Name: Serena McCaffrey
Date: 11/12/23
Section: 003
Old Testament Bible Study Assignment
Passage: 2 Samuel 9:1-13
Instructions:
For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of David and Mephibosheth
found in 2 Samuel 9:1-13. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this
passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and
Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study.
I. Observation
A. I have read 2 Samuel 9:1-13 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or
CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer.
Please use the translation provided in your digital library or found at Biblegateway.com
oYes
oNo
B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2 similarities
and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this story. You may list as many
similarities and differences that you find as long as you meet the minimum amount.
Similarity: Both versions have the part at the end revisiting Mephibosheth’s lameness.
Similarity: In both versions, Mep used the term “dead dog” as a self abasement phrase to
further show honor to the king.
Difference: In verse 9 of the functional translation it calls Ziba Saul’s steward in the formal,
it calls him Sauls servant.
Difference: The formal transitional I used said that when Mephibosheth appeared before
David, he paid homage and the functional translation said he bowed down to pay him
honor.
Difference: the first verse is David asking a question, in my functional it says David asked
but in my formal it says David said. The formal seems more monotone where the functional
sounds more natural and conversational.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
King David, Ziba, Mephibosheth,
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
David wanted to show kindness to someone from Jonathan’s house. He calls Ziba, a servant of
Saul’s. Ziba explains that Jonathan has a living lame son named Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth
comes to David and bows before him and says he is David’s servant. Instead, David tells him
that he is going to bless him by provision and that he will always eat at his table.
3. Narrative structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Narrative Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Introduction: David asks is there anyone is Saul’s house that he can bless for the sake of
Jonathan
Inciting incident: David heard there was a servant of the house named Ziba
Rising action: David asks Ziba if there’s anyone in Saul’s line.
Climax: Ziba explains that Jonathan’s son is alive. Mephibosheth meets david.
Falling action: David tells Mephibosheth that he will provide for him and take him as someone in
his family.
Resolution: Mephibosheth, his son Mica, and Ziba and his family and servants lived with David
in Jerusalem.
D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
Remember to review chapters 17 and 33 in Everyday Bible Study. This will help you be
more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.”
Please be detailed and specific as you answer these six key questions.
1. Who:
David
Saul
Jonathan
Ziba
Mica
2. What
I didn’t really understand what we were supposed to put here based on the example.
3. Where:
Lo-debar
Davids palace
Jerusalem
4. When:
During the reign of David.
5. Why:
Why did David want to bless someone from Saul’s house?
Because He had made a promise to not destroy their descendants
Why did Mephibosheth bow down to David?
Because he wanted to give honor and show respect to him.
Why did all of Ziba’s household become Mephibosheth’s servants?
Because His role for Saul transferred to Saul’s grandson.
6. How:
How did David find Mephibosheth?
He asked Ziba.
How did Mephibosheth get all that even though he didn’t seem that important and was
crippled?
Because David had compassion and brotherly love for Jonathan.
II. Interpretation
A. Summarize: Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (100-400 words)
explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember
two things. First, this passage is made up of both action and dialogue. Thus, this passage
is both showing and telling us something. Second, words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our”
are application words and not interpretation words. Thus, they should not be used in your
answer for this question. Interpretation is about “then and there” and not “here and now.”
We were not there so the passage is not about us. Our “part” in the passage is the
application or how we will respond to God’s Word.
I did not get this far, I had a really busy past few weeks :/
B. Identify: Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You
should be able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences. Once again, please remember
that words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation
words.
C. Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource in order to offer support for the principle
that you believe the passage is teaching. Please consult the “Commentaries” as well as
the “Bible Dictionaries & Handbooks” tabs found on this research guide provided by the
Jerry Falwell Library.
BIBL105 Research Guide
III. Correlation
A. How does this Old Testament narrative fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State
what type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and
explain why you believe this to be so? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200
words) in length. It may be good to review chapter six in Everyday Bible Study in order to
recall what each of these four themes are about.
B. How does your principle fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the one you
have written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation assignment. If your principle is a
true Biblical principle, it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the
principle discovered in this Old Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures?
Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (200-300 words) in length. Be specific. List,
explain, and cite your supporting passage(s) from Scripture.
C. How does this Old Testament narrative reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State
and explain at least one way that the principle of this narrative can be identified in the
person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (200-300
words) in length. Be specific. List, explain, and cite your supporting passage(s) from
Scripture.
IV. Application
What points of application can be made using the “Four Questions for Application?” State and
explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of
these points should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
A. The question of duty
B. The question of character
C. The question of goals
D. The question of discernment
