons we should learn from this book:
- Disdaining God on one occasion can lead to a lifetime of trouble.
- No mailer how we may love God, we are never exempt from fleshly temptation.
The apostle Peter wept when he fully realized he had denied his master, but instead of giving up, like Judas, he went on to serve Jesus. So when we sin against our God, let us confess our sin and, then like David or Peter, resume our service.
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