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Showing posts from August, 2025

26. Sheba’s rebellion and a wise woman ( 2Samuel 20:1 – 26)

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. πŸ‘‰ 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...

25. Return to Jerusalem ( 2Samuel 19:9 – 43)

When David returned to Jerusalem, various figures of people came and welcomed and begged pardon. Everyone had their own reason. πŸ‘‰ Read 2Samuel 19:9 - 43 Q1. What was the message of David to the men of Judah? (vv 11–13) Answers πŸ‘‰ 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 ...

24. The king wept over his son’s death (2 Samuel 18:19 – 19:8)

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. πŸ‘‰ 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 πŸ‘‰ 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 πŸ‘‰ 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 πŸ‘‰ ‘My s...

23. Death of Absalom ( 2Samuel 18:1 – 18)

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. πŸ‘‰ 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 πŸ‘‰ 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 )...

22. The death of Ahithopehl ( 2Samuel 17:1 – 29)

Amid the frustrating moments, the Lord helped David escape the imminent threat from Absalom. πŸ‘‰ Read 2Samuel 17:1 - 29 Q1. (1–3) What was Ahithophel’s tactics? Answers πŸ‘‰ 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 πŸ‘‰ 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 πŸ‘‰ The woman of Bahurim hid them in a well in her house. ...

21. Ziba, Shimei, and Ahithophel ( 2Samuel 16:1 – 23)

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. πŸ‘‰ Read 2Samuel 16:1 - 23 Q1. Why do you think David gave Ziba what belonged to Mephibosheth? (two) Answers πŸ‘‰ 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 πŸ‘‰ 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 πŸ‘‰ If it was the Lord’s...