2 samuel
2 samuel: Station 1
The first book of Samuel focuses on Saul, while the second book of Samuel focuses on David, recording his successes, weaknesses, and failures. The second book of Samuel is divided into three parts: (1) Establishment of the Kingdom; (2) Internal Strife within the Royal Court; and (3) A Man After God’s Own Heart. Sites include: Mount Gilboa, Ziklah, Hebron, Mahanaim, the Jabbok River, Peniel, and Malachi. How were the books of Samuel recorded, and what do they tell us? Let’s explore this in detail…
2 samuel: Station 2
After David became king, he established his capital at Jebus, Jerusalem, a city surrounded by mountains on three sides, nestled between the Valley of Hinnom and the Kidron Valley. David trusted the Lord and fought the Philistines many times in the Valley of Rephaim, ultimately driving them out of the “mountain land of Judah.” God demonstrated His sovereignty through the movement of the Ark of the Covenant, showing that He values whether our motives in serving Him align with His will! What journey began after that? Let’s find out…
2 samuel: Station 3
God delighted in David’s love for Him and made a covenant with him, establishing his house and kingdom forever, known as the “Covenant of David.” David, relying on God, expanded his territory from Egypt to the Euphrates River. He subdued Israel’s long-time enemies and consecrated the spoils of war to the Lord. David, after God’s own heart, demonstrated the love that came from God, showing favor to the son of Jonathan…
2 samuel: Station 4
David sent Joab to lead his army to battle against Rabbah, the capital of the Ammonites, located in what is now the center of Amman, Jordan. Within Amman’s archaeological park are the ruins of the ancient city walls of Rabbah, a Roman temple, and the palace of the Ammonites; at the foot of the hill is a Roman theater. David committed adultery and murder, offending the righteous and holy God, though he confessed and repented…
2 samuel: Station 5
Malachi 2:2: “…if you do not obey, …give glory to my name, I will bring a curse upon you and turn your blessing into a curse.” David’s eldest son Amnon defiled Tamar, and Absalom killed Amnon as a result. Absalom showed no remorse, and David did not have the courage to use his own failure as a lesson to Absalom, causing a rift in the father-son relationship.
2 samuel: Station 6
Absalom manipulated political maneuvering, catching David off guard and forcing him to leave Jerusalem. Absalom, believing himself righteous, murdered his brother, refused to forgive his father, and plotted to seize the throne. Hebron served as the headquarters of his rebellion, while David, not wanting Jerusalem to become a battleground, retreated to the Mount of Olives and ordered Zadok and others to return to Jerusalem…
2 samuel: Station 7
After Absalom entered Jerusalem, he listened to Ahithophel, thus jeopardizing any possibility of reconciliation with David. He then followed Hushai’s advice and personally led his army east of the Jordan River to confront David’s army. David, receiving a message from Hushai, moved his defenses to Mahanaim, where friends provided supplies. Defeated, Absalom was killed in the Ephraim forest. There is a “Pillar of Absalom” in the Kidron Valley, but this is not where Absalom was buried…
2 samuel: Station 8
David wept bitterly over Absalom’s death, and Joab urged David to rise and calm the army. When David returned to Israel, Sheba rallied the tribes in rebellion, and David sent Joab and others to quell the uprising. Sheba fled to Abelah, located at the border of Lebanon, Israel, and Syria. A woman in Abelah cleverly secured peace by surrendering the Sheba chieftain, and after the rebellion was quelled, Israel’s political situation stabilized.
2 samuel: Station 9 (end)
David used natural imagery to describe God’s power, how God saved him from suffering, and to testify to God’s work. The warriors beside David, guided by God, were willing to faithfully follow him, working together to fulfill God’s mission. David made amends for the blood debt with the Gibeonites, which pleased God. However, David’s census of the people triggered a plague…
2 samuel: Scholars' Discussion
* 賴建國博士 創欣神學院舊約教授
* 吳獻章博士 中華福音神學院舊約教授