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As the book of Samuel nears its final chapters, the story of David approaches the end. It conveys the message of God’s ongoing covenant faithfulness: for the least acknowledged group in society (within) and against their everlasting enemies, the Raphites (without). 👉 Read 2Samuel 21:1 - 22 Q1. At the time of David’s reign, a famine came for three consecutive years because Saul tried to annihilate the Gibeonites. Why did he do that? And what was wrong with it? Answers 👉 Out of his zeal for Israel, he did so. Saul broke the covenant with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:18–19). Other insights: Faithfulness matters more than zeal. The first is mandatory, the second is voluntary. Saul often made mistakes out of zeal. For example, he ordered his soldiers not to eat anything until they defeated the Philistines in 1 Samuel 14, which turned out to be a bad decision. Regarding the oath with the Gibeonites, even though it was made by their lie, it had to be kept because it was sworn in the L...

David’s folly lay in favoring Judah and appointing Amasa, which provoked rebellion and weakened his rule. Joab’s cunning restored order through ruthless violence—effective but morally corrupt, exposing both shrewdness and folly. In contrast, the wise woman of Abel preserved her city and ended the revolt through counsel and negotiation, showing how true wisdom saves where folly and cruelty fail. 👉 Read 2Samuel 20:1-26 Q1. (1 – 7) At the ford of the Jordan River, the Judahites’ overly strong and exclusive claim to credit for restoring David as king provoked (   ) to lead another insurrection. All the men of Israel abandoned David and followed (   ). After returning to Jerusalem, David ordered the confinement of the (   ). He then commanded (   ) to gather the soldiers to suppress Sheba’s revolt, but he delayed beyond the three days allotted. Consequently, David instructed (   ) to take Joab’s men and pursue Sheba son of Bikri. Ans...

When David returned to Jerusalem, various figures of people came and welcomed and begged pardon. Everyone had their own reason. 👉 Read 2Samuel 19:9 - 43 Q1. What was the message of David to the men of Judah? (vv 11–13) Answers 👉 ANS: • Act before the men of Israel bring the king back • You are my brothers • Amasa will become the army commander Verse 11 meant: “The king knew that the men of Israel were considering bringing him back. Therefore, act before the Israelites call David as their king, so that you may save your lives for having led the rebellion and even gain reward when the king settles the rebellion and restructures the government.” By also offering Amasa the position of commander, David intended to remove any possibility of another rebellion (note that Amasa had been Absalom’s army commander; in fear of execution or punishment, he might otherwise start another revolt. By confirming his appointment, David removed the chance of the insurrection ...

David wept over Absalom’s death as if he cared more for his son than for himself and his kingdom. This displeased Joab and his soldiers. 👉 Read 2Samuel 18:19 – 19:8 Q1. Despite Joab deterring him from going, why did Ahimaaz insist on delivering the news of the victory? (22) Answers 👉 He might have wanted a reward. Joab knew David would not be happy with Absalom’s death and therefore sent a Cushite soldier who might be killed by David, though Joab would accept that risk. Q2. The passage repeatedly refers to David as ‘the king.’ How many times do you see ‘the king’ from 18:19 – 19:8? Answers 👉 More than 11 times. Also, Absalom is called ‘the king’s son’ (18:20), and they addressed David as ‘my lord the king’ (18:28, 31, 32). This passage contrasts the grief of losing a son with the responsibilities of a king. David was caught between these two identities and responsibilities. Q3. When David heard his son had died, what did he cry? Answers 👉 ‘My s...

Now the battle broke up between Absalom’s men and David’s men. David gave an order not to kill his son, but Joab killed him. 👉 Read 2Samuel 18:1 - 18 Q1. (1–8) David reorganized the army, dividing it under (     ) commanders rather than placing it solely under Joab. Although David wanted to lead the battle, his men urged him to remain in the (      ) (vv. 1–4). He publicly ordered all the troops to deal gently with (      ) (v. 5). The army of (      ) was defeated by David’s men, and the (      ) claimed more soldiers than the sword (vv. 6–8). Answers 👉 David reorganized the army, dividing it under ( three ) commanders rather than placing it solely under Joab. Although David wanted to lead the battle, his men urged him to remain in the ( city ) (vv. 1–4). He publicly ordered all the troops to deal gently with ( Absalom ) (v. 5). The army of ( Israel ) was defeated by David’s men, and the ( forest )...

Amid the frustrating moments, the Lord helped David escape the imminent threat from Absalom. 👉 Read 2Samuel 17:1 - 29 Q1. (1–3) What was Ahithophel’s tactics? Answers 👉 To make a swift and secret attack, targeting David alone to kill him. Q2. (7–14) What do you think caused Absalom to follow Husai’s tactics? (Three. 8–10 & 12–13, 11, 14) Answer 👉 Absalom feared the risk of failure in his operation. Husai’s plan appealed to Absalom’s prideful heart.(11) The Lord had determined to bring disaster upon Absalom. God does not always bring judgment immediately but often waits until the wicked stumble through their own sinfulness. Their pride, fear, and corruption lead them to make fatal mistakes, and in His perfect timing, the Lord lets them fall. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Prov 16:18) Q3. (15–19) How did Jonathan and Ahimaaz escape from Absalom’s scouts? Answers 👉 The woman of Bahurim hid them in a well in her house. ...

Ziba's bribe and lie deceived David. When Shimei cursed David, he allowed it, hoping to gain God's favor by patiently bearing the curse. Though Ahithophel's counsel was as reliable as a prophetic revelation, Absalom’s desire for human glory would bring him disaster. 👉 Read 2Samuel 16:1 - 23 Q1. Why do you think David gave Ziba what belonged to Mephibosheth? (two) Answers 👉 Food and the lie. David was pleased with Ziba’s generous food support and was deceived by Ziba's lie about Mephibosheth. Q2. What was Shimei's accusation against David? (7,8) Answer 👉 Bloodshed. Though Saul and his sons were killed in the battle with the Philistines, David's men likely killed many of Saul’s family members and relatives during the civil conflicts following Saul’s death. Would this curse refer to the death of Uriah? Q3. Why do you think David did not retaliate against Shimei, who kept throwing stones and curses? (10,12) Answers 👉 If it was the Lord’s...

Now, David was forced to flee from his own son Absalom. David’s departure is marked by grief, reverence, and a quiet acceptance of the Lord’s will, capturing the deep emotional weight of the moment. 👉 Read 2Samuel 15:13 - 37 Q1. (13 – 18) We can summarize this passage with four points: David was very fearful and hastened to flee (verse       ). All his servants followed David (verses        ). They went on (        ). David left (              ) to attend the palace. Answers 👉 David was very fearful and hastened to flee (14 ). All his servants followed David (15, 18 ). They went on ( foot ). David left ( 10 concubines ) to attend the palace. There are two different interpretations of David’s flight in 2 Samuel 15. The traditional view sees it as wise and humble—avoiding bloodshed and trusting God—while leaving the concubines is seen as a practical choice to maintain the palace. The...

Since the Lord had announced judgment for David’s sin in chapter 12, David had many years to respond, or restore order in his household, before the situation escalated to the point where Absalom usurped the throne. Yet throughout that time, he took no decisive action. 👉 Read 2Samuel 15:1 - 12 Q1. How Absalom gained people’s hearts reflects what he had complaints about David. What was it? (3-4) Answers 👉 David neither executed justice in his sister’s case nor appointed anyone to ensure it was done. Q2. In 2 Samuel 15:7–12, Absalom deceitfully told King David that he needed to go to (                  ) to fulfill a (        ) to the Lord. David granted his request, unaware of the plot. Absalom invited 200 men from Jerusalem—they went (        ), knowing nothing about the conspiracy. But once present at the place where Absalom made his move, their presence helped legitimize his claim. Ab...

Absalom finally saw his father’s face, but David’s heart was not ready for his son. 👉 Read 2Samuel 14:21 - 33 Q1. What verse shows that David didn’t forgive Absalom from his heart? Answers 👉 V24. Q2. Why did people like Absalom? (25 – 27) Answer 👉 He was handsome. Also, his daughter was very attractive.  The shadow of valuing appearance over the heart reappears—just as it did when they failed by choosing King Saul for his outward looks. Q3. Absalom lived in Jerusalem for (     ) years without seeing David’s face. Absalom wanted (     ) to persuade the king to call him, but Joab refused. So Absalom set fire to his (     ) field. In this way, Joab reluctantly arranged a meeting between Absalom and his father, David. When they met, the king didn’t say anything and simply kissed him. It was a gesture of reconciliation, but without his (     ). Answers 👉 Absalom lived in Jerusalem for (two) years w...

Joab employed a parable to persuade David to bring Absalom back. This story gives insight into how to deal with the conflict between justice and compassion. 👉 Read 2Samuel 14:1 - 20 Q1. When David was hesitating, what was Joab’s trick to make David grant Absalom’s return?  Answers 👉 He hired a woman from Tekoa (a town near Jerusalem) and let her tell a figurative story to persuade David to bring Absalom. For greater goodness, David should forgive Absalom. Joab needed to convince David indirectly to bring Absalom back from exile. But David was emotionally conflicted—he longed for Absalom (2 Sam 13:39), yet felt bound by justice after Amnon’s murder. Joab employed a parable (much like Nathan did in 2 Sam 12) to bypass David’s defenses. A woman presenting a fictional family tragedy could prompt David to judge the situation objectively, before realizing it mirrored his own. In the same way, God often reveals truth to us through indirect means—parables, narratives, and symbo...

Two years after that, Absalom devised a plan to murder Amnon—and he succeeded. This brought great sorrow to David and his entire household. 👉 Read 2Samuel 13:23 - 39 Q1. What did Absalom do to kill Amnon? (25-27, 28) Answers 👉 He urged David to send Amnon, and David granted it, not knowing what would happen. He commanded his men to be bold enough to kill the prince Note: Absalom pressed David twice (25, 27). He might have expected David’s refusal, but insisted on making David sorry if he had refused the second one, Amnon’s going.  Q2. What are the points of Jonadab’s saying to David? Answer 👉 ‘Not all the king’s sons are dead, but only Amnon’ ‘This is what Absalom has talked about since Amnon raped Tamar.’  Jonadab’s legal interpretation of the incident (vv. 32–35) is framed by the loud weeping of David and his servants (vv. 30–31, 36), making his calm explanation feel strikingly out of place. His words ironically expose the deeper issue: justice left undo...

A similar incident to David’s rape of Bathsheba occurs again, and because it is not dealt with properly, the tragedy of David’s household begins. 👉 Read 2Samuel 13:1 - 22 Q1. (1 – 9) Who contributed to the situation that Tamar came to Amnon’s house to bake cakes for him? (two) Answers 👉 Jonadab, the son of David’s brother David, who is insensitive to the possibility of a crime. The passage emphasizes that Tamar was a virgin and that Amnon had no opportunity to approach her. In those days, royal virgin daughters were especially protected, often reserved for political marriages. The text also introduces Jonadab—David’s nephew—as a very crafty man, whose cunning advice sets the stage for the tragedy. Q2. What two sins did Amnon commit against Tamar? Find verses in which Tamar tried to stop him. Answer 👉 He raped her. He cast her out afterward. Tamar pleaded with him in verses 12-13 and 16. But ‘he refused to listen to her’ (14,16) After the rape, Tamar asked to stay, ho...