Conclusion, for now...

“Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever, and your throne will be established forever.’ ”
2 Samuel 7:16 (CSB)

1 and 2 Samuel answered important questions for Israelites (probably living in the days of Solomon) about the true nature of the Davidic dynasty. If the people had been wrong to ask for a king and if God had rejected Saul as king, then why should they now suppose that the monarchs of the Davidic line would continue? The work is filled with narrative tension between the dangers of a king (1 Samuel 8) and the hope for an enduring dynasty (2 Samuel 7). The answer is that despite human evil God worked to bring about his plan for an everlasting kingdom with an everlasting King (2 Samuel 7:16). God’s people who study the books of Samuel today should view it with this original purpose in mind.

1-2 Samuel presents a pivotal period in Israel's history, transitioning from the era of the judges to the establishment of a monarchy under King Saul and his successor, King David. These books illuminate the political, religious, and moral landscape of ancient Israel, showcasing the complexities of leadership, the consequences of sin, and the sovereignty of God. The historical significance of this time lies in the shaping of Israel's identity as a nation and God's unfolding plan for redemption through the Davidic dynasty.

1-2 Samuel, beyond their historical and religious significance, serves as a wellspring of timeless wisdom on leadership, obedience, and repentance. These lessons, applicable to individuals, communities, and nations, underscore the importance of seeking God's guidance, remaining steadfast in times of trial, and acknowledging the consequences of sin. They also illuminate the reality of God's faithfulness despite human failings, offering a beacon of hope and assurance to those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Reading, learning, and applying the Old Testament, including 1-2 Samuel, is essential for understanding the full scope of God's redemptive plan revealed in the New Testament. The reign of King David, as depicted in these books, foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. 2 Samuel 24, with its account of David's sin, confession, and God's mercy parallels the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Just as David's sin brought judgment upon the people, leading to the need for atonement, so Jesus, the sinless Son of God, bore the judgment for humanity's sin on the cross, offering redemption and reconciliation with God. The connection between 2 Samuel 24 and the gospel narrative highlights the continuity of God's plan of salvation throughout history, underscoring the significance of both the Old and New Testaments in shaping our understanding of God's character and purposes.

The bottom line is that God is sovereign in carrying out his kingdom's plans. His unconditional covenant with undeserving David (chap. 7) is as magnificent as his covenant with Abraham. This book also says a great deal about approaching God in worship. He desires the worship of his people, but only in the ways he has revealed, as the material about the Ark of the Covenant emphasizes.

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel bring almost to a climax the beginning of God’s story: God builds his nation (Israel chosen as the people of promise). This book tells, in more detail than for any other Israelite king, the story of the dynastic founder. It was critical to show that David, the man after God’s heart (1 Sam. 13:14), had valued wholehearted obedience to God above all else in the way he went about establishing his kingship. Despite his flaws, David was the model king to whom the later kings looked for inspiration. Jesus, the greatest descendant of David, established the kingdom of God at his first coming and will consummate it at his second coming.

In 2 Samuel 7:16, God promises David that his dynasty will endure forever, a prophecy ultimately fulfilled in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David. This covenant establishes a profound connection between the Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in the New Testament. 2 Samuel 24 is the conclusion, for now, of David's reign, highlighting the consequences of his sin and the mercy of God. Yet, the arrival of Jesus Christ is the continuation of the account, as he embodies the fulfillment of God's promise to David, ushering in the eternal kingdom and establishing a new covenant through his death and resurrection. This seamless transition from the Old Testament prophecy to its fulfillment in Christ underscores the timeless relevance and continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history.