SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
2 Samuel 13:1 through 24:25

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me, and that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.” (2 Samuel 22:48-50)

BACKGROUND

David was a man of devotion to God, and had been anointed by God to be the leader over His chosen people. Although David was the most just of all Israel’s kings, he was not perfect. After restoring the nation of Israel to peace and great military power, his personal life became entangled in sin. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then ordered the murder of her husband in an attempt to cover up his deeds. Through the prophet Nathan, God rebuked David and pronounced severe judgment upon his household. In chapters 13 through 24 of 2 Samuel, God’s judgment against David’s household was fulfilled. Amnon, David’s son, molested his half sister, Tamar. Absalom publicly humiliated David’s concubines. Both David’s sons — Amnon and Absalom — were killed.

David had to face the consequences of his sins, even though he repented and his connection to God was restored. A string of tragic events befell David’s family; the record of lust, murder, rebellion, and exile, added up to a price David probably never dreamed he would have to pay when he first fell into sin. He also experienced trouble and distress on a national level, having to flee for his own life when his kingship was challenged through the treachery of Absalom.

David lived with ongoing reminders of his sinful deeds for the rest of his life. This account of the final years of his life serves as a warning to us of the terrible consequences of sin, but also of the great mercy of God when one turns from sin in repentance.

The final four chapters of 2 Samuel give an “addendum” to David’s life story, and are not necessarily in chronological order. His final psalm is given, and his best warriors are listed. The sad story is given of how David numbered Israel and the resulting judgment. But then the writer recounts David’s beautiful declaration that he would only offer to God that which cost him something. David’s life serves as an object lesson to us yet today.  

QUESTIONS

1. In 2 Samuel 13:31, King David responds with deep grief over events that had occurred in his family. In two or three sentences, summarize the cause of his grief.
   
2. In our day of moral relativism, many people believe that their own behavior is a matter of personal choice. How do the consequences of sin, disobedience, and rebellion affect the lives of others? Cite specific examples to support your answer.
   
3. Following his murder of Amnon, Absalom was forced to flee from Jerusalem. In an attempt to have him restored to royal favor, Joab hired a “wise woman” of Tekoa to approach David with a contrived story paralleling David’s own experience with Absalom. How did David respond? 2 Samuel 14:11-21
   
4. When confronted with his sin concerning Bathsheba and Uriah, David acknowledged it and wholeheartedly repented. God forgave him, opening the way for him to begin life anew. Using 2 Samuel 13:28 and 15:2-4,10,14, contrast Absalom’s behavior with that of his father.
   
5. In chapter 16, we read of Shimei’s verbal tirade against David. How did David respond to the insults and curses heaped upon him? What lesson can we learn from his attitude? 2 Samuel 16:5-14
   
6. In 2 Samuel 18:6-18, we read Absalom’s death; verse 33 records David’s great anguish. Why do you think David was so upset over the death of his rebellious son?
   
7. David’s grief for Absalom was so intense that it appeared he did not appreciate the military victory that had been won. Joab pointed out that there would be terrible consequences if David did not commend the troops for their achievement. For the sake of political strategy, he urged David to go and “speak comfortably unto thy servants.” What was the result? 2 Samuel 19:8
   
8. In Chapter 24, David commanded that a census be taken, which brought the anger of the Lord against Israel and a pestilence resulting in 70,000 deaths throughout the land. When David pled with God for “these sheep,” God commanded him to make an offering in the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Araunah offered to give David the property and the necessities for the offering. What was David’s response, and what can we learn from it? 2 Samuel 24:24
   
9. Chapter 22 is filled with significant insights into God and what it means to have Him as our God. What major themes are developed in David’s song as recorded in this chapter?

CONCLUSION

Through the help of God, David had accomplished what no other leader before him had accomplished — Israel was finally at peace after more than 400 years of political upheaval. Throughout his reign, the basis of David’s administration was dedication to God and the well-being of the people. Though he failed God, he admitted his guilt and repented. His devotion toward God ultimately earned him the honor of being called “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22).