Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 7

2 Samuel 7

-Now that David was safe and secure in his new built house in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:11) with rest on every side from all his enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the Ark of God dwells within tent curtains.” Initially, Nathan told him to “Go, do all that is in your mind, for the LORD is with you.” However, God had other plans and came to Nathan that very night to correct the man of His Word. He told him, “Go and say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD,’ Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the sons of Israel from Egypt, even to this day; but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle. Wherever I have gone with all the sons of Israel, did I speak a word with one of the tribes of Israel, which I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’ Now therefore, thus you shall say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like the names of the great men who are on the earth. I will also appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, that they may live in their own place and not be disturbed again, nor will the wicked afflict them any more as formerly, even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you. When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever (2 Samuel 7:1-16).’” Nathan faithfully delivered this ultra-important vision from God to the king (2 Samuel 7:17).

-Now, after hearing this incredible prophecy, the king went in and sat before the LORD. He had a lengthy, thought-provoking, and informative reply to his Maker. “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future. And this is the custom of man, O Lord GOD. Again what more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord GOD! For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know. For this reason You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a Name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods? For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, O LORD, have become their God. Now therefore, O LORD God, the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house, confirm it forever, and do as You have spoken, that Your name may be magnified forever, by saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is God over Israel’; and may the house of Your servant David be established before You. For You, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have made a revelation to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house’; therefore Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to You. Now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

-*Application* Why is this chapter so vitally important? This is the real beginning of the Messianic line coming through King David. It is the eternal Kingdom, the One that will consummate the ages through Jesus Christ. The Divine connection from Heaven to earth. It provides for the redemption of all mankind. We could go on and on about the significance of this Word, but sufficed to say we are completely indebted to a gracious God who loves us and desires for us to know Him in a relational way. This fills our hearts with joy, wonder, and praise!

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 7:9, 16, 24

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 6

2 Samuel 6

-This chapter takes us on the Ark of the Covenant’s journey from Baale-judah at the house of Abinadab on the hill (see 1 Samuel 7:1-2) to its new home in the city of David. There was peril along the way as David arose and went with all the people who were with him to bring this Ark of God which is called by His Name (the very Name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim) to its new location. The Ark was placed on a new cart, and Uzzah and Ahio, who were the sons of Abinadab, were leading it. While this procession was taking place, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with various sorts of instruments (2 Samuel 6:1-5).

-However, when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, tragedy occurred. Uzzah reached out his hand toward the Ark of God and took hold of it because the oxen had nearly upset it. This violated the LORD’s command (Exodus 25:10-15, Numbers 4:15), and the anger of the LORD therefore burned against Uzzah to the point of striking him down dead right on the spot for his irreverence. This activity frustrated the previously jubilant King David, and he became temporarily angry because of the LORD’s outburst. This led them to name the place Perez-uzzah (the breakthrough of Uzzah). David that day developed an extraordinarily agonizing fear of the LORD, which led him to comment, “How can the Ark of the LORD come to me?” He was then unwilling to move the Ark into the city of David there in Jerusalem initially. The Ark did however find its spot in the house of Obed-edom, the Gittite, and stayed there for three months (see also 1 Chronicles 13:13-14). During this time the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom, and it was told to David. Therefore, David finally went and brought up the Ark of God into the city of David with gladness. This time he moved it in complete obedience to the Law of the LORD (see 1 Chronicles 15:1-15). It was carried by the priests, not stuck on a cart like the Philistines had once done (1 Samuel 6:7-8). When the bearers of the Ark had gone six paces, the king sacrificed an ox and a fatling. Then David danced before the LORD with all his might wearing the linen ephod of the religious leaders. “So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the Ark of the LORD with shouting and the sound of the trumpet.” Michal, David’s first wife and daughter of Saul, looked out of her window at this time and observed David, her husband, leaping and dancing before the LORD, and “she despised him in her heart.” As the Ark was now brought into it place within a tent that David had prepared for it, he again offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. After these things, he blessed the people in the Name of the LORD of hosts and distributed to all the people of Israel, men and women alike, a cake of bread, a date, and a raisin to each one. After this massive celebration, they all departed each to their own house. But, when David returned to his household to bless them, Michal came out to meet him and scorned, “How the king of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!” David’s response was classic, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel; therefore I will celebrate before the LORD. I will be more lightly esteemed than this and will be humble in my own eyes, but with the maids of whom you have spoken, with them I will be distinguished.” The Word says that Michal, the daughter of Saul, was cursed by having no children to the day of her death (2 Samuel 6:6-23).  

-*Application* Sometimes the LORD has to do drastic things to bring us back into conformity with the fact that He is God and we are not. This deal with the Ark came at a real high point of David’s life when the temptation for haughtiness and pride were at its peak. In other words, he was feeling pretty good about himself and what was happening to him as this newly crowned king. God had to straighten him and his country out with an overwhelming reminder that He was holy and expected total obedience in genuine reverence. Our lesson? We can’t let unbridled passion, even in a worthwhile celebration, exceed the commands of our God. David learned from his mistakes, which is his mark of greatness, and corrected his errors the next time he moved the Ark. He followed God’s way, still celebrating before the LORD with what some perceived as undignified abandon, and esteemed himself lightly with humility. This is a true plan for success and will really distinguish us among people of our culture too.

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 6:14, 18, 21-22

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 5

2 Samuel 5

-Finally, after many years of trusting the LORD and eluding his enemies, David is anointed the rightful and ordained king over all of Israel. All the tribes came to David in Hebron after the death of Ish-bosheth (see 2 Samuel 4) and acknowledged him as their sovereign who had shepherded his people Israel as a great ruler. Even when King Saul had positional authority, the people recognized the actual man of God who was to be their eventual leader. “So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the LORD at Hebron; then they anointed David king over Israel.” This happened when David was 30 years old. It had been a long and arduous, but faithful, journey. His time had now come, the LORD had lifted him up and exalted him to what he had been called. He would eventually reign for 40 golden years, 7 ½ years in Hebron as the leader of Judah and 33 years in Jerusalem as the king of all Israel and Judah united (2 Samuel 5:1-5).

-Now, David took decisive action with his men by going up to Jerusalem. They went against the Jebusites, who controlled this mountainous stronghold that would eventually house the Temple of the Living God. The conventional thinking at the time was that the city was so well fortified that even the lame and the blind could protect it. A more accurate rendering of the text might explain the wording “let him reach the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul, through the water tunnel.” This could actually in the Masoretic Text take a Qere option that would make it passive to mean, “…the blind and the lame, who are hateful to (or towards) David (see http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1322).”  Whatever one’s understanding and interpretation of this passage, David used a cunning tactic to invade this coveted real estate and capture it. The stronghold of Zion was taken. The blind and the lame were excluded from coming into the house, which is more than likely referencing the future Temple of God, which was to be built during the reign of David’s son, Solomon. David now lived in this stronghold and at that time it became known as the “city of David” by the king’s own choosing. In fact, David strengthened it by some building projects from the Milo (citadel) inward. “David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of hosts was with him.” At that time, alliances began to form as well. Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messengers to David with cedar trees along with carpenters and stonemasons. These built a house for the king to live there in Jerusalem. David now realized his good fortune from the LORD in establishing him as king over Israel. God had exalted him and his kingdom for the sake of His people, Israel. Also notated in the text was the fact that King David took more wives and concubines from Jerusalem at this juncture. More sons and daughters are born, which are listed in the text (2 Samuel 5:6-16).

-But all was not pleasurable and peaceful in the beginning of David’s reign after the conquering of Jerusalem. The Philistines, upon hearing that David had been anointed king over all Israel, went up to seek out their notorious enemy. When the king caught wind of this, he went down, presumably with his trusted fighting men, to the stronghold. This was somewhere in the vicinity of the valley of Rephaim because this is where the Philistines came and spread themselves out. The valley of Rephaim is pretty much due west of Jerusalem toward what was still known as Canaan. It was about mid-way between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean Coastline in some pretty mountainous regions of the hill country. There, David inquired of his LORD once again as to whether or not he should go up against his foe. God told him to, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” Therefore, David and his men went and came to Baal-perazim and defeated them there. David proclaimed, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like the breakthrough of waters.” This is why it is named Baal-perazim (the master of breakthrough). The Philistines abandoned their idols there at Baal-perazim with David and his men carrying them away. But the trouble wasn’t over just yet. The Philistines remobilized and came back up once again in the valley of Rephaim. David again inquired of his LORD, and the LORD provided him specific advice on how to handle the battle. Israel was to go directly up, circle around behind them, and come at them in front of the balsam (or baka-shrubs) trees. When they heard marching in the tops of the balsam trees, they were to “act promptly, for then the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” David followed through exactly with what the LORD commanded him, and the Philistines were struck down from Geba as far as Gezer (2 Samuel 5:17-25).

-*Application* God is indeed the Master of the breakthrough. He will come to our aid at the critical times of our lives when we yield whole-hearted devotion to His plans. This is a lesson for us in persistence, faithfulness, endurance, steadfastness, patience, and devotion among many other things. David gives us hope when we see all the testing and hardships that he had to go through in order to be exalted as the king over a united Israel. Keep trusting God, keep inquiring of Him at every juncture, and enjoy the breakthrough when He ensures the victory!

Verse to Memorize: 2 Samuel 5:3

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 4

2 Samuel 4

-This chapter describes the events of Ish-bosheth’s murder two years after he had succeeded his father Saul as king over Israel (2 Samuel 2:10). When Ish-bosheth heard about the developments with Abner’s death in Hebron, he lost all courage and all Israel was disturbed. Among the remaining commanders of bands, Baanah and Rechab, who were brothers, plotted at this pivotal time to kill the fragile king. In an important aside, the text also informs us briefly of Mephibosheth, who was a crippled (from a fall early in his life) son of Jonathan’s. He was five years old when the report came from Jezreel of his father’s death along with King Saul, his grandfather. His nurse at that time took him up and fled for safety in a hurried rush. This is when Mephibosheth’s falling accident occurred where he became lame (2 Samuel 4:1-4).

-Anyway, the text returns to the rebellious plans of Baanah and Rechab as they went to the house of Ish-bosheth. At midday, when the king was taking his rest, the brothers came into the middle of his house as if to get wheat, went to the bedroom, and assassinated their king by striking him in his belly. Then they beheaded him and escaped. They took the head of Ish-bosheth and went by the way of the Arabah all night to Hebron where they presented proudly their accomplishment to the Judean King David. They purported, “Behold, the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life; thus the LORD has given my lord the king vengeance this day on Saul and his descendants.” David’s reply was unostentatious and reviling, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, when one told me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead.’ and thought he was brining good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news (2 Samuel 1:1-16). How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hand and destroy you from the earth?” David then had them killed at the hands of his young servants in his army. Their hands and feet were cut off, and they were hung up beside the pool in Hebron. As for the head of Ish-bosheth, that had been presented to them auspiciously, it was buried in honor in the grave of Abner there in Hebron (2 Samuel 4:5-12).

-*Application* David again presents us with a code of honor that is respectable and worthy of imitation. He truly meant things from his heart when he supported the anointed line of the LORD in regards to Saul and his descendants. He kept his word to his friend (1 Samuel 20:42). He saw with discernment the bigger picture and was not afraid to let God truly fight his own battles with patience and righteousness. Anything that interfered with that, he opposed vigorously. He was not lured by the temptation for self-gratification and human vengeance, nor should we. The LORD is our only Redeemer from all of our distress.

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 4:9-11

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 3

2 Samuel 3

-A prolonged war between the house of Saul and the house of David begins this unique, and necessary, chapter of Scripture. David grew steadily stronger under the Divine will of the LORD as the house of Saul grew steadily weaker and weaker. The text then describes the six sons that were born to David by various wives at Hebron while he ruled Judah from there (2 Samuel 3:1-5).

-The narrative now picks up with Abner, who was the commander in Saul and his son Ish-bosheth’s army, making himself strong in the house of Saul. He did a mischievous thing, which initiated a pivotal turn in the dynamic of Israel. He slept with one of Saul’s concubines named Rizpah, which angered the reigning King Ish-bosheth. Upon the king’s asking why he had done such a thing to dishonor the royal line, Abner retorted in his own prideful anger, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hands of David; and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman. May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the LORD has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him, to transfer the kingdom form the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.” This stunned and stymied the poor and falling king. Ish-bosheth was so afraid of his commander now that he could not even speak an answer to him, not even a word (2 Samuel 3:6-11).

-Abner immediately took action to follow through with his threats. He sent messengers to David asking for a covenant with him to make Israel all united under King David. He pledged his allegiance to the Judean king if the covenant was accepted. David felt like the offer was “Good!” The only thing he asked for was his original wife, Michal, back, whom Saul had taken from him to give to Paltiel (1 Samuel 18:20-28; 25:44). He asked this of Ish-bosheth ironically, and the king complied agreeably probably out of sheer fear by now. Michal was taken from her husband, Paltiel, by Ish-bosheth and given back to David. Paltiel sorrowfully followed her all the way to Bahurim weeping, but Abner at that point made him turn around and return, which he did. Meanwhile, Abner gathered the elders of Israel for consultation reminding them that in times past they had desired David to be king over them. He told them that this was the time to “do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’” Abner also told these things to the sons of Benjamin, and let these words be heard in Hebron where David was privy to his message. Everything seemed good to Israel as was presented by this commander. Therefore, David made a feast for Abner and the 20 men who had come with to Hebron. Here, Abner said to David, “Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires.” David sent him away to do this peace, but trouble was on the horizon (2 Samuel 3:12-21).

-Joab and other servants of David came back to Hebron from a raid and brought spoil with them. Much to their chagrin, they were informed of the peace overtures purposed by Abner, who had been there and left in peace. They were more than likely misinformed and negligent in their assessments. They mistrusted Abner, and Joab, along with his brother Abishai, had a vendetta because of what had happened to their brother, Asahel (2 Samuel 2:18-23). They were convinced that this was a spy mission, and that Abner had come in deception to learn of their strategies and plans to find out all they were doing. This seemed feasible given the fact that these two parties were at war for a prolonged time. They assessed in fear, vigilance, and trepidation rather than trust. They did not bother to get all the facts. They acted impetuously, and tracked down Abner bringing him back to the well which was at Sirah without consulting their king. David had no knowledge of this action according to the text; therefore, Joab acted alone in his inquiry and retribution. There in Hebron, as Abner was brought to Joab, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him privately. There he struck him in vengeance right in his belly so that the commander died. The text simply says it was “on account of the blood of Asahel his brother” as to why Joab was so impatient and ruthless. When David got wind of this debauchery, he exclaimed, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son Ner. May it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and may there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge (physical infirmities), or who is a leper (disease), or who takes hold of a distaff (affliction), or who falls by the sword (violence), or who lacks bread (provision).” David pronounced a well-deserved curse on his military leader for his hasty decisions and actions (2 Samuel 3:22-30).

-The murder turned into a time of mourning and healing as David told Joab to join him and all the people in tearing their clothes and girding on sackcloth to lament and weep for the deceased Abner. David walked behind the funeral procession following the bier of Abner as they buried him honorably in Hebron. At the grave site, King David lifted up his voice and wept along with all the people who were gathered. Laments were chanted by this poetic leader as the grieving was intense. Afterwards, all the compassionate people came to David to convince him to eat some bread while it was still day, but he vowed not to do that. He told them, “May God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun goes down.” This was a day of sorrow and penitence. All the people took note of David’s somber actions and realized that this whole thing was not the will of the king and that unity could definitely be achieved in their nation. These things pleased all the people, and David grew in favor once more with them because all that he did was in righteousness with the right heart motivation. They were perceptive. By the end David noted, “I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah (namely Joab and Abishai) are too difficult for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil (2 Samuel 3:31-39).”

-*Application* Do we act on gossip, lies, and slander without getting our facts straight sometimes as well? Much like Joab, we jump to conclusions all too often if we have a vendetta or foul dispossession towards someone or something. Our prejudice keeps us from righteousness, and retaliation is not becoming of the child of the King. Let’s get our facts straight and give people and situations all the grace that they deserve (Ephesians 4:29). Let’s be innocent of wrongdoing, like David was in this narrative. It will please the people around us as they see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 3:1, 27, 36

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 2

2 Samuel 2

-David, as was his custom, inquired of the LORD for a big decision and direction in his life. This would impact those who were faithful to him in his family and the wider clan of followers. They went up at the LORD’s discretion to Hebron, which were of the cities of Judah with his two wives and the men who were with him along with their families. A fairly large exodus of people by now which had to have been well over 1,000 individuals in total. “Then the men of Judah came and there anointed David king over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-4).” This is an important development in the saga.

-At this time, the men of Judah told David how it was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul. Therefore, David sent messengers to those in Jabesh-gilead (to the north and east) proclaiming blessings on them from the LORD for their kindness to Saul in his death. David extended the lovingkindness and truth of the LORD as His favored and anointed king promising them goodness from his kingdom. He also let them know that their hands should be made strong and that they should be valiant due to the death of their king; plus, he informed them as to the fact that Judah had anointed him their king at this point (2 Samuel 2:5-7).

-But, there was trouble in the house of Israel that revolved around the commander of Saul’s army, Abner, who had taken Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, to Mahanaim (east of the Jordan approximately half way between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea) and set him up as king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, even all of Israel. Ish-bosheth was 40 years old at this juncture and lasted as king for a mere two years. This caused a rift in the nation since Judah had decided that David was their king and followed him. Therefore, David’s kingdom, which was a division from Israel, in Judah lasted 7 years and 6 months in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:8-11).

-Civil war soon ensued as Abner brought the servants of Ish-bosheth from Mahanaim to Gibeon, just northwest of Jerusalem and directly north of Hebron in the vicinity of where Saul was from in the land of Benjamin. Joab, who was a military leader faithful to David, and the servants of David went out and met the forces of Abner by the pool of Gibeon. There they all sat down, one group on one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool. Finally, Abner said to Joab, “Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us.” Joab replied, “Let them arise.” The contest consisted of 12 on 12 in a sword fight. As they drew near one another the Scriptures say that “each one of them seized his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side; so they fell down together.” The place of this tragic occurrence was then called Helkath-hazzurim (the field of sword edges) which, again, was in Gibeon. This erupted a “very severe” battle between the two clans of the sons of Abraham. Joab’s men, the servants of David, ended up beating the forces of Abner and Israel. The three sons of Zeruiah including Joab, Abishai, and Asahel were there, and Asahel, who was very fast of foot, chased after Abner in straight course. As Asahel was catching up to this commander a conversation took place. Abner first asked if it was indeed the fleet footed Asahel to which Asahel answered, “It is I.” Abner warned him to turn to the left or right and collect spoil from one of the already fallen young men, but Asahel refused in his pursuit. He continued to follow the commander at a rapid pace, and Abner spoke warning once more, “Turn aside from me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” However, Asahel refused the directive once more and advanced on this warrior. Therefore, the Bible tells us that Asahel was about to catch Abner, the commander cleverly struck him in the belly with the butt end of his spear to the point that the spear pierced through and came out of his back. Asahel fell there where he was struck and died on the spot. All who came to this place stood still, but Joab and Abishai continued to pursue Abner. As the sun was going down on this bloody day “they came to the hill of Ammah, which in front of Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.” The sons of Benjamin gathered there together as one band of brothers behind Abner and stood on the top of a certain hill. From this lofty spot Abner called to Joab saying, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? How long will you refrain from telling the people to turn back from following their brothers?” Joab responded, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then the people would have gone away in the morning, each from following his brother.” Then Joab blew the trumpet signaling a halt for the people, and they pursued Israel no longer, “nor did they continue to fight anymore.” Abner and his men fled through the Arabah all that night. They crossed the Jordan and walked all morning back to Mahanaim where they had begun. Joab on his part returned from following Abner to find that 19 of David’s servants, besides his brother Asahel, were missing (unaccounted for, presumed dead). But, the servants of David had killed many of Abner and Benjamin’s men. In fact, 360 men had died on the side of Israel. This indicated a decisive but hollow victory for the men of David. Asahel was taken up and buried in his father’s tomb which was in Bethlehem. “Then Joab and his men went all night until the day dawned at Hebron (2 Samuel 2:12-32).”

-*Application* Sometimes the decisions we make in haste can have catastrophic consequences. David is our example here of inquiring of the LORD before any important change in direction or action. He was blessed with a kingdom, security, and homes there in Judah. Asahel proved to be impulsive, raging, and unconscious of the dire straits he was putting himself into, which ended costing him his life. This civil war need not have happened. Both Abner and Joab would have been better off consulting the Sovereign LORD before agreeing to a destructive contest that eventually lead to hundreds of Israeli lives lost for virtually nothing. Wisdom is a stake here for our lives as we meditate on the mistakes of the past. Consider God before taking next steps. It makes all the difference in the world for blessing, honor, and favor.

Verse to Memorize: 2 Samuel 2:4

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Introduction and Chapter 1

2 Samuel 1

-Introduction: The book of 2 Samuel narrates the kingdom of David with an accurate depiction in the years of the man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). David presents for us, the readers, a model and example to emulate in many regards, yet David was by no means a perfect individual as we will explore. We tend to gravitate to people who define and personify our ideals. Unconsciously, and sometimes on purpose, we copy their actions and adopt their philosophies and worldview. King David is one of the Scriptures foremost heroes, and a person worth considering. He comes along at about the half-way point between Abraham and Jesus in the national history of Israel. He is their second king and is given, by God’s authority, the eternal Kingdom line through which Christ Jesus would be born (2 Samuel 7:16-29, Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38). This book was probably written somewhere around 930 B.C. perhaps by the prophet Nathan’s son, Zabud (1 Kings 4:5). There are also some parts that can probably be attributed to Nathan and Gad (1 Chronicles 29:29). The completion of this book, named after the prophet Samuel who anointed David as king yet deceased by the time of the events of this book, was approximately 40 years after the reign of King David had ended. His reign begins at the time of King Saul’s death in 1010 B.C. when David was ascribed authority in Judah. By 1003 B.C., some seven years later, David was in full control of a unified Israel and enjoyed the expansion of the kingdom, the ark being brought back to its rightful place in the tabernacle, and military success after success. But, despite all these accomplishments, we also see the dark side of this king who at times is merely a sinful human and succumbs to temptation involving laziness, pride, and lust. We see his family issues spring forth in stunning array, and the pain of dealing with surmounting situations there. However, through it all David provides for a way back with his repentant heart (which makes him the man after God’s own heart), which we can discern extends the grace of God to the humble and contrite. In the end by 970 B.C. when he goes to be with the LORD, we know that David has an abiding peace and was in perfect fellowship with his Creator, even though he like everyone else he had to endure the consequences of his wayward actions. Look for the themes of God honoring characteristics, for example: faithfulness, patience, courage, generosity, commitment, honesty, modesty, justice, and penitence. While enjoying those qualities, also notice the Kingdom growth, the perils of personal greatness, the consequences of sin, and the repentant heart themes. 2 Samuel is a classic work of art and an inspiring Word from the LORD.

(Ideas extracted from “New American Standard Bible: Life Application Study Bible.” Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI, 1995, pgs. 496-497)

-Chapter 1: The book begins after the death of Saul, which occurred on Mount Gilboa in a battle with the vaunted Philistines (1 Samuel 31, canonical ties). David had just returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites because of their vicious attack on his people in Ziklag (see 1 Samuel 30). He was back in Ziklag, which had been burned with fire, and remained there for two days. On the third day, however, an Amalekite man who said he had been in Saul’s camp came with clothes torn and dust on his head. When he approached David, he fell prostrated to the ground before this valiant warrior out of perceived respect. Upon David asking where he had come from, the Amalekite told him what had transpired in the battle between Israel and the Philistines. David was anxious to know how things were going and was then informed of the carnage that Israel was dealt including the death of Saul and Jonathan. David wanted proof of the cessation of the king and his son. The man lied about the way it all went down, which can be accurately found in 1 Samuel 31. But, he did present the king’s crown and bracelet that was on his arm. He claimed he had killed the king who was in agony for his life after the injuries he had received in battle (2 Samuel 1:1-10). This was untrue. The Amalekite was more than likely a battlefield scavenger that happened to come upon the king before the Philistines were able to find him.

-Upon hearing the horrid news, David took hold of his clothes and ripped them apart. His men who were with him followed suit in tearing their clothes as well. “They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.” This was indeed a fulfillment of prophecy, but it was a painful time in the camp of David (1 Samuel 28).

-David now attended to the matter of this Amalekite, who was in fact an alien and despiser of the king. David asked him where he was from and how it was that he was not afraid to stretch out his hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed. He eventually had one of his young men to go and cut him down, which ended the man’s life. Here is David’s final evaluation of the man, “Your blood is on your head, for your mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

-Then, in grief, David chanted this lament over Saul and his son, Jonathan. He told his people to teach the sons of Judah this “song of the bow,” which was written in the book of Jashar:

"Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How have the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. O mountains of Gilboa, let not dew or rain be on you, nor fields of offerings; for there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life, and in their death they were not parted; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. How have the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women. How have the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"

-*Application* Our world scorns the emotions of grief and often tries to repress them to our detriment. Consider how we act around people that are going through agonizing times in their lives. How do we respond? Do we shut them up and shut them down? Or, do we offer the hope and help of Christ in these instances? Too many people are turning to addictions instead of the Savior in times of intense hurt and pain. We should give them Jesus as the real healer. We can also see the importance of truthfulness from this episode in the Scriptures. The Amalekite paid a high price for his distortion and deception. We will too if we get tangled up in the web of lies and false story telling. God is a God of truth and reality. Finally, let us consider the friendship of David and Jonathan. True friends are rare in our world and should be genuinely cherished.

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 1:16, 26