Spring 2013
Lesson 4: David’s Anointing as King of Israel
2 Samuel 1–5; 1 Chronicles 11
Note: In the final chapters of 1 Samuel, Saul’s life was spared twice by David before the king hit spiritual bottom in consulting the medium at En-dor. Saul died in battle against the Philistines, along with all his sons except Ish-bosheth, who believed the kingship remained his birthright and so divided the nation’s loyalties. David repeatedly experienced trying circumstances following Saul’s death, yet his heart for God remained steadfast and he was finally anointed as Israel’s king. This week’s lesson focuses primarily on David’s accession to the throne and his commitment to God.
Day One: Read 1 Samuel 24 and 26; David Spares Saul’s Life
1. From the first three lessons on David before his ascension as the king of Israel, what character quality does he display that is meaningful to you, and why?
2. From 1 Samuel 24:5–6, what did David do and why did his conscience bother him? (See Exodus 22:28.)
a. How should a believer respond when his or her conscience is pricked? How can you develop greater sensitivity and responsiveness to your own conscience? Cite Scripture to support your answer.
3. In 1 Samuel 24:8, what does David’s approach to Saul demonstrate about David’s character?
4. What does 1 Samuel 24:9–15 reveal about David’s attitude toward Saul?
a. How can believers cultivate a similar attitude toward those who oppose them?
5. According to 1 Samuel 26:6–12, why did David prevent Abishai from killing Saul?
a. How can you emulate David’s trust in God’s sovereignty in the circumstances of your own life?
Day Two: Read 2 Samuel 1:1–27 and 2:1–11; David Laments the Deaths of Saul and Jonathan
1. What is significant about the frequent repetition of the phrase “The Lord’s anointed?”
2. What actions did David take in response to the deaths of Saul and Jonathan and the defeat of Israel?
3. According to his lament in 2 Samuel 1:17–24, how did David mourn Saul, who had tried to kill him multiple times? Why do you think David was able to respond this way?
4. In 2 Samuel 2:1–3, what did David do after grieving the deaths of Saul and Jonathan?
5. In 2 Samuel 2:4, the people anointed David as king over Judah about 17 years after he had been privately anointed by Samuel. From our study of David, find several examples that illustrate whether or not he waited on the Lord. Cite Scripture to support your answer.
a. How can you grow this week in your trust of God’s process and timing in your life?
Day 3: Read 2 Samuel 2:1–32; The War between the House of David and the House of Saul
1. Why do you think only Judah recognize David as king?
2. According to verses 8–11, who was made king over Israel?
3. Do you think this division between Judah and Israel might have been avoided? Explain your answer.
a. Do you work to promote unity or stir up strife? In what areas might the Lord be calling you to be a peacemaker?
4. Describe the relationships between David and Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. (See 1 Chronicles 2:16.)
5. Do you think Asahel was wise or unwise when he continued to pursue Abner, and was Abner justified when he killed Asahel? Explain your answer.
Day Four: Read 2 Samuel 3 and 4; The Deaths of Abner and Ish-bosheth
1. What attribute of God is revealed in 2 Samuel 3:1, and to what end?
2. What caused the division between Abner and Ish-bosheth?
3. According to 2 Samuel 3:12–14, what did David require before he made a covenant with Abner? Do you think David was right in making this request? Why or why not?
4. How did Abner convince the elders to unite behind David?
5. What motivated Joab’s murder of Abner, and why didn’t David execute Joab? (See 2 Samuel 3:39.)
6. From 2 Samuel 4:1–12, briefly describe Ish-bosheth’s death.
a. How did David respond differently to the murders of Abner and Ish-bosheth? Why would this would have been important to Israel?
7. Skim 2 Samuel 2–4 and briefly describe several examples of David’s diplomacy in unifying Israel and Judah.
Day Five: Read 2 Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles 11; David Is Anointed King of Israel
1. What was distinctive about this third anointing of David? How did this fulfill Genesis 49:10?
2. How were Deuteronomy 12:5 and 2 Chronicles 6:5–6 fulfilled when David moved the capital to Jerusalem?
3. Read the following references and summarize what they teach or describe about Jerusalem.
a. Psalm 9:11
b. Psalm 48:1–14
c. Psalm 87:1–3
d. Psalm 122:1–9
e. Psalm 125:1–2
f. Psalm 132:13–18
g. Psalm 137:5–6
4. From 2 Samuel 5:17–21, how was David able to defeat the Philistines? (See also 1 Chronicles 11:9.)
5. Describe David’s character and leadership as seen in this lesson. What you can learn from his example?
______Gregory/Peters April 10, 2013
NOTES