The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Samuel. We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.
A Man After God’s Own Heart:
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
A Study of the Book of 2 Samuel
Lesson 1 (A New Mourning)
2 Samuel 1
The Text:
- Where was David when Saul died? What had each of them been doing? What do you remember about the circumstances surrounding Saul’s death?
- As 2 Samuel opens, a visitor arrives in David’s camp. How is he described? What does he do? What news does he have? How does that compare with the account at the end of 1 Samuel?
- What question does David have for him? How does he respond? Do you think he knew where David had just come from? How does David respond to this man?
- How does David view the deaths of Saul and Jonathan? What does he do? Why does he not want the news told in Gath or Ashkelon?
- How does David describe Saul and Jonathan? What was his relationship like with each of them during their life? What does this say about David?
The Application:
- What do you know about David’s reign as King? What do you hope to learn or understand more fully through a study of 2 Samuel?
- How tempting is it to tell news of an event based on how you believe your listener wants to hear it? What problems exist with that approach?
- Have you ever given an answer to someone when you’ve not known the context of the question? How hard is it to listen and research before speaking? Why?
- How protective are you of the reputations of your friends? How about with those who have acted like enemies toward you?
- Knowing the relationship between Saul and David through much of 1 Samuel, how hard do you think it was for David to genuinely mourn Saul’s death? When do you think David’s mourning for Saul began? How does this show in his words about Saul and Jonathan? Are there people you mourn for that are still living? What can you do about it?
Next week: Families Feud
2 Samuel 2
Tom's Treasure 