Picking Fights, And Losing Them

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting February 12 to study 2 Samuel 10.  This chapter is informative about events, but I think really simply sets the stage and forms the 'backdrop' against which the events of the following chapter occur.  That's an assumption, not a given.

The events themselves are interesting for a few reasons.  One of which is the character of David, another is the character of Joab, and finally the nature of the Aramean rebellion.  Look for those elements in particular, but also note and jot down anything else that strikes you as interesting or odd.  Be sure to bring all that to our group meeting.

After reading through the chapter a few times on your own, read back through again with the questions below:

• Look back at the list of David's campaigns (chapter 8).  The 'sons of Ammon' are mentioned, but the battle isn't described.  What correlation do you think there might be between them being listed there, and this chapter?
•  If the reference in chapter 8 is to these events, what 'kindness' do you think Nahash had shown David (it's never actually mentioned)?
• David sends servants to 'mourn' with the son, Hanun.  What do you think the new king thought at first?  Why do you think the 'princes' were suspicious of David?
• Since the princes were suspicious, what do you think that might mean for the timing of all these events (this versus chapter 8 for instance)?
• Shaved half the beard and cut half the clothes, why do you think 'half'?  Why do you think Hanun treated them with such contempt, why not just kill them?
• David has them remain in Jericho until they have some beard-dignity back.  How do you think that was an act of kindness or was it?
• The 'sons of Ammon' realized they 'stink' to David.  So they gather an army, and hire mercenaries.  At what point does David send his own army?  What do you think the possibility might have been for Hanun to repent before this?
• The mercenaries were in the field (outside/away from the city), and the sons of Ammon were before the gates.  Why do you think Joab 'saw' the battle was before and behind?  Why put himself in that situation?
• Consider Joab's arrangement for battle. Why do you think he put the 'choice men' against the Arameans and under his command?
• Try to imagine this arrangement, Joab versus the Arameans and Abishai versus the city and Ammon.  What do you imagine it looks like?
• Joab gives an inspiring speech to the troops.  In verse 12 he says they should be strong and courageous for their 'people and the cities of our God'.  What are 'the cities of our God'?
• He finishes with, 'and may the Lord (Yahweh) do what is good in His eyes.'  So what is his challenge to his men and his assurance from God?
• The battle went well for Israel, but the Arameans didn't like that they lost, so they assemble an even larger army.  Who leads this battle for the Arameans?  Why do you think he is mentioned, what's the point?  How do you imagine him, what do you think he looks like?
• What correlation do you see here between the Aramean war in chapter 8 and this account?  What differences do you see?
• Who kills 'Shobach'?  Do you think it was actually him or one of his men?
• The Arameans make peace, and don't help the sons of Ammon any more.  What do you think that might mean for the sons of Ammon in the future?

That should keep us busy for a bit.  Next week we begin the account of David and Bathsheba; our story then becomes a 'soap opera'.  Remember to bring your notes and questions to the group.