2 Samuel
The reign of David: from Saul's death to the promise of an everlasting dynasty.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
The Second Book of Samuel is the second part of the Book of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible, found as 2 Samuel in most modern translations. It continues the narrative of David's reign after the death of Saul.
- Opening event
- After Saul's death, David returns from defeating the Amalekites and stays in Ziklag (2 Samuel 1:1).
- David's sons in Hebron
- Amnon is David's firstborn in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:2).
- David's house built
- Hiram of Tyre sends materials and workers to build David a house (2 Samuel 5:11).
- David's sin with Bathsheba
- David sends for Bathsheba and lies with her (2 Samuel 11:4).
- Absalom's rebellion
- Absalom steals the hearts of Israel (2 Samuel 15:6) and David flees Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:30).
- David's lament for Absalom
- David cries, 'O my son Absalom, my son, my son!' (2 Samuel 19:4).
Lore & Background
The book begins with David learning of Saul's death. It covers David's reign as king, including his victories over Israel's enemies, his purchase of the threshing floor where his son Solomon would build the First Temple, and his bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Yahweh promised David and his successors an everlasting dynasty.
Reader's Guide
The Jerusalem Bible divides 2 Samuel into sections: 2 Samuel 1:1–27 (Saul and David), 2 Samuel 2:1–20:26 (David), and 2 Samuel 21:1–24:25 (Supplementary Information).
Did You Know?
- 2 Samuel begins with David learning of Saul's death.
- The book includes David's purchase of the threshing floor where Solomon would build the First Temple.
- David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel.
- Yahweh promised David an everlasting dynasty in this book.
More in Historical Books
Elsewhere in the Bible universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record