Overview
The book records the roughly forty-year reign of David, who after the death of Saul became king over Judah and then over all Israel. It covers the capture of Jerusalem, the transfer of the ark, and the Davidic covenant, together with the rebellions and turmoil that befell the royal house after the Bathsheba affair.
Theme YHWH's covenant with the house of David and the consequences of sin
Historical background
David's reign is generally dated to about 1010–970 BC. He captured the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and made it his capital, and he extended the kingdom by subduing neighboring peoples. The Davidic covenant of chapter 7 became an important foundation for later messianic expectation.