2 Samuel

Summary

Second Samuel holds together triumph and tragedy. The kingdom is established, the promises to David are set in place, and the hope of a lasting throne shines brightly. Yet the same book exposes the wreckage of sin, the cost of power, and the bitter consequences that ripple through a household and a nation. Harry A. Hoffner’s volume in the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series aims to help us preach and teach this book with honesty and theological steadiness. We need both, because 2 Samuel refuses simplistic moral lessons.

This commentary helps us see the book’s main line. David is the Lord’s chosen king, yet he is also a sinner in need of mercy. The covenant promises are firm, yet the discipline of the Lord is real. The narrative is not trying to entertain. It is teaching Israel, and us, what life under the Lord’s kingship looks like, and why the ultimate hope cannot rest on even the best of human kings. That prepares the way for Christ, not through shallow parallels, but through the deep tension of promise and failure.

Hoffner is particularly useful when working through the middle of the book, the Bathsheba narrative, Nathan’s confrontation, and the long shadow that follows. These chapters can easily be mishandled, either softened to protect David, or preached in a way that becomes voyeuristic and harsh. The commentary encourages us to keep the author’s purpose in view. The text is exposing sin, vindicating the Lord’s justice, and magnifying the Lord’s mercy, while also showing the seriousness of covenant privilege.

Strengths

First, the commentary supports careful narrative preaching. It helps us observe pacing, speeches, and turning points. That is essential in 2 Samuel, where the structure itself carries meaning. For example, the covenant promise of chapter 7 is not just a theological highlight. It is placed to shape how we read everything that follows. Hoffner helps us treat that chapter as a lens, promise does not erase discipline, and discipline does not cancel promise.

Second, the treatment is pastorally realistic. We are helped to see the damage of sin without descending into cynicism. We are also helped to see the possibility of repentance without turning repentance into a technique. The emphasis is not, be like David. The emphasis is, fear the Lord, repent when confronted, and recognise that even the most gifted servant is not the Saviour.

Third, there is value for theological synthesis. The themes of kingship, covenant, and temple preparation are handled in a way that can strengthen biblical theology. This helps pastors connect the book to the wider storyline without skipping the hard work of exegesis.

Limitations

As with the companion volume, the size and detail mean this is not a last minute resource. Pastors will need to use it selectively, especially in weeks where the narrative is straightforward. There may also be places where you want more direct help in moving from explanation to proclamation. The series aims to equip you for that work, rather than doing it for you.

How We Would Use It

We would use this commentary at three points. First, in planning the series, to identify natural preaching units and to clarify the role of chapter 7 in the overall argument. Second, in the heavy pastoral chapters, to ensure we are handling the text with fidelity and with suitable restraint. Third, in the later chapters, where conflict and consequence can feel repetitive, to keep the narrative purpose clear so sermons do not become mere retelling.

For leadership training, 2 Samuel is a gift, and this commentary can help leaders face the text honestly. It teaches us that public ministry does not immunise the heart, and that the Lord’s kindness is never permission to sin. It also steadies us with the reminder that the Lord keeps His promises, even when His servants fail.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a substantial, steady mid level guide for preaching 2 Samuel. It will especially help pastors who want to handle the book’s darkest chapters with integrity, and to keep covenant promise and moral seriousness together.