Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

A FRIEND FOREVER Originally, the four books of Samuel and Kings were called the Books of Kings. Later, the books of Samuel were separated into a single book. Then, a further separation occurred to help in handling the large scrolls. The prophets Samuel, Nathan, and Gad probably all contributed to the writing of 1 and 2 Samuel. Ancient Jews said Jeremiah wrote the book. While 2 Samuel is basically a book about David, there is a strong strain of Messianic prophecy running through it. This is the first Bible book that makes such a giant leap forward in revealing Christ as a fulfillment of Abraham's covenant. In 2 Samuel, David is anointed king. He is a familiar Bible personality and, for all his weaknesses, he was a great man of God. His dedication to God was so complete that he inspired men like Ittai to give themselves in total abandonment to the cause of God's Kingdom. We, too, can influence people to great acts of devotion and service. David's secret was that he was a man after God's own heart. From this dedication, he inspired others. Ittai became a forever friend who refused to desert David in the hour of his deepest need. We must remember that, before we can inspire others, we must be inspired ourselves. David was consumed with a passion for God and others caught that concern. May we know the heat of unswerving devotion to Christ in our prayer period today.