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 2 (Families Feud)
2 Samuel 2
The Text:
- What does David ask of the LORD? Where is David when he asks this? What is the LORD’s response? Where does David go and who goes with him? What happens there?
- What is David told about the men of Jabesh Gilead? How does he respond to this information? What is his message to them?
- Who was Abner and what had been his relationship with Saul? What is his idea of who should lead Israel? What does he do?
- Who gathers at Gibeon? What is the conflict between the two groups? What does Abner suggest they do? What is the outcome? Who wins?
- Who is involved in the pursuit of Abner? What happens? As the pursuit continues, what does Abner say to Joab? What response does Joab give? What was the outcome of this exchange of words?
The Application:
- Are there things in your life that you need to ask God if now is the time to do them? Do you consistently ask God for specific direction? What do you need to seek God about this week?
- How do you respond when you hear of people doing things that are good and right? Are there ways that you could thank, or show kindness, to people in your life that have done the right thing just because it was the right thing — expecting and receiving no reward?
- Are there things that you tend to decide to do your way no matter what? What does that attitude do to your relationship with God?
- Do you ever end up in the same place as someone you are in conflict with? How do you feel? What should you do? What is the problem with the “may the best person win” method of conflict resolution?
- When you find yourself in conflict, how hard is it to call it off? Have you ever had to “agree to disagree” — even when you were overwhelmingly in the right? What does a continued fighting among Christians do to the cause of Christ? Does knowing that give you motivation to be a more active peacemaker?
Next week: Changing Sides
2 Samuel 3:1-21