40 Weeks of your Life: 2 Samuel
06-22-2006
by Vicky Beeching

1 and 2 Samuel were originally one text, until the Old Testament was translated into Greek, and they were divided in two. As with 1 Samuel, the structure of this book falls into stories rather than sections, as different characters step. It's like the going to the movie sequel following 1 Samuel, as we pick up where we left off in the life of David. So grab some popcorn and read on!

The book begins in the sadness of Saul and Jonathan's death. David is in mourning and it is clear that a new chapter in his life and the life of Israel is about to rise from these ashes. David is anointed King, and comes into the fullness of the promises he was given as a shepherd boy.

The book tells us of David's different activities in battle, as King. All seems to be going well until he is home while his men are out at war. Seeing a beautiful girl bathing on a rooftop, David chooses not to look away. Here begins his downfall, and it leads him into adultery. Bathsheba became pregnant and, as a solution, David had her husband sent to the most dangerous part of the battlefield. Her husband died there, and David took Bathsheba as his wife. This profound story shows us how even a man "after God's own heart" could be led so far astray, into adultery, lying and then even murder. It's a sobering reality for us to guard our heart and our eyes, and keep them fixed on Jesus.

Following his sins, we see a beautiful picture of repentance and restoration. David humbles himself, and writes what we have as the 51st Psalm. It gives hopes to all who have made mistakes, and tells of the cleansing forgiveness that God alone can give.

We see the same process of sin and forgiveness in chapter 24 when David decides out of arrogance and self-proof, to count the number of people in Israel. The Lord was grieved by this action and angry. David's heart was quick to repent and did so fully and with deep sincerity.

The book ends with David building an Altar to the Lord, accompanied by the words "I will not bring to the Lord an offering that has cost me nothing" (24:24). This is one of my favourite quotes regarding worship; always desiring to bring an offering of worth to the Lord. Despite David's downfalls we see in those words the reason that he is an inspiring worship leader and a man after God's own heart. 1 and 2 Samuel are like taking a long walk in David's company, and I'm sure you and I have learned much from him as we have gotten to know him better in these pages.