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We continue our trek through the Bible in our Generations Series, looking at the life of King David in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. We concentrate on 2 Samuel 11-21, and on a couple of misconceptions about sin: that our sin is our own and it doesn't affect anyone else, and forgiveness means there is a lack of punishment. Neither of these were the case in the life of David. He was not called a man after God's own heart because he didn't sin, or because his sin was that “severe.” David's heart was revealed when he was confronted with sin. He repented (turned away from it) and took full responsibility for it, and when he faced the consequences for his sin, he continued to worship and follow God, trusting His decisions. What about you? What does your response to your sin and discipline reveal about your heart?
2 Samuel
Authors
Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet, Gad the seer (1 Chronicles 29:29).
Date
Compiled between 931 B.C. with Solomon’s death (1 Samuel 27:6) and 722 B.C., because there is no mention of Israel’s captivity. It must have been compiled after 971 B.C. because it ends in the last days of David.
Theme
Israel’s King David
This is the account of King David, his triumphs, his tragedies and his last days.
Additional Info
The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) divides Samuel into two books, even though it is one continuous account. The book of 2 Samuel records the major events of David, a king-elect and eventual king who was appointed by God, and whose ascension to the throne takes more than a decade. It covers David’s 40-year reign from 1101-971 B.C. and ends in his last days.
© Dr. Rick Taylor and Bill Parkinson
1 Chronicles
Author
Likely compiled by Ezra, with help from the extensive library of the Governor, Nehemiah.
Date
Likely approx. 400 B.C. when Judah returns from Babylon (1 Chronicles 9:1, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23).
Theme
Israel’s Story (Part 1)
This is the story of Israel, of its roots, of its genealogies and of the united kingdom.
Additional Info
The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally written as a single document, and they are directly related to the book of Ezra (2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-3). As a whole, it is similar in nature to the book of Deuteronomy, in that both books are meant to inform as well as challenge the nation before it embarks on a new adventure.
© Dr. Rick Taylor
Resources for 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles