As they were originally one long book, 2 Samuel begins where 1 Samuel ends. News of the death of Saul and Jonathan reaches David from an Amalekite who likely thinks he will be rewarded by David. After David confirms the death of the LORD’s anointed by hearing the testimony of the Amalekite a second time, David rightly executes his office by putting the Amalekite to death for being unafraid to lift his hand against the LORD’s anointed. David leads the people of Judah in mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan. He does so in forgiveness for the man who had tried to kill him and in love for his best friend.

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 1:1-27.

"A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]