2 SamuelSample

Congratulations on finishing another week of studying 2 Samuel! Last week we covered some pretty heavy topics. We read how sin and the unchecked pursuit of personal gratification caused David and Amnon to very significantly hurt other people through rape and murder. It was a week full of learning about the consequences of our sin in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. The beautiful thing that we were reminded of last week, from Romans 6, is that we have been set free from our flesh and can walk in victory over our sin.

Take a moment to skim over 2 Samuel 16-20 again. Remind yourself of the story and the themes we learned about this week. Okay, now that you have read through it one more time, sit for a second and take it all in.

We just read through quite a bit of narrative from David’s life and kingship. Some of the themes we see are David’s unwavering God-like character in the face of hurt, mourning, and pain. We see his kindness and compassion toward people—even people who have hurt him. We have gotten to witness the character of David a lot through these chapters. Let’s contrast what we learned this week with what we learned last week. The same man that raped and murdered people is now being used to show compassion and kindness. The same man that hurt people is now himself hurting, but not acting in anger or on inappropriate emotions. Despite what David did, God is using him. No matter what we have done, God can and will use us.

Looking back at the Word

1. Look back at how David instructed his men to handle Absalom if they encountered him. Now look back at David’s response when he found out Absalom had been killed. Is this how you would expect someone to react who had been so hurt by Absalom? Where else do you see David being compassionate and kind in the last five chapters?

2. What are the characteristics of David you witness throughout these five chapters? Based on what you’ve witnessed about him here, why is he called a man after God’s own heart?

3. David is what some scholars call a “type” for Christ. His character is supposed to make us think about Jesus. Thinking back over 1 and 2 Samuel, how have you seen David’s life point to Jesus? What are their similarities?

Questions to consider:

1. What does it say to you that a man who committed some pretty heinous acts could be used for God’s glory?

2. Are we ever too far gone from God? How do you know? How do you remind yourself that you are loved by God and he can never lose you?

3. Who could you tell about what you have learned this week? Make a plan to do this.

Let’s pray:

Father, we thank you for the reminder that no matter what we do, or how far we run, we can never be too far gone out of your reach. Father, I ask that you use me, despite what I have done, to bring you more glory and further your kingdom.