THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL.

INTRODUCTION.

This book is merely a continuation of the First Book of Samuel, having originally formed a single book with it. So far, then, as authorship, probable date of writing, and other questions pertaining to the general understanding of the book are concerned, the remarks in the introduction to the first book apply. The Second Book of Samuel contains the history of David’s rule over Judah and Israel, seven years in Hebron over Judah only, thirty-three years in Jerusalem over the entire nation, during which time the Golden Age of the Old Testament was ushered in. There is also a full account of David’s transgression and of his subsequent repentance, while the last chapters tell of the end of his reign.

The Second Book of Samuel, like the First, is full of special interest to us believers of the New Testament, because it pictures to us the frailty of the human heart, even in the case of men who stood high in the estimate of the Lord. The sins of David were not overlooked or condoned by God, but received the sharpest reprimand. But, on the other hand, as soon as David’s repentance was evident, the Lord most graciously forgave his sins, even where He did not absolve him of their effects. The book should be studied with these facts in mind.

Paul E. Kretzmann