2 Samuel: Summary & Key Themes

The Book of 2 Samuel at a glance, before you read it.

Written by	unknown
Written for	Israel
Type	History
Chapters	24
Position	Book 10 of 66 · book 10 of the Old Testament

Summary

David reigns over Judah and then all Israel, makes Jerusalem his capital and receives God’s promise of a lasting throne. His sin with Bathsheba brings painful consequences in his family.

Main themes

God’s covenant with David
sin and repentance
consequences

Key verse

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

2 Samuel 7:16 (KJV)

How to read 2 Samuel

Try one chapter a day: 24 days to finish. Ask three questions as you go: what did this mean to the first readers, what does it show about God, and what does it ask of me?

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