This book describes how God established David as king to rule over His people, thus fulfilling God's promise to Jacob that the scepter would never depart from the tribe of Judah. (cf. Genesis 49:10)

David was able to reign successfully because of his submission to God and devotion to God in a world filled with idolatry in which Israel had repeatedly fallen into idolatry. David was devoted to God in praise and thanksgiving.

Because of his devoted worship of God, David was richly blessed and became the greatest king ever to rule Israel. Because of his leadership, Israel experienced a period of national blessing and prosperity. After 40 years as king, David died in old age with riches and honor.

Chapter 1 David received news of the deaths of Saul and his son Jonathan and proclaimed a time of mourning.

Chapters 2-4 David was then crowned king over the southern kingdom of Judah, while the northern kingdom of Israel chose Saul's son Ishbosheth to rule. A civil war followed for several years until Ishbosheth was killed by Rechab and Baanah, two of his own captains who had hoped for a reward from David. But David had them killed for their treachery.

Chapter 5-6 The northern tribes asked David to rule the entire nation of Israel. He took the Ark of the Lord from the house of Abinadab in Hebron and moved it to Jerusalem, publicly acknowledging the Lord's rule over himself and over the nation.

Chapter 7 David then had a period of rest from his enemies and God made a covenant with him, promising that his house and kingdom would be established forever to rule over the children of Israel. Even if David or his successor Solomon and the people disobeyed, God would chasten them but not break His promise.

Chapter 8 The Lord enabled David and the nation to prosper and defeat many enemies that surrounded Israel, Philistines, Moabites, Edomites, and Syrians, and extend its borders from Egypt to the Euphrates. David wanted to build a temple for the Lord as a place for the Ark and for Israel to worship the Lord; but the prophet Nathan told David that he would not to be the one to build the temple.

Chapter 9 David showed kindness to the family of his friend Jonathan by taking in Jonathan's crippled son Mephibosheth.

Chapters 10-11 David committed the great sin of adultery with Bathsheba and she became pregnant. Then he plotted to have her husband Uriah the Hittite killed. The prophet Nathan confronted David and told him that because of his sins, the ripple effect of sin would cause great pain and sorrow to David and to many others.

David and Bathsheba's baby died soon after he was born. David's son Amnon raped David's daughter Tamar. Then David's son Absalom killed Amnon and he rebeled against his father. Then Amnon was killed.

Chapter 12 When Nathan confronted David with his sin, he grieved deeply, repented with a genuinely penitent spirit, and pleaded to God for mercy as he confessed, I sinned against you and done evil in your sight. cf. Psalm 51:4. God forgave David but he did not escape the penalty of his sins.

Chapters 13-14 David lost his son Amnon to Absalom's revenge on his half-brother

Chapters 15-19 David's son Absalom plotted a rebellious takeover, set himself up as king, and forced David to flee for his life. David raised support to take back his throne and restore order, but in process, Absalom was killed and David deeply mourned his fallen son.

Chapter 20 The insubordination of Joab brought intrigue, violence, and bloodshed to the nation during Absalom's rebellion. Joab killed Absalom and later killed Amasa.

Chapter 21-22 The Lord was gracious to David and made his reign great. David wrote a psalm of praise to God who had delivered him from all his enemies: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior. From violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

Chapter 23 A preview of the expectation of the fulfillment of God's promise that a future king will come from the house of David to rule over mankind in righteousness.

Chapters 24 Final reflections on David's reign. David reigned in Jerusalem for the next 33 years and died at the age of 70. David's last words.