Life Lessons From David

The Men of Steel get together on a regular basis for fellowship, service projects, biblical inspiration and sharing life. We can become better men, husbands and fathers by holding each other accountable and encouraging one another. I thought about King David, since he is the current topic of my Sunday Bible study class, and thought I’d share these insights from Second Samuel: 

  1. How many times has David been anointed king? 2 Samuel 5:3, (see also 1 Samuel 16:13 and 2 Samuel 2:4)
  2. How long does David rule over Israel and Judah together? 2 Samuel 5:5
  3. Who occupies Jerusalem before David takes the city? 2 Samuel 5:6
  4. How does David get in to the city? 2 Samuel 5:8 (I love how he takes the fortress)
  5. Why does Uzzah die during the March to Jerusalem? 2 Samuel 6:6-7
    • How does David respond to Uzzah’s death? 2 Samuel 6:8-10
    • What changes are made in bringing the ark for the second time? 2 Samuel 6:13 (notice the “bearers” and the sacrifice, compared to 2 Samuel 6:3)
  6. How does David’s wife react to his dancing before the Lord with all his might? 2 Samuel 6:16 (What might this suggest?)
    • Lesson 1 – The King was not immune to marriage troubles.
    • Lesson 2 – Other people cannot limit our expression of love and devotion toward God.
  7. Who was Nathan? 2 Samuel 7:2
  8. What does David say to Nathan? 2 Samuel 7:2 (sort of a, “what’s wrong with this picture” moment)
    • How is Nathan presumptuous? 2 Samuel 7:3
      1. Lesson 1 – Don’t assume every bright and noble idea is from God.
      2. Lesson 2 – Don’t assume that a godly leader (whom God has chosen) is always right.
    • What does the Lord promise David? 2 Samuel 7:10
  9. Who does the Lord say will build God’s house? 2 Samuel 7:12-13
    • Why not David? 1 Kings 5:3 and 1 Chronicles 22:8
    • An interesting twist: instead of David building a house for the Lord, the Lord builds a house for David! 2 Samuel 7:11, 16
    • Is this Davidic Covenant conditional or unconditional? 2 Samuel 7:13-16
    • How does David respond? 2 Samuel 7:18
  10. Who does David conquer during his reign over Israel and Judah? 2 Samuel 8:11-12 (this is called the expansion of the kingdom) How often did the Lord help David? 2 Samuel 8:6,14
    • Lesson 1 – God would give rest when the nation was obedient on the battlefield.
    • Lesson 2 – There was hope in that the nations where to be subservient, not totally destroyed or wiped out.
    • Lesson 3 – David never forgot the source of his strength. 2 Samuel 8:11
    • Lesson 4 – Fulfillment of his calling, 2 Samuel 8:15, the Christ nearly 1000 years later.
  11. Can we conclude that David had an adequate judicial system? 2 Samuel 8:15
    • Debatable, the lack of a system is the main reason for Absalom’s revolt, 2 Samuel 15:4
    • David’s sons were chief ministers. 2 Samuel 8:18
  12. Who was the royal recorder during David’s reign? 2 Samuel 8:17 (I love this guy’s name)
  13. Who is the servant of Saul that David locates? 2 Samuel 9:2
  14. How does she help David? 2 Samuel 9:3, then what does David demonstrate…?
    • David shows kindness, 2 Samuel 9:1, 7 (Romans 2:4)
    • David initiates the relationship, 2 Samuel 9:4 (Romans 5:8)
    • David accepts the son, just as he is, 2 Samuel 9:3, 7 (Philippians 1:6)
    • David demonstrates a calming spirit, 2 Samuel 9:7 (Ephesians 2:14)
    • David offers reconciliation and restoration, 2 Samuel 9:9, Psalm 23:3 (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)
    • There’s always room for more in the palace, 2 Samuel 9:10 (2 Peter 3:9)
  15. Why does David send his servants to Hanun, king of the Ammonites? 2 Samuel 10:1-2
  16. How does Hanun treat the servants? 2 Samuel 10:4 (too funny, we can laugh now, but such a vivid picture), but we can learn…
    • Lesson 1 – David shows active sympathy for the suffering, 2 Samuel 10:2
    • Lesson 2 – David’s intentions were misunderstood, 2 Samuel 10:3, 5
    • Lesson 3 – David is fiercely loyal and protective to his people, 2 Samuel 10:5
    • Lesson 4 – David took on their enemy himself, sending Joab and his mighty men, 2 Samuel 10:7
  17. What is the outcome of the inevitable battle? 2 Samuel 10:13-14

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