The Book of 2nd Samuel - God's Redemptive Power

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior." – 2 Samuel 22:2-3

Second Samuel primarily focuses on the reign of King David, as the second king of Israel.  His rule was very successful, with the kingdom expanding and long periods of peace and prosperity for the Israelite people.  However, also include in this book is the story of David’s mistakes.  His reign is still celebrated to this day and he is upheld as the greatest king of Israel, and yet 2nd Samuel provides us with a picture of a less than perfect individual.

King David coveted Uriah’s wife Bethsheba.  He arranged to have Uriah killed in battle and took Bethsheba as his own wife and lied to the prophet Nathan about his actions.  He broke the commandment against murder, adultery, lying, and coveting.  He too was a flawed man in need of God’s forgiveness and mercy.

Despite all of his sinful choices, David was forgiven by God.  David confessed and was restored and he remained confident in God’s saving power throughout the rest of his life.  The arc of David’s story reminds us today that no person is beyond the struggle of sin, and more importantly, no sin is beyond the redemptive power of God.