This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Pentateuch into the second section of the Old Testament, the Historical Books.
What Is 2 Samuel? The book of 2 Samuel is a history of David’s reign as king of Israel and his relationship with God. Though flawed and sinful, he was still described as “a man after God’s own heart.”
How 2 Samuel Fits Into the Story: As God established a king in Israel, He also established a new covenant with David—one that would find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Though 2 Samuel displays plenty of examples of leadership failures in Israel, God displays His mercy and grace through His promise to use this broken nation to bring the Savior into the world.
Reflection Questions:
1. How is God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 fulfilled in Christ?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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47 thoughts on "2 Samuel"
Jesus’ redemption story continues to weave its way through history…and straight into my life. We, as believers, share in a breathtaking lineage and history.
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I had the exact same thought.
I couldn’t have put my feelings about this study into any better words. I really didn’t expect it, to be honest. But God has used it to speak directly to my heart. I’m so grateful.
I am a day behind: but I think this is also the perfect example of we may not always see the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lifetime. David had no idea when God said that his family would always be on the throne that it would end up that Jesus would forever be on the eternal throne!!! How amazing and comforting!
I was reading some study bibles and I almost think that one “he/him” in this verse is talking about Solomon and another “he/him” is talking about Christ. The ESV Study Bible says this concerning verse 14, “God promises David that he will be a father to Solomon. As God’s son, Solomon prefigures Christ the eternal Son.” I think what we see ultimately from this is that God is going to establish His house, His Kingdom, through David’s descendants (ultimately Jesus)! & no one, not even those very defendants (Solomon) will thwart His coming Kingdom!
@MariV—I will pray for wisdom and provision for your son to stay at Biola, hopefully on campus! There are no perfect schools, but my faith truly developed a strong foundation there. Also, we’re less than an hour away in Lodi!
It’s so cool to see God planning our redemption even back in the Old Testament. He has been trying to win his children back to himself since the beginning.❤️
Redemption has been planned from the beginning. Seeing God use David and other Old Testament leaders with all their flaws as a part of his “long game,” encourages me that He can continue to use us today! And we have the benefit of Jesus being our righteousness.
Welcome Molly!
Maura you are in my prayers. Taylor, you as well.
My thought went to Jesus telling His disciples that He was going to “prepare a place for you” in John 14:2. Just as the LORD told David, that He would take care of building a temple, here is the Builder Himself telling us that He is going to prepare it for us. Such love!
1. How is God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 fulfilled in Christ?
God promises to raise up a descendent of David (Jesus Christ) and God will establish His kingdom on earth through Him. God has expanded His house and dwelling place to be our hearts. Love seeing how God uses the least of those to glorify His name and grow His Kingdom.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
God uses David to promise a Savior to bring God’s Kingdom here, to reign over us and show us the ways of the Kingdom of Heaven. God promised to redeem us through the house of David.
I love how Jesus is in all of Scripture! Talking with my Muslim friend who used to be in my old church, I think she may not have recognized the importance of the Old Testament, and that all the prophets/people point to Jesus!! He is the better David, the true High Priest, the greater prophet. Our Savior. Praying for you all today, and praying that my friend’s eyes would be opened to the arrows pointing to Jesus all over Scripture.
@Maura I am sorry to hear this. I will be praying for you. @Taylor I continue to pray for encouragement for you. @ Mari V my Cali sister I am still praying for your job. For those with apostate children my heart goes out to you and my prayers. My husband and I are still waiting to have our blessing of children and I can only imagine how it must feel to have those precious gifts turn away from Life.
I struggle with a lot of things, but one of them is perfectionism. Reading this study has highlighted for me all the ways God’s people have messed up and how He still pursues them, even giving them what they ask for when it is not what He wants, and forgives them and redeems them despite all of their many mistakes. It is so amazing to see God’s love and pursuit of us despite our many shortcomings and I feel like if God can forgive the Israelites for their mistakes despite them literally having Him in their presence how much more can He forgive me? Jesus’ redeeming work was foreshadowed throughout the OT which I always used to have such a hard time reading, being caught up in a perfectionist and legalist frame of mind it scared me! But now I see how wonderful it is.
@Maura. Your sisters in faith are surrounding you in prayer and love. May God grant the wisdom and strength you deeply desire in this difficult time. ❤️
So many great thoughts expressed! Kathy, I share yours in regards to the presence of Jesus in all of scripture! The triune God through all eternity-no beginning & no end. And there is no end to his love and care for each of us who trust in Him, no matter how imperfectly!
Oh man God’s love is so good!
1. One of my favorite things I have reflected on this year is the genealogy of Christ. I love that God uses women like Ruth and Rahab to bring about the blood line of Christ. This blood line give us so much hope. However, if you were living in this monarchy time of Israel, during the reign of David, it would be nearly impossible to see this hope. However, In 2 Samuel 17, God (through Nathan) shows us this glimpse of hope in his covenant with David.
2. Connecting the story of redemption to this passage is easy because we have that direct promise of Jesus Christ. ❤️
@Jessie during the time of judges the ark of the covenant was in two different locations, but according to the support I read about it, the Israelites had not central place of worship during this time. During the 40 years in the desert, the Israelites were all in one place and following an appointed leader. Then when they settled, they spread out and things became to fall apart with the worshipping of idols becoming so prevalent. They turned from God. There were so many things God did for them during that time that should have been enough, yet they consistently did evil. Second question, I believe that this verse is talking about Jesus and how Jesus will be the fulfillment of his promises on earth and in heaven and not about Solomon building the house for the Lord, but that is my interpretation :)
MAURA, I’m giving you a hug from across the pond. I am walking to work right now I just read your comment. I’m going to be praying for you dear sister. If somehow we could connect I would love to talk to you. Next month in July Will mark for years that I was in your shoes.
I have heard others say that Jesus can be found in every part of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. It’s one of those things that my head took in, but not really my heart. This study…y’all, I am speechless at the sovereignty and creativity of our Heavenly Father. Now my heart is beginning to understand that from before the creation of the world Jesus has always been Plan A. I can find Him in every part of Scripture. The verses this morning brought me to tears at the love and tenderness God had for David and that He has for me. I look at the ways God is allowing me to work for Him and all I can do is echo David’s words. “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” (2 Sam. 7:18)
Molly, I am so glad you checked this out. I love you, sister!
Contouring to dive deeper into the Old Testament seeing the rising and downfall of Israel based on their walk with the LORD, is so similar to my walk. God is always consistent with me but I stumble and fall, yet he picks me up with grace and mercy.
@SHARON SCHEIBENPFLUG I am praying with you for my wayward children. I will add to my prayers the request that I see it in my lifetime. God has been so faithful to me over the years and so I trust Him with my precious children as well, even though they are following the world and believing lies. They also grew up in a Christian home, as pastor’s kids and missionary kids. AS I read through the OT, I see so much of their rebellion in the Bible and I am comforted by God’s power to turn around those who are lost and going the wrong way.
@Maura praying for you as you navigate your relationship with your husband. I went through a very difficult time in my marriage and was on the brink of leaving for years. God has been faithful to us and we were able to walk through the fire and come out stronger on the other side, but it took many years, many days filled with tears and prayer. It was a hard road to walk. I am so sorry for what you are going through and will faithfully pray for you to have peace and wisdom. God was near to me the whole time and I am so grateful for the relationship that I now have with my Lord and Savior!
Though flawed and sinful, he was still described as “a man after God’s own heart”. How many times have I failed God, my Lord Jesus. Yet He continues to love me and you. I was so moved by this, this morning. So thankful to my Jesus though he went through a painful death it wasn’t in vain. It was for you and I so that we may live with Him forever someday.
Dear Maura, I am praying for you in this hard, hard season. I have been there and it is not a fun place to be. I just kept to a close friend, talking to her daily for encouragement, journaling to my God, and tuning in to Klove music nonstop. You will get through it! I also found that if I used texting as communicating it kept the emotion at bay a little better.
Hi! I have two questions from today’s reading in 2 Sam, if you all don’t mind. First, where was the ark in the time of Judges? Couldn’t the people see God’s power through it and then had evidence enough to do right and obey?-2 Sam 7:6 And the other question is about the key verse-2 Sam 7:11b. Is it saying that the Lord will establish David’s royal line (culminating in Jesus) or build His Temple through David’s son (Solomon)? Or is it both? Thanks!
@Munchkin I appreciate your insight from this lesson. There are many things that seem genuinely good to us but may be wrong for us to do. Which seems contradictory, but as @churchmouse said, God has a vast plan we know nothing about.
1 Corinthians 10:23
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”
Yes!
I love the way these brief looks at each chapter of the old testament show us so much. 2nd Samuel 12:12-17 really great on how God’s plan and though God rejects David building a house, he reveals to David in these verses how He will make himself known through Jesus. May we dwell in His house, for I would “rather stand on the threshold of the house of my God than live anywhere else” Asking for your prayers Sisters, I have left my husband, I need wisdom and strength and to not be reactionary, but to remember in my words, thoughts and actions who is my God and to honor Him in all I do, no matter what comes at me. I ask knowing that He is able and that you all will pray for me, and so I thank you for your prayers.
ERB, hello dear sister, Isaiah 37 really did help understand 2
36 better. I love how God seeveals so much to Isaiah, and, how the King of Assyria and his field soldier and their dishonor of God is put in it’s place. And that God stopped them from returning. He is mighty, and I forget, He is above all, knows all, gave all, even His Son for us. How incredible is His redeeming love. May our God be so much light in your day ERB and all, no matter what we face, no matter what our circumstances, He loves us and is fighting for us. Draw near to Him. Praying for you all.
The Lord told David that He would raise up one of his descendants and would make his kingdom strong. He also said that descendant is the one who would build a house, a temple for Him. We know this was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ who, according to 1 Peter 2:4-5, is the living cornerstone of God’s temple and we are “living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple”! I love this verse!! God’s ways are SO much bigger and better than our limited bodies and finite minds can comprehend!
As I was reading 2 Samuel 7:12, this thought occurred to me – God won’t always answer our prayers during our lifetime, but still continues to answer long after we are gone. This truth is bittersweet to me as I have two grown sons that grew up in in a ministry family yet are walking their own way, leaving God completely out of their plans. It breaks my heart. Everyday I beg God to bring them back to the faith they were raised in and I always tag on the end “and please let me see it happen in my lifetime” all the while knowing that I may not. Whether I see that answer or not – God is faithful! His ways and timing are perfect, mine are not. I continue to pray and wait – expectantly.(Psalm 5:3)
@Taylor – continuing to pray for you! @Molly – welcome!
A blessed weekend to you all!
Whose heart doesn’t thrill when we come to these passages in the Bible when God makes glorious promises to us weak human beings….
@BlessedBeth The same song went through my head.
@Taylor I loved how you personalized the verse. I’ve been having doubts about a lot of decisions I have made, but you are right. I’d rather be walking in God’s will than out of it.
@Molly Welcome. It’s awesome here.
What stood out to me in the readings was how David wanted to build a cedar house for the Lord, and God told him no. There was nothing wrong with wanting to build a house for the Lord, but it was not His will. Sometimes something is not necessarily bad, but we still shouldn’t do it, because it is not God’s will for us.
Our good intentions may not be the will of God. David desired to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant. God’s will was for His home to be in the hearts of His followers. God would accomplish this through Jesus, a descendant of David. It was not to be accomplished through the efforts of human beings but through the death of the Son of Man Himself. God fulfilled His covenant promise. He had a plan all along. David didn’t realize how vast and perfect it was. David, though a great king, was a bit player. God is sovereign.
My thoughts exactly!! Amen!
Welcome, Molly!
So we see in verse 13 the promise of an eternal king (Jesus). Every promise from God is a YES in Jesus!
Even greater, we see God’s extravagant blessings bestowed on David without any requirement or obligation on his part to uphold the covenant—it’s all on God. This leads to David rejoicing in God’s greatness (v. 22 which is further past our reading). This blessing alludes further to the amazing gift of Jesus’ salvific work on the cross. He offers a one-sided covenant: we bring nothing, He gives everything. May i rejoice all the more because of this astounding gift of mercy and grace and may my every act stem from gratitude to the Giver of all good things.
I’m going to take Psalm 84:10 and make it personal: Better is one day single and walking in Your will than dwelling outside of your will in a relationship! Psalm 84:11 also brought great comfort “No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk in blameless.” Verse 12 I cling to! “Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you!” Yesterday I was feeling very sad and anxious and I remember saying out loud through tears “Lord, I trust you”. 2 Samuel 7:9 also brought comfort “I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you.” The Lord is so so good to us <3
Also today I leave for vacation with my best friends family! I'm not sure how much time I'll have to comment on here because there will be close to 20 family members in the house so it'll be crazy :) I'll ask for specific prayers on Monday as that is the day we will be spreading her mom's ashes. I love this community so much and look forward to getting back in my regular routine of meeting here with you ladies each morning! Have a blessed weekend everyone!
Better is ONE day in Your courts than a THOUSAND elsewhere!!! YES Lord!!!!
MAURA, Isaiah 37 brought a lot of clarity for me.. I kept noticing about the REMNANT which again made me realize how completely FAITHFUL our God is!!! These verses also stood out to me:
Isaiah 37:4-7
Isaiah 14-17
Isaiah 30-37 …these especially made an impact!!
16And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’”
Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecy of an eternal kingdom. From the line of David, God brings forth Jesus who is not just a temple holding Gods presence but is God…come to earth to make a way for all to come to God.
MOLLY HOPKINS- welcome!
1. Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to David through being a physical child of Mary and the assumed child of Joseph (both descendants of David). Jesus is the Son of God (with whom He is well pleased). God has given Jesus an eternal throne and His kingdom has no end.
2. With this promise to David, God reveals more about the coming Messiah. He narrows the possible “seed” down further to the line of David (Abraham/Isaac/Jacob/Judah/David). This shows me God’s incredible patience! He works His redemtion plan through time, yet He is not bound by time. He sees the end and the beginning all at once, yet reveals Himself and His plan as things align in the human timeline. So when the time was right, Jesus came (Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 5:6). And when the time is right, He will come again!
JENNIFER COLLINGS-praying for God’s comfort and peace to fill your heart.
K.D.-praying for peace in your frenzy of schoolwork
PAULA STRONG-praying your daughter’s recovery is going well
Welcome Molly! After reading the 2 Samual verses I was thinking of the song ‘ Better on day in His courts’ and there it was in the Ps. 84.
It amazes me when know the Lord how the Old Testament makes so much more sense! Have a blessed day ladies.
My first day experiencing “She Reads Truth.”
I think my friend has lead me to the perfect spot. Thank you Kathy.