THE ARGUMENT
BESIDES a great part of the first book, and beginning of the third, this second book is wholly of King David. Whose many laudable Acts, as also his faults (which were fewer) with his true repentance, and punishment, are related, not in such method, as may easily be divided into distinct parts, in order of the chapters; but according to the distinction of things contained, his succession to the royal crown, first in Juda, and after in all Israel, with the declination and death of his competitor Isboseth, are recorded in the 2. 3. 4. and 5. chapters. His virtues, and praises, to wit, his solemn mourning for Saul and that family, his devotion, fortitude, piety, and gratitude are specially touched in the 1. 6. 7. 8. 9. and 10. chapters. His sins of adultery with Bethsabee, of killing her husband Urias, of pride in numbering his people, with his hearty repentance, and temporal punishment for the same, are written from the 11. chapter to the 21. together with the 24. The 22. and 23. chapters contain his thanks giving to God for benefits received, and prophecy of things to come, with a catalogue of valiant men.