The Transfer of the Kingdom

2 Samuel begins with the news of Saul’s death. It was now time for the Kingdom to come to David. He had already been anointed king, but now the time was right for David to take the throne. We can see here clear parallels with what was achieved by Jesus when he came to the earth, died and rose again. Just like Jesus’ kingdom, David’s kingdom didn’t arrive overnight. There was still a fight to be had. This book tracks David’s taking of the Kingdom and establishing God’s rule in the nation.

A Kingdom Centred on God’s Presence

One of David’s key actions was to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This inaugurated a focus on the presence of God and worship around the throne of God. In this action, David demonstrates clearly that his Kingdom was in fact God’s kingdom. He was king on behalf of God not in place of God.

Covenant

God now instigates a covenant with David, promising that he would always have a descendant on the throne. This covenant clearly looks forward to Jesus, the greatest King who rules over God’s kingdom for ever. The initial fulfilment of God’s promises to David are fulfilled in Solomon who was to go beyond even what David achieved.

Victory and Opposition

In David’s kingdom we find that, although it was a time of great victories and peace, there was still opposition to David’s rule, most notably in the form of David’s son Absalom. David’s reaction to these troubles shows how devoted to God he is. He walks in the fear of God to the extent that he is willing believe that this might be God’s judgment against him. Even when he is victorious, he does not go all out for retribution but often shows great mercy and forgiveness.

The Book’s Perspective

Many of the events covered in 1 and 2 Samuel are paralleled in the book of 1 Chronicles. The focus in Samuel tends to be more on wars and the politics of Israel while the focus in Chronicles is more on the spiritual life of the nation and its leaders. The dynamic portrayal of the Kingdom in Samuel paints a vivid picture for our times. God’s kingdom is increasing and becoming stronger, even in the face of opposition, and is guaranteed by divine covenant to succeed. 

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Rev 11:15)