The Book of 2 Samuel carries on with the life story of David, after Samuel's death and during and after the kingship of Saul. There is a political seesaw battle for power over the kingdom's of Judah and Israel. The story is full of battles, both against the Nation's enemies and also against each other in civil disputes. David is shown in a negative light in terms of his leadership, at times, and also in his personal life. But it also shows his steadfastness in honouring God, repenting of his wrong doing, seeking the Lord's face in all things and giving God credit for everything he is and has. If David truly was a "man after God's own heart", it shows again that it is not perfection that is required, but faithfulness and adoration toward God. The highs and lows of David's life are very evident, as Psalms will again display later in my reading.
Impressions: The life of God's chosen nation was one of constant change. The onus for faithfulness now falls on the leadership as opposed to the population in general, or so it would seem. There was constant war and threats of war. Where on earth did all these Philistines come from? As the book ends, there is a list of warriors who belong in the Hall of Fame, showing just what an important place war played in their lives. But more than that, this is a story of a young man called by God to fullfill His purposes in the story of God's people, who endeared himself both to his subjects as well as to his God.
Readability: 4 stars
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