Absalom didn’t charge in with swords and soldiers. He captured the kingdom with smiles, charm, and subtle deceit.

Authorship and Structure: Jewish tradition attributes the book to Samuel himself, with contributions from prophets Nathan and Gad. Modern scholars suggest multiple sources and editors compiled the final version. 1 Samuel covers the birth of Samuel through the death of Saul. 2 Samuel follows David’s reign in full—his victories, his moral failings, and his legacy. Together, they form a continuous narrative that emphasizes covenant, character, and divine sovereignty.