Companion Bible studies for 2 Samuel sermon series
October 2016
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2 Samuel – The King Has Come – Bible Studies
Table of Contents
2 Samuel – The King Has Come – Bible Studies ...................................................................................... 2
Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Notes on using these studies for group leaders ................................................................................. 3
Resources ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Important people in 2 Samuel ............................................................................................................ 5
Important places in 2 Samuel ............................................................................................................. 7
Study 1 - 1 Samuel review: Quest for a King ..................................................................................... 10
Study 2 - Civil War - 2 Samuel 2-4 ..................................................................................................... 13
Study 3 - Return of the Lost Ark (Part 2) - 2 Sam 6 ........................................................................... 16
Study 4 – David the king - 2 Sam 8-10 .............................................................................................. 19
Study 5 - Sins of the father…. - 2 Sam 13-14 ..................................................................................... 21
Study 6 - David's time in exile (2 Sam 16-18) .................................................................................... 23
Study 7 - Sheba & Gibeah (2 Sam 20-21) .......................................................................................... 25
Study 8 - David's Song (2 Sam 22-23)................................................................................................ 27
Personal Reflection ........................................................................................................................... 29
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Overview
Our 2 Samuel series is the exciting continuation of our 1 Samuel series from 2014. In 1 Samuel, Israel
was dealing with an identity crisis – who were they as a people? What kind of people would they be?
Would God be their King or would they want a King like all the nations around them had?
As we followed the narrative of 1 Samuel we saw that God allowed Israel to have what they wanted
- a King like the other nations: tall Saul became the first King of Israel. However, Saul’s kingship was
characterised by a lack of trust in God and a failure to lead the people under God.
During 1 Samuel we also met David – a man with a heart for the Lord and the King God would
eventually have for his people. After David’s meteoric rise in the nation from shepherd boy to all
conquering warrior, Saul’s jealousy consumed him and he spent much of his time pursuing David.
However, in the end, King Saul died in battle and the nation was left wondering about their future.
The story continues in 2 Samuel. The narrative swings from the great highs of God’s eternal promises
to David in 2 Samuel 7 through to the lows of David’s sin in 2 Samuel 11 and 12; from the great and
successful leadership of David in 2 Samuel 8 to the political scheming and warring which dominates
much of the second half of 2 Samuel.
In 2 Samuel God’s King has come but he is only a shadow of the true King we need. 2 Samuel points
us forward to the great and eternal King Jesus whilst always reminding us of why we need him as we
see King David’s life and kingdom unravel as a result of human sin and conflict.
My prayer is that our time in 2 Samuel will be great fun as we follow the historical narrative, but
even more than that, that it will help to shape our eternal perspective as we live in this age: the age
of the gospel going out and awaiting the final coming of the eternal King.
Notes on using these studies for group leaders
2 Samuel fits the genre of historical narrative. In order to really understand each part of 2 Samuel we
need to read it in light of the whole. These studies are designed to lead your group through
reasonably large sections of narrative between the planned Sunday sermons.
As we read Old Testament narrative we are always trying to understand each passage in its own
historical and literary context (please sign up for Moore College’s PTC Introduction to the Bible
course if you don’t know what this means). We then wish to learn what the people of that time were
to understand from the events and finally as Christians we need to ask how this passage is fulfilled in
Jesus and what relevance it has for Jesus’ people.
In order to get the most out of these studies and not to reduce the exciting narrative to a set of
‘boring questions’ it will be necessary for leaders to prepare in advance. Be aware of where the
study is heading and if necessary tailor the study and questions for your group.
Each week there is an introductory question to get people engaging with some of the broad ideas in
the passage. Then the group is to read a section of the narrative and understand it in its own
context. After that, and where appropriate, the study questions ask what this meant at the time and
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what it means in light of Jesus. Each week you will repeat this pattern for a number of narrative
pieces.
At the end of the study there are a couple of questions and applications to draw things together.
Feel free to shape these things for your group and to use them to help your group pray.
During each study there are suggestions to maintain a list of key people and places in order to keep
the events ordered in your mind.
I pray this pattern helps us to be excited at what God is doing in history; challenged to flee from sin
and to hold on to hope in the eternal King Jesus.
Resources
A good Bible readers commentary for this series is “1 and 2 Samuel – hope for the
helpless” by Andrew Reid. You may have already purchased this book because it
was also recommended for our 1 Samuel series.
The online “Bible Project” provides video resources for overviews of various books
of the Bible. The 1 and 2 Samuel videos can be found at
https://jointhebibleproject.com/ and will start getting you acquainted with the
themes and story.
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Important people in 2 Samuel
It will be helpful to maintain a list of people to update and refer to during the series. Use the table
below. (People are listed roughly in their order of appearance in the events)
Person / People
David
The Amalekites
Saul
Jonathan
Ish-bosheth
Abner son of Ner
Joab
Asashel
Mephibosheth
Michal
Abinadab and his
son Eleazar
Uzzah
Absalom
Amnon
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Your description & key bible references
Son of Jesse anointed as God’s chosen king to replace Israel’s choice of King
Saul. Known for trusting God. Defeats Goliath (1 Sam 7), led Saul’s armies with
great success, married Michal Saul’s daughter, pursued by Saul but refuses to
kill him when he has the chance, goes into exile whilst Saul continues to rule
until Saul’s death. Central to God’s promises in 2 Sam 7 to eternally lead his
people.
Fro
m Amalek. An
Amalekite took message of Saul’s death to David (2 Sam 1).
Tamar
Ziba
(2 Sam
9:6-13)
Shimei
Ahithophel
Hushai the Archite
Sheba son of Bichri
Zadok the priest
Abiathar
Amasa
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(1 Chron 27:33; 2 Sam 15:31; 2 Sam 16:23)
Important places in 2 Samuel
The following map will help with the geographical descriptions in 2 Samuel.
Jabesh-gilead
(2 Sam 2)
Kiriath-jearim/Baalejudah (2 Sam 5)
Ziklag (2 Sam 1)
Amalek – home of the
Amelkites (2 Sam 1)
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Study 1 - 1 Samuel review: Quest for a
King
NOTE for Study 1: Some groups may find the Samuel video resources mentioned in the resources
section of this booklet to be a helpful introduction or alternative to this study. Also an overview
diagram for 1 & 2 Samuel can be found at the end of Study 1. This diagram is sourced from the video
resources above.
Introduction
If you were founding a new nation what system of Government would you want and why?
Wherever there are groups of people there are organising principles. Australians live in a
Democracy. Ancient Israelites are often described as having had a Theocracy (a form or government
where a deity is recognised as the king or ruler and his statutes form the laws of the nation). In the
study today we will remind ourselves of the place of a King amongst God’s people.
Investigation – A king in Israel?
Read the following passages and summarise what each contributes to our understanding of kingship
in Israel:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Genesis 14:17-24: ________________________________________________________
Exodus 1: _______________________________________________________________
Exodus 3: _______________________________________________________________
Deuteronomy 7:12-8:10: __________________________________________________
Deuteronomy 17:14-20: ____________________________________________________
Deuteronomy 28:15-37: ___________________________________________________
Who was Israel’s King?
What kind of life would a faithful & loyal subject of the King live?
The demand for a King
Read 1 Samuel 8.
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Who was Samuel? Why couldn’t his sons simply take up his mantle?
We read before that provisions were in place for a King in Israel. What was sinful about the demand
Israel made for a King? (see Lev 19:1-2)
According to Samuel, what were the rights of the kind of King Israel wanted?
How did Saul fit the bill to be King in Israel?
The failure of Saul & the need for a God anointed King
Read 1 Samuel 15-16:13.
Why was Saul rejected as King?
Why was David anointed as King?
The rest of 1 Samuel is dominated by Saul’s increasingly manic leadership of Israel and his desire to
destroy the anointed David before he could take his throne. At the end of 1 Samuel Saul and his sons
are killed in battle. Saul was a King like the kings of the nations around Israel but his leadership
ended with his demise. Meanwhile, David who continues to trust God in his difficult circumstances,
seems to find success wherever he turns.
Preparation for 2 Samuel
What hope is there for Democracy given the lessons about human nature 1 Samuel?
What do we learn about God from 1 Samuel? (And the back story leading up to 1 Samuel?)
In the end, Christians will live in an eternal Theocracy. What things are you thankful to God for about
the Kingship of Jesus in light of 1 Samuel?
Prepare for this Sunday by reading 2 Sam 1 - 2:4
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Study 2 - Civil War - 2 Samuel 2-4
Introduction
Laura Sheahen of Care USA interviewed Richard Dawkins and asked:
“So if people lived according to rationalism, you envision, for example, no more war?”
Richard Dawkins admitted that may be a little optimistic but at the least “there would be a much
better chance of no more war”.
Is religion the cause of most war?
The story so far
Pick a volunteer to re-tell the story so far with a particular focus on summarising the passage
covered in the sermon last Sunday.
Read 2 Samuel 2:1-7
-
What is significant about Hebron? (See map; Gen 13:18; 23:2,19, 35:27; Judg 1:20)
-
It’s a long time since God anointed David as King but now the people are catching up. What
part of Israel anoints David as King?
-
Note the location of Jabesh-gilead. What is David’s political goal in sending his letter to
them? What is David’s hope for his Kingship?
Read 2 Samuel 2:8-32
-
Israel is not yet in civil war but the conditions are ripe. What are the two factions and who
are their leaders? (Update your table of people in 2 Samuel on page 3).
-
Gibeon is a fairly central location for the meeting of two army commanders. What are they
trying to achieve? Compare v14-16 and v26.
-
Where do the two parties end up at the end of chapter 2 and where has this conflict left the
nation? (see the map on page 7).
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Read Chapter 3
-
Civil war! Which way is the tide turning?
-
What causes Abner to change allegiances? What authority does Abner acknowledge?
-
Michal becomes a pawn in the peace negotiations between David and Abner. Why is she
important? (background in 1 Sam 18:18-29 and 1 Sam 25:44)
-
After Abner change his allegiances to his King we now find Joab doing the same thing. What
motivates him?
-
What do we learn about David in light of these terrible events?
Read Chapter 4
-
What do we learn about Ish-bosheth after the events of chapter 3?
-
Why is David displeased about receiving the head of his enemy? Compare this response with
David’s actions in chapter 1 - what does it say about David at this time?
-
What hope is there for Saul’s family now?
Drawing it together
-
What were the underlying reasons for the Civil War in Israel?
-
Given the events of these chapters what attitude might we have towards human politics?
-
What does the behaviour of David teach us about living in these evil days?
-
What things do Christians have to thank God for in light of his work to establish Christ as the
eternal King?
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-
(Take the time to update your table of people in 2 Samuel on page 3).
Prepare for this Sunday by reading 2 Sam 5
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Study 3 - Return of the Lost Ark (Part 2) - 2 Sam 6
Opening question
It is a great privilege to be saved through faith in Jesus. However, as the saying goes: ‘familiarity
breeds contempt’. In what ways does our ‘familiarity’ with God and his plans for us lead to us to take
Him for granted?
The story so far
Pick a volunteer to re-tell the story so far with a particular focus on summarising the passage
covered in the sermon last Sunday.
Background
In our 1 Samuel series (chapters 3-6) we saw how the Israelites had used the Ark of God as a
weapon of war trusting in the power of the Ark rather than their God. They took it out to battle
against the Philistines and lost it for 7 months to the Philistines. Wherever the Ark was taken
amongst the Philistines there were troubles for those people (in Ebenezer, Ashdod, Gath and
Ekron). In the end the Philistines wanted to return the Ark to the Israelites. They placed the Ark on
a cart pulled by two cows that walked the cart back to Israelite territory. For 20 years the ark
remained on the outskirts of Israelite territory at Kiriath-jearim (see map) in the house of
Abinadab and under the care of his son Eleazar (update your table of people).
In today’s passage we pick up the story of the ark as David attempts to bring the ark to the new
capital in Jerusalem, the city of David.
Before we begin 2 Samuel 6
-
Given the way the ark was originally lost by Israel, what attitudes might we expect God’s
people to take as they seek to bring the ark back to Jerusalem?
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Read 2 Samuel 6
Focusing upon 2 Samuel 6:1-5:
-
Who is bringing the ark home? What were their attitudes?
-
Compare this to the way the ark was lost in 1 Samuel 4:3-5 & 1 Samuel 4:16-22
-
What can we Christians learn from the celebration of Israel that day in our time?
-
Sadly, there are hints even in the celebration that not all is well. What method did they use
to transport the ark? What transportation method were they supposed to use (see Ex 25:1215; Num 4:4-5,15; Josh 3:3-4)?
Focusing upon 2 Samuel 6:6-15:
-
Why is the Lord angry? Why is David angry? Who is in the right and why?
-
What do you make of David’s decisions in v10 and then v12.
-
In what way is our relationship with God different to David’s? (Perhaps reflect on a few NT
passages like 1 Peter 2:9-10, 2 Cor 6:18; Hebrews 10:19-24)
-
What can we learn about our own attitudes to God from this incident? (You could reflect
upon passages like 2 Cor 7:1; 1 Cor 10:11-12; Hebrews 10:26-36).
-
[ Update your table of people to include Uzzah ]
Focusing upon 6:16-23
-
Remind yourself about who Michal is from 1 Sam 18:20-30. Update your table of people.
-
At this time of national celebration Michal remains bitter. What does the passage suggest
Michal’s issue was?
-
Saul’s daughter clearly has deeper issues. Given her life experiences; her attitude to the
Lord’s anointed and the conclusion of verse 23, what is really going on here?
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-
How do we avoid falling into the bitterness that Michal developed when it feels that God
hasn’t done right by us?
Wrapping up
The celebration of David and Israel as the Ark of God came into Jerusalem was a wonderful time. In
the very next chapter God will confirm his covenantal promises to David and Israel seems to be
entering the fulfilment of the days that Abraham had been promised: God’s people in God’s place
under God’s rule. However, as we shall see, it won’t be long until we see human sin rear its ugly
head once again.
This incident points us forward to another time of celebration as Jerusalem rejoiced at the coming of
King Jesus (John 12:12-17). Yet within days Jesus was crucified.
-
What sober lessons are there for all of us to learn from this incident?
-
What things do we have to thank God for as we reflect upon this incident as Christians?
-
Pray together.
This Sunday: New Covenant - 2 Sam 7
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Study 4 – David the king - 2 Sam 8-10
Opening question
After the theological highs of 2 Samuel 7 in this study we surprisingly and immediately return to
worldy and political concerns.
Before we start: How does being a Christian change the way you engage with our society and our
world versus if you were not a Christian?
The story so far
Pick a volunteer to re-tell the story so far with a particular focus on summarising the passage
covered in the sermon last Sunday.
Read 2 Samuel 8
After the spiritual promises of 2 Samuel 7 David is now militarily successful at every turn.
-
Why is David now so successful? (ie. V6, v14)
-
Compare David’s success with Saul in 1 Samuel 14:24, 36-46. Why was Saul unsuccessful?
-
The actions of David as a warrior King can leave some people feeling uneasy. In what ways is
King David actually an agent of God’s justice? ( See Lev 18:24-30; Deut 20:16-18 or Exekiel 25
for a later summary of why God acted against some of these nations. Ezekiel is written later
yet God’s justice is shown to span broader horizons then our human minds can
comprehend).
-
Chapters 8 represents a high point for King David in light of the promises of God. Within a
few chapters David won’t look quite the man we see him as now. Compare the summary of
King David in 2 Samuel 8:14-15 with that of King Saul in 1 Sam 14:47-52. What is the
fundamental difference between the two kings?
Read 2 Samuel 9
-
Recalling the attitude of Michal; and the efforts of Saul to kill David; what does this chapter
tell us about David?
- Who does David attribute this show of grace to? (v3)
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Read 2 Samuel 10
-
What grace is David showing this time? How does that work out for him?
-
David’s grace turns to anger, what is the upshot for the Ammonites?
-
As the narrative progresses in this section do you notice any changes in David’s trust in God
now that his leadership is secure? (eg. 9:7,9; 10:2)
Wrapping it up
-
After chapter 7 these chapters are showing us a David who may not be the end recipient of
the promises of chapter 7. Elements of God’s justice and grace were shown here by his
chosen King David but by next chapter we will realise David is not the saviour King they have
been looking for. David is merely a shadow of King Jesus. List some of the ways Jesus is
superior to the David we are meeting in 2 Samuel.
-
Recalling the opening question and the way our Christian faith shapes our engagement in
the world. What wisdom can we glean about engaging in human politics from the events of
chapters 8-10?
Pray about these things.
This Sunday: David's sin - 2 Sam 11-12
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Study 5 - Sins of the father…. - 2 Sam 13-14
Occasionally in the news we are warned before a news item that some viewers may find it
disturbing. The rape of Tamar in today’s passage certainly fits into this category.
Before we begin
-
Given the incredible promises of 2 Samuel 7 about David and his family, why was chapter 1112 such a let down?
-
If David is not the final recipient of God’s promises in 2 Samuel 7 then what expectations
might we have about his sons?
Background
After the sins of David, royal succession is on everyone’s mind. Read 2 Sam 3:2-5 and 1 Chronicles
3:1-4 to see where the sons of David fit in. Note that Abigail’s son Daniel won’t be mentioned again
in 2 Samuel and is most likely already deceased by now. If this is true then who are the first 2 sons in
line for the throne?
Read 13:1-20
-
List the sins of Amnon – first in line for the throne - in this section.
-
How is he his father’s son? What does his action in v15 say about Ammon?
-
What do you make of a cunning friend like Jonadab?
-
Think it through question: Rape is universally condemned in our society but people make
that moral conclusion for different reasons.
o Why do Christians condemn rape?
o Why do non-believers condemn rape?
o If believers and non-believers come to the same conclusion does it matter how we
each get there?
o Optional: You may wish to discuss how Christians can develop an ethical framework
for evaluating many different questions of morality.
-
In what ways is Tamar godly and righteous through this terrible ordeal?
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-
At first read Absalom’s response seems callous. What indication is there that he won’t let
this matter rest?
Read 13:21-38
-
Absalom gets his revenge. Summarise the events and the confusions surrounding the events.
o In what way is Absalom just as much his father’s son as Amnon was?
-
Is this justified killing? (Further reading: Deut 22:25-26; 28-29)
-
Is David acting as a godly King in verses 31, 37 and 39?
Read chapter 14
This narrative reminds us of the way the prophet Nathan drew King David in with a parable that
pointed out his sin. Joab employs similar wisdom by orchestrating this situation and enlisting the
assistance of a very clever woman to once again illustrate David’s sin.
-
Outline the details of Joab’s plan. What strikes you about the plan?
-
What do we learn about David and his kingship from this story?
-
What we learn about Absalom and his suitability to be a future King from this story?
(Update your table of people from 2 Samuel)
Bringing it together
-
With the promises of 2 Samuel 7 in mind and the terrible events of today’s chapters in mind:
what major obstacle stands in the way of God fulfilling his promises?
-
Why is Jesus the answer to this problem? Read Luke 1:30-33.
This Sunday: The Kingdom lost? - 2 Sam 15
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Study 6 - David's time in exile (2 Sam 16-18)
Last Sunday we saw Absalom’s revolt against David coming to fruition. Absalom took over the city of
David even as David was making a hasty exit to avoid a potentially bloody confrontation with his son.
You may have noticed that after the great theological high points at the start of 2 Samuel the plot
line is becoming increasingly political. The simplicity of David’s trust in the Lord has been marred by
sin which manifests in many human sub-plots. The narrative could be part of a political TV series.
Discussion starter
There are always plenty of people willing to give advice. What factors help you decide which counsel
to heed and which to ignore?
Read all of chapter 16 & 17
The political tensions in Israel are providing an opportunity for many to air their grievances. For each
of the following minor players in the plot: (1) who are they? (2) what is the agenda? (3) How does
King David respond to them? (4) what resolution is there for them (if any – some have to wait until
chapter 19)
Who
Who are they?
What is the
agenda?
Mephibosheth (2
Sam 4:4; 2 Sam
9:6-13)
Ziba(2 Sam 9:613)
Shimei
Ahithophel (1
Chron 27:33; 2
Sam 15:31; 2 Sam
16:23)
Hushai the
Archite
Update your table of people with this new information.
Read Psalm 3 (A psalm of David when he fled from Absalom)
-
How does David feel about his son rising against him?
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How does David
respond to them?
What resolution if
any?
-
How does David relate to God in regard to these difficulties?
Read chapter 18
-
We will draw upon chapter 18 as we see the end of this story arc in 2 Samuel in the coming
sermon on chapter 19 and David’s kingdom being restored. For now: come up with a one
word summary for the following 3 key characters in this story arc.
David = ___________________
Absalom = __________________
Joab = ____________________
-
One word you could describe Joab with is ‘shrewd’ and ‘pragmatist’ is another. Why might
pragmatic and shrewd Joab discourage Ahimaaz in v22? (Think about previous messengers
announcing defeats of David’s enemies)
Reflection
David was God’s chosen King in the Old Testament but his actual life was full of hardship. Some of
that came because of David’s own sin and weakness and some came because of the sin of others.
-
Should Christians be surprised when life is hard and we suffer?
-
What can we learn from the reflections of Paul upon his own difficult life as he charges
Timothy to do the very same work? Read 2 Timothy 4:1-8.
-
What kind of counsel should we seek in our difficult times?
This Sunday: @Carlton: Vision Sunday; @Bexley/Bexley North: The Kingdom restored - 2 Sam 18
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Study 7 - Sheba & Gibeah (2 Sam 20-21)
The restoration of the throne to David doesn’t end the political unrest. Today we see several more
times of unrest under David’s leadership. First, Sheba’s Revolt, which occurs in the aftermath of the
return of David to Jerusalem. Second, David’s morally ambiguous attempt to show grace to the
Gibeonites. Third, the return of the giants from Gath seeking to avenge Goliath in David’s later
years.
Discussion question
How would you answer a young Christian who is struggling with the reality that becoming a Christian
hasn’t made their life easier – does God love them?
The story so far
Pick a volunteer to re-tell the story so far with a particular focus on summarising the passage
covered in the sermon last Sunday.
Incident 1 – Sheba’s revolt
-
Read 2 Samuel 20
-
What is Sheba’s complaint? What makes him ‘wicked’ as described in verse 1.
-
David has been increasingly passive in the narrative of 2 Samuel however Joab is anything
but. Remind yourself of who Amasa is from 17:25 and 19:13. From verses 9-10 and from
Joab’s action in 3:24-30 - what kind of man is Joab? How do you assess David’s leadership
with regards to Joab?
-
How do you assess the woman of v16?
Incident 2 – Justice for the Gibeonites
-
Read 21:1-14
-
There is famine in the land. What is the cause of it?
-
What did Saul do to the Gibeonites? Read Joshua 9:3-21 to see why this was wrong.
-
Why did the Gibeonites not seek their own justice? How does this compare to Saul’s
actions?
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-
How was atonement made for Saul’s wrongdoing?
-
What do we learn about God from this incident?
-
What do we learn about David?
Incident 3 – revenge of Goliath’s family
-
Read 21:15-22
-
What noticeable differences are there in this incident versus the way David originally battled
Goliath?
Wrap up
-
From what we are seeing, how would you summarise David’s faith in his later life?
-
David’s youthful zeal for the Lord is clearly weakening and he particularly seems to have a
blind spot when it comes to his own children. How can Christians avoid losing their zeal for
the Lord as time goes on?
This Sunday: @ Bexley North/Bexley – Vision Sunday; @Carlton: The Kingdom restored - 2 Sam 18
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Study 8 - David's Song (2 Sam 22-23)
The final study in our 2 Samuel series comes with sadness but also joy. The great King David is
coming to the end of his life and in these two chapters reflect an optimistic view of his life. The
writer of Hebrews included David amongst a list of great ones “who by faith conquered kingdoms,
administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the raging of fire,
escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength after being weak, became mighty in battle, and put
foreign armies to flight” (11:33-34).
However, having worked through 2 Samuel it would not be realistic to only seem him in an
optimistic light. The final chapter of 2 Samuel reminds us again that David was a sinner who needed
saving - just like the rest of us. Psalm 110 makes it clear: even David has a greater Lord that he
serves.
In our final study in the series today we will take the opportunity to praise God with David for what
he has done in David. Even more though we will take the opportunity at the end of 2016 to praise
God for what he has done for all of us this year through David’s Lord and yet distant offspring - the
Lord Jesus.
The story so far
Pick a volunteer to re-tell the story so far with a particular focus on summarising the passage
covered in the sermon last Sunday.
Read chapter 22
-
List and reflect upon the ways David praises God in this chapter
-
Like David, reflect upon your year, what things do you have to praise God for?
-
Spend time praising God together.
Read chapter 23
-
What are the big theological truths that we are reminded of in this chapter?
How did David’s reign resemble 2 Sam 23:3 and how did it fail?
From what you have learnt in 2 Samuel (and with the backdrop of Judges-1 Samuel in mind)
what does it mean in 23:3 to rule with the fear of God?
-
Why is Jesus greater than David? (Read Rev 22:16)
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-
What are the big things you have learnt in this 2 Samuel series?
-
The chapter ends by listing the mighty warriors of David and their acts in his name. We serve
a greater Lord than David so spend some time praising God for the great theological truths
we have seen in Jesus and also for the opportunity in the coming month and year to be
‘Mighty Christian Warriors’ for the Lord Jesus.
-
Take the time in the next week to complete the personal reflection on the last page of this
booklet.
Pray
This Sunday: David’s sin and death (2 Sam 24)
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Personal Reflection
Write your own summary of 2 Samuel for future reference.
What big things did you learn? How were you encouraged to push on in Christ?
What questions have been raised that you are yet to answer?
Ensure you have updated your table of people in 2 Samuel for future reference.
Keep reading! If you have enjoyed following the royal story in Israel then follow it through to the
completion of the narrative by reading 1 and 2 Kings.
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