Bible STUDY

2017-2018 Bible STUDY 2

Women s Bible Study 2017-2018 I and II Samuel Week Date Passage 1 September 7 Introduction to I and II Samuel Memory verses for September and October: I Samuel 2:1 & 2 2 September 14 I Samuel 7:2-8:21 3 September 21 I Samuel 9-10:16 4 September 28 I Samuel 10:17-11 5 October 5 I Samuel 12 6 October 12 I Samuel 13-14:23 7 October 19 I Samuel 14:24-52 8 October 26 I Samuel 15 Memory verses for November and January: Psalm 23 9 November 2 I Samuel 16 10 November 9 I Samuel 17 11 November 16 I Samuel 18-20 November 23 HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 12 November 30 I Samuel 21-22 13 January 4 I Samuel 23-24 14 January 11 I Samuel 25 15 January 18 I Samuel 26-28 16 January 25 I Samuel 29-31 Memory verses for February: 17 February 1 II Samuel 1-2:7 18 February 8 II Samuel 2:8-5:5 February 15 Ash Wednesday Week 19 February 22 II Samuel 5:6-7:29 Memory verses for March and April: Psalm 51:10-12 20 March 1 II Samuel 9 21 March 8 II Samuel 10-12 22 March 15 II Samuel 13-14 23 March 22 II Samuel 15-16:22 March 29 Holy Week 24 April 5 II Samuel 16:23-19:8 Memory verses for April: II Samuel 22:17-20 25 April 12 II Samuel 19:9-chapter 21 26 April 19 II Samuel 22-23:7 27 April 26 II Samuel 23:8-chapter 24 (Brunch & Testimonies) 3

Week 2 Day 1: I Samuel 7:2-14 1. Where was the ark of the covenant? Where was it supposed to be? 2. Why were the people of Israel mourning? 3. What did Samuel call on Israel to do? 4. Make a list of the actions of the Israelites. Day 2: I Samuel 7:2-14 5. What does Samuel do? List his actions. 6. What does the Lord do? List his actions. 7. How is this battle against the Philistines different from the one 20 years earlier? 8. Are there any implications here for your life and the battles you face? What are they? 4

Day 3: I Samuel 7:15-8:9 9. What role does Samuel have in Israel? Whom did he appoint to follow him? 10. What reasons did the Israelites give for wanting a king? 11. Why does the Lord give them a king? Day 4: I Samuel 8:10-21 12. What warning did Samuel give concerning a king? 13. How did the people respond? 14. How was the demand for a king a rejection of the Lord? Day 5 Here is yet another reversal from repentance to rejections, from seeking the Lord to rescue them from the Philistines to demanding a king to go out before us and fight our battles. Spend some time examining your heart for how you have rejected Him and turn back in repentance. 5

Notes: 6

Week 3 Day 1: I Samuel 9-10:16 1. As you read through the passage note the characters in this story (there are many!) and what they are doing. 2. Apart from Samuel s prophecy and anointing of Saul, is anyone doing anything extraordinary or unusual? Do you see the ordinary in your life as a part of God s extraordinary plan? Day 2: I Samuel 9:1-27 3. How is Saul described? What is your impression of him from the passage? 4. Samuel was Israel s judge (see I Samuel 7:15-17) and a prophet known by all of Israel (see I Samuel 3:20). Did Saul know who Samuel was? 5. Did Samuel know Saul? What did Samuel know about Saul and when did he know it? 6. What is meant by the desire of Israel turned to you (verse 20)? 7

Day 3: I Samuel 9:21-10:8 7. What is Saul s response to Samuel (verse 21)? 8. What qualifications did Saul have to be king? 9. Samuel gives a detailed account of what will happen to Saul when he leaves him. Why do you think he gives such detail? 10. What will happen to Saul when the Spirit comes upon him? Day 4: I Samuel 10:1-16 11. What does God do in this passage? 12. How do the people who knew Saul respond when they see him now? Read Mark 6:1-3. Do you see similarities? 13. When Saul s uncle asked him where he had been, how does Saul respond? Why did he not tell him all that had happened? Day 5 Read John 1:44-46, Luke 2:42-49, Luke 4:22, Mark 1:10-11, and Isaiah 53:2 14. In the Old Testament the Lord has given us accounts of men and women who point us to Jesus. How is Saul like Jesus? How is Saul not like Jesus? 15. Spend some time meditating on the uniqueness of Jesus, thanking the Lord for this King he has given us. 8

Notes: 9

Week 4 Day 1: I Samuel 10:17-26 1. In verses 17-19 we might see an example of God s perfect will set against God s permissive will. What does this say about God s feelings towards his people? About theirs towards him? 2. In our previous study we saw how God chose Saul to be king and how he changed Saul s heart. (10:9) Why then do you think Saul was hiding himself among the baggage when the time came for him to be revealed to the people? (v. 22) 3. What do verses 26 and 27 tell you about the difficulties of Christian leadership? Day 2: I Samuel 11:1-3 4. The Philistines threatened Israel from the West, giving the Ammonites an opportunity to attack Israel from the East. Who were the Ammonites? (see Genesis 19:38) 5. Why did Nahash the Ammonite threaten to gouge out the right eye of the Israelite men? What effect would this have in battle? (Think of ancient military weapons.) 6. The messengers of Jabesh ran first to Gibeah. Why did they do that? (See 10:5) 10

Day 3: I Samuel 11:4-7 7. Contrast the citizens of Gibeah s reaction to this military threat with Saul s reaction. What was the difference? 8. What is the significance of Saul cutting up oxen and sending the pieces throughout Israel? (Think: actions speak louder than words. ) What was Saul trying to accomplish by such a drastic action? 9. What was the result of this action? Day 4: I Samuel 11:8-11 10. The men of Jabesh received the news of future deliverance with great faith. Faith was not always Israel s pattern in times of great distress. What pattern do you instinctively fall into when in trouble fear or faith? 11. The men of Jabesh basically lied to the Ammonites. (v. 10) What do you think about that? 12. What is the significance of Saul s attacking during the last watch of the night? (about 2-6 AM) Day 5: I Samuel 11:12-15 13. Note Saul s humility in verse 13. Whom does he give credit to for this great victory? How does he waive his rights as a victorious King in this instance? 14. Recall some incidents of God s deliverance in your life. Write a brief prayer of praise and thanksgiving to him. 11

Notes: 12

Week 5 Day 1: I Samuel 12:1-5 1. In these verses, Samuel recalls his history with the people of Israel. What does he particularly emphasize regarding his own record? 2. How do the people respond? 3. What are the qualities you expect from your church leaders? Day 2: I Samuel 12:6-11 4. Why does Samuel feel it is so important to confront the Israelites with the evidence of God s faithfulness? 5. Contrast God s actions with the Israelites actions. (read Psalm 78) 6. After reading Psalm 78, what is the key phrase in verse nine of chapter 12 that most describes the Israelites? Day 3: I Samuel 12:12-15 7. Verse 12 represents a pivotal turn in this chapter. Write this verse in your own words. 8. In verses 13 and 14 Samuel basically tells the people that they got what they wanted. But what is his warning? How does this tie in with his recounting of other incidents in Israel s history? 9. Who is Israel s true king? Their actions frequently showed that they forgot this truth. What about you? 13

Day 4 I Samuel 12:16-22 10. Israel seems to need repeated supernatural signs to instill faith and repentance in them. What did God do this time, and what was their reaction? 11. What are Samuel s words of grace to these people? 12. Meditate on verse 22. Do you tend to forget that the Lord was pleased to make you his own? Ask him for forgiveness and thank him for his faithfulness in spite of our sin. Day 5: I Samuel 12:23-25 13. What two things does Samuel assure the people that he will continue to do for them? 14. Verse 24 seems to summarize Christian living. Write it in your own words as your prayer to the Lord. 15. Pray for those in Christian leadership that they would have hearts and selfless lives like Samuel. 14

Notes: 15

Week 6 Day 1: I Samuel 13:1-8 1. Forty-two years is a long time to reign over Israel. How old was Saul when he began his reign and how old was he when he died in battle? 2. This passage contains the first mention of Saul s oldest son, Jonathan. As you read the entire lesson for the week (I Samuel 13-14:23) list some of Jonathan s characteristics. 3. In chapter 11, the Lord had given Saul s army victory over the Ammonites. Why were they now quaking with fear? (v. 7) Day 2: I Samuel 13:9-22 4. As Saul waited for Samuel, what was the sin he committed? Why did he take this action? 5. What is the deeper significance of Saul s hasty action? (v. 13) What was Samuel s response? Does this seem harsh to you? 6. What kind of man was the Lord going to appoint to succeed Saul? (v. 14) 7. Why was Israel without swords or spears? 16

Day 3: I Samuel 13:23-14:14 8. Why didn t Jonathan tell his father his daring plans? 9. What key words reveal Jonathan s heart? (v. 6) 10. Jonathan s plan was risky to say the least. Who or what was he depending on for success? (v. 10) Day 4: I Samuel 14:15-23 11. What was the result of Jonathan s bravery? Who sent the panic that caused the Philistines to scatter? 12. What is the deeper significance of Saul s actions in verses 18 and 19? Think carefully, for this reveals much about Saul s character. 13. Who really rescued Israel in its battle with the Philistines? Day 5 Reflect on this entire passage. 14. Saul and Jonathan are father and son, yet how are they different? 15. What do you see in each man s heart and consequent actions? 16. What do these men show you about your motives and actions? 17

Notes: 18

Week 7 Day 1: I Samuel 14:24-30 1. Why were Saul s men in distress? What do the words before I have avenged myself tell you about Saul and his heart? 2. What happened after Jonathan ate some honey? 3. Jonathan s words about his father (v. 29) could be interpreted as treason. Yet what was his observation about the battle s outcome? (v. 30) Day 2: I Samuel 14:31-36 4. Because of Saul s decree, what condition were his men in? 5. What action does Saul take to compensate for his men s sin? 6. What does verse 36 further tell you about Saul? Who suggested that God s wisdom be sought? Day 3: I Samuel 14:37-45 7. Saul once again makes a rash oath. What was it this time? 8. Who were responsible for rescuing Jonathan from Saul s rash oath? 9. Why did they do such a courageous and unanimous thing? 19

Day 4: I Samuel 14:46-52 10. What words in this passage describe Saul as a king and a warrior? 11. What do we know about Saul s daughter Michal? (18:20) 12. What phrase in v. 52 describes Saul s reign as king over Israel? D ay 5 Israel was a frail country with a small army and often rash, impetuous leadership. It is important to remember why it was successful in spite of its weakness. Offer a prayer today for our country, for our leaders, and for our people. Pray for true repentance from the Lord to sweep over our land. 20

Notes: 21

Week 8 Day 1: I Samuel 15:1-9 1. Samuel gave Saul very specific instructions. Briefly, what were they? 2. Who were these instructions really from and how did Saul carry them out? 3. Saul s actions in verse 9 were contemptible before the Lord. Can you think why? (Remember that the spoils of war were to be presented to the Lord as a sacrifice.) Day 2: I Samuel 15:10-16 4. Why was the Lord so grieved by Saul s actions? (Remember: Israel was a theocracy, not a democracy.) 5. Samuel was troubled by Saul s actions and the Lord s response. But the deeper meaning in Hebrew is that he was angered at Saul. What do you imagine his all-night prayers to God were? 6. Verses 12-16 are an amazing account of Saul s excuse-making and Samuel s godly confrontation. Note that both invoke the name of God. Have you ever used pious phrases to justify your sinful actions? Have you ever been the one to initiate godly confrontation as Samuel did? 22

Day 3: I Samuel 15:17-23 7. Samuel reminds Saul that he was once small in your own eyes. How does that contrast with his actions in verse 12? 8. How does Saul attempt to justify his actions? Have you ever done something like this? Remember that the real sin is against the Lord (Psalm 51:4). 9. Samuel s words to Saul in verses 22 and 23 are sobering to us and carry a warning. Note that the opposite of obedience is rebellion and arrogance that results in a rejection of the word of the Lord. The consequences are severe: He has rejected you as king. Ask the Lord to search your heart for hidden rebellion and arrogance. Day 4: I Samuel 15:24-30 10. In this sad passage, Saul still seems to attempt to justify his actions and to blame-shift. What is Samuel s response? 11. What incident symbolizes God removing the kingdom from Saul? 12. Comment on Saul s words in verse 30. Whose God does he propose to worship? Day 5: I Samuel 15:31-35 13. What is Samuel s real reason for returning with Saul? 14. Samuel never saw Saul again, but he mourned for him. To get an insight into the word mourned look at I Samuel 6:19. In light of this verse, how do you think Samuel viewed Saul? 15. This chapter states twice that God was grieved that he had made Saul king. What does this tell you about God s heart? Do you believe that your sin grieves God? 23

Notes: 24

Week 9 Day 1: I Samuel 16: 1-13 1. Samuel s mission is to anoint a new king. How is he supposed to present his errand and why? (16:2-3) 2. Why does Samuel assume that Eliab is God s choice? (16:6-7, compare to 9:2, 10:23-24) Day 2 3. How would you put into your own words what God says to Samuel 16:7? 4. How important did David seem to his own family? (16:11) Day 3 5. Compare the description of David in 16:11 to the description of Saul in I Samuel 9:3. What are the differences? 6. Describe Samuel s anointing of David in 16:13. 7. Turn to Matthew 3:13-16. Describe the baptism of Jesus. How is this similar to the anointing of David? Day 4: I Samuel 16:14-23 8. What brings about the change in Saul? 9. Who takes and sends the spirits to Saul? 25

10. How does this coincide with your view of where affliction comes from? 11. How is David described in 16:18? Day 5 Review 16:14-22. 12. What is the relationship that results between Saul and David? 26

Notes: 27

Week 10 Day 1: I Samuel 17:1-58 1. Look at the description of Goliath and his weapons in verses 5-7. List his weapons. 2. How are David and his weaponry described in verse 40? 3. Why is there such a stark contrast? (Look at 16:7.) Day 2 4. Up until now, Saul had been Israel s champion (9:2, 10:23). How has he changed? (17:11) 5. We hear David speak for the first time in 17:26. How is his attitude different from Saul s? (17:34-36) 6. Remember that David is Saul s servant. How does David s role begin to change in this chapter? Day 3 7. How do Eliab, Saul, and Goliath view David? 17:28 17:33 17:42-44 8. What is David s view of himself and his purpose? (17:45-47) 28

Day 4 9. Reread chapter 17. How does David resemble Jesus? 10. What was it about Goliath that most deeply offended David? (17:26,36) 11. What lesson does David say this victory would teach? (17:46-47) 12. How is this verse relevant to your life? Day 5 Take time to reflect on 16:7. 13. Identify two areas where you struggle with this issue. Pray about them. 29

Notes: 30

Week 11 Day 1: I Samuel 18:1-16 1. Saul is becoming fearful and jealous of David. How is his thinking accurate? How is it distorted? 2. How does David respond to Saul? What is the result? 3. What is God doing in this passage? Day 2 Review I Samuel 18:1-16. Read 18:17-19:24. 4. Describe the progression of tactics Saul used to try and get rid of David. 18:10-11 18:17 18:20-25 19:1-7 19:9-10 19:11-24 5. Outline Saul s motives and thoughts leading to his actions in these passages. 31

Day 3 Review chapter 19. 6. Who warns David of Saul s coming attack? 7. David flees; to whom and to where does he flee? 8. By whom is Saul ultimately thwarted in 19:23-24? Day 4: I Samuel 20:1-42 9. How is Jonathan s loyalty to David demonstrated again? 18:1-4 19:1-7 20:1-42 10. Jonathan may have inherited Saul s throne had the line continued. However, he pledges loyalty to David in chapter 20. Why did Jonathan do this? (18:4, 20:13-16, 31-32) 11. Were Jonathan and Michal showing respect to their father as they sought to protect David? Why or why not? Day 5: Psalm 13 This Psalm was most likely written while David was fleeing from Saul. 12. How does David find comfort? 13. How can you find comfort like David? 14. Take a few moments to talk to the Lord about your sufferings, no matter how trivial they seem. 32

Notes: 33

Week 12 Day 1: I Samuel 21:1-9 1. Where is David? What characterizes this place? 2. What relationship do you see between the prophecies in 2:27-36 and 3:11-14 and what happens to the priests of Nob in 22:18-20? 3. What did David say to Ahimelech? Why does he lie? 4. Do you think he was right or wrong? Why? Day 2: I Samuel 21:10-22:5 5. Who did David see in 21:7? Did this alarm David? 6. To where does David flee? How does he behave there? 7. What do you think about his deception? Day 3: I Samuel 22:1-5 David s decision to side with the Moabites (usually Israel s enemies) could be because they knew of the strife between him and Saul or because David s great-grandmother Ruth was a Moabitess. 8. Who takes David s side? What part of Israel s society? 9. Why did they join David? 10. How does this reflect God s kingdom (the church) today? (Luke 14:15-24) 34

Day 4: I Samuel 22:6-23 11. How do Saul s words and actions reveal his heart? What is the state of his heart? 12. How does God continue to protect David, the anointed king? Day 5 13. Have you ever been irrational in anger or fear? What has been the result? 14. Read Psalm 71. David s comfort and reason was a result of relying on the Lord. Take a moment to pray through Psalm 71 with reference to the areas where you are fearful and/or angry. 35

Notes: 36

Week 13 Day 1: I Samuel 23 1. What circumstance prompts David to inquire of the Lord in verse 2? 2. How does David respond to the Lord s words? 3. What circumstance prompts David to inquire of the Lord in verses 9 and following? Day 2: I Samuel 23 continued 4. How does Jonathan help David to find strength? 5. What do the Ziphites offer to do for Saul? 6. Why does Saul call off his search for David in this chapter? Day 3: I Samuel 23 continued 7. What do we learn about David s character? 8. In what issues in my life do I need to seek the Lord s guidance? Day 4: I Samuel 24 9. Where does David hide out in this chapter? 10. How does David spare Saul s life? Why? 11. In his speech to Saul, what does David compare himself to? 12. What oath does David make at the end of the chapter? 37

Day 5: I Samuel 24 continued 13. What do we learn about David s character? Is he self-protective? 14. What is the essence of Saul s lament in verse 17-19? 15. Are there people in my life who are treating me badly? How can I treat these people well? 38

Notes: 39

Week 14 Day 1: I Samuel 25 1. Why does David send his men to visit Nabal? What is his motive? Why does he think that he is deserving? 2. How does Nabal respond to David s men? Day 2 3. When the men come back with Nabal s message, how does David respond? 4. How is this response different from the way David has responded to Saul s mistreatment? Why do you think David responds differently? 5. What does Nabal s name mean? Day 3 6. What does Abigail do when she hears of Nabal s folly? 7. Does the text seem to treat David s desire to get revenge positively or negatively? Day 4 8. When Nabal is informed of Abigail s actions, what does he do? 9. The author is aware of similarities between Nabal and Saul, and this story is probably included as foreshadowing of what will happen to Saul. What are the parallels between the story of Nabal and that of Saul? 40

Day 5 10. Nabal s sin is that of selfishness and failure to give. What areas of my life am I protecting for myself? Where am I refusing to meet needs around me for selfish purposes? 11. Do I have relationships where I am seeking revenge? What can I learn from David about how to deal with these relationships in light of my heavenly Father? 41

Notes: 42

Week 15 Day 1: Chapter 26 1. Who eggs Saul on to pursue David in this chapter? 2. Who eggs David on to kill Saul? 3. How do David and Saul respond differently to false advice? Day 2: Chapter 26 continued 4. Does David s response to Abishai show love for Saul? For whom does it show love? 5. In his speech to Saul, to what does David compare himself? 6. What false advice am I getting from the world today? How can I stand for what is right? Day 3: Chapter 27 7. What is David s thought process in verse 1? 8. Does this decision show faith on David s part? 9. What town does Achish give to David and his men? Approximately how far was it from Gath? Day 4: Chapter 27 and 28:1-2 10. What did David do in this chapter to deceive Achish? 11. What did David do in obedience to God s command to Israel through Moses? (Deuteronomy 20:16) 12. How does David respond when Achish tells him that they are going to fight Israel? 43

Day 5: Chapter 28 13. Why does Saul decide to consult a medium? 14. What does Samuel tell Saul? 15. Why might God prohibit the practice of witchcraft such as that which the witch of Endor used? 44

Notes: 45

Week 16 Day 1: I Samuel 29 1. Why did the Philistine leaders decide to send David back to Ziklag? 2. How did God use their decision to protect David from a difficult situation? 3. Did David deserve this protection? Day 2: I Samuel 30 4. What situation did David and his men find upon their return? 5. Why was this situation doubly bad for David? 6. What was David s response to the bad situation? Day 3: I Samuel 30 continued 7. Look at David s decision in verses 23-24. How does this graciousness correspond to the words of Jesus in Matthew 20:1-16? 8. To whom does David send gifts at the end of this chapter? Why was this a particularly shrewd move? Day 4: I Samuel 31 9. How did Saul die? How did his sons die? 10. What happened to Saul s body? 11. Given Saul s unfaithfulness to God and the fact that he seems to deserve a bad end, why is this chapter still so tragic? 46

Day 5: I Samuel 31 continued I Samuel ends with two battle scenarios. Compare and contrast the battles of chapters 30 and 31. 12. How did the two leaders respond when they knew they were in danger? 13. What were the losses in the two battles? 14. Were they tragic or victorious? 15. What seems to be the writer s purpose in setting these two battles side by side? 16. Where was God in each battle? 17. Which leader had the more competent army? 18. What do we learn about how to win battles from these two scenes? 47

Notes: 48

Week 17 Day 1: II Samuel 1-2:7 1. Where is David returning from? 2. What report does David receive? From whom? 3. What were the motives of the Amalekite messenger? 4. Did he receive what he deserved? Why or why not? Day 2 5. What was David s reaction to Saul and Jonathan s death? 6. Does his reaction surprise you? Explain. 7. Was David involved in Saul s death? Why is this significant? 8. How does David refer to Saul in chapter 1:16 and 1:23? 9. What does this convey? 49

Day 3 Read the song of the bow in II Samuel 1:17 1:27. 10. How does David honor God s previously anointed King? 11. What does this show of David s heart? 12. Have you been able to honor someone who was against you? 13. Please explain how. 14. What was the result in your relationship and in your heart? Day 4: II Samuel 2:1-7 15. After lamenting Saul and Jonathan s death, what does David do? 16. How is his heart revealed? 17. Compare David s reaction to the Amalekite in 1:15 to his response to the men of Jabeshgilead in 2:5. Day 5 David s singular purpose to honor God is what compelled him to honor Saul, even after Saul s death. Read Psalm 63 and meditate on it. 50

Notes: Week 18 Day 1 : II Samuel 2:8-3:1 51

1. Who is set up as king of Isreal? Who is behind the scenes? 2. What was Abner s attitude in 2:14, 2:21. 2:26, and 2:29? What do you notice about the progression? 3. Look at 3:1. What is significant here? Day 2: II Samuel 3:2-3:21 4. Who is ruling the house of Saul? Give examples to support your thoughts. 5. How does God use the power struggle in the house of Saul to bring power to David? Day 3: II Samuel 3:22-3:39 6. Remember who Joab is from chapter 2. What role do you think Joab had in David s house? 7. Joab decides to take matters into his own hands and to act as his brother s avenger. He had some basis to do this according to Deuteronomy 19:11-14. However, the circumstances surrounding his brother s death were due to battle. What other reason could Joab have had to kill Abner? 8. Have you ever taken matters into your own hands when you should not have? What was the result? Day 4: II Samuel 4:1-5:5 52

9. Who was troubled by the news of Abner s death? Why do you think the two parties were troubled? 10. What other story are you reminded of when you read this one? 11. Why does David react so strongly to these two men? 12. In 5:1-5, what is the end result of the tumult we have seen so far in II Samuel? What reasons do the Israelites list for wanting David to be King? Day 5 David displays his trust in God s power and protection. Do you ever struggle to trust God as your protector? Read and meditate on Psalm 91 today. 53

Notes: 54

Week 19 Day 1: II Samuel 5:6-5:25 1. What is David doing in this passage? Why? 2. What is God s role in this passage? 3. Why was it so important for David to defeat the Philistines? Day 2: II Samuel 6:1-6:23 David s throne is being established in Israel, and now we see the next logical step taking place. 4. Remember that God has given very specific instructions on how he is to be worshipped; these include the handling of the ark. Look up Exodus 25:12-14 and Numbers 4:15. 5. What was David s reaction to Uzzah s death and why? 6. When David is rejoicing before the Lord, what is Michal s reaction? What is the result of her scorn? Day 3: II Samuel 7 7. What is David s reaction to God s promises? 8. How does David regard himself? 9. Have you ever felt this way about something God has done for you? Please share this with your small group 55

Day 4: II Samuel 7:18-29 10. What is David s reaction to God s promises? 11. What does God promise David? 12. What do these promises look forward to? Day 5 David s heart rejoiced not only because God was blessing David, but also because God was blessing all of Israel. Read and meditate on Psalm 111. 56

Notes: 57

Week 20 Day 1 : II Samuel 8:1-18 1. Remember in chapter 7, God makes a covenant with David. What specifically is God fulfilling in Chapter 8? 2. List the kings and kingdoms David has conquered. 3. Read 8:14. Who is preserving David? 4. Do you believe that God is preserving you? Day 2 5. In 8:15-18, we find a description of David s reign. David is sometimes referred to as a foreshadowing of Jesus. Read Jeremiah 23:5&6. What parallels can you make between David and Jesus? What are some differences? 6. Jesus is described as a judge, but we know that he also acts as our redeemer. What other roles come to mind? Day 3: II Samuel 9:1-13 This chapter is all about redemption. In the Ancient Near East, it was very common to kill all of the previous king s descendants to avoid an attempt to reclaim the throne. We see David doing just the opposite here. 7. Read 9:1. Now look back at 1 Samuel 20: 12-17 and 41-42. What promises do the two men make? 8. What does David do to find out if there are any left in the house of Saul? 9. How is Mephibosheth vulnerable? 58

Day 4: II Samuel 9:1-13 10. What does David give Mephibosheth? Why? 11. What does it mean to eat at the king s table? Look up I Kings 2:7 and II Kings 25:29. 12. How do we eat at the King s table now? Day 5 These first 9 chapters have been about David establishing his kingdom on earth. Jesus also has established his kingdom, and on completion every knee will bow to his kingship. Read and meditate on Revelation 21:22-27 59

Notes: 60

Week 21 Day 1: II Samuel 10 1. Often wars are started because of a lack of trust. Describe the situation that led David into war. 2. Why were the actions taken against David s men in verse 4 so deeply humiliating to them? (note Isaiah 15:2 and 20:4) 3. This chapter reveals a fascinating look at ancient battle strategies. Ultimately, on whom was Joab depending for victory? (verse 12) Day 2: II Samuel 11 4. What did most kings do in the spring? Where was David? 5. I Corinthians 10:13 tells us that temptation, in and of itself, is not sin. What action did David take following his temptation? 6. How many other wives and concubines did David already have? (Note I Samuel 3:2) Day 3: II Samuel 11 7. How many other people were immediately involved in David s sin? Name them and their roles. 8. How did David try to cover up the consequences of his sin i.e. Bathsheba s pregnancy? 9. Sometimes we think God is oblivious to our sin. But what does 11:27 tell us about God s thinking towards David? 61

Day 4: II Samuel 12:1-10 10. Who sent Nathan to David, and for what purpose? 11. What story does Nathan tell to draw David in? 12. Read carefully verses 7-10. What had God done for David? David involved many people in his sin, but whom had he ultimately sinned against? (verses 10 and 13) Day 5 13. Sin has grievous consequences. What would they be for David? 14. In the midst of sin, grace abounds. What grace does God show to David and Bathsheba? (verses 24 and 25) 15. Read Psalm 51 which David wrote after Nathan confronted him. Make this psalm your prayer of confession of sin. 62

Notes: 63

Week 22 Day 1: II Samuel 13:1-21 1. Who was Amnon and who was Tamar? What was their full relationship to one another? (Note II Samuel 3:2) 2. Once again, temptation turns into full-blown sin. Note Tamar s attempt to reason with Amnon in verse 12 and 13. What strong verbs describe Amnon s action and subsequent attitude in verse 14 and 15? 3. How do David and Absalom respond? Day 2: II Samuel 13:23-29 4. How much time had lapsed between Tamar s rape and Amnon s murder? 5. Compare Absalom s words to Tamar (verse 20) to his heart s intention (verse 32). 6. Though verse 21 tells us that David was furious with Amnon, there is no indication that he acted in any way to right this wrong. How did his inaction lead to further tragedy? (Think back to Nathan.) Do you see any evidence of true repentance or forgiveness in this situation? Day 3: II Samuel 14:1-24 7. What technique does Joab use to get David s attention? What does this remind you of? 8. Briefly describe how the woman from Tekoa appeals to David s conscience. How many times does she mention God? 9. Joab plays a key role in this chapter. Why do you think he didn t go directly to David himself? (Note II Samuel 3:22-29) 64

Day 4: II Samuel 14:25-33 10. Briefly describe Absalom. What was Absalom s daughter named? 11. How long was it before Absalom saw David? Do you think Absalom s statement in verse 32 indicates an attitude of true repentance for his sin in killing his brother Amnon? 12. What do David s actions in verse 33 indicate about him? Day 5 Reread chapters 13 and 14. True repentance and true forgiveness should lead to true reconciliation. Reflect upon David and his two sons, Amnon and Absalom. Comment briefly on each one s heart attitudes and subsequent action (or inaction). Note the downward spiral leading to sin and deceit. 65

Notes: 66

Week 23 Day 1: II Samuel 15:1-12 1. What was Absalom s strategy to ingratiate himself with the men of Israel? 2. How did Absalom lie to his father? 3. What were his real plans? (verse 12) Day 2: II Samuel 15:13-31 4. What do David s quick actions reveal about his opinion of Absalom? 5. As David fled, what were his emotions and the emotions of his people? 6. What was Ahithophel and what was David s prayer regarding him? (verse 31) Day 3: II Samuel 15:32-16:14 7. What part was Hushai the Arkite to play in helping David? 8. Who was Ziba and what were his motives? 9. Who was Shemei and how did David respond to him? 67

Day 4: II Samuel 16:15-23 10. Hushai the Arkite plays his part well, but what is Absalom s response to him? 11. Remember David s prayer regarding Ahitophel, David s former counselor. (II Samuel 15:31) What is Ahitophel s advice to Absalom? 12. How does his advice fulfill Nathan s prophecy about David? Day 5 Review the entire passage. 13. Treachery causes people to choose sides. Who remained loyal to David, and who didn t? 14. When David fled from Absalom, he wrote Psalm 3. David was in a severe crisis involving his own son. What was his ultimate hope? How does this comfort you? 68

Notes: 69

Week 24 Day 1: II Samuel 16:23-17:14 1. Both David and Absalom regarded the advice of Ahitophel like that of one who inquires of God. What was his advice to Absalom? 2. What was the real reason Absalom did not listen to him? (Note: II Samuel 15:31 and 17:14) 3. Read again Psalm 3 which David wrote when he was fleeing from Absalom. How was God beginning to answer his prayers? Day 2: II Samuel 17:15-29 4. Briefly describe the courage of some of the individuals who were determined to help David. 5. What was the end of Ahitophel? 6. The Old Testament accounts are often very descriptive, giving us a realistic look at ancient living. List some of the supplies brought to David and his people to sustain them. Day 3: II Samuel 18:1-8 7. Why didn t David join his men in battle? 8. What were his specific instructions regarding his son Absalom? 70

9. This passage tells us that battle casualties were very great as David s men fought Absalom s men. How many men died on that one day? (Note: Ecclesiastes comments that there is nothing new under the sun. In the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1863, 53,000 men were killed.) Day 4: II Samuel 18:9-18 10. Briefly describe Absalom s death. 11. What does this tell you about Joab? (II Samuel 3:22-27) 12. What are David s comments regarding Joab? (II Samuel 3:28, 29, and I Kings 2:5,6) Day 5: II Samuel 18:19-19:8 13. How is David told of Absalom s death? 14. David s words at Absalom s death are some of the saddest in the Bible and show his deep love for his son. (II Samuel 18:33) Yet somehow he had lost his son s respect. What previous incidents in David s life could have contributed to Absalom s rebellion? 15. Joab once again plays a major role in David s life. What is his stern advice to David? Joab seemed to continually get away with his sin. But note his end. (Read I Kings 2:33 and 34.) 71

Notes: 72

Week 25 Day 1: II Samuel 19:9-39 1. What arguments are being given and who is arguing? 2. Who does David send a message to and what is the result of the message? 3. As you read through this passage note who meets David along the way of his return and David s response to them. 4. How many times does the passage refer to crossing the Jordan? Day 2: II Samuel 19:40-20:2 5. Who is arguing and what is the argument about? 6. How is Sheba described? What is the result of his troublemaking? 7. Read James 4:1-3. How does this apply here with the people of Israel? Do you desert the Lord s anointed when you don t get what you want? 73

Day 3: II Samuel 20:3-26 8. Who is Amasa? (See II Samuel 17:25, 19:13). What instructions does David give him? Does he follow them? 9. From the previous chapters what one word would you use to describe Joab? Why did Joab kill Amasa? 10. What happens to Sheba? 11. What is meant by swallow up the Lord s inheritance? What is the Lord s inheritance? Day 4: II Samuel 21:1-14, Joshua 9 12. Summarize what happened with the Gibeonites. 13. Does David s handing over seven of Saul s descendants contradict his promise to Saul in I Samuel 24:20-22? Why or why not? 14. What does David do for Saul s family? 74

Day 5: II Samuel 21:15-22 15. What happens to David in battle? What do the men of Israel tell David? 16. Describe the men who challenge Israel. Who do they remind you of? What is the difference between Israel s response then (to Goliath) and Israel s response now in this passage? 17. Why do you think the Philistines mounted these challenges now? (Hint: answer to # 15) Have you experienced increased challenges to your faith when you are weak? What is your experience of friends supporting you in these times of weakness? 18. In this passage we have seen Israel go from faithfulness to King David to unfaithfulness and back to faithfulness. How is your experience with King Jesus similar? 75

Notes: 76

Week 26 Day 1: II Samuel 22, Psalm 18 1. What themes do you see in this psalm? 2. What words are used to describe the Lord? Do you know David s God? 3. What words are used to describe David? Day 2: II Samuel 22:1-20 4. What has the Lord done for David? What did David do? (Look at the action words.) 5. In the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, water (or sea) and land are used to symbolize evil and good. How does David use these symbols here in this psalm? 6. What is represented by a spacious place? Has the Lord brought you to such a place? Day 3: II Samuel 22:21-37 7. What are the actions of the Lord in verses 21-30? What are David s actions? Does David s description of himself surprise you based on what we have learned about David this year? 8. The Psalms were the Jewish hymnal. What is the paradox in David singing verses 21-25 and Jesus singing verses 21-25? 9. In verses 31-37 what does God do for David? 77

Day 4: II Samuel 22:38-51 10. What shift in action do you see in verses 38-43? How is David able to do those things? 11. This is a psalm of praise for what the Lord has done for David but also for what the Lord has done through Jesus. Read verses 47-51. Meditate on these verses, thanking God for what he has done through his Son. Day 5: II Samuel 23:1-7 12. What is an oracle? 13. How is a righteous ruler described? Who is David talking about? 14. What does David understand about his salvation? What does he understand about God? 15. How are evil men described? What is their ultimate end? 78

Notes: 79

Week 27 Day 1: II Samuel 23:8-39 1. What is this passage about? 2. Who were the Three? Why are they set apart? 3. Who were the other two mighty men with exploits recorded? What honor is given them? (Verses 19, 22) 4. Which names have we encountered before in our study of I and II Samuel? What are their stories? 5. Who is missing from the list of mighty men? Why do you think he is not there? Day 2: II Samuel 24:1-10, Numbers 1:1-5, 26:1-4 6. What does David order his men to do? What is the difference between this census and the ones from Numbers? 7. Who are to be counted in the census? 8. How does Joab respond? Why do you think he reacts that way? 9. After Joab reports back, what happens to David? What is his response to the news? 80

10. Why was taking a census a sin? Day 3: II Samuel 24:10-17 11. What three options did the Lord give David? What did the Lord tell David to do? (verse 12) 12. Why does David respond as he does? 13. What picture are we given of the plague? What did David say when he saw the angel? Day 4: II Samuel 24:18-25 14. What did the Lord command David to do? Where did he go? 15. Why did David insist on paying Araunah? 16. We have discussed this year how David is like Jesus and not like Jesus. Here we see David interceding for his people like Jesus, but how is David not like Jesus here? (See Hebrews 7:26 if you need a hint!) 17. Sin has consequences even when we have repented and though we have received forgiveness. Those consequences often impact others even if we don t realize it. What were the consequences of David s sin? Ask God to show you sin in your own life and the impact it has on others. Confess your blindness to this or your unwillingness to see this. Ask God for opportunities and boldness to reconcile. Read I John 1:9 for encouragement. Day 5 Reflect on what you have learned this year. Come prepared to share what you have learned about God and yourself. 81

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