Nice Poem, Tough Guy

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 21 to study 2 Samuel 23.  This is a very interesting chapter.  It starts with a poem, and winds up with a roster of some of the toughest guys in ancient history.  They're not 'creepy', but they do give the uncomfortable sense of not being 'safe'; at least not for 'bad guys'.

Read through the chapter a few times.  Spend some time on the poem, especially considering the contrast from chapter 22, like in tone and in possible situation.  I think this is more one from later in David's life rather than 22 being earlier.  What do you think?

Make notes as you read through, jot down questions.  It's easy to get lost in the names, so basically look for familiar ones, ones that don't fit the 'pattern' and so on.  Only after doing this should you consult commentaries.  The commentaries will make a lot more sense at that point.  Remember to use different translations as well.  That helps spot difficulties in language (especially in the poem, but also among the names).

After reading through, taking notes, jotting questions, and reading any commentary and alternate translations, go back through with the questions below:

• Consider how David 'introduces' himself at the beginning.  Read it in a few translations.  What does verse 1 sound like to you?  Imagine it being said out loud.  Who do you imagine saying it?
• Starting in verse 2, David speaks of himself and his house.  What do you think of his self-assessment?
• Through verse 5, David speaks of the greatness of his house, but why is it great?  Where does his 'greatness' come from?  Why do you think he speaks about it in this way?
• After verse 5, David begins to contrast his 'house' with 'others'.  Look at these others in other translations.  Who do you think he refers to here?  Find a King James version among your translations.  They don't even try to translate it, but simply use the Hebrew word.  Considering the wide range of translation options, what do you think it means?
• Verse 8 begins the list of David's Mighty Ones.  The account begins with three, or the Three.  What makes these guys distinctive?
• Can you imagine such a fight where one guy with a sword or spear defeats everyone?  How is that possible?  What do you think such a fight would look like?
• Who won the victory in those encounters?  Why do you think that's important here?
• Why, after they worked so hard, do you think David pours out the water before God?  What did he do with it?  Do you think that was 'better' than drinking it?
• Everyone else is compared to the Three.  How do you think they compare?
• Why do you think Joab isn't listed?  His brothers made it on the list, and he survived the reign of David, why do you think he didn't make it?
• Abishai is left on his own in a way.  Why do you think that is?  How do you think he is compared to the "Three"?  So is he a 'good guy' or 'bad guy'?
• Benaiah is next after Abishai.  What do your commentaries say about his 'snowy pit lion fight' if anything?  
• He defeats one Egyptian.  How impressive is that considering the Three?  What do you think of him?
• His role seems to be in charge of the bodyguards (the Thirty), or is he simply 'the Bodyguard' of David?  Look at various translations.  What do you think?
• Then the list of the 'Thirty', and Asahel is first, but we know he dies early on before David is king over Israel.  So, is this a current list of David's body guard at the end of his reign?  Why do you think this list is included?  What's the writer's point with this list of the Three, the two, and the Thirty?  What do you think it says about David?

That should carry us through the hour (or so).  Be sure to bring your questions and notes!