LadyT

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. The scene/message of deliverance is what I'm clinging to right now.

Q4. (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us about David's character and faith? Even in his old age, he's still just a man, a person like me able to make mistakes. What does it reveal about Joab's character? He's prideful. What kind of faith do you see in Joab? A strong one so long as it ensures good stature. What does this passage teach us about the importance of friends? You need people you can trust. Is Joab really David's friend? I think he's grown to like him as a father. He knows he has no claim to the throne, so he strives to be the next best which is the commander of the army.

(2 Samuel 18:1-19:8) Why does David command mercy for Absalom in the battle? He loves his son. Why does Joab kill him against David's orders? Joab knows what needs to be done to secure David's place on the throne. How does David's loud mourning threaten his kingdom? Why did they fight if David just wanted them to die? Is what I'd think if I was one of the soldiers. What does this say about his followers' loyalty? They still are able to think with their own heads. What does it say about David's faith? I've no answer for this one. About his weaknesses? He's paying for his weaknesses in not taking action when his kids do wrong.

Q2. (2 Samuel 16:5-14) Why doesn't David silence Shimei son of Gera from cursing him? Here, I think David is now being a resignist and over eagerly accepting cruelty out of guilt. Is this a political decision or a spiritual decision? He thinks it's spiritual. What does it tell us about David's faith? He's willing to endure whatever for God's spirit to stay with him and stay in God's mercy.

Q1. (2 Samuel 15:14-30) Why does David flee Jerusalem rather than stay and fight? Ill-prepared for a fight and it's better to not let the city experience a civil war. What are David's emotions during this retreat? Being faithful and courageous as well as repenting and accepting his discipline. Why doesn't he take the ark with him into exile? God "belongs" to Israel, not David Does this exhibit faith, fatalism, or submission? Faith and submission. What does this tell us about his faith? It's still unwavering.

Q4. (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? God keeps his word. Sins of the father can extend to the son. God doesn't always make things happen directly, but can allow for things to happen.

Q3. (2 Samuel 15:1-6) What are the elements of Absalom's public relations campaign to win over the people to his side? Judging the peoples' cases in their favor, kissing them, acting as if he understands their frustration with David's justice system. How effective is it? Very What should David have done differently? Intervened. Which of David's weaknesses does Absalom exploit? His passivity.

Q2. (2 Samuel 13:39-14:24) Why do you think Joab conspires to get David to bring Absalom home? To me it seems he was tired of David mourning the loss of Absalom. He grieved for him the moment he heard he killed Amnon. Joab could see David was too stuck and unsure what to do, so he took care of things himself to get David to act. Why do you think David does not immediately show Absalom his favor? He probably didn't wanna seem like he blankly forgave Absalom for killing Amnon (pretty darn hypocritical). So, he has to play the long game and be comforted that his son is at least back in his household for now.

Q1. (2 Samuel 13:21-22) Why do you think David doesn't discipline his son Amnon for his sexual assault on his half-sister? I find it rare in the Bible where men actually give a crap about women. This is the thing that continues to rattle my faith in God. There are countless examples of women being treated worse than property and I hate it. In my opinion, David cared more about protecting his son than his daughter who did NOTHING wrong! What are the consequences of David's inaction? He set the stage for his son's death (which I don't blame Absalom for). He shows his beautiful, daughter of Israel that her being violated and living her life alone without love of her own husband or children is meaningless compared to his evil son's reputation.

Q5. (Psalm 32:8-10) How does sin make us stubborn? It's a snare. Sometimes we stay trapped because we want to and other times because we're too afraid or ashamed to ask for help to get out of it. Why is it nearly impossible to discern God’s will for us when we hold on to unconfessed sin. The Holy Spirit continues to prod us to confess. It troubles us when we continue acting as if we've done nothing wrong.

Q4. (Psalm 32:2-5) How does self-deceit operate with sin to enslave us? Tricking ourselves or using denial to lessen the impact of what we've done can make us think our sin was little and doesn't need to be confessed or forgiven. How does confession enable us to get free from sin? It clears our conscience and starts us on the path of repentance and forgiveness. Why do we sometimes resist the truth about ourselves? Fear. What does it take to get us to see truth sometimes? Tough love.

Q3. (Psalm 51:16-17) How does one achieve a truly “broken and contrite heart”? By hurting grievously for hurting God with our disobedience. What are the earmarks of this condition? Admitting or confessing our sin. For me, it resulted in hiding/running away from God because I'm not worthy of His forgiveness. How does this differ from “being sorry” for a sin? I think there's a lax repentance that may come from overly cocky christians that no matter what, Jesus forgives, so they give an empty "sorry" and move on without reflecting over their sin. Yes, that's true we have forgiveness and rectification, but that doesn't block us from punishment or repentance. How does humility relate to this condition? We have to humble ourselves before God to truly pour out our souls the wrong we know we did.

Q2. (Psalm 51:10-11) In what way can God give us a “pure heart” after great sin? Forgiveness and the Holy Spirit How would you define a pure heart? One that has intention to follow His word How does God purify our hearts? After repentance, receiving forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to help us know right from wrong when tempted How does he purify our minds? Through His word

Q1. (Psalm 51:1-9) It seems that in verses 1-9 David emphasizes God’s mercy, his own sinfulness, and the completeness of God’s hoped for cleansing. Is it healthy to dwell on your own sinfulness? Yes and no. Why or why not? We need to remember our sin. What lead to it, where we were mentally, spiritually at that that time, etc or we'll do it again. Does a person who has sinned greatly appreciate forgiveness more than one who has not? I think so. Why or why not? Because we know we shouldn't have God's grace, but we do and it's extremely humbling.

Q4. (2 Samuel 12:10-14) What punishment does David deserve? Public knowledge of his sin to Israel and judgement from Bathsheba, her daddy, and her grandpa. Also, any of Uriah's family if they're alive. What does he get instead? The rape baby dies and there's calamity in his household. How does this punishment relate to the provisions of the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7:14-15? That man be punished for his sin by his fellow men. How do David’s sins hurt God’s glory? The hypocrisy makes it hard for others to want to be good and follow His word. Folks see what David did and think maybe God doesn't exist since the king claims to love Him, yet did these callous things. How do our sins reflect on Jesus Christ? Folks think we use a name to clean our hands of what we do. It's not an excuse or free pass. We receive punishment and forgiveness, but always a punishment.