Pouting to Death

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting April 2 to study 2 Samuel 17.  This chapter has some danger, intrigue, spurious family lineage, out-and-out bold-faced lying, and grown-up deadly pouting.  It's fun!

Read through the chapter several times.  This is another place where those boring genealogies may come in handy.  Knowing who is connected to whom, and how may be instructive.  Just keep in mind the uncertainty that the same name isn't necessarily the same person.  Jot down questions and insights you gain along the way, and bring these with you Thursday.

After reading through a few times, go back through with the questions below:

• Before, Ahithophel is asked about what to do (16:20), but now Ahithophel volunteers his advice.  Why do you think Ahithophel is in such a hurry?  What do you think he's up to with his advice?
• Consider who David has with him, the bodyguard, the 'Three', the sons of Zeruiah, Beniniah (the guy int he pit with a lion on a snowy day-dude), and so on.  How likely do you think it is that Ahithophel and 12,000 are going to 'spook' these guys leading a desperate 600?
• This may be a good place to review David's bodyguard.  Read through 23:8 through the end of the chapter.  Then focus on the list of 30 bodyguards.  Who do you find in there, and is that a surprise?
• Considering Ahithophel's family, why do you think he would engage David this way?
• Who likes Ahithophel's plan?  What are all the elders of Israel doing there with Absalom?
• If Absalom and all the rogue elders of Israel like the plan, why do you think Absalom wanted to ask Hushai?  Sure God goaded him, but how did He do it?
• What is Hushai's basic problem with Ahithophel's plan?
• Considering chapter 23 you read earlier, how much do you think Hushai is embellishing, if any?
• Hushai counsels gathering more than 12,000; but how long do you think such gathering will take?
• Hushai counsels taking down the whole lot of David's people, not just David.  Why do you think this might appeal to Absalom and the elders?
• The assessment in verse 14 is that Ahithophel's counsel was 'good'.  That means, in retrospect, the author is conceding that Ahithophel was right.  What are your thoughts on this assessment?
• The other element is that God conspired to bring 'evil' on Absalom (that's the word in Hebrew, the King James version doesn't make it nice).  How do you feel about God bringing 'evil' on someone, anyone?  
• Almost every translation has a different word for 'evil' here.  Why so difficult to translate?
• Hushai sends word to David through his intelligence network he set up as he left town.  Look at how it works: Hushai-to-Priests-to-maidservant-to-sons-to-David.  Where do you think might be the weak link in that chain?
• Ahimaaz and Jonathan are outside the city, but they are seen anyway.  What does that tell you about Absalom's 'intelligence network'?
• Just so you catch the 'pun' a 'boy' sees them and tells Absalom, and they hide in 'boys'-town, before fleeing to David.
• Consider back to the list of David's bodyguard.  Do you remember seeing Bahurim as one of the 'ites' in his bodyguard?  How convoluted and pervasive is David's support?
• The two hide in a well, and a woman covers it and hides it.  Then the 'servants of Absalom' speak with the woman.  They even seem to know where the two sons have gone.  What does that tell you about 'secrets' in Israel?
• The woman lies.  How do you feel about 'lying' in the service to God?
• The servants don't really believe her, look anyway, but don't find the two sons.  So they leave and the two escape.  What does this 'scene' remind you of? Movies, books, or just stories you've heard.
• Ahimaaz and Jonathan reach David, and all the people cross over all night.  Considering where they were and how long it took to cross over, what do you think of Ahithophel's plan now?  Does this change your opinion of David's chances?
• Ahithophel sees that his advice is not followed, so he goes home and kills himself.  Why do you think he did that?  Commentators typically say that he knew they would fail, but is that necessarily true? What do you think here?
• Find Mahanaim on a map.  This is where Ishbosheth had his capital.  Why do you think David comes here?
• As he arrives, Absalom crosses the Jordan, so how long did it take to 'gather all Israel'?  Or do you think perhaps they're gathering in Gilead?  How do you imagine this happening?
• Look closely at who Amasa is.  Who is his 'grandfather'?  Look up Nahash on the Blue Letter Bible site.  Then look forward at verse 27, is this the same guy?  What's going on here?  Abagail is also David's sister (and the name of one of his wives).  And the writer is very direct at pointing out that Amasa is a cousin to Joab and his brothers.  What does all this tell you about Amasa?  Why do you think Absalom put him over the army?
• Look at the list of those who come to support David in Mahanaim.  One was the 'patron' of Mephibosheth (Machir of Lo-Debar).  One is the prince of the sons of Ammon.  What do you think of this list of people?  They're not all Israelites, so what does that tell you about David and how he gets along with foreigners?
• The bring supplies.  Who does this remind you of?

Now we're set for the final show down in chapter 18, but this chapter has plenty to keep us occupied.  I look forward to going through it with you Thursday!

Bad Servants, Bad sons, Bad Advisors

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 26 to study 2 Samuel 16.  This chapter serves to further the situation of David fleeing and Absalom entering Jerusalem.  The contrast between the two events is stark and sad, and the responses further the sense of how different the son is from the father.

Read through the chapter several times.  Look for those odd details that raise questions for you, make notes on interesting things you want to look up.  Only after this step should you consult any sort of commentary.  Your notes and questions will help you get more out of the commentary.

After you've gone through the chapter several times, read a commentary or two, then go back through the chapter with the questions below.  It may be helpful to then go back through the commentaries as well.

• You may want to review chapter 9 to remember who Ziba is.  Remember that he was 'somebody' until he again became a servant to Mephibosheth (somewhat of an outcast from Saul's family).  Why do you think Ziba comes out to walk with David?
• What do you think of Ziba's explanation of why Mephibosheth doesn't come with David?  Considering how 'perfect' Absalom is from head-to-toe (2 Samuel 14:25) how much expectation do you think Mephibosheth (lame in both feet) would have of the kingdom?
• David seems to believe Ziba's story.  Why do you think it sounded plausible to him?
• Why do you think Ziba would say he prostrates himself rather than just do it?  Imagine you're there, see him among the donkey's, food, and gear; and hear him say that.  You're tired, the donkey's and food are welcome, but he 'narrates' his humility.  What do you think of him?
• Next Shimei, also of the house of Saul comes out and curses David.  Why do you think Ziba and Shimei both acted so differently even though they are both of Saul?
• Shimei pelts both David and the Chelethites/Perethites.  Considering who these guys are, why do you think he thinks he can get away with it?
•  Consider all that Shimei says in his curse.  What do you think is his primary problem with David?
• Abishai actually says what most of us were thinking as we read this chapter.  Why do you think David is upset with him?  
• Think through David's response to Abishai.  What do you think David believes about his predicament?
• What does David's hope from enduring the cursing tell you about our relationship with God?  Do you think he's right?
• What do you think is the possibility is that God told Shimei to curse David? Why do you think David would say that?
• The place where David and his people 'arrive' isn't mentioned here.  Consider clues from the previous chapter, where do you think he refreshes?
• Hushai meets Absalom, declaring "Long live the king!"  Think through the dialogue he has with Absalom.  It's a bit different than David told him to tell Absalom, so why would Absalom accept it?
• Why do you think Absalom asks what to do now?  Considering how methodical he's been so far, why didn't have this planned through already?
• Ahithophel's advice may require some commentary to decipher the point.  But even without one, by reading his explanation of why it's important to do this, why do you think Absalom needs to sleepin with the concubines?
• Why on the roof in a tent before everyone?  What's the point here (besides fulfilling a prophesy from 12:11)?
• What does the last verse (23) mean to you?

That should be plenty, considering we'll also be having a meal.  Please remember to bring your questions and insights.

A Tale of Two Characters

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 19 to study 2 Samuel 15.  This chapter seems mostly contrasting the character of Absalom with that of his father David.  The depiction of Absalom's character really begins in the previous chapter, but it continues its downward spiral here.

Read through the chapter several times.  Try and imagine yourself in the activity, seeing Absalom in his chariot, hearing him talk with people in the gate, and seeing him respond to people who pay him homage.  Consider what you would think of such a person who you know weighs his hair when he cuts it.

Also pay close attention the convoluted depiction of the exodus of Jerusalem.  Try to imagine what it looked like, what David does and how he does it.  Who comes with him, who tries?  Be sure to take the time to look up the various unfamiliar names, and words or places.  This is a good place to track down cross references in your Bible.  Imagine what it looked like to see the king cross the Kidron Valley barefoot.  Jot down observations, questions, notes, insights and so on.

After you've gone through a few times on your own, go back through with the questions below:

• Look at 1 Samuel 8:11 where Samuel tells those desiring a king what he will do to them.  From this, where do you think Absalom gets the idea for his chariot and runners?
• We normally think of chariots in races.  How fast do you think Absalom is trying to go with fifty guys in front on foot?  So, if speed isn't his point, what do you think is?
• What do you think it meant for the people then that Absalom got up early to meet people in the gate?
• What do you think it implies about David's court that Absalom says, "...there is no one to listen to you for the king"?  How accurate do you think this might have been?
• Why do you think a hair-weighing chariot-riding would-be judge would kiss those who come to him and bow down?  Why do you think people are buying his 'schtick'?
• Absalom says he needs to pay a vow to God he made while in Geshur.  Why did he think this would work with David?  Why do you think David wasn't clued in by Absalom waiting so long and all his other shenanigans that this wasn't on the up-and-up?  Or do you think he was clued in?
• What do you think was the point to the 200 people who went, but knew nothing about the plot?  Why even mention them?
• Ahithophel is one to research.  Look at the Blue Letter Bible site here. The entry from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia is especially interesting.  We'll be keeping an eye on Ahithophel, but what do you think of a royal counselor who follows a conspiracy?  
• Why do you think a wise man would have followed Absalom so readily? Think this one through, perhaps in reverse.
• Why do you think David didn't hesitate when he hears everyone is for Absalom?  Combined with the fact that Ahithophel, the wise-guy, follows Absalom, what do you infer about Absalom's rebellion at this point?
• Consider verse 14 very carefully.  Why does David want to flee Jerusalem?
• Normally the Cherethites and Pelethites occur together, but now Gittites show up as part of David's 600 original men from Gath (Ziklag).  Considering that was about 20 years ago, why do you think David would tell Ittai that 'you came only yesterday'?
• It's possible these Gittites are people who followed David after seeing him in Gath.  What do you think they saw in David in Gath that caused them to leave Philistines and follow some Israeli rebel?
• David calls them foreigners.  What does that mean for their place among the people of Israel?  What sort of future do they have?
• Ittai has his men and their 'little ones' which indicates their families are with them.  So, how loyal are these 'foreigners'? 
• Ittai says that he's with David wherever and whatever happens.  But they still only have 600 men.  What do you sense among those following David that is lacking in Absalom's group?
• David is crossing the valley, when Zadok and Abiathar show up with the Ark.  Why does David tell them to return?  Do you think setting up a 'spy network' was his first idea or just occurred to him as he told them to return, or what?
• David ascends the Mount of Olives (a favorite place of Jesus later) barefoot and weeping.  How do you imagine this scene?  The whole countryside is weeping, how do you see this as very different from Absalom's throng?
• Hushai the Archite ('Hasty' from Archie?) just as David hears that Ahithophel is advising Absalom.  David prays for God to make Ahithophel foolish, and up pops Hushai.  As answers to prayer go, what do you think about this one being quite so fast?
• Hushai also completes the 'spy network' started with the priests.  What are the odds of Hushai being accepted if he already has Ahithophel?
• Hushai and Absalom arrive in Jerusalem at the same time (or so it seems).  So, at this stage, considering the character of the one coming versus the one going, who do you think has more favor with the Holy One of Israel?  Why?

That will certainly keep us busy, as will the next four chapters.  Take a peak at 1 Kings 5, specifically Adonijah.  What similarities and differences do you see here?  Some lessons are hard to learn.

Not Another Nathan

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting March 12 to study 2 Samuel 14.  This is a really strange story.  The 'story-within-the-story' bothers me because I find it difficult to connect to the overall story.  There are a variety of problems with it, one of which is timing, especially toward the end.

As always, please read the chapter through a few times.  You may have read ahead, but if you didn't, go ahead and do so now.  But come back and re-read this chapter a few times after that.  Jot down questions, insights, lessons learned, and details that you had missed before that jump out at you now.

After reading through several times, go back through using the questions below:

• Hebrew prepositions are pretty simple, and therefore have a huge range of interpretation.  The basic meaning in verse 1 is that the king's heart was 'on' Absalom.  This can also mean 'against', as in you 'lean against a wall' but also as in an adversary.  Consider the various translations you have, some on The Blue Letter Bible.  What do you think Joab 'saw' that he figured what was going on? What do you think David was doing that indicated his heart was 'on' Absalom?
• Tekoa is in Judah (see map below).  Why do you think Joab goes there? Was it 'famous for wisdom'? Did he know of one particular 'wise woman'? Was it simply somewhere if Judah Joab knew David didn't know anyone? Is that even possible?
• Joab 'put words in her mouth' (however a translation words it, that's how it was originally worded).  So, why do you think he need a 'wise woman' if it's his wisdom she's speaking?
• Read Numbers 35:6-28 and Deuteronomy 19:1-13.  The 'avenger' is the word for 'kinsman redeemer' as in Ruth.  What do you think of this legal system in dealing with murders and manslaughter issues?  Considering the rules as they are related here (and keep in mind Numbers is an older witness of them than Deuteronomy), what was supposed to happen to Absalom?
• Considering the story that the woman tells, how does her story relate to Absalom through these rules of the kinsman-avenger versus man-slayer?
• The connection between her story and Absalom may be tenuous (and I think it is), but what do you think about her application of it to David?  What do you think of what she claims are the effects of David's refusal to relent toward Absalom?
• So what do you think it mean for/to Absalom that he be allowed to come back 'free-and-clear'?  How do you think that sets up the rest of the story?
• What do you think of Joab's response to being called out by the king?  What does that tell you of Joab's attitude toward David?
• Why do you think David would let Absalom come back but not see him?  What do you think David was trying to achieve or prevent?
• From verses 25 through 27, what do you think of Absalom?  How do you think he saw himself?
• What about this 'Tamar', why do you think there is another?
• What do you think is more likely, that Absalom waits two years before beginning to summon Joab, or that over two years, he summons him twice, then after 2 years burns his field?
• Why do you think, after having gone through all of this to get Absalom back, does Joab not go see him when he is called for?
• What does it tell you about Absalom that he summons twice, then sets Joab's field on fire to get his attention.  What sort of person is Absalom?
• What do you think if Absalom's statement to either kill him or restore him fully?  What do you think David should have done?

That, and other stuff in this chapter, should keep us plenty busy.  Remember to bring your notes and questions to share in the group.  See you Thursday!

Justice For Dessert

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 5 to study 2 Samuel 13.  This account begins the narrative fulfilling the prophesy of Nathan from God regarding David's consequences for his sin with Bathsheba.  It lasts several chapters and is rather involved, somewhat like the succession narrative when David became king.  It is totally missing from Chronicles.

As far as narrative literature goes, I think this qualifies as a tragedy.  In this chapter I don't think anyone would argue that Tamar is a tragic figure.  In a sense, this account is like Judges in the how bad the moral decay becomes.

Read through this chapter several times.  Note the various character details given, especially features that are repeated (some almost irritatingly so).  Consider the point of this author/editor including this account in such detail.

After reading through several times, go back through with these questions:

• It says that brother Amnon loves sister Tamar, and uses that term rather emphatically.  From what follows, how 'loving' do you think was Amnon?  What other terms might better describe what he feels?
• Why do you think Amnon's feelings for Tamar are making him physically sick?  What is it about her being a virgin that's a problem?  Why do you think that she was his sister doesn't seem to phase him?
• Pay very close attention to Jonadab throughout this chapter.  What does he seem to be suggesting?  How much do you think he really knows or suspects about Amnon?
• What significance (if any) do you think there is in Amnon's small deviations from Jonadab's plan?
• Why do you think no one suspects what's really going on with Amnon?  Who do you think might know (if anyone)?
• Amnon refuses to eat at first, and has her send everyone out.  Why do you think Tamar consented, and why would everyone else just go along with this Amnon?
• When Amnon grabs her, Tamar gives an argument against what he's doing (duh).  So what do you think of her reasons why he shouldn't?  What about the king giving her to him in marriage?
• He doesn't listen and literally 'humiliates' her.  Why do you think he was so radically changed in his demeanor toward her at that point?
• Why do you think his servants obeyed when Amnon commanded she be expelled?
• Tamar's robe is described here in more detail.  Why do you think that is?
• What do you imagine people thought as they saw her in that robe torn, and ashes on her head, weeping?
• She goes to Absalom, and he tells her to be quiet about it.  Why do you think he would do that?
• David hears of it anyway (news travels fast in Jerusalem) he was angry, but what did he do?  Why do you think he didn't do anything?
• Absalom hates Amnon, but didn't say anything, and Tamar doesn't say anything because Absalom says not to. Where does that leave David to do anything about this?
• What do you think is going on in Amnon's head?  What sort of person do you think he is?
• It's two years later and Absalom first invites David to the shearing.  Why do you think he did that? What do you think he would have done had David come?
• Why do you think Amnon would have been a reasonable 'replacement' for the king?
• Do you think Solomon went, as one of 'all the kings sons'?
• What about Absalom giving the order to kill Amnon makes it easier for his 'servants'/'men'? 
• What are all the kings sons riding around these days?
• So news reaches Jerusalem ahead of the rich-boy 'mules' they're riding, but how accurate is it?
• How do you think the news reached Jerusalem before the sons of the king?
• Jonadab is back.  From what he says, how much do you think he knows about what's going on?
• Why do you think Jonadab is so sure that only Amnon is dead?
• So, how surprising do you think this should have been for David?
• No one seems to see any of this coming.  Why do you think that is?
• Look up some commentaries and see if you can find anything about how 'legal' Absalom's killing of Amnon actually is.
• Why do you think Absalom go to Geshur?
•  Why do you think David is so favorable to Absalom, even after he kills Amnon?

That should keep us busy for a while.  Blessings upon you all until Thursday!