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.