Christ In The Old Testament: 2ND SAMUEL
The KINGDOMS
As a sequel to 1st Samuel — being The Second Book of Kingdoms, let’s examine how Christ displayed in the background.
PURPOSE
The book of 2nd Samuel serves as a testament to God's sovereignty in executing His Kingdom plans. This sovereignty is evident through His unconditional covenant with the unworthy David, as illustrated in 2 Samuel 7. This covenant is no less remarkable than His pact with Abraham. Furthermore, the text emphasizes the significance of approaching God in worship, highlighting that worship must align with His revealed ways, as evidenced in the account of the ark of the covenant.
HUMANITIES
2nd Samuel throws the spotlight on one individual, David, who serves as an exemplary model of how humans can accomplish remarkable feats for God when their hearts are fervently dedicated to pleasing Him.
Concurrently, the book does not shy away from portraying David’s sins and failures, demonstrating that even redeemed individuals continue to grapple with the consequences of the fall in their lives.
STORY
Set against the historical backdrop from Saul's demise to David's passing (approximately 1110 - 970 BC), the forty-year reign of David marked a significant period in the blossoming of Israelite culture.
ORIGINAL HISTORICAL SETTING
Authored by an unknown writer, 2nd Samuel’s estimated composition date is around 950 BC, possibly during Solomon’s reign. The initial recipients were likely the Israelites residing within the monarchy.
The book’s original audience and destination are not explicitly stated, but it is conceivable that the original "Scroll of Samuel" found its place in Solomon’s temple, joining the growing repository of Israel’s sacred Scriptures. The motivation behind its creation remains unclear due to the anonymity of the author and the composition date. Nevertheless, its placement as the third installment of the "Former Prophets" within the Hebrew canon suggests that it could have been penned to extend the narrative of God’s chosen people, which was initiated in the books of Joshua and Judges.
ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY
2nd Samuel encapsulates David’s rule over Israel, characterized by moments of triumph, such as his capture of Jerusalem and God’s pledge of an everlasting dynasty. Simultaneously, it portrays periods of failure, including his adultery with Bathsheba and the rebellion of his son Absalom.
CHRIST IN 2ND SAMUEL
The account of David’s transgression, the subsequent confrontation by the prophet Nathan, and David’s genuine repentance and restoration serve as a profound prototype of salvation. An emblematic exchange occurs during this sequence, encapsulating the essence of redemption even in contemporary times:
"Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' Nathan replied, 'The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.’" (2 Sam. 12:13, NIV).
David’s introspection on this experience culminates in Psalm 51, an unparalleled scriptural exploration of the interplay between confession of sin and divine absolution.
Furthermore, David’s role as the progenitor of the lineage to which Jesus, often referred to as the "Son of David," underscores Christ’s kingship in numerous facets. His compassion and unwavering loyalty towards Mephibosheth stand as a vivid illustration of the unmerited love bestowed upon humanity by God.
