1 and 2 Samuel were traditionally considered one book among the Hebrews. In Greek and Latin, the manuscripts appear as two separate books titled, “First and Second Kingdoms.”

Author and Purpose

This book could not have been written by Samuel alone but was likely authored by Samuel, Nathan, and Gad (1 Chronicles 29:29). The obvious and immediate purpose of the book was to narrate the events involved in giving birth to and expanding the monarchy. 1 Samuel narrates the birth of the monarchy, and 2 Samuel narrates the expansion of the Kingdom of Israel into a world power. The books together could be rightly titled, “The Birth and Expansion of the Kingdom of God.”

About 1200 B.C., a group called the “sea peoples” began to settle in the coastal regions of Palestine, and while extending their influence, they clashed heavily with the Israelites. It was to these people, the Philistines, that the Israelites were in bondage from time to time, and during this period, God would raise up the judges to deliver them. Samuel arises as the final judge. He anointed Israel’s first two kings and would deal primarily with the Philistine dominance of Israel.

The ultimate purpose of the complete book was to reveal the prophetic and divine origin of the house of David and the lineage in which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be born. 

These two books cover about 140 years—1 Samuel a century, and 2 Samuel 40 years. 

Outline

The second book of Samuel, while following David’s rise as king and the kingdom’s expansion, is divided into three basic sections: 

• Great Blessing in Kingdom Expansion (1-10)

• Consequences of Adultery and Murder (11-20)

• Reflection on the Heart of King David (21-24)