Historical context of 2 Samuel

Who wrote 2 Samuel, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Possibly Nathan or Gad

Date written

c. 970 BC

Original audience

Israel.

Genre

History

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

24

Background and setting

10th century BC, Israel's united monarchy.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world 2 Samuel was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of 2 Samuel or jump into chapter 1.