Reflections on II Samuel 23-24

On January 27, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today we see one final story about David. Note:

Sin and consequences – Chapter 24 repeats the same themes of chapters 11-12. David sins. He confesses his sin. Yet there are still consequences – consequences that hurt not only him but the entire nation. Sin always has consequences. Are you guarding your life against temptation? Seek the Lord’s help!
Sacrifice – David offers a sacrifice to the Lord to end the punishment for his sin. David’s son Solomon will later build the temple on the exact spot of David’s sacrifice, and more sacrifices will be made to cover sin. Finally, Jesus will come to offer himself as the final sacrifice for sin. Praise the Lord for Jesus who paid for all of our sins!

Reflections on II Samuel 20-22

On January 24, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today’s passage tells a few more stories about David, and records one of his songs. Consider:

Sin and consequences – Sheba rebels and must face the consequences. Saul sinned, and his descendants faced the consequences. When you are tempted to sin, remember that there are consequences for you and the people around you.
God as our refuge – David praises the Lord for helping him against his enemies. He calls God not only his refuge, but also his rock, fortress, deliver, shield, stronghold, and savior. When has God been these things to you? In what situation do you need him to be these things to you now?

II Samuel 20-24: Sin and Salvation

On January 23, 2017 By BrianIn OT Studies

(20) Summarize this chapter.

What was Sheba’s sin, and what were the consequences?

How would you describe Joab from this chapter and earlier chapters?

(21) What was Saul’s sin? What were the consequences? What was their solution?

What does their solution tell you about sin? How might their solution point to Jesus?

Do you think their solution was God’s will?

(21, 23) What do 21:15-22 and 23:8-39 tell you about David’s success in battle and as king?

What spiritual principle is there for us to recognize?

(22-23) According to David, what was the ultimate source of his success as king? How is David saved from his enemies?

Which verses in chapter 22 especially speak to you?

How might 23:1-7 point to Jesus?

(24) What was David’s sin? What were the consequences? Does that seem fair? Can you think of contemporary examples?

How might this principle relate to Adam and Jesus?

How would you further describe Joab from this chapter?

How do David’s last actions in the book point to Jesus?

Reflections on II Samuel 18-19

On January 19, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Absalom is killed and David returns to Jerusalem.

Pardon – As David returns to Jerusalem he pardons those who had sided with Absalom. He even makes Absalom’s general Amasa his new general. Do you pardon those who hurt you? Who do you need to forgive and reconcile with?
Revenge – Joab has a different heart than David. Rather than spare Absalom, he kills him. Later he will kill Amasa who was to take his place as general. What do you do when people cross you? Are you seeking vengeance on someone?

Reflections on II Samuel 15-17

On January 17, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Absalom proclaims himself king. Note:

Pride – Absalom wants everyone to be impressed with him – riding a chariot with 50 men running before him. He proudly seeks to take the kingdom from his own father. What does your pride look like? What will you do about it?
Loyalty – Absalom proclaims himself king, and many of David’s officials follow him. Yet many also remain loyal to David. Are you loyal toward your leaders? Associates? Friends? Family? Church? Can they count on you?

II Samuel 15-19: Hurting and Helping

On January 16, 2017 By BrianIn OT Studies

(15-19) In 12:10-12, Nathan predicted several consequences to David’s sin. How do we see these predictions come true in chapters 15-19?

(15-19) What words would you use to describe Absalom?

What evidence do you see of his pride?

What contrast do you see in David?

How does Hushai use Absalom’s pride to help David?

(15-19) David’s sin and Absalom’s pride doesn’t just cause hurt to themselves. Who else is negatively affected by their sin, and how?

What principle or warning do you see for our own lives today?

(15-19) In midst of this mess, we see numerous examples of loyalty and friendship. How do each of the following show loyalty to David, and how are they an example for us?

His servants –

Ittai the Gittite –

Abiathar and Zadok –

Hushai –

Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai –

Joab –

How do you need to be a better friend?

Reflections on II Samuel 12-14

On January 12, 2017January 12, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

David’s sin had dire consequences for himself and his family:

Consequences of sin – David confesses his sin, and God forgives him, but the consequences of his sin remain. His family and all of Israel will suffer because of his sin. God will forgive your sin when you confess it to him, but the consequences of your sin may remain to hurt you and your loved ones. Again – guard your life!
Following their father – Amnon follows his dad’s example by taking Tamar. Absalom responds by following his dad’s example and killing Amnon. David’s adultery and murder are passed on to the next generation. What sins do you need to overcome lest you pass them down to the next generation?

Reflections on II Samuel 8-11

On January 10, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today is the turning point of the book, as David begins in triumph, but then yields to temptation and sins against God.

Triumph – The Lord gave David victory after victory over his enemies. With what triumphs has God blessed you? How do you think you should respond?
Temptation and sin – David goes for a walk and sees a woman bathing. At that point, he should have just turned away. Instead he pursues it, and by the end he has committed adultery and murder. How quickly we can fall! Do you toy with temptations or do you run? Are you on guard?

II Samuel 8-14: Triumph and Failure

On January 9, 2017 By BrianIn OT Studies

(8, 10) What reason is given for David’s many victories (8:6, 14)?

What does this suggest about our victories, and how should we live in light of this truth?

How do Joab’s words balance the twin truths of man’s responsibility and God’s sovereignty? What would it look like to err by stressing either truth?

(8-10) How does 8:15 point forward to a greater King (Isaiah 9:7)?

How is David’s kindness to Mephibosheth a picture of God’s kindness towards us (chapter 9)?

How do the actions of Hanun remind us of the consequences of rejecting God’s kindness (10:1-5, John 3:36)?

(11-14) David’s triumphs give way to failure. Trace David’s path into sin (11:1-4). What should David have done differently to overcome temptation?

One sin often leads to another sin. How does David’s first sin snowball into many more?

Describe David’s sin from God’s point of view (11:27; 12:9, 14). How might seeing sin in this way help us to overcome temptation?

David repents and God forgives, but consequences remain. What consequences does Nathan mention in 12:10-14, and how do you see these consequences play out in chapters 12-14?

How should the reality of sin’s consequences help us overcome temptation? Why does it often not?

Reflections on II Samuel 6-7

On January 7, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

David brings the ark to Jerusalem and receives a covenant promise from God. Consider:

Proper Worship – Uzzah touches the ark which was not to be touched. God kills him, and the worship service is done. We must worship God according to his commands. Later they finish moving the ark. David is dancing and rejoicing before the Lord. Do you worship with this kind of joy and enthusiasm?
Davidic Covenant – God promises David that his kingdom and throne will never end. Ultimately this promise is fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of David, who receives the same promises in Luke 1:32-33. Have you bowed your life before your king?