Growing Through 2 Samuel

The book of 2 Samuel begins where the book of 1 Samuel ends. Saul is gone, so the people of Judah give their allegiance to King David. However, the northern tribes give their allegiance to King Ishbosheth (Saul's youngest son). David rules in Hebron for over 7 years before all Israel acknowledges him as their king. He reigns in Jerusalem for 33 years. As you read 2 Samuel, you'll learn about...

David, the Shepherd

Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, "We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord told you, 'You will be the shepherd of My people Israel. You will be Israel's leader.'"--2 Samuel 5:1-2

The northern and southern tribes of Israel unite under the leadership of David. He leads the people to shift from tribal independence to national unity. David, a man after God's own heart, brings the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). God affirms the fact that one of David's distant descendants would always reign on his throne--realized in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:30-31).

David, the Scopophiliac

Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. He sent someone to find out who she was...--2 Samuel 11:2-3

At the peak of his influence, David abandons his principles and commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, Bathsheba. One sin leads to another as his morals continue to erode. From this point on David's life spins out-of-control. God is displeased!

David, the Sniper

So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David..."Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed?--2 Samuel 12:1; 12:9

The prophet Nathan confronts David about his sins--adultery and murder! David had his neighbor killed. While he didn't actually "pull the trigger," he was solely responsible for the plan that led to the death of Uriah. David's elaborate murder plot was a feeble attempt to cover up his adultery. God sends Nathan the prophet who utters the infamous biblical phrase: "You are the man!"

David, the Statistician

But after he had taken the census, David's conscience began to bother him. And he said to the Lord, "I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt, Lord, for doing this foolish thing."--2 Samuel 24:10

By taking the census, David chose to walk by sight rather than faith. He expected to know the extent of his resources. Instead of placing his trust in the Lord, he put his trust in people, horses, and chariots. We live in an age of statistics. Numbers! Numbers! This is all some churches live for! Instead of focusing on quality of ministry, they focus on quantity of ministry. Far too many church leaders become obsessed with how many butts are in the seats and how many bucks are in the plate.

Here's the life lesson for today's church from 2 Samuel 24: Instead of counting numbers, may God give us numbers that count! After all, the Lord said to Zerubbabel (Zechariah 4:6):

"It is not by force nor by strength, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies."