| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 1 Prologue of Samuel's Birth (1S1:1-8) 1S1:6 Her rival, to upset her, turned it into a constant reproach to her that the LORD had left her barren (1S1:6) | Two consorts | 41 Abner Defects to David (2S3:6-21c) 2S3:15 Ishbaal sent for her and took her away from her husband Paltiel, son of Laish (2S3:15) |
| 2 Samuel's Birth (1S1:9-28) 1S1:20 She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him. | Birth of son | 40 Birth of David's Son at Hebron (2S3:2-5) 2S3:2Sons were born to David in Hebron: |
| 3 Hannah's Prayer (1S2:1-10) 1S2:10 Now may he give strength to his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed (1S2:10) | Victory of Messiah | 39 The Battle of Gibeon (2S2:12-32_2S3:1) 2S2:17 After a very fierce battle that day, Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David's servants. (2S2:17) |
| 4 The Child Samuel at Shiloh (1S2:11-26) 1S2:20 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, as they were leaving for home. (1S2:20) | Blessed person | 38 David Anointed King of Judah (2S2:1-11) 2S2:5 So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them: "May you be blessed by the LORD for having done this kindness to your lord Saul in burying him.(2S2:5) |
| 5 Prophecy Against Eli's Household (1S2:27-36) 1S2:34 You shall have a sign in what will happen to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas: both shall die on the same day. (1S2:34) | Death of two people | 37 David Mourns for Saul and Jonathan (2S1:1-27) 2S1:4 many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan.(2S1:4) |
| 6 Samuel's Calling and Prophetic Activity (1S3:1-21_1S4:1a) 1S3:13 I announce to him that I am condemning his family once and for all, because of this crime: though he knew his sons were blaspheming God, he did not reprove them. (1S3:13) | judgement against a family | 36 The Death of Saul and His Sons (1S31:1-13) 1S31:6Thus Saul, his three sons, and his armor-bearer died together on that same day. |
| 7 The Ark of God Captured (1S4:1b-22) 1S4:1 and Samuel spoke to all Israel.(1S4:1) | Robbery | 35 David Avenges the Destruction of Ziklag (1S30:1-31) 1S30:3 David and his men arrived at the city to find it burned to the ground and their wives, sons and daughters taken captive. (1S30:3) |
| 8 The Pilistines and the Ark (1S5:1-12) 1S5:11 Then they, too, sent a summons to all the Philistine lords and pleaded: "Send away the ark of the God of Israel. Let it return to its own place, that it may not kill us and our kindred." A deadly panic had seized the whole city, since the hand of God had been very heavy upon it.(1S5:11) | The Philistines want to return | 34 The Philistines Reject David (1S29:1-11) 1S29:4 But the Philistine chiefs were angered at this and said to him: "Send that man back! Let him return to the place you picked out for him. He must not go down into battle with us, lest during the battle he become our enemy. For how else can he win back his master's favor, if not with the heads of these men of ours? (1S29:4) |
| 9 The Ark Returned to Israel (1S6:1-21_1S7:1) They then sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD; come down and get it." (1S6:21-1) | Taking from Philistines / giving to Philistines | 33 Saul Consults a Medium (1S28:1-25) Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel, and you as well, into the clutches of the Philistines. By tomorrow you and your sons will be with me, and the LORD will have delivered the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines." (1S28:19) |
| 10 Samuel at Judge (1S7:2-17) Samuel said to them: "If you wish with your whole heart to return to the LORD, put away your foreign gods and your Ashtaroth, devote yourselves to the LORD, and worship him alone. Then he will deliver you from the power of the Philistines." (1S7:3) | Thinking in mind | 32 David Serves King Achish of Gath (1S27:1-12) But David said to himself: "I shall perish some day at the hand of Saul. I have no choice but to escape to the land of the Philistines; then Saul will give up his continual search for me throughout the land of Israel, and I shall be out of his reach." (1S27:1) |
| 11 Israel Demands a King (1S8:1-22) who then said to him, "Grant their request and appoint a king to rule them." Samuel thereupon said to the men of Israel, "Each of you go to his own city." (1S8:22) | The LORD appoints a king | 31 David Spares Saul's Life a Second Time (1S26:1-25) As the LORD lives," David continued, "it must be the LORD himself who will strike him, whether the time comes for him to die, or he goes out and perishes in battle. (1S26:10) |
| 12 Saul Chosen to Be King (1S9:1-1S10:16) This will be the sign for you that the LORD has anointed you commander over his heritage: (1S10:1) | Becoming a commander over Israel | 30 Death of Samuel, David and the Wife of Nabal (1S25:1-44) And when the LORD carries out for my lord the promise of success he has made concerning you, and appoints you as commander over Israel, (1S25:30) |
| 13 Saul Proclaimed King (1S10:17-27) Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the man whom the LORD has chosen? There is none like him among all the people!" Then all the people shouted, "Long live the king!" (1S10:24) | Saul as a king | 29 David Spares Saul's Life (1S24:1-23) He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD'S anointed, as to lay a hand on him, for he is the Lord's anointed." (1S24:7) |
| 14 Saul Defeats the Ammonites (1S11:1-15) 1S11:1 Make a treaty with us, and we will be your subjects (1S11:1) | A treaty | 28 David at Ziph (1S23:15-28) 1S23:18 They made a joint agreement before the LORD in Horesh (1S23:18) |
| 15 Samuel's Farewell Address (1S12:1-25) 1S12:14 If you fear the LORD and worship him, if you are obedient to him and do not rebel against the LORD'S command, if both you and the king who rules you follow the LORD your God-- well and good (1S12:14) | Listening to the LORD | 27 David at Keilah (1S23:1-14) 1S23:2 So he consulted the LORD (1S23:2) |
| 16 Saul's Unlawfull Sacrifice (1S13:1-23) 1S13:22And so on the day of battle neither sword nor spear could be found in the possession of any of the soldiers with Saul or Jonathan. Only Saul and his son Jonathan had them. | There is no sword | 26 David and Ahimelech (1S21:1-1S22:23) 1S21:9David then asked Ahimelech: "Do you have a spear or a sword on hand? I brought along neither my sword nor my weapons, because the kings business was urgent." |
| 16 Saul's Unlawfull Sacrifice (1S13:1-23) 1S13:7and other Hebrews passed over the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. | Escaping to Gad | 26 David and Ahimelech (1S21:1-1S22:23) 1S21:11That same day David took to flight from Saul, going to Achish, king of Gath. |
| 17 Jonathan Surprises and Routs the Philistines (1S14:1-46) 1S14:13Jonathan clambered up with his armor-bearer behind him; as the Philistines turned to flee him, he cut them down, and his armor-bearer followed him and finished them off. 14:14 In this first exploit Jonathan and his armor-bearer slew about twenty men within half a furlong. | Jonathan's activity | 25 The Friendship of David and Jonathan (1S20:1-42) 1S20:12Jonathan said to David: "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, I will sound out my father about this time tomorrow. Whether he is well disposed toward David or not, I will send you the information. 20:13 Should it please my father to bring any injury upon you, may the LORD do thus and so to Jonathan if I do not apprise you of it and send you on your way in peace. May the LORD be with you even as he was with my father. |
| 18 Saul's Continuing Wars (1S14:47-52) 1S14:52An unremitting war was waged against the Philistines during Sauls lifetime. When Saul saw any strong or brave man, he took him into his service. | Hero in fight with Philistines | 24 David Escapes (1S19:1-24) 1S19:4"Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds. 19:5 When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it. |
| 18 Saul's Continuing Wars (1S14:47-52) 1S14:49The sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua; his two daughters were named, the elder, Merob, and the younger, Michal. | Michal | 24 David Escapes (1S19:1-24) 1S19:11David's wife Michal informed him, "Unless you save yourself tonight, tomorrow you will be killed." |
| 19 Saul Defeats the Amalekites (1S15:1-35) 1S15:28"The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. | Robbed kingship | 23 Saul Tries to Kill David (1S18:1-30) 1S18:8Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: "They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship." |
| 20 David Anointed as King (1S16:1-13) 1S16:12 He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance. The LORD said, "There-- anoint him, for this is he!" | David stands before king | 22 David and Goliath (1S17:1-58) 1S17:42 When he had sized David up, and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance, he held him in contempt. |
| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 41 Abner Defects to David (2S3:6-21c) 2S3:8Enraged at the words of Ishbaal, Abner said, | Rage | 81 David's Census of Israel and Judah (2S24:1-25) 2S24:1The LORD'S anger against Israel flared again, |
| 41 Abner Defects to David (2S3:6-21c) 2S3:14At the same time David sent messengers to Ishbaal, son of Saul, to say, "Give me my wife Michal, whom I espoused by paying a hundred Philistine foreskins." | Objects which David buys with some cost | 81 David's Census of Israel and Judah (2S24:1-25) 2S24:24The king, however, replied to Araunah, "No, I must pay you for it, for I cannot offer to the LORD my God holocausts that cost nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty silver shekels. 24:25 Then David built an altar there to the LORD, and offered holocausts and peace offerings. |
| 40 Birth of David's Son at Hebron (2S3:2-5) 2S3:35Then they went to console David with food while it was still day. But David swore, "May God do thus and so to me if I eat bread or anything else before sunset." | Not eating | 80 David's Mighty Men (2S23:8-39) 2S23:16So the Three warriors broke through the Philistine camp and drew water from the cistern that is by the gate of Bethlehem. But when they brought it to David he refused to drink it, and instead poured it out to the LORD, 23:17 saying: "The LORD forbid that I do this! Can I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?" So he refused to drink it. |
| 40 Birth of David's Son at Hebron (2S3:2-5) 2S3:30 (Joab and his brother Abishai had lain in wait for Abner because he killed their brother Asahel in battle at Gibeon.) | Asahel | 80 David's Mighty Men (2S23:8-39) 2S23:24Asahel, brother of Joab. . . . |
| 40 Birth of David's Son at Hebron (2S3:2-5) 2S3:30 (Joab and his brother Abishai had lain in wait for Abner because he killed their brother Asahel in battle at Gibeon.) | Abishai | 80 David's Mighty Men (2S23:8-39) 2S23:18Abishai, brother of Joab, son of Zeruiah, |
| 43 Ishbaal Assassinated (2S4:1-12) 2S4:11How much more now, when wicked men have slain an innocent man in bed at home, must I hold you responsible for his death and destroy you from the earth!" | Reward of sin | 79 The Last Words of David (2S23:1-7) 2S23:6But the wicked are all like thorns to be cast away; they cannot be taken up by hand. 23:7 He who wishes to touch them must arm himself with iron and the shaft of a spear, and they must be consumed by fire." |
| 44 David Anointed King of All Israel (2S5:1-5) 2S5:3and they anointed him king of Israel. | Anointed | 78 David's Song of Thanksgiving (2S22:1-51) 2S22:51You who gave great victories to your king and showed kindness to your anointed, to David and his posterity forever." |
| 45 Jerusalem Made Capital of the United Kingdom (2S5:6-12) 2S5:8"All who wish to attack the Jebusites must strike at them through the water shaft. The lame and the blind shall be the personal enemies of David." | Wish to kill David's son | 77 Exploits of David's Men (2S21:15-22) 2S21:16Dadu, one of the Rephaim, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels, was about to take him captive. Dadu was girt with a new sword and planned to kill David, |
| 46 Birth of David's Son at Jerusalem (2S5:13-16) 2S5:13David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem after he had come from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to him in Jerusalem. | Descendant of king | 76 David Avenges the Gibeonites (2S21:1-14) 2S21:7The king, however, spared Meribbaal, son of Jonathan, son of Saul, because of the LORDS oath that formed a bond between David and Sauls son Jonathan. 21:8 But the king took Armoni and Meribbaal, the two sons that Aiahs daughter Rizpah had borne to Saul, and the five sons of Sauls daughter Merob that she had borne to Adriel, son of Barzillai the Meholathite, 21:9 and surrendered them to the Gibeonites. |
| 47 Philistine Attack Repulsed (2S5:17-25) 2S5:17When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, | Vocation | 75 David's officers (2S20:23-26) 2S20:23Joab was in command of the whole army of Israel. Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was in command of the Cherethites and Pelethites. 20:24 Adoram was in charge of the forced labor. Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, was the chancellor. 20:25 Shawsha was the scribe. Zadok and Abiathar were priests. 20:26 Ira the Jairite was also David's priest. |
| 48 David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem (2S6:1-15) 2S6:7But the LORD was angry with Uzzah; God struck him on that spot, and he died there before God. | Death on the way | 74 The Rebellion of Sheba (2S20:1-22) 2S20:10And since Amasa was not on his guard against the sword in Joabs other hand, Joab stabbed him in the abdomen with it, so that his entrails burst forth to the ground, and he died without receiving a second thrust. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba, son of Bichri. |
| 48 David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem (2S6:1-15) 2S6:10So David would not have the ark of the LORD brought to him in the City of David, but diverted it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. | Stop of journey | 74 The Rebellion of Sheba (2S20:1-22) 2S20:12Amasa lay covered with blood in the middle of the highroad, and the man noticed that all the soldiers were stopping. So he removed Amasa from the road to the field and placed a garment over him, because all who came up to him were stopping. |
| 49 Michal Despises (2S6:16-23) 2S6:21But David replied to Michal: "I was dancing before the LORD. As the LORD lives, who preferred me to your father and his whole family when he appointed me commander of the LORD'S people, Israel, not only will I make merry before the LORD, 6:22 but I will demean myself even more. I will be lowly in your esteem, but in the esteem of the slave girls you spoke of I will be honored." | David as king of Israel | 73 Israel and Judah (2S19:41-44) 2S19:44The Israelites answered the Judahites: "We have ten shares in the king. Also, we are the first-born rather than you. Why do you slight us? Were we not first to speak of restoring the king?" |
| 50 God's Covenant With David (2S7:1-17) 2S7:1 When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, 7:2 he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" | David tries to repay kindness | 72 Barzillai (2S19:32-40) 2S19:33It was Barzillai, a very old man of eighty and very wealthy besides, who had provisioned the king during his stay in Mahanaim. 19:34 The king said to Barzillai, "Cross over with me, and I will provide for your old age as my guest in Jerusalem." |
| 51 David's Prayer (2S7:18-29) 2S7:26and the house of your servant David stands firm before you. | Succession of David's kingship | 71 Simei, Mephibosheth (2S19:16-31) When the king, on his return, reached the Jordan, Judah had come to Gilgal to meet him and to escort him across the Jordan. (2S19:16) |
| 52 David's Wars (2S8:1-14) 2S8:6The LORD brought David victory in all his undertakings. | Victory of David | 70 David Recalled to Jerusalem (2S19:9c-15) but throughout the tribes of Israel all the people were arguing among themselves, saying to one another: "The king delivered us from the clutches of our enemies, and it was he who rescued us from the grip of the Philistines. But now he has fled from the country before Absalom, (2S19:10) |
| 53 David's Officers (2S8:15-18) 2S8:17Zadok, son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech, son of Abiathar, were priests. | Zadok | 69 David Hears of Absalom's Death (2S18:19-2S19:9b) 2S18:19Then Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, said, "Let me run to take the good news to the king that the LORD has set him free from the grasp of his enemies." |
| 54 David's Kindness to Mephibosheth (2S9:1-13) 2S9:3"There is still Jonathan's son, whose feet are crippled." | Son cannot use his foot | 68 The Defeat and Death of Absalom (2S18:6-18) 2S18:9Absalom unexpectedly came up against David's servants. He was mounted on a mule, and, as the mule passed under the branches of a large terebinth, his hair caught fast in the tree. He hung between heaven and earth while the mule he had been riding ran off. |
| 55 The Ammonites and Arameans Are Defeated (2S10:1-19) 2S10:9When Joab saw the battle lines drawn up against him, both front and rear, he made a selection from all the picked troops of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. 10:10 He placed the rest of the soldiers under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. | Dividing troops | 67 Preparation for War (2S17:27-2S18:5) 2S18:2David then put a third part of the soldiers under Joabs command, a third under command of Abishai, son of Zeruiah and brother of Joab, and a third under command of Ittai the Gittite. |
| 56 David Commits Adultery With Bathsheba (2S11:1-27) 2S11:15In it he directed: "Place Uriah up front, where the fighting is fierce. Then pull back and leave him to be struck down dead." | Plot of David | 66 The Counsel of Ahithophel (2S16:15-2S17:26) 2S17:14Then Absalom and all the Israelites pronounced the counsel of Hushai the Archite better than that of Ahithophel. For the LORD had decided to undo Ahithophel's good counsel, in order thus to bring Absalom to ruin. |
| 57 Nathan Condemns David (2S12:1-14) 2S12:9and him you killed with the sword of the Ammonites. 12:10 Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, | Reward of murder | 65 David's Adversaries (2S16:1-14) 2S16:8The LORD has requited you for all the bloodshed in the family of Saul, in whose stead you became king, and the LORD has given over the kingdom to your son Absalom. And now you suffer ruin because you are a murderer." |
| 58 Solomon Is Born (2S12:15-25) Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba. He went and slept with her; and she conceived and bore him a son, who was named Solomon. The LORD loved him (2S12:24) | Son | 64 Hushai Becomes David's Spy (2S15:30-37) who have there with them both Zadok's son Ahimaaz and Abiathar's son Jonathan. Through them you shall send on to me whatever you hear. (2S15:36) |
| 59 The Ammonites Crushed (2S12:26-31) and also led away the inhabitants, whom he assigned to work with saws, iron picks, and iron axes, or put to work at the brickmold. This is what he did to all the Ammonite cities. David and all the soldiers then returned to Jerusalem. (2S12:31) | Foreigners follow to David | 63 David Flees From Jerusalem (2S15:13-29) while the whole army marched past him.As all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and the six hundred men of Gath who had accompanied him from that city, were passing in review before the king, (2S15:18) |
| 60 Amnon and Tamar (2S13:1-22) Absalom, moreover, said nothing at all to Amnon, although he hated him for having shamed his sister Tamar. (2S13:22) | Rage of Absalom | 62 Absalom Usurps the Throne (2S15:1-12) Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel to say, "When you hear the sound of the horn, declare Absalom king in Hebron. (2S15:10) |