David was far from perfect, despite his efforts in establishing Jerusalem as a fortified capital city, bringing the ark of the covenant back to its resting place, desiring to build God a house and going to the extent of preparing the necessary materials, as well as stabilizing the nation and expanding its borders. The time of peace and prosperity is often most perilous—as with the king when he let his guard down momentarily.
David's affair with Bathsheba subsequently led to the murder of her husband Uriah to cover up the wrong. However, David's personal failure soon overflowed into his family, beginning with the violation of Tamar by Amnon, leading to revenge killing by her brother Absalom and a planned insurrection to usurp the throne that ended in his untimely death. But the trouble did not stop there; the incident created a rift between Judah and the other tribes, and provided an opportunity for Sheba, a rogue, to fuel discontent and instigate the people to oppose David's rule. Ultimately, David regained his throne, but only to reign as a bruised king among a broken people.
The prologue of Samuel offers a comparison of Saul and David in which their reigns caused untold hurt to others, the former against the Gibeonites and the latter, the Israelites. Contrast is made also of David's former valor and the lack of it in his latter days against the Philistines. Despite the setbacks, David hoped in God's favor and covenant faithfulness that in time to come, He will provide a just and perfect King who will reign through his family lineage, just as He had promised.
OUTLINE OF 2 SAMUEL
1. David's Successes (1:1-10:19)
a. His Reign in Hebron (1:1-4:12)
Lamentations over Saul and Jonathan's Deaths
David vs Ishbosheth
b. His Reign in Jerusalem (5:1-25)
Accepted by Israel | Allied with Tyre
Family Record | Philistia Repelled
c. Transporting the Ark (6:1-23)
Disaster | Delight | Despised | Denounced
d. The Davidic Covenant (7:1-29)
Proposal | Promises | Praises
e. Military Successes (8:1-10:19)
Philistia | Moab | Zobah and Syria
Kingly over Israel | Kindly to Mephibosheth
Subdued Ammon | Syria
2. David's Failures (11:1-20:26)
a. Personal (11:1-12:31)
Adultery | Murder | Rebuke | Repentance
b. Family (13:1-18:33)
Incest | Assassination | Pardon | Insurrection
c. National (19:1-20:26)
Instigation | Suppression | Reinstatement
3. Prologue on David's Life (21:1-24:25)
a. National Matters (21:1-22)
Famine | Philistines
b. Personal Matters (22:1-23:7)
Song of Praise and Thanksgiving
c. David's Warriors (23:8-39)
Excellence | Exploits
d. David's Washout (24:1-25)
Census | Plague
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