2 Samuel study section

2 Samuel chapter summaries

A one-line summary of every chapter, with the period it covers. Open any chapter for the full study.

Chapter list

Chapters 1–10

David crowned over all Israel, Jerusalem taken, and God’s covenant to build David a house.

Chapter 1 (c. 1010 BC): David laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, “How the mighty have fallen!”
Chapter 2 (c. 1010 BC): David is anointed king over Judah at Hebron as war begins between his house and Saul’s.
Chapter 3 (c. 1009 BC): Abner defects to David but is murdered by Joab, and David publicly mourns him.
Chapter 4 (c. 1008 BC): Ish-bosheth is assassinated, and David executes the murderers for killing an innocent man.
Chapter 5 (c. 1003 BC): David is anointed king over all Israel, captures Jerusalem, and defeats the Philistines.
Chapter 6 (c. 1003 BC): David brings the ark to Jerusalem; Uzzah dies for touching it, and David dances before the LORD.
Chapter 7 (c. 1000 BC): God makes a covenant with David, promising him an everlasting house, throne, and kingdom.
Chapter 8 (c. 1000 BC): David’s victories extend his kingdom over the surrounding nations.
Chapter 9 (c. 995 BC): David shows covenant kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son.
Chapter 10 (c. 995 BC): David defeats the Ammonites and Arameans who had humiliated his envoys.

Chapters 11–20

David’s sin with Bathsheba and the turmoil that follows, including Absalom’s revolt.

Chapter 11 (c. 991 BC): David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges the death of her husband Uriah.
Chapter 12 (c. 991 BC): Nathan confronts David with a parable; David repents, the child dies, and Solomon is later born.
Chapter 13 (c. 990 BC): Amnon violates his half-sister Tamar, and Absalom kills Amnon in revenge and flees.
Chapter 14 (c. 987 BC): Joab contrives Absalom’s return, but David keeps him at a distance for two years.
Chapter 15 (c. 980 BC): Absalom wins the people’s hearts, proclaims himself king, and David flees Jerusalem.
Chapter 16 (c. 980 BC): Ziba slanders Mephibosheth, Shimei curses David, and Absalom follows Ahithophel’s counsel.
Chapter 17 (c. 980 BC): Ahithophel’s shrewd advice is overruled by Hushai’s, and Ahithophel hangs himself.
Chapter 18 (c. 980 BC): Absalom is defeated and killed by Joab, and David grieves, “O Absalom, my son, my son!”
Chapter 19 (c. 980 BC): David is restored to Jerusalem amid tensions between Judah and the northern tribes.
Chapter 20 (c. 980 BC): Sheba’s revolt is crushed when the town of Abel yields his head to Joab.

Chapters 21–24

An appendix of episodes, songs, and David’s last words.

Chapter 21 (c. 979 BC): A famine for Saul’s bloodguilt is ended, and Israel battles Philistine giants.
Chapter 22 (c. 975 BC): David’s song of deliverance praises the LORD, his rock, fortress, and deliverer.
Chapter 23 (c. 971 BC): David’s last words on a righteous ruler, and the roll of his mighty men.
Chapter 24 (c. 975 BC): David’s census brings a plague; he buys Araunah’s threshing floor and builds an altar that stays the judgment.

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