Day 1: Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 66 the Death of Saul from P.681

DAVID

LESSON 10

Day 1: Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 66 "The Death of Saul" from p.681

1.As you read about Saul's response to the séance and the subsequent battle with the Philistines, what more can we learn about how "evil and bitter it is when you forsake the Lord your God and have no reverence for Him" (from Jeremiah 2:19)?

Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 68 "David at Ziklag"

2.As the chapter opens, it is described how, as Achish's body guard, David has put himself in a difficult position. Share what you found that was new or especially interesting in this.

3.David finds himself in an even worse situation upon his return to Ziklag. What can we learn from David's experience here?

4.In the part about the battle with the Amalekites and their recovery of their families and goods, what was encouraging to you, as you read?

5.David learns about Saul and Jonathan. What can we learn about David from how he responds? How might we apply this to our own lives today?

Day 2: 2nd Samuel 3

6.3:1-5. Here are a couple of snapshots of David's reign in Hebron. It seems, from 1st Chronicles 3:1-9, that these women were all wives, as the sons of concubines aren't listed. How are things going for David in Hebron?

7.3:6-12. To have sexual relations with either the wife or concubine of the king was an act of treason and a grab for the throne. How does Ish-Bosheth handle this? How does Abner?

8.3:13-16. Here is another example of Ish-Bosheth's weak position as "king" over Israel. Briefly summarize.

9.3:9,17-21. I think this passage is so interesting. Look at not only how Abner goes about transferring the throne to David, but what Abner, who was Saul's military leader all those years of hunting David, knows about the Lord's plan for him. Share what you find.

10.3:22-27,30. It is understandable that Joab be concerned about David's acceptance of Abner, but what does he do and why?

11.Personal: Notice how Joab covers his dishonorable revenge with the cloak of concern for the king. How often do we do the same - seeking an honorable or acceptable excuse for our dishonorable thoughts or deeds?

12.3:28-37. What is David's response to Abner's murder?

13.3:38. This is a statement that should never be made by a king about his military leader - or anyone. Contrast what David says here to what Solomon does as one of his very first actions as king in 1st Kings 2:31-33.

Day 3: 2nd Samuel 4: - 5:4 with Psalm 2

14.4:1-3, 5-7. Verse one gives us a picture of what Israel looked like after Abner's death. The remaining verses tell the story of Ish-Bosheth's murder. It is another grisly tale - another cowardly deed done by men who think that David will appreciate their "support". (Where were they for the past 20 years?) Please summarize, and share any comments that you have on this.

15.4:4. Saul has one surviving heir. What does this say about Mephibosheth?

16.4:8 -12. What is David's response to the murder of Ish-Bosheth?

17.Contrast David's response to Recab and Baanah with how he handled Joab for murdering Abner. What can we find and is there a lesson in this example?

18.5:1-4 with 1st Chronicles 12:23-40. This is the fulfillment of God's promise to David all those years ago. Share what you find.

19.Psalm 2. Psalm 2 was written for the coronation of a king, possible Solomon, possibly David's own coronation. It is a messianic psalm, a wonderful prophecy about Christ. As you read, please share what you find that is most meaningful.

Day 4: 2nd Samuel 5:6-16 with Psalms 101 & 16

20Psalm 101. This is such a lovely psalm and it can fit with this time in David's life so well. Again, as you read, pull out what you find to be especially significant for his ascension to the throne.

21.5:6-8 with Judges 1:19-21. This is David's first action as King of Israel. Briefly summarize.

22.Psalm 16. As you read through this psalm, again, look for phrases that reflect what he is going through right now. Note: This is another messianic psalm.

23.5:9-16 with 1st Chronicles 3:4b-9. This is a long-range snapshot of David's life as king in Jerusalem. It looks like life is good for him, but before we come to that conclusion, let's look at Deuteronomy 17:16-20. What we are looking at actually has a factor that will be part of serious problems for David and Israel during part of his reign. Share what you find.

Day 5: 2nd Samuel 5:17-28 with Psalms 124 & 21

24.5:17-18. Look at the intensity of this Philistine response to David's coronation. What happens?

25.5:19-28 with 1st Chronicles 14:8-17. How does David handle this threat and with what results?

26.Psalm 124. This is David's victory song. Summarize its message and share how David saw this experience from what he writes here.

Interesting note: The sub-title of this Psalm is "A Song for Going up to Worship", which gives you a picture of how David responded to God's help in this threat.

27.Personal: This has been a good illustration of how God's enemy (Satan) responds when we gain victory over the obstacles that delay or would prevent His will for our lives. What encouragement can you find in David's experience that you can apply to your life?

28.Psalm 21. This is another Psalm that speaks so well to David's experience. Not only with the Philistines, but the Jebusites also. As you read, what do you find that is most meaningful?

Day 6: Psalm 18

29:Psalm 18. This is one of David's most powerful psalms. I know that over and over I have had you think about what it must have been like for him to be hunted by Saul's army for so many years while waiting to ascend to the throne of Israel. This was written after he feels that he has been delivered from his enemies and gives such a wonderful description of how God helped him through everything he endured. You will also find it in 2nd Samuel 22. It probably wasn't written at that time, but instead chosen as the theme song for his life and placed there by the writer of 2nd Samuel. Please read it now and share what you find to be most impressive as you do.