2 SAMUEL: STUDY OUTLINE
for BIBL 105 – Old Testament Survey
I. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
A. Title and Meaning
•Hebrew Title: “Shmuel” (continuation of 1 Samuel - originally one book)
•English Title: “2 Samuel” (divided by Greek translators)
•Genre: Royal biography; theological history; covenant narrative
B. Authorship & Date
•Traditional View: Samuel, Nathan, Gad, and prophetic school (evangelical
position)
•Internal Evidence: Court records, eyewitness accounts (1 Chr 29:29)
•Sources: “Book of Jasher” (1:18), court histories, prophetic records
•Composition Date: Early monarchy period (c. 950-900 BC)
•Historical Period: c. 1010-970 BC (David’s 40-year reign)
C. Canonical Context
•Hebrew Bible: Former Prophets (Deuteronomistic History)
•English Bible: Historical books between 1 Samuel and 1 Kings
•Central position: Heart of Old Testament historical narrative
D. Historical Setting
•Political consolidation: From civil war to united monarchy
•Military expansion: From tribal territory to mini-empire
•Religious centralization: Jerusalem as political and spiritual capital
•Cultural flowering: Beginning of Israel’s golden age
•International relations: Diplomatic and military engagement with surrounding
nations
E. Structure Overview
1. David’s Rise to Power (1:1-10:19)
2. David’s Fall and Restoration (11:1-20:26)
3. Final Events and Epilogue (21:1-24:25)
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F. Major Characters
David: King of Israel, man after God’s heart, flawed hero
Nathan: Prophet, divine messenger, royal advisor
•Bathsheba: Object of David’s sin, mother of Solomon
•Absalom: David’s son, rebel leader
•Joab: David’s general, pragmatic military leader
G. Theological Purposes
•Davidic covenant: Eternal promise to David’s house
•Divine grace: God’s faithfulness despite human failure
•Kingship ideal: Model and warning for future rulers
•Jerusalem significance: City of David as eternal capital
•Messianic preparation: Foundation for Christ’s kingship
II. DAVID’S RISE TO POWER (1:1-10:19)
A. David’s Response to Saul’s Death (1:1-27)
1. News of Defeat (1:1-10)
•David’s location: At Ziklag after Amalekite victory
•Messenger arrives: Third day, clothes torn, dirt on head
•Prostration: Falls to earth before David
•Report: “People fled from battle, many fallen and dead”
•Royal deaths: “Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also”
•Verification: “How do you know Saul and Jonathan are dead?”
•Amalekite’s story: Claims he killed Saul at his request
•Evidence: Brings crown and bracelet from Saul’s arm
•Self-serving lie: Probably found Saul already dead
2. David’s Mourning (1:11-16)
•Grief displayed: Rent clothes
•Community mourning: All men with him did likewise
•Fasting: Until evening for Saul, Jonathan, people, house of Israel
•Cause: “Because they were fallen by sword”
•Inquiry: Questions young man about his origin
•Identity: “Son of stranger, Amalekite”
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•Accusation: “How were you not afraid to stretch forth hand to destroy YHWH’s
anointed?”
•Execution: “Your blood be upon your head, your mouth has testified against
you”
3. David’s Lament (1:17-27)
Teaching purpose: “Teach children of Judah use of bow”
Written record: “Behold, it is written in book of Jasher”
•Refrain: “How are mighty fallen!”
•Secrecy plea: “Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in streets of Ashkelon”
•Philistine rejoicing: Lest daughters of uncircumcised triumph
•Curse: “No dew, neither rain upon mountains of Gilboa”
•Reason: “There shield of mighty was vilely cast away”
•Warriors praised: “Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant”
•Unity: “In their lives and in their death they were not divided”
•Strength: “Swifter than eagles, stronger than lions”
•Jonathan’s love: “Very pleasant have you been to me”
•Surpassing love: “Your love to me was wonderful, passing love of women”
•Final refrain: “How are mighty fallen, weapons of war perished!”
B. David’s Coronation and Civil War (2:1-4:12)
1. David Anointed King of Judah (2:1-7)
•Divine inquiry: “Shall I go up into any cities of Judah?”
•Divine answer: “Go up to Hebron”
•Migration: David, two wives, men and households go up
•Settlement: Dwell in cities of Hebron
•Anointing: “Men of Judah came and anointed David king over house of
Judah”
•Intelligence: “Men of Jabesh-gilead buried Saul”
•Messengers: David sends to Jabesh-gilead
•Blessing: “Blessed be you of YHWH that you have showed this kindness”
•Reciprocation: “YHWH show kindness and truth to you”
•Invitation: “Now be your hands strengthened, be valiant”
2. Abner Makes Ishbosheth King (2:8-11)
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•Abner’s action: Takes Ishbosheth (Saul’s son) to Mahanaim
•Coronation: Makes him king over Gilead, Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim,
Benjamin, all Israel
•Age: Ishbosheth forty years old when began to reign
•Duration: Reigned two years over Israel
•Contrast: House of Judah followed David
•David’s reign: Seven years and six months in Hebron over Judah 3. Battle at
Gibeon (2:12-32)
Armies meet: Abner and Ishbosheth’s men vs. Joab and David’s men
Location: Pool of Gibeon, sit on opposite sides
Suggestion: “Let young men now arise and play before us”
Agreement: Twelve from each side
Deadly combat: Each caught fellow by head, thrust sword in side
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Field name: “Helkath-hazzurim” (Field of Sharp Knives)
General battle: Very sore battle that day
•Israeli defeat: Abner and men of Israel beaten before David’s servants
•Three sons: Joab, Abishai, Asahel (Zeruiah’s sons) there
•Asahel’s pursuit: Light of foot as wild roe, pursues Abner
•Abner’s warning: “Turn aside, take you armor from one of young men”
•Persistence: “But Asahel would not turn aside”
•Fatal blow: Abner smites him with hinder end of spear
•Pursuit continues: Joab and Abishai pursue Abner
•Sunset truce: Abner calls for end to pursuit
•Agreement: Joab sounds trumpet, people stand still
•Night march: Abner and men walk all night, cross Jordan
•Casualty report: David’s men lost 19 plus Asahel; Benjamin/Israel lost 360
4. Long War and Abner’s Defection (3:1-39)
•Protracted conflict: “Long war between house of Saul and house of David”
•Growing strength: “David waxed stronger and stronger, house of Saul waxed
weaker”
•David’s sons: Six sons born in Hebron
1. Amnon: By Ahinoam the Jezreelitess
2. Chileab: By Abigail wife of Nabal the Carmelite
3. Absalom: By Maacah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur
4. Adonijah: By Haggith
5. Shephatiah: By Abital
6. Ithream: By Eglah David’s wife
•Abner’s strength: “Made himself strong for house of Saul”
•Concubine controversy: Ishbosheth accuses Abner regarding Rizpah
•Abner’s anger: “Am I dog’s head, which against Judah do show kindness?”
•Defection threat: “So do God to Abner if I do not accomplish”
•Transfer promise: “To translate kingdom from house of Saul”
•Ishbosheth’s fear: “Could not answer Abner a word because he feared him”
•Abner’s overture: Sends messengers to David
•David’s condition: “Make league with me, but bring me Michal Saul’s daughter”
•Demand: David requires Michal from Ishbosheth
•Retrieval: Taken from husband Phaltiel son of Laish
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•Weeping husband: Followed her weeping to Bahurim
•Dismissal: Abner commands him to go, he returns
•Elder consultation: Abner communicates with elders of Israel
•Historical argument: “You sought for David in times past to be king”
•Divine word: “By hand of my servant David I will save my people” Benjamin:
Abner speaks in ears of Benjamin
Report: Abner tells David all that seemed good to Israel and Benjamin
Twenty men: Come with Abner to David at Hebron
Feast: David makes feast for Abner and men
Agreement: “I will arise and go, gather all Israel to my lord the king”
Peace departure: David sends Abner away in peace
5. Joab Kills Abner (3:22-39)
•Joab’s return: From foray, brought much spoil
•News: “Abner came to king, he has sent him away in peace”
•Joab’s confrontation: “What have you done?”
•Accusation: “He came to deceive you, know your going out and coming in”
•Secret pursuit: Joab sends messengers after Abner
•Brought back: From well of Sirah, David knew not
•Murder: Joab takes Abner aside, smites him under fifth rib
•Revenge motive: “For blood of Asahel his brother”
•David’s innocence: “I and my kingdom are guiltless before YHWH”
•Curse: “Let it rest on head of Joab and on all his father’s house”
•Perpetual curse: Various calamities upon Joab’s house
•Mourning command: “Rend your clothes, gird with sackcloth, mourn before
Abner”
•Funeral: King David followed bier
•Burial: At Hebron, king lifted up voice and wept at grave
•Lament: “Died Abner as fool dies? Your hands were not bound”
•People wept: All people wept again over him
•Fasting: David refuses food until sun down
•Recognition: “All people took notice, pleased them”
•Understanding: “All people and all Israel understood that day”
•Disclaimer: “Not of king to slay Abner son of Ner”
•Weakness confession: “I am this day weak, though anointed king”
•Divine justice: “YHWH shall reward doer of evil according to his wickedness”
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6. Ishbosheth’s Murder (4:1-12)
•Demoralization: “Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead, his hands were feeble”
•Israel troubled: “All Israelites were troubled”
•Two captains: Baanah and Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite
•Beeroth connection: “Beeroth was reckoned to Benjamin”
•Exile note: “Beerothites fled to Gittaim, sojourners there until this day”
•Mephibosheth: “Jonathan, Saul’s son, had son that was lame of his feet”
•Age: “Five years old when tidings came of Saul and Jonathan from Jezreel”
•Accident: “His nurse took him up and fled, as she made haste to flee, he fell and
became lame”
•Name: “His name was Mephibosheth”
•Assassination: Rechab and Baanah come to Ishbosheth’s house at noon
Deception: “Came thither as though they would have fetched wheat”
Murder: “Smote him under fifth rib”
Escape: “Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped”
Details: “Came into house as he lay on bed in bedchamber”
Head taken: “Took head of Ishbosheth and gat them away”
Journey: “Went through plain all night”
•Presentation: “Brought head of Ishbosheth to David at Hebron”
•Claim: “YHWH has avenged my lord the king this day of Saul and his seed”
•David’s response: “As YHWH lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all
adversity”
•Previous example: “When one told me, saying Saul is dead”
•False reward: “I took hold of him and slew him in Ziklag”
•Greater crime: “How much more, when wicked men have slain righteous
person”
•Divine vengeance: “Shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand?”
•Execution: “David commanded young men, they slew them”
•Mutilation: “Cut off their hands and feet, hanged them over pool in Hebron”
•Honorable burial: “They took head of Ishbosheth and buried it in sepulchre of
Abner”
C. United Kingdom Established (5:1-10:19)
1. David’s Coronation as King of All Israel (5:1-5)
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•Tribal unity: “All tribes of Israel came to David to Hebron”
•Kinship argument: “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh”
•Historical precedent: “In time past, when Saul was king over us”
•Military leadership: “You were he that led out and brought in Israel”
•Divine promise: “YHWH said to you, You shall feed my people Israel”
•Ruler appointment: “You shall be captain over Israel”
•Covenant making: “King David made league with them in Hebron before
YHWH”
•Anointing: “They anointed David king over Israel”
•Age: “David was thirty years old when he began to reign”
•Reign length: “Forty years”
•Hebron: “Seven years and six months reigned he over Judah”
•Jerusalem: “Thirty and three years reigned he over all Israel and Judah”
2. Conquest of Jerusalem (5:6-16)
•Target: “King and his men went to Jerusalem unto Jebusites”
•Jebusite confidence: “Except you take away blind and lame, you shall not
come in”
•Boast: “David cannot come in hither”
•Challenge accepted: “David took strong hold of Zion: same is city of David”
•Attack method: “Whosoever gets up to gutter and smites Jebusites” Reward:
“He shall be chief and captain”
Victory: “So Joab son of Zeruiah went first up, was made chief”
Residence: “David dwelt in fort, called it city of David”
Building: “David built round about from Millo and inward”
Growth: “David went on and grew great”
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Divine presence: “YHWH God of hosts was with him”
•International recognition: “Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David”
•Building materials: “Cedar trees, carpenters, masons”
•Palace: “They built David house”
•Divine confirmation: “David perceived that YHWH had established him king”
•Purpose: “Had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake”
•More wives: “David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem”
•More children: “More sons and daughters were born to David”
•Jerusalem sons: Eleven sons listed (including Solomon)
3. Philistine Wars (5:17-25)
•Philistine response: “When Philistines heard David was anointed king over all
Israel”
•Search: “All Philistines came up to seek David”
•Strategic withdrawal: “David heard of it and went down to hold”
•Valley deployment: “Philistines also came and spread themselves in valley of
Rephaim”
•Divine inquiry: “Shall I go up to Philistines? Will you deliver them into mine
hand?”
•Divine answer: “Go up: for I will doubtless deliver Philistines into your hand”
•First victory: “David came to Baal-perazim, smote them there”
•Testimony: “YHWH has broken forth upon mine enemies before me”
•Place name: “Therefore he called name of that place Baal-perazim” (Lord of
Breaking)
•Water metaphor: “As breach of waters”
•Idols abandoned: “There they left their images, David and his men burned
them”
•Second invasion: “Philistines came up yet again, spread in valley of Rephaim”
•Different strategy: “You shall not go up; but fetch compass behind them”
•Timing: “When you hear sound of going in tops of mulberry trees”
•Signal: “Then you shall bestir yourself”
•Reason: “For then shall YHWH go out before you”
•Victory: “David did so as YHWH had commanded him”
•Pursuit: “Smote Philistines from Geba until you come to Gazer”
4. Ark Brought to Jerusalem (6:1-23)
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First Attempt (6:1-11)
•Assembly: “David again gathered together all chosen men of Israel, thirty
thousand”
Mission: “Arose and went with all people that were with him from Baale of
Judah”
Purpose: “To bring up from thence ark of God”
Sacred name: “Whose name is called by name of YHWH of hosts that dwells
between cherubims”
•New cart: “Set ark of God upon new cart”
•Transport: “Brought it out of house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah”
•Drivers: “Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, drove new cart”
•Procession: “David and all house of Israel played before YHWH”
•Instruments: “All manner of instruments made of fir wood, harps, psalteries,
timbrels, cornets, cymbals”
•Crisis: “When they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor”
•Stumble: “Oxen shook it”
•Uzzah’s death: “Uzzah put forth his hand to ark of God and took hold of it”
•Divine anger: “Anger of YHWH was kindled against Uzzah”
•Judgment: “God smote him there for his error; there he died by ark of God”
•David’s displeasure: “David was displeased because YHWH had made breach
upon Uzzah”
•Place name: “Called name of place Perez-uzzah to this day”
•Fear: “David was afraid of YHWH that day”
•Question: “How shall ark of YHWH come to me?”
•Diversion: “Would not remove ark of YHWH to him into city of David”
•Temporary home: “Carried it aside into house of Obed-edom the Gittite”
•Duration: “Ark of YHWH continued in house of Obed-edom Gittite three months”
•Blessing: “YHWH blessed Obed-edom and all his household”
Successful Transfer (6:12-23)
•Report: “It was told king David, saying YHWH has blessed household of
Obededom”
•Reason: “Because of ark of God”
•Decision: “David went and brought up ark of God from house of Obed-edom”
•Joy: “Into city of David with gladness”
•Proper method: “When they that bare ark of YHWH had gone six paces”
•Sacrifice: “He sacrificed oxen and fatlings”
•David’s worship: “David danced before YHWH with all his might”
•Priestly garment: “David was girded with linen ephod”
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•Procession: “So David and all house of Israel brought up ark of YHWH”
•Celebration: “With shouting and with sound of trumpet”
•Entry: “As ark of YHWH came into city of David”
•Michal’s disdain: “Michal Saul’s daughter looked through window”
•Observation: “Saw king David leaping and dancing before YHWH”
•Contempt: “She despised him in her heart”
•Installation: “Brought in ark of YHWH, set it in his place”
•Tent: “In midst of tabernacle that David had pitched for it”
•Offerings: “David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before YHWH”
•Completion: “As soon as David had made end of offering”
•Blessing: “He blessed people in name of YHWH of hosts”
•Distribution: “Dealt among all people, even among whole multitude of Israel”
Gifts: “To every one cake of bread, good piece of flesh, flagon of wine”
•Dismissal: “So all people departed every one to his house”
•Michal’s confrontation: “How glorious was king of Israel today”
•Accusation: “Who uncovered himself today in eyes of handmaids of his
servants”
•Comparison: “As one of vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself”
•David’s defense: “It was before YHWH, which chose me before your father”
•Divine appointment: “Appointed me ruler over people of YHWH, over Israel”
•Future worship: “Therefore will I play before YHWH”
•Humble attitude: “Will yet be more vile than thus, will be base in mine own
sight”
•Honor: “Of maidservants which you have spoken of, of them shall I be had in
honor”
•Consequence: “Therefore Michal daughter of Saul had no child unto day of her
death”
5. The Davidic Covenant (7:1-29)
•Palace completion: “King sat in his house, YHWH had given him rest round
about”
•David’s concern: “See now, I dwell in house of cedar, ark of God dwells within
curtains”
•Nathan’s initial response: “Go, do all that is in your heart; for YHWH is with
you”
•Divine message: “Word of YHWH came unto Nathan that night”
•Correction: “Go and tell my servant David, Thus says YHWH”
•Question: “Shall you build me house for me to dwell in?”
•Historical precedent: “I have not dwelt in any house since time I brought
children of Israel up”
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•Tabernacle wandering: “But have walked in tent and in tabernacle”
•No previous request: “Spoke I word with any tribes of Israel whom I
commanded to feed my people”
•David’s calling: “I took you from sheepcote, from following sheep”
•Divine appointment: “To be ruler over my people, over Israel”
•Past presence: “I was with you whithersoever you went”
•Enemies defeated: “Have cut off all your enemies out of your sight”
•Great name: “Have made you great name, like unto name of great men that are
in earth”
•People’s place: “Moreover I will appoint place for my people Israel”
•Security: “Plant them, that they may dwell in place of their own”
•Peace: “Move no more; neither shall children of wickedness afflict them any
more”
•Rest: “Also YHWH tells you that he will make you house”
•Dynasty promise: “When your days be fulfilled and you shall sleep with your
fathers”
•Succession: “I will set up your seed after you, which shall proceed out of your
bowels”
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Kingdom establishment: “Will establish his kingdom”
•Temple builder: “He shall build house for my name”
•Eternal throne: “I will stablish throne of his kingdom for ever”
•Father-son relationship: “I will be his father, he shall be my son”
•Discipline: “If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with rod of men”
•Mercy: “But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul”
•Eternal covenant: “Your house and your kingdom shall be established for ever
before you”
•Eternal throne: “Your throne shall be established for ever”
•Faithful delivery: “According to all these words and according to all this vision,
so did Nathan speak”
David’s Prayer (7:18-29)
•Humility: “Then went king David in, sat before YHWH, and he said”
•Amazement: “Who am I, O Lord YHWH? What is my house, that you have
brought me hitherto?”
•Future promises: “This was yet small thing in your sight, O Lord YHWH”
•Dynasty: “But you have spoken also of your servant’s house for great while to
come”
•Divine nature: “Is this manner of man, O Lord YHWH?”
•Speechless: “What can David say more unto you? For you, Lord YHWH, know
your servant”
•Divine purpose: “For your word’s sake, according to your own heart”
•Great works: “Have you done all these great things, to make your servant know
them”
•Divine uniqueness: “Wherefore you are great, O YHWH God: for there is none
like you”
•Monotheism: “Neither is there any God beside you, according to all that we
have heard”
•Israel’s uniqueness: “What one nation in earth is like your people, even like
Israel”
•Redemption: “Whom God went to redeem for people to himself”
•Great name: “To make you name of greatness and terribleness”
•Land clearing: “By driving out nations from before your people”
•Egypt deliverance: “Whom you redeemed to you from Egypt”
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•Eternal relationship: “For you have confirmed to yourself your people Israel to
be people unto you for ever”
•Divine commitment: “You, YHWH, are become their God”
•Request: “Now, O YHWH God, word that you have spoken concerning your
servant”
Establishment: “Concerning his house, establish it for ever, do as you have
said”
Divine glory: “Let your name be magnified for ever, saying YHWH of hosts is
God over Israel”
House establishment: “Let house of your servant David be established before
you”
Revelation basis: “For you, O YHWH of hosts, God of Israel, have revealed to
your servant”
•Promise: “I will build you house: therefore has your servant found in his heart to
pray”
•Divine truth: “You are that God, your words be true”
•Promise confirmation: “You have promised this goodness unto your servant”
•Blessing request: “Therefore now let it please you to bless house of your
servant”
•Eternality: “That it may continue for ever before you”
•Divine blessing: “With your blessing let house of your servant be blessed for
ever”
6. David’s Military Victories (8:1-18)
•Philistines: “David smote Philistines and subdued them”
•Metheg-ammah: “David took Metheg-ammah out of hand of Philistines”
•Moabites: “He smote Moab, measured them with line, casting them down to
ground”
•Execution method: “With two lines measured he to put to death, with one full
line to keep alive”
•Tribute: “So Moabites became David’s servants, brought gifts”
•Hadadezer: “David smote also Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah”
•Expedition: “As he went to recover his border at river Euphrates”
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•Captives: “David took from him thousand chariots, seven hundred horsemen,
twenty thousand footmen”
•Hamstringing: “David houghed all chariot horses, reserved of them for hundred
chariots”
•Syrians: “When Syrians of Damascus came to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah”
•Slaughter: “David slew of Syrians two and twenty thousand men”
•Garrisons: “Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus”
•Syrian tribute: “Syrians became servants to David, brought gifts”
•Divine help: “YHWH preserved David whithersoever he went”
•Spoils: “David took shields of gold that were on servants of Hadadezer”
•Transport: “Brought them to Jerusalem”
•Bronze: “From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took
exceeding much brass”
•Toi’s response: “When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all host
of Hadadezer”
•Diplomatic gift: “Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him and bless
him”
•Reason: “Because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him”
•Precious gifts: “With him vessels of silver, vessels of gold, vessels of brass”
•Dedication: “Which also king David did dedicate unto YHWH”
Temple treasury: “With silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which
he subdued”
Nation list: “Of Syria, Moab, children of Ammon, Philistines, Amalek”
Hadadezer spoil: “Spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah”
•Edomites: “David gat him name when he returned from smiting of Syrians in
valley of salt”
•Edom conquest: “Put he garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he
garrisons”
•Complete subjugation: “All they of Edom became David’s servants”
•Divine preservation: “YHWH preserved David whithersoever he went”
David’s Administration (8:15-18)
•Just rule: “David reigned over all Israel; David executed judgment and justice
unto all his people”
•Military commander: “Joab son of Zeruiah was over host”
•Recorder: “Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder”
•Priests: “Zadok son of Ahitub, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, were priests”
•Scribe: “Seraiah was scribe”
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•Cherethites and Pelethites: “Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over both”
•David’s sons: “David’s sons were chief rulers”
7. Kindness to Mephibosheth (9:1-13)
•David’s inquiry: “Is there yet any that is left of house of Saul”
•Purpose: “That I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake”
•Ziba: “There was of house of Saul servant whose name was Ziba”
•Summons: “When they had called him unto David, king said unto him, Are you
Ziba?”
•Identification: “Your servant is he”
•Question: “Is there not yet any of house of Saul, that I may show kindness of
God unto him?”
•Information: “Ziba said unto king, Jonathan has yet son, which is lame on his
feet”
•Location: “Where is he? Ziba said unto king, Behold, he is in house of Machir”
•Residence: “Son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar”
•Retrieval: “Then king David sent, fetched him out of house of Machir”
•Arrival: “Now when Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, son of Saul, was come unto
David”
•Prostration: “He fell on his face, did reverence”
•Address: “David said, Mephibosheth. He answered, Behold your servant”
Assurance: “David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely show you kindness”
•Reason: “For Jonathan your father’s sake”
Land restoration: “Will restore you all land of Saul your father”
Privilege: “You shall eat bread at my table continually”
16
Humility: “He bowed himself, said, What is your servant, that you should look
upon such dead dog as I am?”
Ziba’s appointment: “Then king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, said unto him”
Command: “I have given unto your master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to
all his house”
•Agricultural service: “You therefore, your sons, your servants, shall till land for
him”
•Provision: “Bring in fruits, that your master’s son may have food to eat”
•Royal privilege: “But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread alway at
my table”
•Ziba’s family: “Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants”
•Submission: “Then said Ziba unto king, According to all that my lord king has
commanded”
•Obedience: “So shall your servant do”
•Table fellowship: “As for Mephibosheth, said king, he shall eat at my table, as
one of king’s sons”
•Family: “Mephibosheth had young son, whose name was Micha”
•Household: “All that dwelt in house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth”
•Residence: “So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at
king’s table”
•Condition: “Was lame on both his feet”
8. Ammonite War (10:1-19)
•King’s death: “It came to pass after this, that king of children of Ammon died”
•Succession: “Hanun his son reigned in his stead”
•David’s intention: “I will show kindness unto Hanun son of Nahash”
•Reciprocity: “As his father showed kindness unto me”
•Embassy: “David sent to comfort him by hand of his servants for his father”
•Arrival: “David’s servants came into land of children of Ammon”
•Suspicion: “Princes of children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord”
•Accusation: “Think you that David does honor your father, that he has sent
comforters?”
•Alternative motive: “Has not David rather sent his servants unto you, to search
city?”
•Espionage: “To spy it out, overthrow it”
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•Insult: “Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off one half of their
beards”
•Humiliation: “Cut off their garments in middle, even to their buttocks, sent them
away”
•Report: “When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them” Shame: “Because
men were greatly ashamed”
•Instructions: “Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, then return”
Ammonite realization: “When children of Ammon saw that they stank before
David”
Mercenaries: “Children of Ammon sent and hired Syrians of Beth-rehob”
Syrian forces: “Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, of king Maacah
thousand men”
Ish-tob: “Men of Tob twelve thousand men”
David’s response: “When David heard of it, he sent Joab, all host of mighty
men”
•Battle formation: “Children of Ammon came out, put battle in array at entering in
of gate”
•Syrian position: “Syrians of Zoba, Rehob, Ish-tob, Maacah, were by themselves
in field”
•Two-front battle: “When Joab saw that front of battle was against him before
and behind”
•Strategy: “He chose of all choice men of Israel, put them in array against
Syrians”
•Abishai: “Rest of people he delivered into hand of Abishai his brother”
•Ammonite front: “That he might put them in array against children of Ammon”
•Mutual support: “If Syrians be too strong for me, then you shall help me”
•Reciprocal aid: “But if children of Ammon be too strong for you, then I will come
and help you”
•Courage: “Be of good courage, let us play men for our people”
•Divine will: “For cities of our God: YHWH do that which seems him good”
•Syrian rout: “Joab drew nigh, people that were with him, unto battle against
Syrians”
•Flight: “They fled before him”
•Ammonite retreat: “When children of Ammon saw that Syrians were fled, then
fled they also”
•Pursuit: “Before Abishai, entered into city”
•Return: “So Joab returned from children of Ammon, came to Jerusalem”
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•Syrian regrouping: “When Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel,
they gathered themselves together”
•Hadarezer’s reinforcement: “Hadarezer sent, brought out Syrians that were
beyond river”
•Helam: “They came to Helam; Shobach captain of host of Hadarezer went
before them”
•David’s mobilization: “When it was told David, he gathered all Israel together”
•Jordan crossing: “Passed over Jordan, came to Helam”
•Syrian deployment: “Syrians set themselves in array against David, fought with
him”
•Second defeat: “Syrians fled before Israel”
•Casualties: “David slew men of seven hundred chariots of Syrians, forty
thousand horsemen”
•Shobach’s death: “Smote Shobach captain of their host, who died there” Peace
treaty: “When all kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were
smitten”
Submission: “They made peace with Israel, served them”
Syrian withdrawal: “So Syrians feared to help children of Ammon any more”
III. DAVID’S FALL AND RESTORATION (11:1-20:26)
A. David’s Sin with Bathsheba (11:1-27)
1. The Adultery (11:1-5)
•Spring campaigns: “It came to pass, after year was expired, at time when kings
go forth to battle”
•Joab’s command: “David sent Joab, his servants with him, all Israel”
•Ammonite siege: “They destroyed children of Ammon, besieged Rabbah”
•David’s absence: “But David tarried still at Jerusalem”
•Evening walk: “It came to pass in eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed”
•Palace roof: “Walked upon roof of king’s house”
•Observation: “From roof he saw woman washing herself”
•Beauty: “Woman was very beautiful to look upon”
•Inquiry: “David sent and inquired after woman”
•Identity: “Is not this Bath-sheba daughter of Eliam, wife of Uriah the Hittite?”
•Summons: “David sent messengers, took her”
•Adultery: “She came in unto him, he lay with her”
•Purification: “For she was purified from her uncleanness”
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•Return: “She returned unto her house”
•Conception: “Woman conceived, sent and told David, saying, I am with child”
2. Cover-up Attempts (11:6-13)
•Uriah summoned: “David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite”
•Arrival: “Joab sent Uriah to David”
•Military briefing: “When Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him”
•Questions: “How Joab did, how people did, how war prospered”
•Dismissal: “David said to Uriah, Go down to your house, wash your feet”
•Gift: “There followed him mess of meat from king”
•Loyalty: “But Uriah slept at door of king’s house with all servants of his lord”
•Refusal: “Went not down to his house”
•Report: “When they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house”
•Question: “David said unto Uriah, Came you not from your journey?”
•Inquiry: “Why then did you not go down unto your house?”
•Noble response: “Uriah said unto David, Ark, Israel, Judah, abide in tents”
•Solidarity: “My lord Joab, servants of my lord, are encamped in open fields”
•Self-denial: “Shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with
my wife?”
•Oath: “As you live, as your soul lives, I will not do this thing”
Second attempt: “David said to Uriah, Tarry here today also, tomorrow I will let
you depart”
Extended stay: “So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, morrow”
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Intoxication plan: “When David had called him, he did eat and drink before him”
•Drunkenness: “He made him drunk”
•Continued loyalty: “At even he went out to lie on his bed with servants of his
lord”
•Persistent refusal: “But went not down to his house”
3. Uriah’s Murder (11:14-25)
•Death warrant: “It came to pass in morning, that David wrote letter to Joab”
•Messenger: “Sent it by hand of Uriah”
•Instructions: “He wrote in letter, saying, Set you Uriah in forefront of hottest
battle”
•Abandonment: “Retire you from him, that he may be smitten, and die”
•Siege observation: “It came to pass, when Joab observed city”
•Strategic placement: “He assigned Uriah unto place where he knew that valiant
men were”
•Sortie: “Men of city went out, fought with Joab”
•Casualties: “There fell some of people of servants of David”
•Mission accomplished: “Uriah the Hittite died also”
•Battle report: “Then Joab sent and told David all things concerning war”
•Messenger instructions: “When you have made end of telling matters of war
unto king”
•Anticipated anger: “If so be that king’s wrath arise, he say unto you”
•Criticism: “Wherefore approached you so nigh unto city when you did fight?”
•Historical parallel: “Knew you not that they would shoot from wall?”
•Abimelech example: “Who smote Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth?”
•Millstone: “Did not woman cast piece of millstone upon him from wall?”
•Death at Thebez: “That he died in Thebez”
•Strategic question: “Why went you nigh wall?”
•Key information: “Then say you, Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also”
•Mission execution: “So messenger went, came and showed David all that Joab
had sent him for”
•Report delivery: “Messenger said unto David, Surely men prevailed against us”
•Battle description: “Came out unto us into field, we were upon them even unto
entering of gate”
•Archer attack: “Shooters shot from off wall upon your servants”
•Royal casualties: “Some of king’s servants be dead”
•Confirmation: “Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also”
•David’s response: “Then David said unto messenger, Thus shall you say to
Joab”
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•Dismissive comfort: “Let not this thing displease you, for sword devours one as
well as another”
•Military encouragement: “Make your battle more strong against city, overthrow
it”
Encouragement: “Encourage you him”
4. Marriage to Bathsheba (11:26-27)
•Widow’s mourning: “When wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was
dead”
•Lamentation: “She mourned for her husband”
•Mourning period: “When mourning was past”
•Marriage: “David sent and fetched her to his house, she became his wife”
•Birth: “Bare him son”
•Divine displeasure: “But thing that David had done displeased YHWH”
B. Nathan’s Confrontation and David’s Repentance (12:1-31)
1. The Parable (12:1-6)
•Prophet sent: “YHWH sent Nathan unto David”
•Story: “He came unto him, said unto him, There were two men in one city”
•Rich man: “One rich, other poor”
•Rich man’s wealth: “Rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds”
•Poor man’s poverty: “But poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb”
•Beloved pet: “Which he had bought and nourished up: it grew up together with
him and with his children”
•Family member: “It did eat of his own meat, drank of his own cup, lay in his
bosom”
•Like daughter: “Was unto him as daughter”
•Traveler arrives: “There came traveler unto rich man”
•Selfishness: “He spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd”
•Theft: “To dress for wayfaring man that was come unto him”
•Cruelty: “But took poor man’s lamb, dressed it for man that was come to him”
•David’s anger: “David’s anger was greatly kindled against man”
•Judgment: “He said to Nathan, As YHWH lives, man that has done this thing
shall surely die”
•Restitution: “He shall restore lamb fourfold, because he did this thing”
•Reason: “Because he had no pity”
2. Nathan’s Accusation (12:7-12)
•Identity revealed: “Nathan said to David, You are the man”
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•Divine word: “Thus says YHWH God of Israel, I anointed you king over Israel”
•Deliverance: “I delivered you out of hand of Saul”
•Gifts: “I gave you your master’s house, your master’s wives into your bosom”
•Territory: “Gave you house of Israel and of Judah”
•Abundance: “If that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto you
such and such things”
•Contempt: “Wherefore have you despised commandment of YHWH, to do evil in
his sight?”
Murder: “You have killed Uriah the Hittite with sword”
Adultery: “Have taken his wife to be your wife”
•Means: “Have slain him with sword of children of Ammon”
•Consequence: “Now therefore sword shall never depart from your house”
•Reason: “Because you have despised me, taken wife of Uriah the Hittite to be
your wife”
•Divine judgment: “Thus says YHWH, Behold, I will raise up evil against you out
of your own house”
•Family betrayal: “I will take your wives before your eyes, give them unto your
neighbor”
•Public shame: “He shall lie with your wives in sight of this sun”
•Secret vs. public: “For you did it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel,
before sun”
3. David’s Confession and God’s Response (12:13-25)
•Confession: “David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against YHWH”
•Forgiveness: “Nathan said unto David, YHWH also has put away your sin; you
shall not die”
•But consequence: “Howbeit, because by this deed you have given great
occasion to enemies of YHWH to blaspheme”
•Child’s fate: “Child also that is born unto you shall surely die”
•Nathan’s departure: “Nathan departed unto his house”
•Divine judgment: “YHWH struck child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, it was
very sick”
•David’s intercession: “David therefore besought God for child”
•Fasting: “David fasted, went in, lay all night upon earth”
•Elders’ concern: “Elders of his house arose, went to him, to raise him up from
earth”
•Refusal: “But he would not, neither did he eat bread with them”
•Seventh day: “It came to pass on seventh day, that child died”
•Servants’ fear: “Servants of David feared to tell him that child was dead”
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•Reasoning: “They said, Behold, while child was yet alive, we spoke unto him, he
would not hearken”
•Concern: “How will he then vex himself, if we tell him that child is dead?”
•Realization: “But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived
that child was dead”
•Question: “Therefore David said unto his servants, Is child dead? They said, He
is dead”
•Response: “Then David arose from earth, washed, anointed himself, changed
his apparel”
•Worship: “Came into house of YHWH, worshiped: then he came to his own
house”
•Eating: “When he required, they set bread before him, he did eat”
•Servants’ confusion: “Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that
you have done?”
•Previous behavior: “You did fast and weep for child, while it was alive”
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Current behavior: “But when child was dead, you did rise and eat bread”
•Explanation: “He said, While child was yet alive, I fasted and wept”
•Hope: “For I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that child
may live?”
•Acceptance: “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back
again?”
•Reunion: “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me”
•Comfort: “David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, went in unto her, lay with her”
•Solomon’s birth: “She bare son, he called his name Solomon”
•Divine love: “YHWH loved him”
•Prophetic name: “He sent by hand of Nathan the prophet; he called his name
Jedidiah, because of YHWH”
4. Rabbah’s Capture (12:26-31)
•Joab’s progress: “Joab fought against Rabbah of children of Ammon, took royal
city”
•Message: “Joab sent messengers to David, said, I have fought against Rabbah”
•Water supply: “Have taken city of waters”
•Summons: “Now therefore gather rest of people together, encamp against city,
take it”
•Credit: “Lest I take city, it be called after my name”
•Assembly: “David gathered all people together, went to Rabbah, fought against
it, took it”
•Crown: “He took their king’s crown from off his head, weight whereof was talent
of gold with precious stones”
•Coronation: “It was set on David’s head”
•Spoil: “He brought forth spoil of city in great abundance”
•Forced labor: “He brought forth people that were therein, put them under saws”
•Various tools: “Under harrows of iron, under axes of iron, made them pass
through brickkiln”
•All cities: “Thus did he unto all cities of children of Ammon”
•Return: “So David and all people returned unto Jerusalem”
C. Absalom’s Rebellion (13:1-19:43)
1. Amnon and Tamar (13:1-39)
The Rape (13:1-22)
•Family: “It came to pass after this, that Absalom son of David had fair sister,
whose name was Tamar”
25
•Attraction: “Amnon son of David loved her”
•Frustration: “Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar”
•Impossibility: “For she was virgin; Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing
to her”
Friend: “But Amnon had friend, whose name was Jonadab, son of Shimeah
David’s brother”
Character: “Jonadab was very subtil man”
Question: “He said unto him, Why are you, being king’s son, lean from day to
day?”
•Inquiry: “Will you not tell me?”
•Confession: “Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister”
•Evil counsel: “Jonadab said unto him, Lay you down on your bed, make yourself
sick”
•Deception plan: “When your father comes to see you, say unto him”
•Request: “I pray you, let my sister Tamar come, give me meat”
•Preparation: “Let her prepare meat in my sight, that I may see it, eat it at her
hand”
•Feigned illness: “So Amnon lay down, made himself sick”
•King’s visit: “When king was come to see him, Amnon said unto king”
•Request made: “I pray you, let Tamar my sister come, make me couple of cakes
in my sight”
•Purpose: “That I may eat at her hand”
•David’s command: “Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to your
brother Amnon’s house”
•Obedience: “So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; he was laid down”
•Preparation: “She took flour, kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, did bake
cakes”
•Service: “She took pan, poured them out before him; but he refused to eat”
•Dismissal: “Amnon said, Have out all men from me. They went out every man
from him”
•Private summons: “Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring meat into chamber, that I
may eat of your hand”
•Compliance: “Tamar took cakes which she had made, brought them into
chamber to Amnon her brother”
•Assault: “When she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her”
•Proposition: “Said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister”
•Resistance: “She answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me”
•Reason: “For no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not you this folly”
•Shame: “I, whither shall I cause my shame to go?”
26
•Consequence: “As for you, you shall be as one of fools in Israel”
•Alternative: “Now therefore, I pray you, speak unto king; for he will not withhold
me from you”
•Violence: “Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger
than she, forced her, lay with her”
•Hatred: “Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that hatred wherewith he hated
her was greater than love”
•Rejection: “Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone”
•Protest: “She said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is
greater than other”
•Callousness: “But he would not hearken unto her”
Dismissal: “Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, said, Put now
this woman out from me”
Lock out: “Bolt door after her”
Garment: “She had garment of divers colors upon her: for with such robes were
king’s daughters that were virgins appareled”
•Defilement: “Then his servant brought her out, bolted door after her”
•Mourning: “Tamar put ashes on her head, rent her garment of divers colors that
was on her”
•Grief: “Laid her hand on her head, went on crying”
•Absalom’s knowledge: “Absalom her brother said unto her, Has Amnon your
brother been with you?”
•Silence counsel: “But hold now your peace, my sister: he is your brother”
•Comfort: “Regard not this thing”
•Residence: “So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house”
•David’s anger: “But when king David heard of all these things, he was very
wroth”
•Absalom’s hatred: “Absalom spoke unto his brother Amnon neither good nor
bad”
•Reason: “For Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar”
Amnon’s Murder (13:23-39)
•Two years later: “It came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had
sheepshearers in Baal-hazor”
•Location: “Which is beside Ephraim”
•Invitation: “Absalom invited all king’s sons”
•Royal request: “Absalom came to king, said, Behold now, your servant has
sheepshearers”
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•General invitation: “Let king, I beseech you, and his servants go with your
servant”
•Decline: “King said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go”
•Burden: “Lest we be chargeable unto you”
•Pressed: “He pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him”
•Alternative: “Then said Absalom, If not, I pray you, let my brother Amnon go with
us”
•Question: “King said unto him, Why should he go with you?”
•Persistence: “But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all king’s sons
go with him”
•Feast: “Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark you now when
Amnon’s heart is merry with wine”
•Murder order: “When I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not”
•Authority: “Have not I commanded you? be courageous, be valiant”
•Execution: “Servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded”
•Flight: “Then all king’s sons arose, every man gat him up upon his mule, fled”
•False report: “It came to pass, while they were in way, that tidings came to
David”
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Exaggeration: “Saying, Absalom has slain all king’s sons, there is not one of
them left”
Grief: “Then king arose, tare his garments, lay on earth”
Servants’ mourning: “All his servants stood by with their clothes rent”
Jonadab’s correction: “Jonadab, son of Shimeah David’s brother, answered
and said”
•Limited truth: “Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all young men king’s
sons; for Amnon only is dead”
•Predetermined: “For by appointment of Absalom this has been determined from
day that he forced his sister Tamar”
•Comfort: “Now therefore let not my lord king take thing to his heart, to think that
all king’s sons are dead”
•Truth: “For Amnon only is dead”
•Absalom’s flight: “But Absalom fled”
•Watchman: “Young man that kept watch lifted up his eyes, looked”
•Approach: “Behold, there came much people by way of hill side behind him”
•Confirmation: “Jonadab said unto king, Behold, king’s sons come: as your
servant said, so it is”
•Arrival: “It came to pass, as soon as he had made end of speaking, that, behold,
king’s sons came”
•Weeping: “Lifted up their voice and wept: king also and all his servants wept very
sore”
•Absalom’s refuge: “But Absalom fled, went to Talmai, son of Ammihud, king of
Geshur”
•Prolonged mourning: “David mourned for his son every day”
•Duration: “So Absalom fled, was in Geshur three years”
•David’s heart: “Soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom”
•Reconciliation: “For he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead”
2. Absalom’s Return and Rebellion (14:1-19:43)
Joab’s Scheme (14:1-33)
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•Joab’s perception: “Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that king’s heart was
toward Absalom”
•Wise woman: “Joab sent to Tekoah, fetched thence wise woman”
•Instructions: “Said unto her, I pray you, feign yourself to be mourner”
•Appearance: “Put on now mourning apparel, anoint not yourself with oil”
•Role: “But be as woman that had long time mourned for dead”
•Mission: “Come to king, speak on this manner unto him”
•Words: “So Joab put words in her mouth”
Approach: “When woman of Tekoah spoke to king, she fell on her face to
ground, did obeisance”
•Plea: “Said, Help, O king”
Story: “King said unto her, What ails you? She answered, I am indeed widow
woman”
Background: “Mine husband is dead”
Two sons: “Your handmaid had two sons, they two strove together in field”
No help: “There was none to part them, but one smote other, slew him”
Family demand: “Behold, whole family is risen against your handmaid”
Vengeance: “They said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him”
•Extinction threat: “For life of his brother whom he slew; we will destroy heir
also”
•Consequence: “So they shall quench my coal which is left”
•End of line: “Shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon
earth”
•King’s promise: “King said unto woman, Go to your house, I will give charge
concerning you”
•Responsibility: “Woman of Tekoah said unto king, My lord, O king, iniquity be on
me”
•King’s assurance: “King said, Whoever says ought unto you, bring him to me”
•Protection: “He shall not touch you any more”
•Oath request: “Then said she, I pray you, let king remember YHWH your God”
•Prevention: “That you would not suffer revengers of blood to destroy any more”
•Preservation: “Lest they destroy my son”
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•Divine oath: “He said, As YHWH lives, there shall not one hair of your son fall to
earth”
•Permission: “Then woman said, Let your handmaid, I pray you, speak one word
unto my lord king”
•Granted: “He said, Say on”
•Application: “Woman said, Wherefore then have you thought such thing against
people of God?”
•Self-condemnation: “For king does speak this thing as one which is faulty”
•Inconsistency: “In that king does not fetch home again his banished”
•Universal mortality: “For we must needs die, are as water spilt on ground,
which cannot be gathered up again”
•Divine mercy: “Neither does God respect any person: yet does he devise
means”
•Restoration: “That his banished be not expelled from him”
•Personal motive: “Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my
lord king”
•Fear: “It is because people have made me afraid”
•Hope: “Your handmaid said, I will now speak unto king; it may be king will
perform request of his handmaid”
•Expectation: “For king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of hand of man”
•Destruction: “That would destroy me and my son together out of inheritance of
God”
Confidence: “Then your handmaid said, Word of my lord king shall now be
comfortable”
Angelic wisdom: “For as angel of God, so is my lord king to discern good and
bad”
Divine blessing: “Therefore YHWH your God will be with you”
King’s suspicion: “Then king answered and said unto woman, Hide not from
me, I pray you”
Question: “Thing that I shall ask you. Woman said, Let my lord king now speak”
Joab’s involvement: “King said, Is not hand of Joab with you in all this?”
Confession: “Woman answered and said, As your soul lives, my lord king”
•Certainty: “None can turn to right hand or to left from ought that my lord king has
spoken”
31
•Admission: “For your servant Joab, he bade me, he put all these words in mouth
of your handmaid”
•Purpose: “To fetch about this form of speech has your servant Joab done this
thing”
•Wisdom: “My lord is wise, according to wisdom of angel of God, to know all
things that are in earth”
•Permission: “King said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing”
•Command: “Go therefore, bring young man Absalom again”
•Gratitude: “Joab fell to ground on his face, bowed himself”
•Blessing: “Thanked king: Joab said, Today your servant knows that I have found
grace in your sight”
•Reason: “My lord, O king, in that king has fulfilled request of his servant”
•Mission: “So Joab arose and went to Geshur, brought Absalom to Jerusalem”
•Restriction: “King said, Let him turn to his own house, let him not see my face”
•Isolation: “So Absalom returned to his own house, saw not king’s face”
Absalom’s Beauty and Family (14:25-27)
•Reputation: “But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom
for his beauty”
•Perfection: “From sole of his foot even to crown of his head there was no
blemish in him”
•Hair: “When he polled his head, (for it was at every year’s end that he polled it”
•Weight: “Because hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it) he weighed hair
of his head at two hundred shekels”
•Sons: “Unto Absalom there were born three sons, one daughter, whose name
was Tamar”
•Daughter’s beauty: “She was woman of fair countenance”
Reconciliation Attempt (14:28-33)
•Duration: “So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, saw not king’s face”
•Joab’s summons: “Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to king”
Refusal: “But he would not come to him”
32
Second attempt: “When he sent again second time, he would not come”
•Field burning: “Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab’s field is near
mine”
Barley field: “He has barley there; go and set it on fire”
Arson: “Absalom’s servants set field on fire”
33
Confrontation: “Then Joab arose, came to Absalom unto his house”
Demand: “Said unto him, Wherefore have your servants set my field on fire?”
Explanation: “Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto you, saying, Come
hither”
Purpose: “That I may send you to king, to say, Wherefore am I come from
Geshur?”
•Preference: “It had been good for me to have been there still”
•Request: “Now therefore let me see king’s face”
•Justice: “If there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me”
•Mediation: “So Joab came to king, told him”
•Summons: “When he had called for Absalom, he came to king”
•Reconciliation: “Bowed himself on his face to ground before king”
•Forgiveness: “King kissed Absalom”
Absalom’s Conspiracy (15:1-12)
•Preparation: “It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and
horses”
•Retinue: “Fifty men to run before him”
•Early rising: “Absalom rose up early, stood beside way of gate”
•Interception: “It was so, that when any man that had controversy came to king
for judgment”
•Inquiry: “Then Absalom called unto him, said, Of what city are you?”
•Response: “He said, Your servant is of one of tribes of Israel”
•False sympathy: “Absalom said unto him, See, your matters are good and right”
•Criticism: “But there is no man deputed of king to hear you”
•Self-promotion: “Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in land”
•Justice promise: “That every man which has any suit or cause might come unto
me”
•Integrity claim: “I would do him justice”
•Humility act: “It was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him
obeisance”
•Friendly gesture: “He put forth his hand, took him, kissed him”
•Systematic: “On this manner did Absalom to all Israelites that came to king for
judgment”
34
•Winning hearts: “So Absalom stole hearts of men of Israel”
•Four years: “It came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto king”
•Vow excuse: “I pray you, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto
YHWH, in Hebron”
•False claim: “For your servant vowed vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria”
•Conditional promise: “Saying, If YHWH shall bring me again indeed to
Jerusalem”
•Service pledge: “Then I will serve YHWH”
Permission: “King said unto him, Go in peace”
Departure: “So he arose, went to Hebron”
Secret messengers: “But Absalom sent spies throughout all tribes of Israel”
Signal: “Saying, As soon as you hear sound of trumpet”
Proclamation: “Then you shall say, Absalom reigns in Hebron”
Innocent guests: “With Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that
were called”
Unwitting: “They went in their simplicity, they knew not any thing”
•Counselor recruited: “Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s
counselor”
•Sacrifice cover: “From his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices”
•Growing conspiracy: “Conspiracy was strong; for people increased continually
with Absalom”
David’s Flight (15:13-37)
•News: “There came messenger to David, saying, Hearts of men of Israel are
after Absalom”
•Decision: “David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem”
•Flight: “Arise, let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom”
•Urgency: “Make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly”
•Threat: “Bring evil upon us, smite city with edge of sword”
•Loyalty: “King’s servants said unto king, Behold, your servants are ready to do
whatsoever”
•Departure: “King went forth, all his household after him”
•Ten concubines: “King left ten women, which were concubines, to keep house”
35
•Procession: “King went forth, all people after him, tarried in place that was far
off”
•Servants pass: “All his servants passed on beside him”
•Foreign troops: “All Cherethites, all Pelethites, all Gittites, six hundred men
which came after him from Gath”
•Passed before king: “Passed on before king”
•Ittai questioned: “Then said king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore go you also with
us?”
•Suggestion: “Return to your place, abide with king: for you are stranger, also
exile”
•Recent arrival: “Whereas you came but yesterday, should I this day make you
go up and down with us?”
•Release: “Seeing I go whither I may, return you, take back your brethren”
•Blessing: “Mercy and truth be with you”
•Ittai’s loyalty: “Ittai answered king, said, As YHWH lives, as my lord king lives”
•Commitment: “Surely in what place my lord king shall be, whether in death or
life”
•Pledge: “Even there also will your servant be”
•Acceptance: “David said to Ittai, Go and pass over”
•Compliance: “Ittai the Gittite passed over, all his men, all little ones that were
with him”
Universal weeping: “All country wept with loud voice, all people passed over”
Valley crossing: “King also himself passed over brook Kidron”
Wilderness direction: “All people passed over, toward way of wilderness”
Zadok and Levites: “Lo Zadok also, all Levites were with him, bearing ark of
covenant of God”
Ark set down: “They set down ark of God; Abiathar went up”
All people passed: “Until all people had done passing out of city”
•Ark return: “King said unto Zadok, Carry back ark of God into city”
•Conditional: “If I shall find favor in eyes of YHWH, he will bring me again”
•Resignation: “Show me both it, his habitation”
•Divine will: “But if he thus say, I have no delight in you”
•Submission: “Behold, here am I, let him do to me as seems good unto him”
•Seer role: “King said also unto Zadok the priest, Are not you seer?”
•Intelligence: “Return into city in peace, your two sons with you”
•Communication: “Ahimaaz your son, Jonathan son of Abiathar”
36
•Waiting: “See, I will tarry in plains of wilderness, until there come word from you”
•Ark returned: “Therefore Zadok and Abiathar carried ark of God again to
Jerusalem”
•Residence: “They tarried there”
•Mount of Olives: “David went up by ascent of mount Olivet, wept as he went up”
•Head covered: “Had his head covered, he went barefoot”
•People’s mourning: “All people that was with him covered every man his head,
they went up, weeping as they went up”
•Ahithophel’s defection: “One told David, saying, Ahithophel is among
conspirators with Absalom”
•Prayer: “David said, O YHWH, I pray you, turn counsel of Ahithophel into
foolishness”
•Hushai’s arrival: “It came to pass, that when David was come to top, where he
worshiped God”
•Recognition: “Behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent,
earth upon his head”
•Strategy: “Unto whom David said, If you pass on with me, then you shall be
burden unto me”
•Counter-espionage: “But if you return to city, say unto Absalom, I will be your
servant, O king”
•Historical service: “As I have been your father’s servant hitherto, so will I now
also be your servant”
•Purpose: “Then may you for me defeat counsel of Ahithophel”
•Priestly connection: “Have you not there with you Zadok and Abiathar the
priests?”
•Intelligence network: “Therefore it shall be, that what thing soever you shall
hear out of king’s house”
•Reporting: “You shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests”
•Messengers: “Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz
Zadok’s son, Jonathan Abiathar’s son”
Communication method: “By them you shall send unto me every thing that you
can hear”
Mission accepted: “So Hushai David’s friend came into city”
37
Timing: “Absalom came into Jerusalem”
3. The Rebellion Unfolds (16:1-19:43)
Ziba’s Deception and Shimei’s Curse (16:1-14)
•Ziba’s provision: “When David was little past top of hill, behold, Ziba servant of
Mephibosheth met him”
•Supplies: “With couple of asses saddled, upon them two hundred loaves of
bread”
•Provisions: “Hundred bunches of raisins, hundred of summer fruits, bottle of
wine”
•Question: “King said unto Ziba, What mean you by these?”
•Explanation: “Ziba said, Asses be for king’s household to ride on”
•Purpose: “Bread and summer fruit for young men to eat, wine, that such as be
faint in wilderness may drink”
•Mephibosheth inquiry: “King said, Where is your master’s son?”
•False report: “Ziba said unto king, Behold, he abides at Jerusalem”
•Lie: “For he said, Today shall house of Israel restore me kingdom of my father”
•Reward: “Then said king to Ziba, Behold, yours are all that pertained unto
Mephibosheth”
•Gratitude: “Ziba said, I humbly beseech you that I may find grace in your sight,
my lord, O king”
•Bahurim: “When king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out man of
family of house of Saul”
•Shimei: “Whose name was Shimei, son of Gera: he came forth, cursed still as
he came”
•Stone throwing: “He cast stones at David, at all servants of king David”
•Protection: “All people and all mighty men were on his right hand and on his left”
•Curses: “Thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, you bloody
man, you man of Belial”
•Accusation: “YHWH has returned upon you all blood of house of Saul, in whose
stead you have reigned”
•Divine judgment: “YHWH has delivered kingdom into hand of Absalom your
son”
•Retribution: “Behold, you are taken in your mischief, because you are bloody
man”
•Abishai’s anger: “Then said Abishai son of Zeruiah unto king”
•Death request: “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go
over, I pray you, take off his head”
•Restraint: “King said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?”
38
•Permission: “So let him curse, because YHWH has said unto him, Curse David”
•Divine will: “Who shall then say, Wherefore have you done so?”
•Family words: “David said to Abishai, to all his servants, Behold, my son, which
came forth of my bowels, seeks my life”
Comparison: “How much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, let
him curse”
Divine command: “For YHWH has bidden him”
Hope: “It may be that YHWH will look on mine affliction”
Recompense: “YHWH will requite me good for his cursing this day”
•Journey continues: “As David and his men went by way, Shimei went along on
hill’s side over against him”
•Continued harassment: “Cursed as he went, threw stones at him, cast dust”
•Exhaustion: “King, all people that were with him, came weary, refreshed
themselves there”
Absalom in Jerusalem (16:15-23)
•Entry: “Absalom, all people men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, Ahithophel with
him”
•Hushai’s approach: “It came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend,
was come unto Absalom”
•Greeting: “That Hushai said unto Absalom, God save king, God save king”
•Question: “Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend?”
•Challenge: “Why went you not with your friend?”
•Response: “Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom YHWH, this people, all
men of Israel, choose”
•Loyalty transfer: “His will I be, with him will I abide”
•Precedent: “Again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in presence of his
son?”
•Continuity: “As I have served in your father’s presence, so will I be in your
presence”
•Counsel sought: “Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you
what we shall do”
•Shocking advice: “Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto your father’s
concubines”
39
•Public shame: “Which he has left to keep house; all Israel shall hear that you
are abhorred of your father”
•Strengthen hands: “Then shall hands of all that are with you be strong”
•Tent preparation: “So they spread Absalom tent upon top of house”
•Public act: “Absalom went in unto his father’s concubines in sight of all Israel”
•Ahithophel’s reputation: “Counsel of Ahithophel, which he counseled in those
days”
•Oracle status: “Was as if man had inquired at oracle of God”
•Equal regard: “So was all counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with
Absalom”
Conflicting Counsels (17:1-29)
Ahithophel’s strategy: “Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now
choose out twelve thousand men”
Immediate pursuit: “I will arise and pursue after David this night”
•Advantage: “I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed”
•Terror: “Will make him afraid: all people that are with him shall flee”
•Targeted killing: “I will smite king only”
•Peaceful return: “I will bring back all people unto you”
•Analogy: “Man whom you seek is as if all returned: so all people shall be in
peace”
•Initial acceptance: “Saying pleased Absalom well, all elders of Israel”
•Hushai summoned: “Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also”
•Second opinion: “Let us hear likewise what he says”
•Hushai’s arrival: “When Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spoke unto
him”
•Ahithophel’s plan: “Saying, Ahithophel has spoken after this manner: shall we
do after his saying?”
•Alternative request: “If not, speak you”
•Counter-counsel: “Hushai said unto Absalom, Counsel that Ahithophel has
given is not good at this time”
•Character assessment: “For, said Hushai, you know your father and his men,
that they be mighty men”
•Emotional state: “They be chafed in their minds, as bear robbed of her whelps
in field”
•Military expertise: “Your father is man of war, will not lodge with people”
•Hiding: “Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place”
•First casualties: “It will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at first”
40
•Bad news: “That whosoever hears it will say, There is slaughter among people
that follow Absalom”
•Morale collapse: “He also that is valiant, whose heart is as heart of lion, shall
utterly melt”
•David’s reputation: “For all Israel knows that your father is mighty man, they
which be with him are valiant men”
•Alternative plan: “Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto
you”
•Massive army: “From Dan even to Beer-sheba, as sand that is by sea for
multitude”
•Personal leadership: “You go to battle in your own person”
•Complete victory: “So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be
found”
•Overwhelming force: “We will light upon him as dew falls on ground”
•Total destruction: “Of him and of all men that are with him there shall not be left
so much as one”
•Siege capability: “Moreover, if he be gotten into city, then shall all Israel bring
ropes to that city”
•Complete demolition: “We will draw it into river, until there be not one small
stone found there”
Popular appeal: “Absalom and all men of Israel said, Counsel of Hushai the
Archite is better than counsel of Ahithophel”
Divine intervention: “For YHWH had appointed to defeat good counsel of
Ahithophel”
Purpose: “To intent that YHWH might bring evil upon Absalom”
Intelligence report: “Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests”
Rival counsels: “Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and elders of
Israel”
•His counsel: “Thus and thus have I counseled”
•Warning: “Now therefore send quickly, tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in
plains of wilderness”
•Urgency: “But speedily pass over; lest king be swallowed up, all people that are
with him”
•Messengers: “Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel”
•Communication method: “For they might not be seen to come into city”
•Maid servant: “Wench went and told them; they went and told king David”
41
•Discovery: “Nevertheless lad saw them, told Absalom”
•Escape: “But they went both of them away quickly, came to man’s house in
Bahurim”
•Hiding place: “Which had well in his court; whither they went down”
•Concealment: “Woman took and spread covering over well’s mouth, spread
ground corn thereon”
•Camouflage: “Thing was not known”
•Search: “When Absalom’s servants came to woman to house, they said, Where
is Ahimaaz and Jonathan?”
•Misdirection: “Woman said unto them, They be gone over brook of water”
•Failed pursuit: “When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to
Jerusalem”
•Mission accomplished: “It came to pass, after they were departed, that they
came up out of well”
•Report delivered: “Went and told king David, said unto David, Arise, pass
quickly over water”
•Ahithophel’s counsel: “For thus has Ahithophel counseled against you”
•Night crossing: “Then David arose, all people that were with him, passed over
Jordan”
•Complete exodus: “By morning light there lacked not one of them that was not
gone over Jordan”
•Ahithophel’s despair: “When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed,
he saddled his ass”
•Return home: “Rose up, gat him home to his house, to his city”
•Final arrangements: “Put his household in order, hanged himself, died”
•Burial: “Was buried in sepulchre of his father”
•David’s arrival: “Then David came to Mahanaim”
•Absalom’s crossing: “Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all men of Israel
with him”
•New general: “Absalom made Amasa captain of host instead of Joab” Amasa’s
background: “Which Amasa was man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite”
42
Marriage: “That went in to Abigail daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s
mother”
Encampment: “So Israel and Absalom pitched in land of Gilead”
Provision: “It came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi son
of Nahash of Rabbah”
Supporters: “Of children of Ammon, Machir son of Ammiel of Lo-debar, Barzillai
the Gileadite of Rogelim”
•Supplies: “Brought beds, basins, earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched
corn”
•Food: “Beans, lentiles, parched pulse, honey, butter, sheep, cheese of kine, for
David”
•Reason: “For people that were with him, to eat: for they said, People is hungry,
weary, thirsty, in wilderness”
Battle and Absalom’s Death (18:1-33)
•Army organization: “David numbered people that were with him, set captains of
thousands and captains of hundreds over them”
•Division: “David sent forth third part of people under hand of Joab”
•Second division: “Third part under hand of Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s
brother”
•Third division: “Third part under hand of Ittai the Gittite”
•David’s intention: “King said unto people, I will surely go forth with you myself
also”
•People’s objection: “But people answered, You shall not go forth”
•Reasoning: “For if we flee away, they will not care for us”
•Value: “Neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now you are worth ten
thousand of us”
•Alternative: “Therefore now it is better that you succor us out of city”
•Agreement: “King said unto them, What seems you best I will do”
•Position: “King stood by gate side, all people came out by hundreds and by
thousands”
•Command: “King commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for
my sake with young man, even with Absalom”
43
•Public knowledge: “All people heard when king gave all captains charge
concerning Absalom”
•Battle location: “So people went out into field against Israel: battle was in wood
of Ephraim”
•Defeat: “Where people of Israel were slain before servants of David”
•Great slaughter: “There was there great slaughter that day of twenty thousand
men”
•Scattered battle: “For battle was there scattered over face of all country”
•Forest casualties: “Wood devoured more people that day than sword devoured”
Absalom’s encounter: “Absalom met servants of David”
Flight: “Absalom rode upon mule, mule went under thick boughs of great oak”
Caught: “His head caught hold of oak, he was taken up between heaven and
earth”
Abandonment: “Mule that was under him went away”
Discovery: “Certain man saw it, told Joab, said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged
in oak”
Joab’s anger: “Joab said unto man that told him, Behold, you saw him”
•Missed opportunity: “Why did you not smite him there to ground?”
•Reward offered: “I would have given you ten shekels of silver, girdle”
•Refusal: “Man said unto Joab, Though I should receive thousand shekels of
silver in mine hand”
•King’s command: “Yet would I not put forth mine hand against king’s son”
•Public hearing: “For in our hearing king charged you and Abishai and Ittai”
•Direct quote: “Saying, Beware that none touch young man Absalom”
•Personal risk: “Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own
life”
•No secrets: “For there is no matter hid from king, you yourself would have set
yourself against me”
•Joab’s impatience: “Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with you”
•Murder weapons: “He took three darts in his hand, thrust them through heart of
Absalom”
•Still alive: “While he was yet alive in midst of oak”
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•Armor bearers: “Ten young men that bare Joab’s armor compassed about and
smote Absalom, slew him”
•Trumpet call: “Joab blew trumpet, people returned from pursuing after Israel”
•Joab’s restraint: “For Joab held back people”
•Burial: “They took Absalom, cast him into great pit in wood, laid very great heap
of stones upon him”
•Flight: “All Israel fled every one to his tent”
•Absalom’s monument: “Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up
for himself pillar”
•Location: “Which is in king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in
remembrance”
•Naming: “He called pillar after his own name: it is called unto this day, Absalom’s
place”
•Ahimaaz’s request: “Then said Ahimaaz son of Zadok, Let me now run, bear
king tidings”
•Good news: “How that YHWH has avenged him of his enemies”
•Joab’s refusal: “Joab said unto him, You shall not bear tidings this day, but you
shall bear tidings another day”
•Reason: “But this day you shall bear no tidings, because king’s son is dead”
•Cushite messenger: “Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell king what you have
seen”
•Obedience: “Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, ran”
•Second request: “Then said Ahimaaz son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But
howsoever, let me, I pray you, also run after Cushi”
Question: “Joab said, Wherefore will you run, my son, seeing that you have no
tidings ready?”
Persistence: “But howsoever, said he, let me run”
Permission: “He said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by way of plain, overran
Cushi”
David’s watch: “David sat between two gates: watchman went up to roof over
gate unto wall”
Observation: “Lifted up his eyes, looked, behold man running alone”
•First report: “Watchman cried, told king. King said, If he be alone, there is
tidings in his mouth”
•Approach: “He came apace, drew near”
45
•Second runner: “Watchman saw another man running: watchman called unto
porter”
•Second report: “Said, Behold another man running alone. King said, He also
brings tidings”
•Recognition: “Watchman said, Me think running of foremost is like running of
Ahimaaz son of Zadok”
•Character: “King said, He is good man, comes with good tidings”
•Ahimaaz’s arrival: “Ahimaaz called, said unto king, All is well”
•Worship: “Fell down to earth upon his face before king, said, Blessed be YHWH
your God”
•Victory report: “Which has delivered up men that lifted up their hand against my
lord the king”
•David’s question: “King said, Is young man Absalom safe?”
•Evasion: “Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent king’s servant, your servant, I
saw great tumult”
•Ignorance claimed: “But I knew not what it was”
•Dismissal: “King said unto him, Turn aside, stand here. He turned aside, stood
still”
•Cushi’s arrival: “Behold, Cushi came; Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king”
•Victory announcement: “For YHWH has avenged you this day of all them that
rose up against you”
•Direct question: “King said unto Cushi, Is young man Absalom safe?”
•Devastating answer: “Cushi answered, Enemies of my lord the king, all that rise
against you to do you hurt”
•Death confirmed: “Be as that young man is”
•David’s grief: “King was much moved, went up to chamber over gate, wept”
•Lament: “As he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son
Absalom!”
•Death wish: “Would God I had died for you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
David’s Mourning and Return (19:1-43)
News spreads: “It was told Joab, Behold, king weeps and mourns for Absalom”
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•Victory turned to mourning: “Victory that day was turned into mourning unto all
people”
Reason: “For people heard say that day how king was grieved for his son”
Shameful return: “People gat them by stealth that day into city”
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Like defeat: “As people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle”
•Continued mourning: “But king covered his face, king cried with loud voice”
•Repeated lament: “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
•Joab’s confrontation: “Joab came into house to king, said, You have shamed
this day faces of all your servants”
•Life preservation: “Which this day have saved your life, lives of your sons and
of your daughters”
•Family saved: “Lives of your wives, lives of your concubines”
•Misplaced love: “In that you love your enemies, hate your friends”
•Harsh truth: “For you have declared this day, that you regard neither princes nor
servants”
•Realization: “For this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, we had all died
this day”
•Preference: “Then it had pleased you well”
•Command: “Now therefore arise, go forth, speak comfortably unto your
servants”
•Oath: “For I swear by YHWH, if you go not forth, there will not tarry one with you
this night”
•Warning: “That will be worse unto you than all evil that befell you from your
youth until now”
•Compliance: “Then king arose, sat in gate”
•Announcement: “They told unto all people, saying, Behold, king does sit in gate”
•Assembly: “All people came before king: for Israel had fled every man to his
tent”
Reconciliation Efforts (19:9-15)
•People’s debate: “All people were at strife throughout all tribes of Israel”
•Recognition: “Saying, King saved us out of hand of our enemies”
•Philistine wars: “He delivered us out of hand of Philistines”
•Current situation: “Now he is fled out of land for Absalom”
•Absalom’s death: “Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle”
•Question: “Now therefore why speak you not word of bringing king back?”
•Message to priests: “King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests”
•Challenge: “Saying, Speak unto elders of Judah, saying, Why are you last to
bring king back to his house?”
•National sentiment: “Seeing speech of all Israel is come to king, even to his
house”
•Kinship: “You are my brethren, you are my bones and my flesh”
•Family obligation: “Wherefore then are you last to bring back king?”
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•Amasa’s appointment: “Say you to Amasa, Are not you of my bone and of my
flesh?”
•Divine oath: “God do so to me, and more also, if you be not captain of host
before me continually”
•Joab’s replacement: “In room of Joab”
Hearts won: “He bowed heart of all men of Judah, even as heart of one man”
Invitation: “So that they sent this word unto king, Return you, all your servants”
Return begun: “So king returned, came to Jordan”
Judah’s escort: “Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet king, to conduct king over
Jordan”
Individual Reconciliations (19:16-39)
•Shimei’s repentance: “Shimei son of Gera, Benjamite, which was of Bahurim,
hasted and came down with men of Judah”
•Large delegation: “There were thousand men of Benjamin with him, Ziba
servant of house of Saul”
•Family accompanies: “His fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him”
•Jordan crossing: “They went over Jordan before king”
•Ferry service: “There went over ferry boat to carry over king’s household”
•Service: “To do what he thought good”
•Shimei’s prostration: “Shimei son of Gera fell down before king, as he was
come over Jordan”
•Confession: “Said unto king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me”
•Acknowledgment: “Neither do you remember that which your servant did
perversely”
•Specific day: “Day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that king should
take it to his heart”
•Self-knowledge: “For your servant does know that I have sinned”
•First to come: “Therefore, behold, I am come first this day of all house of
Joseph”
•Purpose: “To go down to meet my lord the king”
•Abishai’s vengeance: “But Abishai son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not
Shimei be put to death for this?”
•Reason: “Because he cursed YHWH’s anointed”
•David’s restraint: “David said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah”
•Opposition: “That you should this day be adversaries unto me?”
•Amnesty: “Shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel?”
•Recognition: “For do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?”
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•Oath: “Therefore king said unto Shimei, You shall not die. King sware unto him”
•Mephibosheth’s appearance: “Mephibosheth son of Saul came down to meet
king”
•Neglect signs: “Had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed
his clothes”
•Duration: “From day king departed until day he came again in peace”
•Question: “It came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet king, that
king said unto him”
•Inquiry: “Wherefore went not you with me, Mephibosheth?”
Defense: “He answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me”
•Explanation: “For your servant said, I will saddle me ass, that I may ride
thereon, go to king”
Disability: “Because your servant is lame”
Slander: “He has slandered your servant unto my lord the king”
Character: “But my lord the king is as angel of God: do therefore what is good in
your eyes”
Vulnerability: “For all of my father’s house were but dead men before my lord
the king”
•Grace received: “Yet did you set your servant among them that did eat at your
own table”
•Humble position: “What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto king?”
•Resolution: “King said unto him, Why speak you any more of your matters?”
•Division: “I have said, You and Ziba divide land”
•Generous response: “Mephibosheth said unto king, Yea, let him take all”
•Content: “Forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own
house”
•Barzillai’s escort: “Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, went over
Jordan with king”
•Purpose: “To conduct him over Jordan”
•Old age: “Now Barzillai was very aged man, even fourscore years old”
•Provision: “He had provided king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim”
•Wealth: “For he was very great man”
•Invitation: “King said unto Barzillai, Come you over with me”
•Court offer: “I will feed you with me in Jerusalem”
•Decline: “Barzillai said unto king, How long have I to live”
•Journey question: “That I should go up with king unto Jerusalem?”
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•Age acknowledgment: “I am this day fourscore years old: can I discern between
good and evil?”
•Sensory decline: “Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink?”
•Hearing loss: “Can I hear any more voice of singing men and singing women?”
•Burden concern: “Wherefore then should your servant be yet burden unto my
lord the king?”
•Minimal service: “Your servant will go little way over Jordan with king”
•Question: “Why should king recompense it me with such reward?”
•Request: “Let your servant, I pray you, turn back again, that I may die in mine
own city”
•Burial wish: “By grave of my father and of my mother”
•Substitute: “But behold your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the
king”
•Delegation: “Do to him what shall seem good unto you”
•Agreement: “King answered, Chimham shall go over with me”
•Promise: “I will do to him that which shall seem good unto you”
•Personal commitment: “Whatsoever you shall require of me, that will I do for
you”
•Crossing: “All people went over Jordan. When king was come over”
•Farewell: “King kissed Barzillai, blessed him; he returned unto his own place”
Judah-Israel Conflict (19:40-43)
Escort to Gilgal: “Then king went on to Gilgal, Chimham went on with him”
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Judah’s role: “All people of Judah conducted king, also half people of Israel”
Israel’s complaint: “Behold, all men of Israel came to king, said unto king”
Protest: “Why have our brethren men of Judah stolen you away”
Escort rights: “Have brought king, his household, all David’s men with him, over
Jordan?”
•Judah’s response: “All men of Judah answered men of Israel, Because king is
near of kin to us”
•Defense: “Wherefore then be you angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of
king’s cost?”
•Benefits denied: “Or has he given us any gift?”
•Israel’s counter: “Men of Israel answered men of Judah, said, We have ten
parts in king”
•Greater claim: “We have also more right in David than you: why then did you
despise us?”
•Priority: “That our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king?”
•Fiercer words: “Words of men of Judah were fiercer than words of men of Israel”
D. Sheba’s Rebellion and Final Events (20:1-26)
1. Sheba’s Revolt (20:1-22)
•Troublemaker: “There happened to be there man of Belial, whose name was
Sheba, son of Bichri, Benjamite”
•Rebellion call: “He blew trumpet, said, We have no part in David”
•Separation: “Neither have we inheritance in son of Jesse: every man to his
tents, O Israel”
•Defection: “So every man of Israel went up from after David, followed Sheba son
of Bichri”
•Judah’s loyalty: “But men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to
Jerusalem”
•Concubines: “David came to his house at Jerusalem; king took ten women his
concubines”
•Isolation: “Whom he had left to keep house, put them in ward, fed them”
•No relations: “But went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto day of their
death”
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•Living widowhood: “Living in widowhood”
•Amasa’s commission: “Then said king to Amasa, Assemble me men of Judah
within three days”
•Personal presence: “Be you here present”
•Delay: “So Amasa went to assemble men of Judah: but he tarried longer than set
time”
David’s concern: “David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba son of Bichri do us
more harm than did Absalom”
Urgent mission: “Take you your lord’s servants, pursue after him, lest he get
him fenced cities” Escape: “Escape us”
Expedition: “There went out after him Joab’s men, Cherethites, Pelethites, all
mighty men”
Departure: “They went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba son of Bichri”
Meeting point: “When they were at great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went
before them”
•Joab’s preparation: “Joab’s garment that he had put on was girded unto him”
•Sword: “Upon it girdle with sword fastened upon his loins in sheath thereof”
•Concealment: “As he went forth it fell out”
•Greeting: “Joab said to Amasa, Are you in health, my brother?”
•Treacherous kiss: “Joab took Amasa by beard with right hand to kiss him”
•Assassination: “But Amasa took no heed to sword that was in Joab’s hand”
•Fatal blow: “So he smote him therewith in fifth rib, shed out his bowels to
ground”
•Single strike: “Struck him not again; so he died”
•Continuation: “So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba son of
Bichri”
•Delay: “One of Joab’s men stood by him, said, He that favors Joab, he that is for
David”
•Let him go: “Let him go after Joab”
•Roadblock: “Amasa wallowed in blood in midst of highway”
•Observation: “When man saw that all people stood still, he removed Amasa out
of highway into field”
•Covering: “Cast cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him
stood still”
•Resumed pursuit: “When he was removed out of highway, all men went on after
Joab”
•Sheba’s flight: “To pursue after Sheba son of Bichri”
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•Fortified city: “He went through all tribes of Israel unto Abel, to Beth-maachah”
•Followers: “All Berites: they were gathered together, went also after him”
•Siege: “They came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah”
•Siege works: “They cast up bank against city, it stood in trench”
•Assault: “All people that were with Joab battered wall, to throw it down”
•Wise woman: “Then cried wise woman out of city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you,
unto Joab”
•Summons: “Come near hither, that I may speak with you”
•Approach: “When he was come near unto her, woman said, Are you Joab?”
•Confirmation: “He answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear words of
your handmaid”
•Attention: “He answered, I do hear”
•Tradition: “Then she spoke, saying, They were wont to speak in old time”
•Ancient saying: “Saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: so they ended
matter”
•Character: “I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel”
•Destruction question: “You seek to destroy city and mother in Israel” Divine
inheritance: “Why will you swallow up inheritance of YHWH?”
Joab’s denial: “Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me”
Intention: “That I should swallow up or destroy”
Real purpose: “Matter is not so: but man of mount Ephraim, Sheba son of Bichri
by name”
Treason: “Has lifted up his hand against king, even against David”
•Terms: “Deliver him only, I will depart from city”
•Agreement: “Woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to you
over wall”
•Wise counsel: “Then woman went unto all people in her wisdom”
•Execution: “They cut off head of Sheba son of Bichri, cast it out to Joab”
•Withdrawal: “He blew trumpet, they retired from city, every man to his tent”
•Return: “Joab returned to Jerusalem unto king”
2. David’s Administration (20:23-26)
•Military commander: “Now Joab was over all host of Israel”
•Special forces: “Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over Cherethites and over
Pelethites”
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•Forced labor: “Adoram was over tribute”
•Recorder: “Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder”
•Scribe: “Sheva was scribe”
•Priests: “Zadok and Abiathar were priests”
•David’s priest: “Ira also the Jairite was chief ruler about David”
IV. FINAL EVENTS AND EPILOGUE (21:1-24:25)
A. Gibeonite Vengeance (21:1-14)
•Three-year famine: “Then there was famine in days of David three years, year
after year”
•Divine inquiry: “David inquired of YHWH. YHWH answered, It is for Saul, for his
bloody house”
•Reason: “Because he slew Gibeonites”
•Royal summons: “King called Gibeonites, said unto them”
•Historical note: “(Now Gibeonites were not of children of Israel, but of remnant
of Amorites”
•Treaty: “Children of Israel had sworn unto them: Saul sought to slay them in his
zeal to children of Israel and Judah.)”
•Inquiry: “Wherefore David said unto Gibeonites, What shall I do for you?”
•Atonement: “Wherewith shall I make atonement, that you may bless inheritance
of YHWH?”
•Not money: “Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul”
No personal vengeance: “Nor of his house; neither for us shall you kill any man
in Israel”
Response: “He said, What you shall say, that will I do for you”
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Demand: “They answered king, Man that consumed us, devised against us”
•Destruction plan: “That we should be destroyed from remaining in any coasts of
Israel”
•Seven sons: “Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us”
•Execution method: “We will hang them up unto YHWH in Gibeah of Saul, whom
YHWH did choose”
•Agreement: “King said, I will give them”
•Mephibosheth spared: “But king spared Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan son of
Saul”
•Reason: “Because of YHWH’s oath that was between them, between David and
Jonathan son of Saul”
•Victims chosen: “But king took two sons of Rizpah daughter of Aiah, whom she
bare unto Saul”
•Names: “Armoni and Mephibosheth; five sons of Michal daughter of Saul”
•Actually: “Whom she brought up for Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite”
•Delivery: “He delivered them into hands of Gibeonites”
•Execution: “They hanged them in hill before YHWH: they fell all seven together”
•Timing: “Were put to death in days of harvest, in first days, in beginning of barley
harvest”
•Rizpah’s vigil: “Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, spread it for her upon
rock”
•Duration: “From beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of
heaven”
•Protection: “Suffered neither birds of air to rest on them by day, nor beasts of
field by night”
•Report: “It was told David what Rizpah daughter of Aiah, concubine of Saul, had
done”
•Bone gathering: “David went and took bones of Saul and bones of Jonathan his
son”
•Source: “From men of Jabesh-gilead, which had stolen them from street of
Bethshan”
•Original hanging: “Where Philistines had hanged them, when Philistines had
slain Saul in Gilboa”
•Collection: “He brought up from thence bones of Saul and bones of Jonathan
his son”
•Addition: “They gathered bones of them that were hanged”
•Proper burial: “Bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in country of
Benjamin in Zelah”
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•Family tomb: “In sepulchre of Kish his father: they performed all that king
commanded”
•Divine response: “After that God was intreated for land”
B. Wars with Philistine Giants (21:15-22)
Renewed warfare: “Moreover Philistines had yet war again with Israel”
David’s weakness: “David went down, his servants with him, fought against
Philistines: David waxed faint”
•Giant warrior: “Ishbi-benob, which was of sons of giant, weight of whose spear
weighed three hundred shekels”
•New equipment: “Of brass in weight, he being girded with new sword”
•Death threat: “Thought to have slain David”
•Abishai’s rescue: “But Abishai son of Zeruiah succored him, smote Philistine,
killed him”
•Oath: “Then men of David sware unto him, saying, You shall go no more out with
us to battle”
•Reason: “That you quench not light of Israel”
•Second battle: “It came to pass after this, that there was again battle with
Philistines at Gob”
•Sibbechai’s victory: “Then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of
sons of giant”
•Third battle: “There was again battle in Gob with Philistines”
•Elhanan’s triumph: “Where Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim, Bethlehemite, slew
brother of Goliath the Gittite”
•Giant spear: “Staff of whose spear was like weaver’s beam”
•Fourth battle: “There was yet battle in Gath, where was man of great stature”
•Six fingers: “That had on every hand six fingers, on every foot six toes, four and
twenty in number”
•Giant lineage: “He also was born to giant”
•Challenge: “When he defied Israel, Jonathan son of Shimeah David’s brother
slew him”
•Summary: “These four were born to giant in Gath, fell by hand of David, by hand
of his servants”
C. David’s Song of Deliverance (22:1-51)
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•Occasion: “David spoke unto YHWH words of this song in day that YHWH had
delivered him”
•Context: “Out of hand of all his enemies, out of hand of Saul”
•Divine titles: “YHWH is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer”
•Protection: “God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, horn of my
salvation”
•Refuge: “My high tower, my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence”
•Praise: “I will call on YHWH, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved
from mine enemies”
•Death’s threat: “When waves of death compassed me, floods of ungodly men
made me afraid”
•Sheol’s snares: “Sorrows of hell compassed me about; snares of death
prevented me”
Prayer: “In my distress I called upon YHWH, cried to my God”
Divine response: “He did hear my voice out of his temple, my cry did enter into
his ears”
Theophany: “Then earth shook and trembled; foundations of heaven moved and
shook”
•Divine anger: “Because he was wroth”
•Smoke and fire: “There went up smoke out of his nostrils, fire out of his mouth
devoured”
•Heavenly descent: “He bowed heavens also, came down; darkness was under
his feet”
•Divine chariot: “He rode upon cherub, did fly: he was seen upon wings of wind”
•Concealment: “He made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, thick
clouds of skies”
•Lightning: “Through brightness before him were coals of fire kindled”
•Thunder: “YHWH thundered from heaven, most High uttered his voice”
•Arrows: “He sent out arrows, scattered them; lightning, discomfited them”
•Sea exposed: “Channels of sea appeared, foundations of world were
discovered”
•Divine rebuke: “At rebuking of YHWH, at blast of breath of his nostrils”
•Rescue: “He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters”
•Deliverance: “He delivered me from my strong enemy, from them that hated me”
•Overwhelming odds: “For they were too strong for me”
•Perfect timing: “They prevented me in day of my calamity: but YHWH was my
stay”
•Liberation: “He brought me forth also into large place: he delivered me, because
he delighted in me”
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•Righteousness: “YHWH rewarded me according to my righteousness”
•Clean hands: “According to cleanness of my hands has he recompensed me”
•Obedience: “For I have kept ways of YHWH, have not wickedly departed from
my God”
•Scripture: “For all his judgments were before me: as for his statutes, I did not
depart from them”
•Integrity: “I was also upright before him, kept myself from mine iniquity”
•Divine recognition: “Therefore has YHWH recompensed me according to my
righteousness”
•Purity: “According to my cleanness in his eye sight”
•Divine character: “With merciful you will show yourself merciful; with upright
man you will show yourself upright”
•Pure and crooked: “With pure you will show yourself pure; with froward you will
show yourself unsavory”
•Divine justice: “Afflicted people you will save: but your eyes are upon haughty,
that you may bring them down”
•Divine light: “For you are my lamp, O YHWH: YHWH will lighten my darkness”
•Strength: “For by you I have run through troop: by my God have I leaped over
wall”
Perfect way: “As for God, his way is perfect; word of YHWH is tried”
Shield: “He is buckler to all them that trust in him”
Uniqueness: “For who is God, save YHWH? Who is rock, save our God?”
Empowerment: “God is my strength and power: he makes my way perfect”
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Swift feet: “He makes my feet like hinds’ feet: sets me upon my high places”
Military training: “He teaches my hands to war; so that bow of steel is broken
by mine arms”
•Salvation shield: “You have also given me shield of your salvation”
Divine gentleness: “Your gentleness has made me great”
Sure path: “You have enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip”
•Pursuit: “I have pursued mine enemies, destroyed them; turned not again until I
had consumed them”
•Total victory: “I have consumed them, wounded them, that they could not arise”
•Fallen foes: “Yea, they are fallen under my feet”
•Girded strength: “For you have girded me with strength to battle”
•Subdued enemies: “Them that rose up against me have you subdued under
me”
•Flight: “You have also given me necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy
them that hate me”
•No help: “They looked, but there was none to save; even unto YHWH, but he
answered them not”
•Complete defeat: “Then did I beat them as small as dust of earth”
•Trampling: “I did stamp them as mire of street, did spread them abroad”
•Deliverance: “You also have delivered me from strivings of my people”
•Leadership: “You have kept me to be head of heathen: people which I knew not
shall serve me”
•Submission: “Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear,
they shall be obedient unto me”
•Fear: “Strangers shall fade away, they shall be afraid out of their close places”
•Divine life: “YHWH lives; blessed be my rock; exalted be God of rock of my
salvation”
•Vengeance: “It is God that avengeth me, brings down people under me”
•Deliverance: “He brings me forth from mine enemies: you also have lifted me up
on high”
•Violence: “Above them that rose up against me: you have delivered me from
violent man”
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•Praise among nations: “Therefore I will give thanks unto you, YHWH, among
heathen”
•Song: “I will sing praises unto your name”
•Tower of salvation: “He is tower of salvation for his king: shows mercy to his
anointed”
•Eternal covenant: “To David, to his seed for evermore”
D. David’s Last Words (23:1-7)
•Introduction: “Now these be last words of David”
David’s identity: “David son of Jesse said, man who was raised up on high”
Divine anointing: “Anointed of God of Jacob, sweet psalmist of Israel, said”
Divine inspiration: “Spirit of YHWH spoke by me, his word was in my tongue”
God of Israel: “God of Israel said, Rock of Israel spoke to me”
Righteous ruler: “He that rules over men must be just, ruling in fear of God”
Morning light: “He shall be as light of morning, when sun rises, even morning
without clouds”
•Growth: “As tender grass springing out of earth by clear shining after rain”
House assessment: “Although my house be not so with God”
Eternal covenant: “Yet he has made with me everlasting covenant, ordered in
all things, and sure”
•Salvation: “For this is all my salvation, all my desire, although he make it not to
grow”
•Worthless men: “But sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away”
•Dangerous handling: “Because they cannot be taken with hands”
•Destruction: “But man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and staff
of spear”
•Burning: “They shall be utterly burned with fire in same place”
E. David’s Mighty Men (23:8-39)
•Introduction: “These be names of mighty men whom David had”
•The Three: “Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom
he slew at one time”
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•Eleazar: “After him was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of three mighty
men with David”
•Battle: “When they defied Philistines that were there gathered together to battle,
men of Israel were gone away”
•Stand: “He arose, smote Philistines until his hand was weary, his hand clave
unto sword”
•Victory: “YHWH wrought great victory that day; people returned after him only to
spoil”
•Shammah: “After him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite”
•Lentil field: “Philistines were gathered together into troop, where was piece of
ground full of lentiles”
•Flight: “People fled from Philistines”
•Defense: “But he stood in midst of ground, defended it, slew Philistines”
•Divine victory: “YHWH wrought great victory”
•Water from Bethlehem: “Three of thirty chief went down, came to David in
harvest time unto cave of Adullam”
•Philistine garrison: “Troop of Philistines pitched in valley of Rephaim”
•David’s stronghold: “David was then in hold, garrison of Philistines was then in
Beth-lehem”
•Longing: “David longed, said, Oh that one would give me drink of water of well
of Beth-lehem”
•Location: “Which is by gate!”
Heroic mission: “Three mighty men brake through host of Philistines” Water
retrieved: “Drew water out of well of Beth-lehem that was by gate, took it,
brought it to David”
Refusal: “Nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto YHWH”
Sacred regard: “He said, Be it far from me, O YHWH, that I should do this”
Blood connection: “Is not this blood of men that went in jeopardy of their lives?”
Therefore: “Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty
men”
Abishai: “Abishai, brother of Joab, son of Zeruiah, was chief among three”
Exploit: “For he lifted up his spear against three hundred, slew them”
•Fame: “Had name among three”
•Most honorable: “Was he not most honorable of three? therefore he was their
captain”
•Limitation: “Howbeit he attained not unto first three”
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•Benaiah: “Benaiah son of Jehoiada, son of valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had
done many acts”
•Lion slayers: “He slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew
lion in midst of pit”
•Snowy day: “In time of snow”
•Egyptian giant: “He slew Egyptian, goodly man: Egyptian had spear in his
hand”
•Staff victory: “But he went down to him with staff, plucked spear out of
Egyptian’s hand”
•Weapon used: “Slew him with his own spear”
•Reputation: “These things did Benaiah son of Jehoiada, had name among three
mighty men”
•Honor: “He was more honorable than thirty, but he attained not to first three”
•Guard captain: “David set him over his guard”
•The Thirty: [List of 30 mighty men with their exploits and origins]
•Total: “Thirty and seven in all”
F. David’s Census and Plague (24:1-25)
1. The Census (24:1-9)
•Divine anger: “Again anger of YHWH was kindled against Israel”
•Instigation: “He moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and
Judah”
•Command to Joab: “For king said to Joab captain of host, which was with him”
•Instructions: “Go now through all tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba”
•Purpose: “Number you people, that I may know number of people”
•Joab’s objection: “Joab said unto king, Now YHWH your God add unto people”
•Multiplication: “How many soever they be, hundredfold, that eyes of my lord
king may see it”
•Question: “But why does my lord king delight in this thing?”
•Royal insistence: “Notwithstanding king’s word prevailed against Joab, against
captains of host”
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•Departure: “Joab and captains of host went out from presence of king, to
number people of Israel”
•Route: “They passed over Jordan, pitched in Aroer, on right side of city”
Gad: “That lies in midst of river of Gad, toward Jazer”
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Gilead: “Then they came to Gilead, to land of Tahtim-hodshi”
Dan-jaan: “They came to Dan-jaan, about to Zidon”
Tyre: “Came to strong hold of Tyre, to all cities of Hivites, of Canaanites”
•Southern limit: “They went out to south of Judah, even to Beer-sheba”
Duration: “So when they had gone through all land, they came to Jerusalem at
end of nine months and twenty days”
•Report: “Joab gave up sum of number of people unto king”
•Israel: “There were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew
sword”
•Judah: “Men of Judah were five hundred thousand men”
2. David’s Repentance (24:10-14)
•Conscience: “David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered people”
•Confession: “David said unto YHWH, I have sinned greatly in that I have done”
•Prayer: “Now, I beseech you, O YHWH, take away iniquity of your servant”
•Acknowledgment: “For I have done very foolishly”
•Morning revelation: “For when David was up in morning, word of YHWH came
unto prophet Gad”
•David’s seer: “David’s seer, saying”
•Divine message: “Go and say unto David, Thus says YHWH, I offer you three
things”
•Choice: “Choose you one of them, that I may do it unto you”
•Presentation: “So Gad came to David, told him, said unto him”
•Three options: “Shall seven years of famine come unto you in your land?”
•Flight: “Or will you flee three months before your enemies, while they pursue
you?”
•Plague: “Or that there be three days’ pestilence in your land?”
•Decision required: “Now advise, see what answer I shall return to him that sent
me”
•David’s response: “David said unto Gad, I am in great strait”
•Divine mercy: “Let us fall now into hand of YHWH; for his mercies are great”
•Human severity: “Let me not fall into hand of man”
3. The Plague and Sacrifice (24:15-25)
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•Pestilence: “So YHWH sent pestilence upon Israel from morning even to time
appointed”
•Death toll: “There died of people from Dan even to Beer-sheba seventy
thousand men”
•Angel of destruction: “When angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to
destroy it”
•Divine repentance: “YHWH repented him of evil, said to angel that destroyed
people”
•Cessation: “It is enough: stay now your hand”
Location: “Angel of YHWH was by threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite”
David’s plea: “David spoke unto YHWH when he saw angel that smote people”
Self-accusation: “Said, Lo, I have sinned, I have done wickedly”
Innocence of people: “But these sheep, what have they done?”
•Substitution: “Let your hand, I pray you, be against me, against my father’s
house”
•Gad’s instruction: “Gad came that day to David, said unto him”
•Altar command: “Go up, rear altar unto YHWH in threshingfloor of Araunah the
Jebusite”
•Obedience: “David, according to saying of Gad, went up as YHWH commanded”
•Araunah’s observation: “Araunah looked, saw king and his servants coming on
toward him”
•Prostration: “Araunah went out, bowed himself before king on his face upon
ground”
•Question: “Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord king come to his servant?”
•Purpose: “David said, To buy threshingfloor of you, to build altar unto YHWH”
Plague cessation: “That plague may be stayed from people”
•Generous offer: “Araunah said unto David, Let my lord king take and offer up
what seems good unto him”
•Sacrificial animals: “Behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, threshing
instruments and other instruments of oxen for wood”
•Free gift: “All these things did Araunah, as king, give unto king”
•Blessing: “Araunah said unto king, YHWH your God accept you”
•David’s insistence: “King said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of you
at price”
•Principle: “Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto YHWH my God of that which
does cost me nothing”
•Purchase: “So David bought threshingfloor and oxen for fifty shekels of silver”
•Altar building: “David built there altar unto YHWH, offered burnt offerings and
peace offerings”
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•Divine response: “So YHWH was intreated for land” Plague ended: “Plague
was stayed from Israel”
V. MAJOR THEOLOGICAL THEMES
A. The Davidic Covenant
•Eternal dynasty: God’s unconditional promise to David’s house (7:12-16)
•Messianic foundation: Points to eternal King from David’s line
•Divine faithfulness: God keeps promises despite human failure
•Conditional discipline: Sin brings consequences but doesn’t void covenant
B. Divine Grace and Human Failure
David’s adultery: Even “man after God’s heart” falls into grievous sin
Nathan’s confrontation: God’s love includes correction and discipline
Repentance and restoration: Genuine repentance leads to forgiveness
Consequences remain: Forgiveness doesn’t eliminate all consequences
C. Leadership and Kingship
•Moral authority: Character essential for effective leadership
•Divine guidance: Consultation with God through prophets
•Justice and righteousness: King as defender of weak and oppressed
•Human limitations: Even best human kings are flawed
D. Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
•God’s control: Ultimate sovereignty over all events
•Human choices: Real moral decisions with genuine consequences
•Providence: God works through natural means and human agents
•Testing: Trials reveal character and dependence on God
E. Worship and Sacrifice
•Centralized worship: Jerusalem as religious capital
•Proper sacrifice: “I will not offer...that which costs me nothing”
•Heart worship: External acts must reflect internal reality
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•Priestly intercession: Mediatorial role of religious leaders
VI. CHRISTOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS (Evangelical Perspective)
A. David as Type of Christ
•Shepherd King: Both shepherd boys who become kings
•Anointed One: Both anointed by prophets for future reigns
•Rejected before reigning: Both experience rejection before acceptance
•Victory over enemies: Both triumph over spiritual and physical foes
•Eternal kingdom: Davidic covenant points to Christ’s eternal reign
B. Davidic Covenant and Messianic Hope
•House forever: Christ as eternal Son of David
•Throne established: Jesus’ eternal kingship
•Kingdom without end: Spiritual and future physical rule
•Father-Son relationship: Divine sonship anticipated
C. Moral and Spiritual Lessons
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Repentance: David’s response to sin models true repentance
Forgiveness: God’s grace despite serious moral failure
Restoration: Possibility of renewal after fall
•Divine discipline: God’s corrective love
D. Typological Elements
•Jerusalem: Earthly city points to heavenly Jerusalem
•Temple site: David’s altar becomes temple location
•Sacrifice: David’s offerings prefigure Christ’s sacrifice
•Covenant renewal: Points to New Covenant in Christ
VII. HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
A. Historical Reliability
•Contemporary sources: Court records, eyewitness accounts
•Archaeological correlations: 10th century BC material culture
•Geographic accuracy: Precise locations and place names
•Cultural authenticity: Customs, practices, political structures
B. Ancient Near Eastern Context
•Royal ideology: Parallels with other ancient kingships
•Covenant forms: Similarities to ancient treaty structures
•Military practices: Warfare, sieges, diplomatic relations
•Administrative systems: Government organization, officials
C. Archaeological Evidence
•City of David: Excavations in Jerusalem
•10th century remains: Building techniques, pottery, inscriptions
•Philistine culture: Archaeological evidence of Sea Peoples
•Administrative centers: Evidence of centralized government
VIII. LITERARY AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
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A. Narrative Artistry
•Character development: Complex, realistic psychological portraits
•Plot structure: Rise, fall, restoration patterns
•Irony and reversal: Unexpected turns, divine justice
Dialogue: Reveals character, advances plot, teaches theology
B. Theological Framework
•Deuteronomistic theology: Obedience brings blessing, disobedience
brings curse
•Prophetic perspective: Divine evaluation of human actions
•Covenant structure: Conditional and unconditional elements
•Eschatological hope: Forward-looking messianic expectation
C. Literary Techniques
•Parallelism: Events, characters, speeches mirror each other
•Inclusion: Beginning and ending themes that frame narrative
•Foreshadowing: Early events anticipate later developments Symbolism:
Objects, actions, places carry deeper meaning
IX. CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
A. Leadership Principles
•Character over charisma: Internal qualities matter most
•Moral accountability: Leaders must answer to higher authority
•Humility: Recognition of dependence on God and others
•Service orientation: Authority as responsibility, not privilege
B. Sin and Repentance
•Reality of temptation: Even godly people face serious moral challenges
•Importance of accountability: Need for prophetic voices in our lives
•Genuine repentance: True sorrow leads to change
•Grace and consequences: Forgiveness doesn’t eliminate all results of sin
C. Relationships and Loyalty
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•Covenant friendship: Jonathan and David’s bond
•Family dynamics: Complex relationships within families
•Forgiveness: David’s treatment of enemies
•Mentorship: Passing values to next generation
D. Trust and Providence
•Divine timing: Waiting for God’s perfect timing
•Faith in crisis: Trusting God through difficult circumstances
Prayer and worship: Maintaining spiritual priorities
•Gratitude: Recognizing God’s blessings and faithfulness
X. KEY MEMORY PASSAGES
A. The Davidic Covenant
•7:12-13: “When your days are fulfilled...I will establish his kingdom”
•7:16: “Your house and kingdom shall be established forever”
•7:18: “Who am I, O Lord YHWH, and what is my house?”
•7:28: “You are God, and your words are true”
B. Sin and Repentance
•12:13: “David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against YHWH”
•11:27: “But the thing that David had done displeased YHWH”
•12:7: “Nathan said to David, You are the man”
•24:10: “David’s heart smote him...I have sinned greatly”
C. Divine Deliverance
•22:2-3: “YHWH is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer”
•22:31: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of YHWH is tried”
•22:47: “YHWH lives; and blessed be my rock”
•23:5: “He has made with me an everlasting covenant”
D. Leadership and Character
•23:3: “He that rules over men must be just, ruling in fear of God”
•5:12: “David perceived that YHWH had established him king”
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•24:24: “Neither will I offer...of that which costs me nothing” 6:14: “David
danced before YHWH with all his might”
XI. STUDY QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
A. Historical Questions
•How does David’s reign represent the high point of Israel’s united monarchy?
•What role did the conquest of Jerusalem play in David’s kingdom?
•How do David’s military campaigns establish Israel as a regional power?
•What is the significance of bringing the ark to Jerusalem?
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B. Theological Questions
•How does the Davidic Covenant relate to previous biblical covenants?
•What does David’s sin and repentance teach about human nature and divine
grace?
•How does the book balance divine sovereignty with human responsibility?
•What is the relationship between temporal and eternal aspects of the Davidic
promise?
C. Literary Questions
•How does the author use irony and reversal in the narrative?
•What is the significance of the book’s structure (rise, fall, restoration)?
•How do the various episodes contribute to the overall theological message?
What role do speeches and prayers play in the narrative?
D. Practical Questions
•What leadership principles can be learned from David’s successes and failures?
•How should believers understand and apply the concept of repentance?
•What does the book teach about the importance of accountability?
•How can David’s psalms and prayers guide contemporary worship?
XII. INTEGRATION WITH BIBLICAL THEOLOGY
A. Pentateuchal Connections
•Genesis promises: Fulfillment of seed, land, blessing themes
•Exodus patterns: Divine deliverance and presence
•Levitical worship: Proper sacrifice and priestly mediation
•Deuteronomic theology: Covenant blessings and curses
B. Historical Books Context
•1 Samuel: Continuation of David’s story from anointing to throne
•1 Kings: Solomon’s reign builds on David’s foundation
•Chronicles: Theological interpretation emphasizing David’s positive legacy
•Canonical placement: Central position in salvation history
C. Prophetic Literature
•Messianic prophecies: Davidic king as foundation for future hope
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•Covenant theology: Eternal promises despite temporary judgment
•Social justice: King as defender of oppressed
Worship centrality: Jerusalem and temple significance
D. Wisdom Literature
•Psalmic material: David as sweet psalmist of Israel
•Character studies: Moral lessons from successes and failures
•Divine sovereignty: God’s control over human affairs
•Practical righteousness: Living faithfully before God
E. New Testament Fulfillment
•Jesus as Son of David: Genealogical and theological connections
•Eternal kingdom: Spiritual fulfillment of Davidic promises
•New covenant: Superior covenant based on better promises
•Heavenly Jerusalem: Eschatological fulfillment of earthly type
XIII. 2 SAMUEL IN SALVATION HISTORY
A. Covenant Development
•Abrahamic fulfillment: Land, nation, blessing partially realized
•Mosaic elaboration: Kingdom structure under divine law
•Davidic establishment: Eternal dynasty promised
•New covenant anticipation: Better King and kingdom coming
B. Messianic Significance
•Royal typology: David prefigures greater Son of David
•Jerusalem centrality: Earthly capital points to heavenly city
•Temple preparation: David’s plans fulfilled in Solomon, perfected in Christ
•Covenantal kingship: Divine rule through human representative
C. Redemptive Themes
•Grace over merit: Divine election and favor despite human failure
•Repentance and restoration: Pattern of sin, judgment, confession, renewal
•Divine faithfulness: God’s commitment transcends human unfaithfulness
•Ultimate victory: Triumph over all enemies through divine power
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