Yahweh's anger burns against Israel, and David is moved to count the people, an act he later recognizes as sin. After a plague kills seventy thousand, David builds an altar on Araunah's threshing floor, and the plague is removed.

This chapter records David's last words, describing the righteous ruler and the everlasting covenant God made with him. It then lists the mighty men and their exploits, including the three who risked their lives for David and the thirty-seven who served him.

2 Samuel 22 records David's song of praise after Yahweh delivered him from all his enemies and from Saul. David celebrates God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer, recounting how God heard his cry, rescued him from death, and rewarded his righteousness.

2 Samuel 21 recounts a three-year famine caused by Saul's slaughter of the Gibeonites, David's execution of seven of Saul's sons to make atonement, and Rizpah's protective vigil. It ends with David's men defeating four Philistine giants, including a close call that leads to David no longer going to battle.

Second Samuel 20 recounts Sheba's rebellion against David, the murder of Amasa by Joab, and the siege of Abel, which ends when a wise woman convinces the city to throw Sheba's head to Joab. The chapter closes with a list of David's officials, showing the kingdom's administration.

2 Samuel 19 recounts David's grief over Absalom, Joab's sharp confrontation, and the king's return to Jerusalem. It also shows David's mercy to Shimei, his dealings with Mephibosheth and Barzillai, and the growing tension between Judah and Israel over who brought him back.

2 Samuel 18 recounts the battle between David's forces and Absalom's rebels, Absalom's death at Joab's hand, and David's profound grief upon hearing the news. It highlights the cost of rebellion and the anguish of a father's love.

Ahithophel proposes a swift strike against David, but Hushai's alternative plan is chosen because Yahweh had ordained to defeat Ahithophel's good counsel. Hushai warns David, who crosses the Jordan, while Ahithophel takes his own life and Absalom pursues.

2 Samuel 16 follows David as he flees Jerusalem. Ziba brings supplies and slanders Mephibosheth, Shimei curses David, and Absalom enters Jerusalem where Hushai pretends allegiance and Ahithophel advises Absalom to publicly take his father's concubines.

Absalom gradually wins the loyalty of Israel through flattery and promises of justice, then declares himself king in Hebron. David flees Jerusalem with his household, but sends the ark back and places his fate in Yahweh's hands.

2 Samuel 14 recounts how Joab orchestrates a parable through a wise woman from Tekoa to move David to recall Absalom from exile. David eventually permits Absalom's return but refuses to see him for two years, until Joab's intervention leads to a tense reconciliation.

2 Samuel 13 recounts Amnon's rape of his half-sister Tamar, Absalom's subsequent murder of Amnon, and the ensuing family fracture. It shows how unchecked desire and unresolved anger devastate David's household.

Nathan tells David a parable about a rich man who took a poor man's lamb, and David condemns the man, only to be told he is the man. David repents, the child from Bathsheba dies, and later Solomon is born, loved by Yahweh.

2 Samuel 11 recounts David's adultery with Bathsheba and his orchestration of Uriah's death to cover it. The chapter ends with God's displeasure, setting the stage for judgment.

David sends comforters to Hanun after his father's death, but Ammon's princes suspect spying and humiliate the envoys. Ammon hires Syrian armies, and after Joab and Abishai defeat them, David leads Israel to a decisive victory, forcing the Syrians to make peace.

David asks if any of Saul's family remains so he can show kindness for Jonathan's sake. He finds Mephibosheth, who is lame in both feet, restores Saul's land to him, and grants him a continual place at the king's table.

2 Samuel 8 recounts David's military campaigns against surrounding nations, his dedication of plunder to Yahweh, and his administration of justice. It shows Yahweh giving David victory wherever he went.

In 2 Samuel 7, David desires to build a temple for God, but God instead promises to establish David's dynasty forever. David responds with a prayer of awe and gratitude.