Wednesday, November 29, 2017

2 Friends and 1 Enemy (2 Samuel 15-17)

The story of Absalom’s rebellion can be found in 2 Samuel 14-19 (chapter 13 also provides a little context). Today’s questions will focus mostly on chapters 15-16 which tells the story of David escaping Jerusalem before Absalom and his army arrive. We are going to explore David’s conversations with 4 men and seek to learn important lessons from these interactions.

Name 2-3 people whose character you would like your life to reflect. Specifically, what character traits do you admire in these people?

Read 2 Samuel 15:18-23. What are 4-5 words you would use to describe Ittai?

Even though he didn’t have to, Ittai chose to stay and fight with David. What actions can you take this week that are not necessary, but will be beneficial to others in your life?

Read 2 Samuel 15:32-37. Was David’s request of Hushai easy or difficult? Why? (You can read more of Hushai’s story in 2 Samuel 17:1-23)

What difficult assignment has God given you right now? Why is it difficult? What is your plan for accomplishing it?

Read 2 Samuel 16:1-4. Why did Ziba’s appearance put David in a difficult spot? What would you have done if you were David?

Read about Mephibosheth and the rest of Ziba’s account in 2 Samuel 19:24-30. How does this new information change the story?

When have you gotten a story wrong by believing the first version you heard? When has someone done this to you? Who in your life do you need to work on giving the “benefit of the doubt” instead of always believing the worst about them?

Read 2 Samuel 16:5-13. How would you have responded to Shimei?

Why do you think David was able to respond the way he did?

When are you tempted to repay evil with evil? How would your life and relationships change if you could learn to repay evil with good?

Which of these characters has made the biggest impact on your life? After studying each of these stories, what is your next step?

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