Who Wrote This Book?  It cannot be determined, with the current evidence one cannot affirm without reservation who wrote the book.

Date of Writing:

It is possible that Samuel was compiled from the writings of the prophets Samuel, Gad, and Nathan whose works were preserved within the nation (1 Chron. 29:29; cf. 1 Sam 10:25; see also the “book of Jasher” 2 Sam 1:18)

It is also possible that Samuel wrote chapters 1--25 and then Gad and/or Nathan completed the remainder of the book

Why It Was Written.  The theme of Second Samuel is the great reign of King David (2 Samuel 5:10,12). The entire book is about his rule. There is more written in the Scriptures about David than about any other Bible character except Jesus Christ.

David was great because he had such deep faith in God (2 Samuel 22:1- 4,32-37,47-51). Thus, he was truly God's choice as king (1 Samuel 13:14; 16:7,11-13). David was also a prophet from the day he was anointed king (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 23:1-2) and was the greatest of the psalmists (inspired poets) of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1) as well as its greatest warrior (1 Samuel18:6-7; 2 Samuel 22:1). He ruled justly (2 Samuel 8:15) in the fear of God (2 Samuel 23:3-4). His life and rule became the standard by which later kings were measured (cf. 1 Kings 9:1-4;).

He captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it his royal city and residence (5:6–13). Shortly afterward he brought the ark of the Lord from the house of Abinadab to Jerusalem, publicly acknowledging the Lord’s kingship and rule over himself and the nation (ch. 6; Ps 132:3–5).

David was also guilty of great sins (2 Samuel 11,24), but he was forgiven (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 32:1-5; 2 Samuel 24:25) because he repented (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51:1-4; 2 Samuel 24:10).

Thus, the 11:4-6,38; 15:3-5,11; 2 Kings 14:3; 16:2; 18:3; 2 Chronicles 28:1; 29:2; 34:2 pinnacle of Israel's greatness was reached as the result of the reign of King David and through the help of the Lord (2 Samuel 5:12).

The book ends with David’s own words of praise to God, who had delivered him from all his enemies (22:31–51), and with words of expectation for the fulfillment of God’s promise that a king will come from the house of David and rule “over men in righteousness” (23:3–5).

Key Verses:

2 Samuel 22:2, 3

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.

2 Samuel 22:29

You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.

2 Samuel 22:48, 49, 50

He is the God who avenges me, who puts the nations under me, who sets me free from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. Therefore I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing praise to your name.