Old Testament Survey
Lesson 112 Samuel Chapters 1-11
In this lesson, as we continue our Old Testament Survey, we’ll begin looking at the book of 2 Samuel and the reign of David. To provide context for this lesson, your preparatory assignment is to review the last chapter of 1 Samuel (Chapter 31) and the death of Saul.
David, the only person given that name in the entire Bible, has much to show us regarding (a) our relationship to God, (b) our responsibility to God, and (c) our reconciliation with God. There are several key things that I would like for you to notice and look for as you read these chapters about David; specifically, (1) how he ruled, (2) how he thought, and (3) his commitment to serving God above all else.
I know that there is a lot to read for this lesson, but the narrative is literally riveting, with many plot twists and turns and several main characters to keep track of. As such, you may find it useful to have some paper for notes to help you as you read the story of David and the events leading up to his becoming king of the united kingdom of Israel.
Read 2 Samuel Chapter 1 through Chapter 11, then answer the following:
- Who reported the death of Saul to David, and how do we know that he was lying?
- Why do you suppose that the Amalekite lied, and what happened to him?
- Even though Saul had made several attempts on David’s life and David had also had several opportunities to kill Saul, he never did. His explanation is always the same, and is repeated again in this story of the Amalekite. What was David’s reasoning for neither killing Saul, nor ever wanting Saul killed?
- Who were Abner, Ish-bosheth and Joab?
- What happens in the lives of Abner and the three sons of Zeruiah that affects both the creation of the united kingdom of Israel and David?
- What happened to Ish-bosheth following the death of Abner?
- What happened to Recab and Baanah following the death of Ish-bosheth?
- How and when did Jerusalem get the name "City of David"?
- What did David do once he had captured Jerusalem and renamed it the City of David? What did he build there?
- In Chapter 6, the Ark of God returns to Jerusalem, where is it placed upon its arrival into the city?
- What is David’s problem with where the Ark of God is placed?
- How does God respond to David’s plans for building a Temple to house The Ark?
- Who is Mephibosheth, and why would David care about him?
- How many charioteers and how many foot soldiers did David defeat in the battle with the Arameans?
In summary, our study followed the first half of David’s rise to power and his reign over the united kingdom of Israel. During all that David did up to this point, he consistently sought out the Lord’s guidance and counsel and always saw Saul as God’s anointed leader (up until Saul’s death). He shunned all forms of criminal activity, he did not desire revenge on his enemies, and he always encouraged his followers to have the same high ethical standards and strong walk with God that he had. He was a true leader in every sense of the word. Next week, we’ll see a different side of David.
Have a great week everyone.
In Christ,
Wes
[2020]