Read it through several times, and jot down things you notice or questions you have about the story. Note who does what, what is said, ask yourself 'why' (both why did he say that, and why did that detail make it into the story), and try to imagine seeing and hearing these events.
After reading through with your own observations and questions, then go to other resources to get other perspectives. Use other translations, and if you have access to more than one commentary, use them. Modify your questions and observations from what you read.
After having done your own work through the passage, go back through with these questions:
- What do you think the people are feeling as they 'steal' into they city?
- Joab has absolutely no remorse for having killed Absalom and buried him in pit in the woods. Why do you think he's behaving as he is? What do you think he's feeling?
- Considering the insult added to injury that Joab killed Absalom and feels no remorse, why do you think David puts up with this guy? What clues have you found so far along this story?
- David complies with Joab and goes down to the gate. What do you think changed in David that enabled him to do that?
- Joab claims that David was being foolish, possibly selfish. What do you think of what Joab said? What do you think of how David responded?
- The 'men of Israel' fled and then started arguing about why they rebelled in the first place. Think through what they say, perhaps in a couple of translations. What do you think of their reasoning? Why did they rebel in the first place? What happened?
- David sends messages to Judah only. Why do you think they were not included in the discussion among the 'men of Israel'? Or do you think they were? If they were, then why do you think David reached out to them only?
- Think through the content of David's appeal to Judah. What two things does he use to turn them around to his side? Why do you think he had to work that hard?
- What do you think are some possible reasons that David replaces Joab so boldly and blatantly?
- What do you think it means for Joab's position or reputation among the men of Israel and Judah that he's replaced like he is, and with who he's replaced by?
- Judah returns to the king's side last, but arrives first at the Jordan. Why do you think that is?
- Who else arrives? What do you think of Shimei that he works to bring David back?
- Shimei is from Bahurim, which is where David's spies were hidden by someone. What does that tell you about this village, and perhaps this revolt all together?
- Shimei helps the people over, then stops before David asking for forgiveness. What do you think that says about his character, if anything?
- Think about what Abishai asks. Why would he think that of a guy asking for forgiveness? What do you think Abishai is thinking?
- David again asks why he puts up with 'the sons of Zeruiah'. They are always referred to this way. What do you suspect that says for why they have remained in David's service?
- David forgives Shimei, but glance ahead to 1 Kings 2:8,9. What does this tell you of David's forgiveness? Do you think this is forgiveness as God sees it?
- Okay, did you miss Ziba's appearance with his fifteen sons and twenty servants? Read verses 16 and 17 over and over. What does this sound/look like to you?
- Who are the 1000 men with, Ziba or Shimei?
- Verse 17 is typically translated that Ziba and his household were among the 1,000. What do you think about that? If Ziba and Shimei were 'buddies' what does that tell you about the two of them as David's leaving Jerusalem? They both acted very differently, but who do you trust if either of them?
- Enter Mephibosheth, stage right. How did he get to the Jordan if he was having so much trouble getting out of Jerusalem before?
- What about him would have been very difficult to 'fake' if he was insincere?
- What sounds 'funky' about Mephibosheth's explanation of why he didn't go? Who's fault was it?
- How exactly did Ziba deceive Mephi in this explanation?
- What does Mephi rely on in his final plea?
- What do you think of David's judgement on them? Why do you think he would judge that way? Who are you in favor of?
- What do you think of Mephi's response?
- Barzilai is from the east side of the Jordan. What do you think of his explanation about why it would make no sense for him to go to Jerusalem with David? What does his explanation tell yo about what to expect being supported by the king?
- We aren't told who Chimham is. We don't know who his parents are, who his kids are, and this is the only place a reference to him is found. Who do you think he is?
- Who meets David at Gilgal to bring him over? What do you think it means, 'half of the men of Israel' (or 'troops' or 'people' or 'army')?
- So, if half are already there, who's left to be upset with Judah?
- Think through the reasoning of both groups. Which one makes more sense?
- What do the men of Judah suspect the men of Israel suspect?
- What really irritates the men of Israel about Judah's claim on David?
- Imagine you're at the Jordan, at Gilgal. Two huge crowds of men are arguing over David. How do you feel? What are you afraid is going to happen?
- What does happen in the final verse? Peek ahead, is that more what you expected?
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