We have now reached, in a series of articles which has extended over a period of

many years, the beginning of the recorded history of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

Before we proceed further with our studies, it will be advisable to consider what principle

we must adopt in future in view of the almost overwhelming amount of subject-matter to

be dealt with and the feebleness of the instrument that must bear the burden. We hasten

to explain that we are not thinking of failing health on the part of the writer, who for

these many years has been so mercifully sustained, but rather of the magazine itself.

What can we hope to do with 20 pages, published monthly, in face of the sheer mass of

material that awaits us in these books of the Kingdom? In the Second Book of Samuel,

the two Books of Kings, and the two Books of Chronicles, we have more detail to

consider, compare and unravel, than our length of days will allow. Moreover, we have

other important studies in hand, the present series being only one of many. It is essential,

therefore, that we should come to some understanding before we embark upon the history

of the Kings of Israel, so that, while acknowledging the inspiration and profitableness of

all Scripture, we may also retain our sense of proportion.

With the exception of the opening chapter, the whole of II Samuel is devoted to the

life of David. After David we have Solomon; and then a succession of kings, good and

bad, who reign over the divided house of Israel and Judah, until the Babylonian captivity

under Nebuchadnezzar brings the dispensation of the Kingdom of Israel to an end, and

the times of the Gentiles begin.

We propose giving the Second Book of Samuel a fairly careful study so that the

salient points of David's career, particularly those which contribute to the understanding

of the purpose of the ages, may be seen, and then, using a key which we shall explain in

due course, to go through the remaining history of the kings briefly, so that time may be

allowed for the testimony of the Prophets and the Psalms to be given a hearing. We are

sure that none of our readers will accuse us of negligence or lack of reverence in our

attitude to the Word of God--we are but bowing to the necessities of the case, and

seeking to use our stewardship to the fullest advantage.

In our last article we left David lamenting the death of Saul and Jonathan (II Sam. 1:),

and we now take up the theme in the second chapter, where the story of David as King

properly begins. In its broadest outline the record of the Kings is as follows: