2 Samuel: Structure

2 Samuel 1 forms the conclusion of the stories in 1 Samuel. From 2 Samuel 2 onwards, three sections can be distinguished.

The first section (2 Samuel 2–8) describes how David firmly establishes his kingship over Judah and Israel. He moves his court from Hebron to Jerusalem and also has the Ark of God (Covenant Box) brought to Jerusalem. He intends to build a Temple for God, but the prophet Nathan tells him that it will be his son and not he himself who will build a Temple.

In the second section (2 Samuel 9–20, with a storyline that continues in 1 Kings1–2), it seems that David is definitely not an ideal king. He commits adultery and murder. He is punished for this by the death of four of his five sons. Because of his own misconduct he is not in a position to take action against Absalom. This endangers the unity of the kingdom. But his son Solomon will be a good king.

The third section (2 Samuel 21–24) is a collection of individual stories, poems and statements. Themes from 2 Samuel 2–8 are taken up again. In this way in 2 Samuel 24 the site of the Temple is pointed out, which had already been mentioned in 2 Samuel 7.
The song in 2 Samuel 22 is almost the same as Psalm 18.