Samuel

Second Samuel covers David's reign over Judah and eventually all the land of a united Israel. David demonstrates his corruptible nature and repents for his sins.

Second Samuel is an extension of First Samuel and they were once a single book. Key people include David, Joab, Bathsheba, Nathan, and Absalom. God chooses David to lead Judah in the South while the Northern part of the 12 tribes of Israel, under the name of Israel, selects Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth to rule after Saul's death. After Ish-Bosheth is executed, David is asked to rule the entire nation and all areas, including Judah are brought under the name Israel as a united kingdom. David moves the Ark of the Covenant to the capital Jerusalem and defeats Israel's enemies to strengthen the kingdom of Israel. However, David is also shown to be a flawed mortal like all of us. He commits adultery with a married woman Bathsheba and she becomes pregnant as a result. David sends her husband into battle in order that he may die on the front lines. The prophet Nathan confronts David for his indiscretions and eventually David repents for his sins. The book ends with psalms that are hymns of praise. Second Samuel is one of a series of books (along with Joshua, Judges, First Samuel, First Kings and Second Kings) which covers the theological history of the Israelites and describes God's law under the guidance of the prophets.