What do you think?
Bible #10
2 Samuel ESV
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 501
About the author
Anonymous
3,456 followersBooks can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:
* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 29, 2021
Updated: 4/14/21
I'm finally finished with 2 Samuel. Talking about this one is a bit difficult since I've been reading this book, 1 Chronicles, and Psalms all at once (in chronological order) because they happen during King David's rule. I do have to say, that I found it strange that 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles are nearly identical. I read the same story twice multiple times, nearly word for word. Both books do occasionally offer different perspectives or slightly different variations of the same story, but I don't think I ever realized how similar these two books are.
Didn't mean to mark this as finished yet and I can't undo it lol. Oh well. RTC.
I'm finally finished with 2 Samuel. Talking about this one is a bit difficult since I've been reading this book, 1 Chronicles, and Psalms all at once (in chronological order) because they happen during King David's rule. I do have to say, that I found it strange that 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles are nearly identical. I read the same story twice multiple times, nearly word for word. Both books do occasionally offer different perspectives or slightly different variations of the same story, but I don't think I ever realized how similar these two books are.
Didn't mean to mark this as finished yet and I can't undo it lol. Oh well. RTC.
Read
July 11, 2024Very epic, personally I liked 1 Samuel a tad better but then again, they were originally one book if I recall correctly, so it seems silly to compare them like that.
June 4, 2026
Mixed feelings on David - but overall his love for the Lord 🥺 end of book was a lil confusing.
June 27, 2017
Some problematic reasoning and morality, as usual. All round a good continuation though. Don't know if I liked David. Sometimes he was good and surprisingly compassionate but then sometimes he totally wasn't. Joab for some reason stuck out to me. He was brutal but kind of cool.
Read
February 17, 2023i need tv show asap
"absalom, my son! my son!"
"absalom, my son! my son!"
November 28, 2023
All I'm going to say is that Absalom deserved better
August 31, 2023
Obviously I’ve been trucking through 2 Samuel most of the summer, but wrapped it up before summer FULLY comes to an end. Things to note: despite the title, this book would more efficiently be titled David since Samuel died before any of the history this book shares came to fruition BUT his faithfulness in 1 Samuel shows the fruits of his labor in 2 Samuel, so there’s that. David is author of most of the Psalms, but honestly before these past few months I only knew some highlighted info on the guy, and seriously it’s worth diving into 2 Samuel to get more of his full story. This book helps us see the settings in which many psalms were penned as well as help tie some of the minutia of 1 Chronicles into focus!
June 11, 2018
4.5 Stars!
December 22, 2018
Consider this both 1 and 2 Samuel (couldn't find the right edition of 1 Samuel on GR).
Reading about King David is interesting. Perhaps his story is proof that a person "after God's own heart" is never entirely perfect, but is constantly striving for a more perfect union with Him.
Reading about King David is interesting. Perhaps his story is proof that a person "after God's own heart" is never entirely perfect, but is constantly striving for a more perfect union with Him.
October 23, 2023
Welcome to Hanna's Drunk History: Bible Edition
I’d give good money to see David dance before the lord with all his might.
This book was like House of the Dragon, but not in a sexy incest way… more like in a r@pey incest way.
I’d give good money to see David dance before the lord with all his might.
This book was like House of the Dragon, but not in a sexy incest way… more like in a r@pey incest way.
December 3, 2015
2 Samuel is an account of David's live, and different things that happened during his reign. Interesting ... though some things are a bit hard to understand.
November 15, 2020
I'm very glad to have read both 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel from the KJV. I very much enjoyed it.
June 18, 2024
Not nearly as happy-ish as 1 Samuel, but still very interesting.
It honestly reads like an epic fantasy novel with all the insane royal family drama, some mystical elements here and there, and VIOLENCE. I could 100% see some author using this as a source to write something really cool, and I kinda want to be the person to do it 😂
Some closing thoughts:
David was doing so good (kinda) until Bathsheba showed up T-T
Ammon was a literal perv with Tamar what on EARTH
Absolom was also a perv but not nearly as bad as Ammon
I don't know why but I really liked Joab. He was absolutely bloodthirsty and heartless at times but he got stuff DONE
Anyways GJ to me for reading some Bible, and now it's time to move on to 1 & 2 Kings where things get even MORE messed up :D
It honestly reads like an epic fantasy novel with all the insane royal family drama, some mystical elements here and there, and VIOLENCE. I could 100% see some author using this as a source to write something really cool, and I kinda want to be the person to do it 😂
Some closing thoughts:
David was doing so good (kinda) until Bathsheba showed up T-T
Ammon was a literal perv with Tamar what on EARTH
Absolom was also a perv but not nearly as bad as Ammon
I don't know why but I really liked Joab. He was absolutely bloodthirsty and heartless at times but he got stuff DONE
Anyways GJ to me for reading some Bible, and now it's time to move on to 1 & 2 Kings where things get even MORE messed up :D
September 28, 2022
Blaikie's commentary was probably my second most referenced commentary on 2 Samuel, but not necessarily the second most helpful, although I would be hard pressed to identify what commentary that would be. All of the other commentaries that I referenced, and the number was considerable, fall into the category of "also ran." What kept me coming back to Blaikie is the age of the writing. Not of single line of postmodern thinking spoils its pages, which is far more dangerous to the modern preacher than anything he might feel is "dated" in this volume. Additionally, there is much insight into the biblical text to be gleaned from Blaikie's commentary. I would definitely recommend that any preacher who intends to preach through 2 Samuel to have this volume available to him.
September 27, 2024
It is so cool to be able to read a book like 2 Samuel with the knowledge our generation has about Jesus! The Lord established his covenant with David, a covenant which states that a kingdom that will endure forever will come through the line of David. Despite the sin of David and his sons, we see that it can not put a wrinkle in God’s ultimate redemptive plan! He is merciful and sovereign.
August 8, 2021
Sách dài và nhiều nhân vật quá. Đọc đọc sau mà quên mất đoạn đầu. Đọc xong toàn bộ sách chỉ lờ mờ hiểu được rằng ai hạ mình xuống sẽ được tôn lên.
Điểm cộng ở sách là tác giả (không rõ là ai) viết vô cùng ngắn gọn, rành mạch, rõ ràng.
Điểm cộng ở sách là tác giả (không rõ là ai) viết vô cùng ngắn gọn, rành mạch, rõ ràng.
July 13, 2023
"Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant" - 2 Samuel 13:28b
December 12, 2023
The life of David and his era as king.
April 26, 2026
3 1/2? Probably the best book so far after the pentateuch.
August 29, 2026
2 Samuel empieza con David recibiendo aquello que durante años había esperado: el reino.
Y termina con David delante de un altar, reconociendo otra vez que sigue necesitando misericordia.
Ese arco resume casi todo el libro.
David no es presentado como el héroe perfecto que finalmente consigue el trono y vive conforme a su potencial. Es presentado como un hombre escogido por Dios, extraordinariamente capaz, profundamente amado, capaz de una fe real y también de pecados devastadores.
Por eso 2 Samuel no es principalmente la historia de cómo David se volvió grande.
Es la historia de cómo Dios permanece fiel mientras un rey humano demuestra, una y otra vez, que incluso el mejor rey de Israel no puede ser el Rey definitivo.
Al principio vemos el ascenso.
Saúl ha muerto. David no toma el reino inmediatamente por la fuerza. Espera. Primero gobierna Judá, después todo Israel lo reconoce. Conquista Jerusalén, establece allí su capital y lleva el arca.
El reino empieza a ordenarse.
Y entonces Dios hace con David uno de los pactos centrales de toda la Biblia.
David quiere construir una casa para Dios.
Dios responde que Él construirá una casa para David.
Su descendencia continuará y su trono tendrá una importancia permanente dentro del propósito de Dios.
A partir de ahí, David alcanza probablemente el punto más alto de su vida.
Israel está unido.
Los enemigos son derrotados.
El reino se expande.
David administra justicia.
Recuerda su pacto con Jonatán y recibe a Mefi-boset a su mesa.
Todo parece estar funcionando.
Y precisamente allí ocurre el quiebre.
David conquista reinos, pero no gobierna su propio deseo
2 Samuel 11 es probablemente el centro oscuro del libro.
David ve a Bath-sheba.
Pregunta por ella.
Descubre que es esposa de Uría.
La toma.
Después utiliza todo el aparato del reino para ocultarlo.
Mensajeros.
Joab.
El ejército.
Una orden escrita.
Finalmente Uría muere.
El hombre que había demostrado durante años que no tomaría por fuerza el trono que Dios le había prometido termina tomando por fuerza aquello que Dios no le había dado.
Ese contraste es fundamental.
Cuando David era débil, dependía constantemente de Dios.
Cuando finalmente posee poder suficiente para conseguir casi cualquier cosa, ese mismo poder se convierte en peligro.
La pregunta del libro deja entonces de ser solamente:
“¿Puede David llegar a ser rey?”
Ahora es:
“¿Qué hará David cuando nadie humano pueda detenerlo?”
Y falla.
Pero Dios sí puede detenerlo.
Natán aparece.
“Tú eres aquel hombre.”
David había conseguido controlar prácticamente todas las consecuencias visibles.
No pudo controlar la mirada de Dios.
Y allí ocurre algo decisivo: David confiesa.
No se justifica.
“Pequé contra Jehová.”
Dios lo perdona.
Pero el perdón no elimina las consecuencias.
Y eso da forma a prácticamente toda la segunda mitad del libro.
⸻
La espada entra en la casa
Después de Uría, la historia exterior del reino continúa, pero la familia de David comienza a romperse.
Amnón violenta a Tamar.
David se enoja, pero no vemos justicia.
Absalom, hermano de Tamar, espera y asesina a Amnón.
Después huye.
David quiere recuperarlo, pero tampoco enfrenta verdaderamente lo sucedido.
Lo trae de regreso sin resolver la relación.
Hay beso, pero no reconciliación profunda.
Y Absalom comienza a construir una rebelión.
Este tramo del libro fue probablemente donde más fácil era perderse porque cada capítulo parece introducir un nuevo problema.
Pero todos pertenecen a la misma cadena:
David tomó a Bath-sheba y mató a Uría.
Natán anunció que la espada entraría en su casa.
Después la casa efectivamente se llena de deseo desordenado, silencio, venganza, asesinato, resentimiento y lucha por el poder.
Esto no significa que Amnón o Absalom sean simples marionetas castigando a David.
Ellos son responsables de sus propios pecados.
Pero el libro muestra que el pecado de quien gobierna puede abrir grietas que después otros ensanchan con sus propias decisiones.
David había sido un rey impresionante frente a enemigos externos.
Resulta mucho menos capaz frente a su propia familia.
Puede organizar ejércitos.
No consigue ordenar su casa.
Puede ejercer justicia sobre Israel.
Cuando la injusticia involucra a sus propios hijos, queda paralizado.
Ahí 2 Samuel empieza a enseñarnos algo incómodo:
Ser fuerte en un ámbito no significa tener carácter suficiente para gobernar todos los demás.
⸻
Absalom no surge de la nada
Por eso tampoco conviene leer a Absalom simplemente como “el hijo malo que traicionó a David”.
Absalom vio a Tamar destruida.
Vio que David no administró justicia.
Su indignación tenía una causa real.
Pero después hizo de ese dolor otra cosa.
Primero venganza.
Después resentimiento.
Después ambición.
Finalmente rebelión.
Durante años empieza a decir al pueblo, en esencia:
“David no te escucha. Yo sí te haría justicia.”
Y roba el corazón de Israel.
La ironía es enorme.
Absalom utiliza el lenguaje de justicia después de haber sustituido él mismo la justicia por asesinato.
Así funciona muchas veces la corrupción humana en Samuel: una causa verdadera puede terminar sirviendo a un corazón desordenado.
Absalom toma Jerusalén.
David vuelve a ser fugitivo.
El gran rey atraviesa otra vez el desierto llorando.
Solo que ahora no huye de Saúl.
Huye de su propio hijo.
Y allí vemos uno de los cambios más importantes en David.
Cuando los sacerdotes quieren llevar el arca con él, David responde:
“Vuélvanla.”
Si Dios quiere restaurarme, me restaurará.
Y si no:
“Aquí estoy, haga de mí lo que bien le pareciere.”
Ese David es muy distinto al David que organizó la muerte de Uría.
Está siendo humillado.
Pero la humillación está produciendo nuevamente dependencia.
No controla el resultado.
Ora.
Piensa.
Actúa.
Y deja el desenlace en manos de Dios.
⸻
Dios disciplina a David, pero no abandona su promesa
Esto quizá sea el gran hilo teológico de toda la segunda mitad.
David sufre consecuencias reales.
Pero la promesa de Dios no desaparece.
Achitophel diseña un plan excelente para matarlo.
David solamente había orado:
“Señor, frustra su consejo.”
Y Dios lo hace.
No vuelve a Achitophel incompetente.
El consejo sigue siendo correcto.
Simplemente hace que Absalom elija otro.
David recibe tiempo.
Cruza el Jordán.
Se reorganiza.
Y finalmente la rebelión es derrotada.
Eso revela una forma muy importante de fidelidad divina.
Dios no protege a David de toda consecuencia.
Pero tampoco permite que esas consecuencias destruyan la promesa que Él mismo hizo.
David es disciplinado y preservado simultáneamente.
Eso desmonta dos ideas demasiado sencillas.
La primera sería:
“Si Dios me perdonó, ya no debería haber consecuencias.”
2 Samuel dice que sí puede haberlas.
La segunda:
“Si estoy sufriendo consecuencias, significa que Dios me abandonó.”
2 Samuel también dice que no.
David cruza ambos territorios al mismo tiempo.
⸻
La muerte de Absalom resume la tragedia de la casa
Cuando finalmente Absalom muere, David técnicamente gana.
Pero no puede celebrar.
“¡Hijo mío Absalom!”
“¡Quién me diera que muriera yo en lugar de ti!”
Eso resume la tragedia de la segunda mitad del libro.
David conserva el reino.
Pero pierde muchísimo dentro del camino.
Amnón.
Absalom.
La paz de su casa.
Miles de israelitas en guerra civil.
El libro se niega a medir la bendición simplemente con la pregunta:
“¿David mantuvo el trono?”
Sí.
Pero mira el costo.
Eso también explica por qué Joab se vuelve tan importante y tan inquietante.
Joab resuelve constantemente aquello que David no resuelve.
Es competente.
Es valiente.
Es decisivo.
Y también asesina a Abner, mata a Absalom contra la orden del rey y después elimina a Amasa.
Joab representa una tentación recurrente del poder:
confundir aquello que funciona con aquello que es justo.
David necesita su eficacia.
Pero nunca consigue gobernarla completamente.
⸻
Y aun así, David realmente fue un hombre de fe
Después de todo esto sería fácil terminar pensando que todo lo bueno de David fue una mentira.
2 Samuel tampoco permite eso.
Cerca del final, David canta:
“Jehová es mi roca.”
Recuerda a Saúl.
Los enemigos.
Las aguas profundas.
Las veces que no tenía posibilidad humana clara.
Y su conclusión no es:
“Fui increíble.”
Es:
“Jehová fue mi sostén.”
Eso era real.
David verdaderamente amó a Dios.
Verdaderamente confió.
Verdaderamente mostró misericordia.
Verdaderamente fue valiente.
Verdaderamente escribió desde una experiencia profunda con Jehová.
Y verdaderamente pecó de maneras terribles.
La Biblia no necesita escoger entre “David fue bueno” y “David fue malo”.
Presenta algo más verdadero:
David fue un hombre de fe con un corazón capaz también de corrupción.
Eso vuelve el libro mucho más serio.
La experiencia pasada con Dios no hace imposible una caída futura.
Las victorias espirituales antiguas no sustituyen la vigilancia presente.
⸻
Y entonces aparece Uría otra vez
Para mí, uno de los detalles más fuertes del final es la lista de los valientes de David.
Después de narrar todas sus hazañas, el capítulo 23 termina con un nombre:
“Uría Hetheo.”
Uría era uno de ellos.
Uno de los hombres que construyeron el reino de David.
Eso hace todavía más grave lo ocurrido.
David no sacrificó a un extraño.
Sacrificó a uno de sus propios valientes para proteger su pecado.
Y la Biblia se niega a olvidarlo.
Eso dice mucho acerca de la gracia bíblica.
Dios perdona a David sin falsificar su biografía.
No necesita borrar a Uría para seguir utilizando a David.
No necesita fingir que Tamar nunca ocurrió.
No necesita convertir a Absalom en un detalle menor.
La gracia no trabaja mediante amnesia.
Trabaja mediante verdad.
⸻
Y el libro termina otra vez con David pecando
Esto también es deliberado.
En el capítulo 24 David ordena el censo.
Otra vez quiere conocer la fuerza militar de Israel.
Otra vez toma una mala decisión a pesar de la advertencia de Joab.
Y otra vez confiesa:
“He pecado gravemente.”
Entonces viene juicio.
Pero David dice algo que casi podría resumir su vida entera:
“Caiga en la mano de Jehová, porque sus misericordias son muchas.”
Después, al ver sufrir al pueblo, ya no intenta salvarse utilizando a otros como hizo con Uría.
Dice:
“Yo pequé.”
“¿Qué hicieron estas ovejas?”
Que venga la mano sobre mí.
El rey que una vez sacrificó a una oveja para protegerse empieza a comprender que el pastor debería colocarse delante de las ovejas.
No puede hacerlo de manera definitiva.
David tampoco es capaz de cargar realmente con el juicio del pueblo.
Y precisamente ahí el libro empieza a apuntar más allá de él.
⸻
Entonces, ¿qué representa 2 Samuel completo?
Representa la llegada del reino de David y, simultáneamente, la demostración de que David no basta.
Dios había prometido un rey.
David es mejor que Saúl en muchas cosas.
Pero todavía necesitamos algo más.
Necesitamos un rey que realmente gobierne siempre “en justicia y temor de Dios”.
Un rey que no utilice a sus ovejas para protegerse.
Un rey que pueda ponerse verdaderamente en lugar de ellas.
Un rey cuyo gobierno no se corrompa cuando tenga todo el poder.
Por eso la promesa de 2 Samuel 7 termina siendo mayor que David.
La casa de David continuará.
Y la Biblia empieza a mirar hacia un Hijo de David futuro.
Para el cristianismo, esa línea desemboca finalmente en Jesús.
No porque David sea una copia perfecta de Cristo.
Precisamente porque no lo es.
David hace visible tanto la promesa como la necesidad.
⸻
Lo que yo conservaría después de leer todo el libro
No conservaría simplemente:
“David cayó pero se levantó.”
Eso sería demasiado pequeño.
Conservaría esto:
Dios es muchísimo más fiel que sus siervos, pero precisamente por ser fiel no trata su pecado como algo pequeño.
Dios ama a David.
Lo disciplina.
Lo perdona.
Lo humilla.
Lo preserva.
Cumple su palabra.
Y nunca necesita mentir acerca de quién fue David.
Eso me parece una de las partes más fuertes del libro.
Puedes ser genuinamente amado por Dios y seguir necesitando profundamente su corrección.
Puedes haber recibido mucho de Él y seguir siendo capaz de destruir cosas si dejas de vivir bajo su temor.
Puedes cargar consecuencias reales y no por eso haber quedado fuera de su misericordia.
Y puedes descubrir al final que la historia nunca dependió tanto de tu capacidad como imaginabas.
David termina delante de un altar.
El hombre que contó a Israel para conocer su fuerza termina dependiendo otra vez de que Dios diga:
“Basta.”
Y quizá allí se encuentra la conclusión más adecuada de todo 2 Samuel:
David fue un gran rey.
Pero Jehová siempre fue el verdadero Rey.
Oración
Señor Jehová, después de mirar la vida entera de David, no permitas que yo admire sus victorias y olvide sus caídas, ni que mire sus caídas y olvide tu fidelidad.
Enséñame a vivir bajo tu gobierno también cuando tenga libertad, capacidad y poder para hacer lo que quiera.
Guárdame de pensar que mi experiencia contigo me vuelve inmune al pecado.
Dame un corazón que pueda recibir corrección, decir la verdad cuando falle y no utilizar tu gracia para minimizar aquello que necesita arrepentimiento.
Gracias porque tu fidelidad no depende de la perfección de tus siervos.
Gracias porque corriges sin abandonar, perdonas sin llamar pequeño al pecado y mantienes tu palabra incluso dentro de historias profundamente quebradas.
Hazme esperar menos en mi propia fuerza y más en tu misericordia.
Y gracias porque la historia de David no termina obligándome a poner mi esperanza en David, sino esperando al Rey justo que él mismo necesitaba.
Amén.
Para este día
La gran verdad de 2 Samuel no es que David fue suficientemente fuerte para sostener su reino.
Es que Dios fue suficientemente fiel para sostener su promesa a través de un hombre que, aun amándolo de verdad, seguía necesitando profundamente su misericordia.
July 12, 2022
This is part of a series where I am reading the Bible in chronological order. I am not doing this for reasons of faith, as I am agnostic, but because of my interest in mythology, ancient literature, and history. I chose the NRSV because I used to be Catholic and still have sympathies there. More importantly, this version seeks a balance between an accurate translation and the literary qualities of the King James Bible. So it seems you get the best of two worlds.
This is the tale of David usurping the throne (God is always conveniently on the side of the winner in these struggles) and his troubled personal relationships which undermine his rule, even as he stays on the throne. I did not find it as compelling as 1 Samuel and one should know Samuel does not even appear here. There are good moments to be sure, but I guess the tragedy of Saul, a complicated figure, is a better tale than the glories of David. Indeed, if not for the Bathsheba tale, David is nearly perfect. That tale alone makes this book solid, if inferior to 1 Samuel. More a 3.5 but I will round up.
This is the tale of David usurping the throne (God is always conveniently on the side of the winner in these struggles) and his troubled personal relationships which undermine his rule, even as he stays on the throne. I did not find it as compelling as 1 Samuel and one should know Samuel does not even appear here. There are good moments to be sure, but I guess the tragedy of Saul, a complicated figure, is a better tale than the glories of David. Indeed, if not for the Bathsheba tale, David is nearly perfect. That tale alone makes this book solid, if inferior to 1 Samuel. More a 3.5 but I will round up.
June 27, 2018
How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
2 Samuel follows David’s consolidation of Israel after Saul’s death. Judah secedes from Saul’s kingdom and chooses David as their new king. Ish-bosheth— Saul’s last remaining son—allies with Saul’s top general, Abner, in a civil war against the south. David wins, unites Israel, and selects Jerusalem as its capital and location for the Ark. (Our hero debates building a temple complex for Yehweh; God promises him a long and successful dynasty if he does.) He then defeats some testy neighbors, has his infamous affair with Bathsheba, repents, and is ostensibly adored by everyone. Well, not quite everyone, as David is later forced to brutally squash two revolts, one of which is tragically led by his own son, Absalom. The book ends with some miscellaneous narratives, celebratory battle-poems, and David’s last words.
David is generally viewed as the closest thing to a messiah in the Hebrew bible, and 2 Samuel may reflect Israel’s zenith (according to the biblical authors, that is). A consolidated promised land feared by its enemies, with Yahweh’s cult in the driver’s seat: it doesn’t get better than this. But this designation is odd given how much more geopolitically powerful and promising the country is under David’s successor, Solomon. As we’ll explore later, while Solomon deviates too far from God’s wishes, David is the perfect shepherd for the chosen sheep. In fact he may even be a little too perfect. As with 1 Samuel, this book goes to tortuous lengths absolving David of responsibility for many of the story’s murders and genocides, even as he blatantly benefited from them.
This is exemplified in the Bathsheba narrative, where a naughty David is shown to be imperfectly (and understandably) human. While meant to add a little dirt to his pristine character, making him more identifiable and “complex”, the real motivation was simply to have David display an idealized repentance (a precedent that the Bible will never tire of abusing). The book seems to care little for Uriah, let alone Bathsheba. The disgusting irony is that their tragedy is exploited for David’s benefit: converting his sin into a virtue. It’s without a doubt one of the most morally perverse narratives in the Bible.
The truth is that David is just another successful Hebrew warlord that honored Yahweh above all other gods, earning him a thumbs-up from the biblical authors. While I understand that these were vicious times with many tribes all vying for power, and that states in the ancient world were the creation of hegemonic conquest, I simply fail to see the higher complexity or interest of David compared to, say, Joshua or Saul. I enjoy that this is one of the most robust biographies of a king in ancient literature, and for all his barbarism David seems to be more cultured and politically adept than the other conquerors I named. But I wish these humans had any sign of, well, humanity (that isn’t insultingly ham-fisted in a story about murder, rape, and faux-repentance).
If I’m hard on 2 Samuel it’s because it’s such a celebrated book of the Hebrew Bible. Samuel taken together with Kings culminates in a masterpiece; I’ll be the first to admit. But David’s military exploits are too similar to Joshua to stand out; much more interesting is the gritty nation-building that Judges and Kings elaborate. Yet, for a warlord, we could do worse. Having 2 Samuel deny genocide rather than celebrate it; support a king that weeps for his enemies instead of reveling in their death; require that our hero be cultured and refined in addition to being powerful: these are welcome improvements and a harbinger for more tender books to come.
2 Samuel follows David’s consolidation of Israel after Saul’s death. Judah secedes from Saul’s kingdom and chooses David as their new king. Ish-bosheth— Saul’s last remaining son—allies with Saul’s top general, Abner, in a civil war against the south. David wins, unites Israel, and selects Jerusalem as its capital and location for the Ark. (Our hero debates building a temple complex for Yehweh; God promises him a long and successful dynasty if he does.) He then defeats some testy neighbors, has his infamous affair with Bathsheba, repents, and is ostensibly adored by everyone. Well, not quite everyone, as David is later forced to brutally squash two revolts, one of which is tragically led by his own son, Absalom. The book ends with some miscellaneous narratives, celebratory battle-poems, and David’s last words.
David is generally viewed as the closest thing to a messiah in the Hebrew bible, and 2 Samuel may reflect Israel’s zenith (according to the biblical authors, that is). A consolidated promised land feared by its enemies, with Yahweh’s cult in the driver’s seat: it doesn’t get better than this. But this designation is odd given how much more geopolitically powerful and promising the country is under David’s successor, Solomon. As we’ll explore later, while Solomon deviates too far from God’s wishes, David is the perfect shepherd for the chosen sheep. In fact he may even be a little too perfect. As with 1 Samuel, this book goes to tortuous lengths absolving David of responsibility for many of the story’s murders and genocides, even as he blatantly benefited from them.
This is exemplified in the Bathsheba narrative, where a naughty David is shown to be imperfectly (and understandably) human. While meant to add a little dirt to his pristine character, making him more identifiable and “complex”, the real motivation was simply to have David display an idealized repentance (a precedent that the Bible will never tire of abusing). The book seems to care little for Uriah, let alone Bathsheba. The disgusting irony is that their tragedy is exploited for David’s benefit: converting his sin into a virtue. It’s without a doubt one of the most morally perverse narratives in the Bible.
The truth is that David is just another successful Hebrew warlord that honored Yahweh above all other gods, earning him a thumbs-up from the biblical authors. While I understand that these were vicious times with many tribes all vying for power, and that states in the ancient world were the creation of hegemonic conquest, I simply fail to see the higher complexity or interest of David compared to, say, Joshua or Saul. I enjoy that this is one of the most robust biographies of a king in ancient literature, and for all his barbarism David seems to be more cultured and politically adept than the other conquerors I named. But I wish these humans had any sign of, well, humanity (that isn’t insultingly ham-fisted in a story about murder, rape, and faux-repentance).
If I’m hard on 2 Samuel it’s because it’s such a celebrated book of the Hebrew Bible. Samuel taken together with Kings culminates in a masterpiece; I’ll be the first to admit. But David’s military exploits are too similar to Joshua to stand out; much more interesting is the gritty nation-building that Judges and Kings elaborate. Yet, for a warlord, we could do worse. Having 2 Samuel deny genocide rather than celebrate it; support a king that weeps for his enemies instead of reveling in their death; require that our hero be cultured and refined in addition to being powerful: these are welcome improvements and a harbinger for more tender books to come.
October 12, 2020
Second Samuel is about the fourth or so book in a series that ends after Second Kings that make up a history of the rulership of the tribes of Israel. It was a fairly compelling book (and extra nice that it didn't end like Exodus did, with endless description), although not any less morally objectionable than previous installments.
As I go through these, I'm starting to kind of laugh at them in certain ways. For example, here a guy complains that his wife (or one of them) has been taken by Saul's people. His complaint isn't so much that he's lost his wife, but that he paid one hundred foreskins for her and he sees that as a loss. Even if you look at "foreskins" the way it's meant - "trophies proving I killed my enemies" - it still comes across as very callous. I got the image of a 1940's film actor saying in that Humphrey Bogart voice, "I paid a hundred foreskins for that dame and I aim to keep 'er!" But really it's pretty messed up to own women as chattel and to pay for them with your kill trophies.
The story mostly concerns the feud between David and Saul. Plot twist: everyone kills everyone else. Not a big surprise by now. That's... pretty much the entirety of the Bible thus far. But at least these stories are pretty engaging. I did not take copious notes this time around. I'm beginning to see there's little point in it. The books kind of blur together.
Of note, however, is the origin of the phrase, "O how the mighty have fallen" which is in reference to folks who died in the previous book. Also, Chapter 22 has David monologuing about God as a rock that gives him strength. I think a lot of people draw on that for inspiration, although it's hard for me personally to find any value in it in the same way that I don't draw on Frodo Baggins for strength in times of trouble.
I wish I knew more about the accuracy of the book's historical claims. Isaac Asimov wrote a book investigating those, and I tried to read it a while back and found it to be extremely dry. I haven't enjoyed his sci-fi, either, so I guess there's not much point in going back to it.
Up next, after a brief break for some Halloween reading: First Kings.
As I go through these, I'm starting to kind of laugh at them in certain ways. For example, here a guy complains that his wife (or one of them) has been taken by Saul's people. His complaint isn't so much that he's lost his wife, but that he paid one hundred foreskins for her and he sees that as a loss. Even if you look at "foreskins" the way it's meant - "trophies proving I killed my enemies" - it still comes across as very callous. I got the image of a 1940's film actor saying in that Humphrey Bogart voice, "I paid a hundred foreskins for that dame and I aim to keep 'er!" But really it's pretty messed up to own women as chattel and to pay for them with your kill trophies.
The story mostly concerns the feud between David and Saul. Plot twist: everyone kills everyone else. Not a big surprise by now. That's... pretty much the entirety of the Bible thus far. But at least these stories are pretty engaging. I did not take copious notes this time around. I'm beginning to see there's little point in it. The books kind of blur together.
Of note, however, is the origin of the phrase, "O how the mighty have fallen" which is in reference to folks who died in the previous book. Also, Chapter 22 has David monologuing about God as a rock that gives him strength. I think a lot of people draw on that for inspiration, although it's hard for me personally to find any value in it in the same way that I don't draw on Frodo Baggins for strength in times of trouble.
I wish I knew more about the accuracy of the book's historical claims. Isaac Asimov wrote a book investigating those, and I tried to read it a while back and found it to be extremely dry. I haven't enjoyed his sci-fi, either, so I guess there's not much point in going back to it.
Up next, after a brief break for some Halloween reading: First Kings.
December 12, 2017
Another amazing book from the Bible. This one covers David's rise as a king, from the King of Judah to the King of all Israel, his conquests of neighboring nations and his plans to build a house for God. But God doesn't permit him, because of his many wars. Instead, God said He would build him a house, a dynasty, that would reign eternally.
That's the good news. The bad news is that David screws up royally. He takes his valiant commander Uriah's wife, Bathsheba, and then when she gets pregnant, tries to cover it up. He ends up killing Uriah through battle and marries Bathsheba. Then there's one of those understatements that pop up in the Bible. "But the thing David had done displeased the Lord."
After Nathan the prophet confronts David, he repents of his sin, but suffers from the consequences for the rest of his life, that is, the rest of the book. His son Amon rapes his daughter Tamar, and then his son Absalom kills Amon. After Absalom and David are reconciled, Absalom rebels against David and leads a civil war to take over his throne. He barely escapes with his life, but his ten concubines he left behind to take care of the royal palace, Absalom rapes in public. This family would be too yucky for Jerry Springer.
In the end, Absalom is killed and David returns to Jerusalem. He passes on advice to his son Solomon and composes a psalm of praise to God and the book ends.
That's the good news. The bad news is that David screws up royally. He takes his valiant commander Uriah's wife, Bathsheba, and then when she gets pregnant, tries to cover it up. He ends up killing Uriah through battle and marries Bathsheba. Then there's one of those understatements that pop up in the Bible. "But the thing David had done displeased the Lord."
After Nathan the prophet confronts David, he repents of his sin, but suffers from the consequences for the rest of his life, that is, the rest of the book. His son Amon rapes his daughter Tamar, and then his son Absalom kills Amon. After Absalom and David are reconciled, Absalom rebels against David and leads a civil war to take over his throne. He barely escapes with his life, but his ten concubines he left behind to take care of the royal palace, Absalom rapes in public. This family would be too yucky for Jerry Springer.
In the end, Absalom is killed and David returns to Jerusalem. He passes on advice to his son Solomon and composes a psalm of praise to God and the book ends.
September 30, 2019
This narrative portrays David's struggles, moral failings, and family turmoil. It presents a very realistic picture of the most important king in the history of Judaism. David is shown as a powerful leader who in the end cannot replace God as the ultimate monarch of Israel, and as a human in need of God's assistance and protection.
July 10, 2024
24 chapters in 2 Samuel
4/20/2024 - 5/23/2024 with The Bible Recap
4/21/2025 - 5/23/2025 with The Bible Recap
6/9/2025 - ?/?/2025 with the kids
4/19/2026 - 5/2/2026 with the One Year Chronological Bible
4/20/2024 - 5/23/2024 with The Bible Recap
4/21/2025 - 5/23/2025 with The Bible Recap
6/9/2025 - ?/?/2025 with the kids
4/19/2026 - 5/2/2026 with the One Year Chronological Bible
March 18, 2021
David's reign is detailed here.
May 30, 2023
Probably my favorite commentary on this book of the Bible. Great thoughts and great writing.
Read
December 22, 2024~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--- :}|{:-:}|{:- * FOLLOW 4 FOLLOW * -:}|{:-:}|{: ---{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--------:}|{:-:}|{:- * LINKS * -:}|{:-:}|{:----------{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
***********************************************
~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~
* -} https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... {- *
~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~
* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{:- ^ AUDIOBOOK ^ -:}|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{}|{:- * SUMMARY * -:}|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{:- * RATING * -:}|{:- * /10 * -:}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{}|{: =EXPERIENCES=&=DISCERNMENTS= :}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{: = THE PERFECT VOICE = 4 THE BIBLE = DAVID SUCHET = ITS NO SUPRISE IN PSLAM 47 - THE LORD HIMSELF IN FLESH = DANCED IN A MYRIAD OF REFLECTIONS OF LIGHT - THAT CLEARLY - STATES - IN THE UNDOUBTABLE CLARITY ONLY THE LOOORDDSSS PHENIMINAL - ECXSTATIC INFNITE DANCE COULD - DESCRIBE IN AN INEPHABLE - WAY - WITH THE DEAPEST OF KNOWINGS - HIS GREATEST OF AL PRECEPTS ----> THO SHALT BE SMIGHTED - IF THO LISTENS 2 ANY OTHER AUDIO-VERSION OF THE BIBLE ( OTHER THEN DAVID SUCHET ) <--- - & THO SHALT FIND ONES SELF CONDEMMED 2 ETERNAL DAMNATION - & ONES SALVATION SHALL BE FOUND IN THE - GRACE FOUND IN THE NARRATION ONES LIFE IN ITS INTIRITY READ IN 0.25 SPEED BY DAVID SUCHET= }|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VWrl... {- *
* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *
* -} Gestalt Psychology Simplified with Examples and Principles {- *
* -:}|{}|{: = MY SYNTHESISED ( ^ GESTALT ^ ) OF THE * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * ( WAY THE AUTHOR FRAMES = HIS WRITING PERSPECTIVES ) & ( POINTERS & IMPLICATIONS = the conclusion that can be drawn IMPLICITYLY from something although it is not EXPLICITLY stated ) = :}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{: = ? = }|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
“Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. And between the two my life flows.” Nisargadatta Maharaj
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~
Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”
Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind
A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--- :}|{:-:}|{:- * FOLLOW 4 FOLLOW * -:}|{:-:}|{: ---{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--------:}|{:-:}|{:- * LINKS * -:}|{:-:}|{:----------{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
***********************************************
~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~
* -} https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... {- *
~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~
* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{:- ^ AUDIOBOOK ^ -:}|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{}|{:- * SUMMARY * -:}|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{:- * RATING * -:}|{:- * /10 * -:}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{}|{: =EXPERIENCES=&=DISCERNMENTS= :}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{: = THE PERFECT VOICE = 4 THE BIBLE = DAVID SUCHET = ITS NO SUPRISE IN PSLAM 47 - THE LORD HIMSELF IN FLESH = DANCED IN A MYRIAD OF REFLECTIONS OF LIGHT - THAT CLEARLY - STATES - IN THE UNDOUBTABLE CLARITY ONLY THE LOOORDDSSS PHENIMINAL - ECXSTATIC INFNITE DANCE COULD - DESCRIBE IN AN INEPHABLE - WAY - WITH THE DEAPEST OF KNOWINGS - HIS GREATEST OF AL PRECEPTS ----> THO SHALT BE SMIGHTED - IF THO LISTENS 2 ANY OTHER AUDIO-VERSION OF THE BIBLE ( OTHER THEN DAVID SUCHET ) <--- - & THO SHALT FIND ONES SELF CONDEMMED 2 ETERNAL DAMNATION - & ONES SALVATION SHALL BE FOUND IN THE - GRACE FOUND IN THE NARRATION ONES LIFE IN ITS INTIRITY READ IN 0.25 SPEED BY DAVID SUCHET= }|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VWrl... {- *
* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *
* -} Gestalt Psychology Simplified with Examples and Principles {- *
* -:}|{}|{: = MY SYNTHESISED ( ^ GESTALT ^ ) OF THE * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * ( WAY THE AUTHOR FRAMES = HIS WRITING PERSPECTIVES ) & ( POINTERS & IMPLICATIONS = the conclusion that can be drawn IMPLICITYLY from something although it is not EXPLICITLY stated ) = :}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{: = ? = }|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
“Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. And between the two my life flows.” Nisargadatta Maharaj
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~
Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”
Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind
A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews