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.

Sarcastic Servants of The King?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 26 to study 1 Corinthians 4 (actually 3 and 4).  In this chapter, Paul wraps up his initial argument with the Corinthian church about their treatment of each other and how they regard him.  These first four chapters set up a context in which we can better understand the rest of the issues Paul addresses.  Everything else with which they struggle comes out of this initial discussion.

Read through this chapter several times.  It may be very helpful to start with chapter 1 again, and read through these four chapters together.  The repetition of themes, illustrations, and problems is best seen by reading all four together.  As we launch into the more familiar issues Paul covers you will see direct and indirect ties back to these issues.

As you read through this and the preceding chapters, what doesn't make sense to you?  Where are the things that Paul leaves unexplained or assumed?  Jot down questions and observations you have as you read through.  Be sure to bring those observations and questions to the group.

After you've read through several times, found some questions and observations, read through again with the questions below:

• From verse 1, look up the word Paul uses we translate as 'ministers' at this link.  Look through the various places listed at the bottom where this word is used in the New Testament.  How is this different from 'slave' or 'bond servant', words common with Paul?  There are some 'synonyms' listed in Greek, like doulos (slave) and diakonos (deacon/minister).  Paul wants the church to consider him with this word rather than as a slave or 'deacon'.  Why do you think that might be?
• In verse 1, the other word for how the church should consider Paul is as a 'steward' or 'head butler' of a house.  What sort of image does this bring to mind as you consider church leaders?
• In verse 2 Paul says that 'stewards' are supposed to be 'trustworthy' as if that were the primary quality sought in such people.  What does that mean for Paul?  What do you think that would look like?  Trustworthy to whom?
• Verse 3 is a common verse used to prevent 'judgmental' attitudes in church.  To what do you think Paul is referring here?  It may be helpful to review verse 5:3 before you come to some sort of conclusion.
•  Why do you think Paul wouldn't 'examine' himself?  Read ahead in 11:28.  Obviously Paul has something different in mind here than there.  Look up the word for 'examine' from 1 Corinthians 4:3, and the word, 'examine' from 11:28.  When you compare them, what do you think is the essential difference?
• The root of the word used in verse 4 turns up in verse 5 ('krino'), but also 5:3.  What do you think the difference is between 'judging' here (don't do it, but wait for God), and verse 5:3 (where Paul does it without even being there)?
• If Paul is referring to 'Scripture' when he refers to 'what has been written', then what Scripture are they not to exceed?
• Considering verses 6 and 7, what is the obvious problem the Corinthians have, and how do you think this relates to the previous statements about 'judging'?
• Take your best guess, do you think Paul is serious in his assessment of the believers in verse 8?  If not why is he writing this way?  If so, what does he end the verse that way?
• Can you sense the continuation of the tone from verse 8 throughout 9 through 13?  What do you think Paul is doing here in this part of his argument?  Consider, how do you think Paul feels as he writes this? What emotion do you sense in these words?
• In verse 14, Paul states his purpose in writing as he has, what do you think of as the difference between 'shame' and 'warn' or 'admonish' (the English words)?
• Look up the two words, 'shame' and 'admonish'.  What difference do you see between these?  Is it the same as the English words used?
• Paul connects himself to them as 'father' to them as 'children'.  Having made that claim, what is his challenge to them?  Do you think that's proper or right?
• In that light (fathers and sons), he sends Timothy.  What sort of reception do you imagine Timothy receiving when he arrives?
• Paul wraps up this chapter (part of the letter) stating that he intends to come.  What do you see as the criteria he will use in comparing the 'arrogant' people there in Corinth and himself?  What do you think verse 20 means, in practical terms?  What does that look like?

That should carry us through an hour (or more).  As I said, there are great things in this chapter.  Bring your own questions and observations to the group.