Overview of 2 Samuel 10:1–20:26

The end of this division of Samuel is clearly marked, as the literary form of 2 Samuel 21–24 identifies those chapters as a distinct unit. Prior to that break, the theme is obviously the troubles of David’s declining years, but where does the narrative switch to focus on them? In many respects, chapter 10 is linked to chapter 9; in both of these chapters David seeks to do kindness to an individual due to an earlier relationship with their family, but in chapter 10 the approach is rebuffed. Moreover, chapter 10 presents David in a positive light, which cannot be said of chapters 11–20. Even so, there is much to commend in taking chapter 10 as an introduction to what follows rather than as forming a conclusion to chapters 2–9, as the Ammonite war will form the backdrop of chapters 11–12.

Along with 1 Kings 1–2, these chapters (and possibly also 2 Samuel 8–9, perhaps even from 6:23) have in recent scholarship been designated the Succession Narrative, which, it is claimed, was drawn up to explain why of David’s sons it is Solomon who should be considered his legitimate successor. Quite apart from the inevitably hypothetical nature of such critical reconstructions, their deficiencies have become increasingly evident.¹ While these chapters do recount the circumstances leading up to Solomon’s accession, this is at most an incidental feature. Moreover, the Succession Narrative hypothesis is bound up with assumptions regarding the composition of the Deuteronomistic History and an exilic date for Samuel in its present form. A more plausible origin for this account is that it was composed shortly after the events described, possibly by a prophetic author, to set out how the advantages of kingship are negated by sin. The prosperity of the people depends on maintenance of their loyalty to the Lord. If they—and especially the king—deviate from that, the institution of kingship will be unable to arrest the nation’s decline.

Such a scenario is apparent throughout the closing years of David’s reign. It begins with David’s sin in his double crime of adultery and murder (chs. 10–12). Though his sin is forgiven, it unleashes grave repercussions for himself (12:15–23) and within his family circle (chs. 13–14). The fallout then spreads to the nation as a whole, first in terms of Absalom’s rebellion (chs. 15–19) and then in Sheba’s revolt (ch. 20). Although David acknowledges the requirements imposed by covenant kingship, he is far from perfect. Yet, despite David’s flaws, the Lord continues to support his rule, though he does not exempt David from temporal punishment, which affects the king and his realm together.