Read through the chapter a few times. Perhaps reading ahead would help gain some context. As you read through, jot down observations, questions, and insights. Look for elements that demonstrate the influence of God. Sometimes they are more difficult to find than you would expect because you end up having to infer them.
After you've read through a few times, read back through with these questions:
- Why do you think David is inquiring of God at this point? What is his circumstance?
- Consider God's answers. Try and imagine the process to ask the questions from the answers. What do you imagine is happening?
- Both Carmel and Jezreel are actually in Judean hills, but more famous places with these names are found in the north. Why do you think it might matter that these wives are 'local'?
- Read 1 Samuel 30:26-31. What influence do you think this had on the men anointing David as king?
- David finds out what the men of Jabesh-Gilead did for Saul and Jonathan, and sends a blessing to them. Many commentators say this was 'shrewd' on David's part to gain support, but look at where Jabesh-Gilead is in relation to Judah (see map below). What do you think are some other alternatives?
- Consider the content of David's message. Why do you think David would want to 'bless' them and return their kindness onto them?
- Why do you think David mentions his 'kingship' in Judah? Do you think he's being shrewd or do you think he's simply validating his ability or resources to bless/do kindness to Jabesh-Gilead?
- Abner becomes a character at the forefront of the story here. Considering that Abner was Saul's uncle, why do you think he wouldn't simply try and become king?
- Look at 1 Chronicles 8:33. Considering that 'Baal' was also a term for the Hebrew God early on, what is the difference between the names? Look up the name in 1 Chronicles 8:33 here, and the name in 2 Samuel 2:8 here. What do you think is important and meaningful in the difference?
- Find Mahanaim on the map below. Why do you think it made sense to make the 'capital' there? What do you think that says about the 'strength' of the new 'king & country'?
- If Ish-Bosheth was 40, why wasn't he at the battle, and how old was everyone else if he's the youngest?
- Ish-Bosheth reigned two years and David 7 in Hebron. What do you think happened to the 5 years difference?
- There's no real explanation about how they meet up in Gibeon. If you check commentaries and your study Bibles, there will be differing opinions. Why do you think Abner wanted to turn it into a 'battle' of sorts?
- The 'battle' didn't end up going Abner's way. Imagine how it begins, consider the wording and the explanation of the place-name, what do you think is the writer's point here in describing it as he does?
- Zeruiah was David's sister, and her three sons were part of David's warrior band, and Joab was his 'general'. This is important for the next few chapters. Why do you think, as fast as Asahel was, he couldn't catch the much older (like, well-over-60 older) Abner? What do you think he was doing?
- Why doesn't Abner want to kill Asahel? Remember that!
- How hard must they have been running for the butt-end of the spear to pass through Asahel?
- Everyone stops at the place where Asahel dies, except for his two brothers. Why do you think they kept going? Why do you think they really stopped when they did?
- Abner was the one who suggested the 'battle' in the first place. Why do you think he would blame Joab for continuing it?
- Joab says he will stop because Abner said what he did. What do you think are some other reasons he would stop the pursuit?
- Consider how long Abner and his men walk (v.29). Then consider how much Joab and the people accomplished in the same time. Look at the map below. Who traveled further?
- Consider the huge difference in how many were lost on each side. What do you think that means? Why do you think it would be so lopsided?
That should keep us busy for a bit. Remember to bring your notes and questions to the group Thursday.
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