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(1 Chronicles 22-29) Why do you think David prepares for the temple, even after the Lord refuses to let him build it? How did David cooperate with the Holy Spirit in designing the temple and its worship? How did David's example in giving motivate others to give? David, who is a competent leader, makes wise use of his time to prepare the kingdom for the building of the temple. The more supplies and people who are in place, the smoother the actual construction will be. He is well aware he cannot build the temple, but listens to what the Holy Spirit is telling him and records those directions. It takes discipline and respect for God to withhold beginning construction after seeing a vision of what the temple will look like. His patience and cooperation with God reminds us that God must always be in control of the plans, not us

(2 Samuel 24:14-25) Why does David choose the punishment of a plague on the people rather than his other choices? David insists on paying Araunah for the threshing floor and the sacrifices. What principle drives this decision? How should this principle guide our own giving to God? I admire that David willingly accepts responsibility and punishment for his poor, sinful choices. He believed that having a plague come would be more merciful than the other options, even though it would still be difficult. When it comes to honoring God, David wants to give and worship God sacrificially by paying for the threshing floor; He knows this is the kind of worship what God desires from him.

(2 Samuel 23:1-7) How does David describe himself in verse 1? In what sense was David a prophet? What is the main message of verses 3-7? How can this psalm guide government officials and elected leaders in our day? David deccribes himself as Jesse's son, God's anointed speaker and a musician. His psalms had warnings of what was to come, what to be aware of. David reminds his reader that rulers of nations must fear God, rule righteously and to stay away from evil men.

(2 Samuel 22 = Psalm 18) What do you find the most inspiring in the language of this psalm? What encourages you the most? Write down all the various titles and metaphors used of God in this psalm. I love the richness, depth of emotion and imagery descriptions that David uses in his writing. He expresses deep devotion and respect for God and recognizes his need for God's mercy. When I read his psalms, I feel like it helps me articulate how I am feeling, and to praise God more fully. It is good and satisfying to focus on words like: Rock, fortress, shield, deliverer, refuge, savior, stronghold.

(2 Samuel 18:1-19:8) Why does David command mercy for Absalom in the battle? Why does Joab kill him against David's orders? How does David's loud mourning threaten his kingdom? What does this say about his followers' loyalty? What does it say about David's faith? About his weaknesses? David has a deep affection for his children, in spite of their rebellious behavior. Joab is able to see the true nature of the situation: that David is still an adequate leader and his son Absalom would be a evil king. When the opportunity arises to finish Absalom, he does so to protect David and his kingdom. For the people to see David's mourning over selfish Absalom shows disrespect for the men who have protected David. Is this showing a wavering faith? No, I believe he is just a sensitive man who is mourning his son, but needs to restrain his emotions to show his kingdom he is still a strong leader.

(2 Samuel 16:5-14) Why doesn't David silence Shimei son of Gera from cursing him? Is this a political decision or a spiritual decision? What does it tell us about David's faith? David has decided it will not help the situation to confront Shimei, probably both a political and spiritual decision. To have a confrontation could cause more damage and death. He wants to leave the punishment in God's hands which shows he trusts in how God will take care of him and Shimei.

(2 Samuel 15:14-30) Why does David flee Jerusalem rather than stay and fight? What are David's emotions during this retreat? Why doesn't he take the ark with him into exile? Does this exhibit faith, fatalism, or submission? What does this tell us about his faith? I would not have known from the verse that David's city is not prepared for a siege, but appears he has a pretty good idea of how quickly he must act. Since he is not stocked up, he chooses to flee to save lives. He is heartbroken at having to do this. He leaves the ark because he believes it is for the people to worship Yahweh and belongs with in Jerusalem; it is not just for himself. He seems to be a man who is accepting his punishment from God for his past sins, so he is repentant and humbled. This shows both faith in God's sovereignty as well as submission to that authority.

John 1:1-3) According to the Apostle John, is Jesus fully God? What does it mean that Jesus is the "Word"? What does this say about him and his ministry? John states that Jesus was fully God and that He was the Word, always with God from the beginning of creation. It means that He is as sovereign as God and His ministry on earth, everything He accomplished here, was in complete authority from God, our Creator.

(2 Samuel 13-15:13) It's difficult to find positive spiritual lessons in these sad and grim chapters. What negative spiritual lessons do you find? It is David's tender and sensitive heart that made him a man who passionately loved and followed God. But it is also that heart that cares about his sons so much, he cannot make a wise decision concerning them, which results in poor leadership. We all have different personality traits and experiences which can be used to become healthy, strong and wise examples, or spiral us downward into sin and uselessness, which is what happened to David.

(2 Samuel 15:1-6) What are the elements of Absalom's public relations campaign to win over the people to his side? How effective is it? What should David have done differently? Which of David's weaknesses does Absalom exploit? Absalom used his physical attributes and charisma to make himself known and favored by the people, and it works for him. If David had disciplined Absalom and made sure that the people knew this, he would have shown himself as a king who was still strong and decisive. Absalom knew his father had a tender heart and was still grieving his brother but also still loved him.

(2 Samuel 13:39-14:24) Why do you think Joab conspires to get David to bring Absalom home? Why do you think David does not immediately show Absalom his favor? Apparently Joab is seeking to reconcile David and Absalom in order for there to be an eventual peaceful transfer of power. Joab is loyal to David and the kingdom, but there are ultimately advantages for him as well. David is still greiving over the loss of his first son, Amnon and not quite ready to completely reconcile with Amnon's murderer, Absolam. What a dilemma and a terrible burden for David.

(2 Samuel 13:21-22) Why do you think David doesn't discipline his son Amnon for his sexual assault on his half-sister? What are the consequences of David's inaction? I think David understood that he was experiencing the punishment and consequences of his own sin with Bathsheba, although we don't see David warning Amnon of what he will experience as well. Amnon was not repentant and there was alot of anger all around, which ultimately resulted in Amnon's murder by Absolom. David's uninvolvement turned a bad situation into tragedy.

(2 Samuel 12:10-14) What punishment does David deserve? What does he get instead? How does this punishment relate to the provisions of the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7:14-15? How do David's sins hurt God's glory? How do our sins reflect on Jesus Christ? I believe David deserves harsh punishment because he had been anointed and hugely blessed by God, and was the highest leader of the nation of Israel, followed by many people. God could have removed him from his position, or ruined his kingdom. God chooses to punish him through the loss of a child, which is severe in itself. This sint disturbs God's glory because so many people are watching David's actions and plans are delayed because of the punishment. The same happens when we are in rebellion and these actions observed by people who may be confused by our behavior and wonder about our relationship to God.

(2 Samuel 12:1-10) Why might it be dangerous for Nathan the prophet to confront the king? What device does Nathan employ get the king to listen to him? How does David's condemnation of the rich man's greed help him acknowledge and condemn his own actions? Nathan risks his life when he confronts King David with his sin. Nathan used a wise tactic to approach David with a story of a similar situation and gets David to agree that this was rebellious sin against God. David had been rebelling against God's commands, but he listens to Nathan's harsh words, recognizes that God is speaking to him, and repents of his sin.

(2 Samuel 9:1-13) Why does David honor Mephibosheth? What does this teach us about David's character? David follows through with his promise to Jonathan to take care of his family while he is king. David's story continues to reveal that he is a man of integrity and that he genuinely cared about Jonathan. Jonathan is dead and we don't know if anyone knew about the promise, but David perseveres to help Mephibosheth.