In 2 Samuel 14, there seems to be a deep dissatisfaction about Absalom’s encounter with his father, and seemed to fuel a lot of bitterness. Beth Moore points out the fact that reuniting and reconciliation are two different things. Let’s take a look at 2 Samuel 15, where things go from bad to worse. David is no longer the courageous and confident that he once was.
- It helps to know people in high places… who do you know who is in a high place?
- What is your favorite conspiracy theory? Absalom will be conspiring a lot in this section.
- What do “chariots, horses and 50 men” signal of Absalom’s ambitions? (2 Samuel 15:1, 1 Samuel 8:11) What goal do you see behind Absalom’s behavior?
- As a victim of injustice, what would you make of Absalom’s two decrees? (2 Samuel 15:3-4) How about his greeting? (2 Samuel 15:5)
- Why do you think Absalom waited four years to carry out his plot? (2 Samuel 15:7) When else has he waited patiently in devising evil plans? (2 Samuel 13:23, 13:38, 14:28)
- How can David be so gullible? (2 Samuel 15:7-9) What do you know about the significant about Hebron? (2 Samuel 2:1, 4)
- How did David respond to the news that “the hearts of the people are with Absalom”? (2 Samuel 15:13, 14)
- What was David thinking at this point? What was he feeling? How could he run away since God had anointed him to be on the throne?
- What was the significance of the ark? (2 Samuel 15:24, 29)
- Where did David go? (2 Samuel 15:30) How would a reporter describe the mood and the scene this day?
- What is the significance of this one key verse? (2 Samuel 15:31)
- What special assignment did David have for Hushai? (2 Samuel 15:34) Skip ahead to the beginning of chapter 17. How did this work out?
A few questions for your consideration:
- How did they all get to this point?
- What do you do when someone you love is out of control?
- When could this have been nipped in the bud?
- This story makes an interesting point: we all need friends we can be sure are on our side when difficult times come. Who did David have on his side?
- How can we develop the kind of relationships so that we know we have some friends on our side when the storm comes? How do you determine who is your friend?
- What is the difference between an advisor or counselor and a friend? (1 Chronicles 27:33)
- In your darkest times, is prayer and church your usual course of action? (2 Samuel 15:31, 32) How does God fit into your crisis resolution plan?
Take a look at Psalm 3… I’ll have some other insights on Sunday.