JUL 30

2 Samuel 22
Memorise 2 Samuel 22:2-3
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer”

1 Samuel ends with the death of Saul and Jonathan, and 2 Samuel continues with the rest of the reign of King David. He is now no longer a fugitive on the run, but has assumed his position as King of Israel. This book recounts the 40-year reign of King David and the various interesting events during his rule. We see the character of David more fully fleshed out as we see his ascension to the throne and his triumphs, as well as his defeats. We see him as a person, vulnerable to temptations and fears. We also see him as a man of God, fiercely passionate in serving his Lord and Master, and sincerely penitential when he repents of his various sins.

There are many historically significant events chronicled in the book of 2 Samuel. We read of the great victories in the early years of David’s reign – a dawning of a golden era for the nation, as Israel was established as one of the greatest nations in the region (2 Samuel 2-4, 8-10). David captured Jerusalem and made it his capital (2 Samuel 5), and brought the Ark of the Covenant there (2 Samuel 6). He desired to build God a temple, a beautiful structure to be God’s dwelling place. Though his request was denied, David was rewarded with something far greater - a covenant that promised that the seed of David “shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever” (2 Samuel 7:13). This is a clear messianic prophecy that the seed of David, Jesus Christ, will be the one to rule over Israel forever – a covenant that will be fulfilled in the Last Days.

Along with David’s victories, we also have a taste of bitter defeats, as he succumbed to his lusts in sinning with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-13), and also showed his pride in numbering his people (2 Samuel 24). God’s judgment upon David for his adultery was that “the sword shall never depart from thine house” (2 Samuel 12:10), and we see David face the consequences for his sin in the rest of the book, as domestic problems plagued his household (2 Samuel 13-14), with two attempted coups by his sons: Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19) and later Adonijah (1 Kings 1). Yet through all his struggles, David remained faithful to His God, and towards the close of his life, he looked back and declared that indeed God was his rock, and in Him he would trust (2 Samuel 22:2-3). Time and again he would cry unto the Lord, and He always answered. David’s reign may not have been perfect, yet as a man after God’s own heart, his passion for God set an example for all of us to follow.

Thought: Is God my rock, my fortress and my deliverer?
Prayer: Lord help me to always call upon You in my time of need.