Secret Sin, Public Punishment

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting February 28 to study 2 Samuel 12.  This is where David is confronted with his sin.  It also forms the beginning of all his troubles in his reign.  On the other hand, you will discover some elements of God's grace hidden among the sadness and shame.

Read through the chapter a few times, and look especially for those elements of this familiar story that escaped you before.  There are some that had escaped me.  Note curious things, and questions about God, David, or other elements in the text.  After you've read through it a few times, read through with the questions below:

• It may not be a big deal, but God sent Nathan to David.  What do you think it would mean if Nathan already knew, but God pushed him into confronting David?
• Consider the elements in Nathan's story carefully.  Think about how each character is revealed, a piece at a time.  At first what do you think of the rich man?
• Considering the detail given, how much do you think the rich man is concerned with his flocks & herds?
• Considering the contrast just in the amount of detail given regarding the poor man's ewe-lamb (give her name, it will help you emote this through), what do you think of the poor man's obsession with his ewe-lamb (Lamberkins? Lamborgini? Lamberta?)?
• A traveler comes to visit the rich man.  The wording is 'he spared his own' as he chose what to provide the traveler.  So, what do you think went through the rich man's mind as he 'opted' for his neighbor's sweet, tender, lamby-wammy?
• The story ends, and David goes off.  Why do you think this might have resonated so strongly with David; you know, besides the obvious shepherd connection?
• David calls the rich guy a 'son of death', yet says he should pay back four-fold.  Considering the details, how much would four lambs make up for what the one meant to the poor man?  How much 'punishment' is four lambs to the rich guy?
• So, how 'in-tune' with the story do you think David really was?
• Nathan then does the 'big reveal' by saying, "You the man!"  What do you think went through David's mind?
• Nathan the Prophet then starts the 'Thus says the Lord' part (or the first one), and God lists out all he did for David.  Consider what's on the list.  What would you think God should, or could, have left off for David's benefit?
• "Why have you despised the word of Yahweh?" is what God asks David.  Think about it, though, what does that imply?  What must David be familiar with in order for him to despise it? And so, how did he become familiar with it?
• God then lists a litany of 'curses' on David.  What do you think of this list?  How bad do you think it is?
• Nathan stops and there's a pause.  Consider David's response.  What does David's response reveal about David? How does how he receives his rebuke mark him as one still after the heart of God?
• Since David repents, Nathan says that he will live.  What does that reveal about what was actually hanging in the balance?  What does that mean for us when we think we know the consequences of our own sin?
• David won't die, but the child will.  How do you feel about God for this glimpse of His character?
• Who do you think the 'blaspheming enemies of Yahweh' might be?
• It takes seven days for the child to die. What does that say about God's character?
• David fasts and lays on the ground while the child lives.  Why do you think he does this after God told him the child would die?
• Who do you think these 'elders of David's house' are?
• After the child dies, the servants of David stand around whispering.  What do you think they fear about David if they told him the child died?
• David behaves rationally after the child dies.  What happened? Do you think there was any more to it than he stated?
• Who was consoling Bathsheba?  What do you think David's role in that should have been?
• What does David do first (after cleaning himself up)?  What do you think that says about his attitude toward God?
• David worships, eats, then goes into Bathsheba.  Why do you think that was the right order, or do you?
• Read verse 23 in as many translations as possible.  What do you think David means?
• Who names the second son Solomon?  Why do you think he goes by that instead of Jedidiah?
• What do you think Joab meant by the city will be named after him?  What other city was named for the conqueror that you can remember?
• This account of the defeat of the sons of Ammon is much more detailed than chapter 10.  So, what do you think the 'city of waters' or 'royal city' refers to?
• What do you think of David wearing the crown of the king of the sons of Ammon?
• What do you think of the decision to give conquered people 'sharp iron implements'?  How wise is that?
• So far, only one city of the sons of Ammon has been mentioned.  Now we read that all their cities were treated the same way.  What does that mean do you think?

That should keep us plenty busy for the evening.  Remember to bring your questions and observations!

Deadly Lack of Discretion

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting February 19 to study 2 Samuel 11.  Well, this is the one we all seem to know best.  This is where the life of David becomes a tragic 'soap opera'.  For him this is the turning point where so much of his life seems to slide downhill.  I can probably come up with a lot of other descriptive cliche's but you get the picture.

Per my usual instructions, read the chapter through a few times.  There's a better than even chance that you will find details you had always missed before.  You will probably notice elements to the story that you've never heard.  Please jot these down so we can discuss them Thursday.  One element that dawned on me is how many people in David's household were involved in all of this.  I always thought of it as some big secret, but seriously, there's no way.  What were some you noticed?

After reading it through several times, jotting down observations and questions, read it through again with the questions below:

• It may have been the season when kings go out to war, but how odd do you think it was for David to remain in Jerusalem?  What do you think might be wrong here?
• David walks about on the roof in the evening.  What do you think might be wrong with this?
• While on the roof he sees some woman bathing, and she's pretty.  What do you think is wrong so far?
• David inquires about her.  How do you think he accomplishes this? Who else is now involved?
• What about David's inquiry do you think might be a problem?
• After finding out about her, he then sends for her.  Now we've obviously crossed a line.  This is clearly wrong.  How do you think David got to this place?  
• How long do you think it took, from seeing her from the roof, inquiry, to sending for her?
• David sends, but they 'take' her, but she goes with them (read verse 4 in as many translations as you have available).  So, how much do you think was coercion, and how much was her willingness?
• The NIV seems to imply this takes place after her 'period' (see Leviticus 15), but look at other translations as well, especially if you have a New American Standard.  It's certainly possible, otherwise it's confusing.  What are some interesting things we know now about such timing? (i.e.the 'calendar method'?)
• So, the 'calendar method' doesn't work for them (what a surprise).  She sends to David letting him know she's pregnant.  As king, why do you think this is a big deal for him?
• David sends for Uriah the Hittite.  He comes and David asks about the people fighting.  In each case, he uses the term, 'shalom'.  What does that tell you about the term we normally think of as some sort of divine peace?
• Uriah refuses to go to his own house, but remains with David's servants.  Consider the elements of Uriah's reason given to David.  What kind of character does Uriah show here?  What sort of guy is this Uriah?
• What do you think of Uriah's 'oath' in stating he will not do such a thing as go home?
• David then tries getting Uriah drunk, but he still doesn't go home.  How is Uriah looking now?
• Take a second, and consider Bathsheba.  How do you think she feel about her husband's devotion? If this is his character then in their life together, where is she in his 'pecking order'?
• David sends Uriah back to Joab with a note...Uriah carries his own death warrant.  What do you think Joab thinks when he reads the note Uriah carries?
• Joab complies, but it costs more than just Uriah.  How is David looking to you right now?  What do you feel as you read this particular piece?  That emotion is what the writer/editor is trying to evoke in the people of his day.  Why do you think he would do that?  What do you think is his point?
• Joab sends a messenger back to David and gives him some rather strange details, guessing David will refer to a historical tactical lesson.  Read Judges 9 to get the back story on the 'lesson'.  But the messenger seems to jump to the part about Uriah without waiting.  What would you think if I told you that the older Greek text has David saying exactly what Joab expected?
• What does it reveal to you about the historical setting that the story in Judges is so well known, that such stories are 'lessons' in tactics and God?
• David is then consolatory with the messenger's return message to Joab.  What do you think the messenger thinks?  Consider only what he knows, what do you think he thought of all this?
• For propriety, Bathsheba mourns for Uriah.  When the time is over, David brings her into his house.  What do you think everyone else thinks?  
• Remember what the messenger knows.  Do you think he can connect the dots yet?
• Do you think that after the battle the other soldiers moved a few more blocks away from the palace?
• What do you think about the very last verse of the chapter?

That should keep us busy for two weeks, but we'll see if we can get it into one.  Remember to bring your questions, observations, and differences between how you thought it went and how you see it now.   I look forward to seeing everyone Thursday!

Picking Fights, And Losing Them

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting February 12 to study 2 Samuel 10.  This chapter is informative about events, but I think really simply sets the stage and forms the 'backdrop' against which the events of the following chapter occur.  That's an assumption, not a given.

The events themselves are interesting for a few reasons.  One of which is the character of David, another is the character of Joab, and finally the nature of the Aramean rebellion.  Look for those elements in particular, but also note and jot down anything else that strikes you as interesting or odd.  Be sure to bring all that to our group meeting.

After reading through the chapter a few times on your own, read back through again with the questions below:

• Look back at the list of David's campaigns (chapter 8).  The 'sons of Ammon' are mentioned, but the battle isn't described.  What correlation do you think there might be between them being listed there, and this chapter?
•  If the reference in chapter 8 is to these events, what 'kindness' do you think Nahash had shown David (it's never actually mentioned)?
• David sends servants to 'mourn' with the son, Hanun.  What do you think the new king thought at first?  Why do you think the 'princes' were suspicious of David?
• Since the princes were suspicious, what do you think that might mean for the timing of all these events (this versus chapter 8 for instance)?
• Shaved half the beard and cut half the clothes, why do you think 'half'?  Why do you think Hanun treated them with such contempt, why not just kill them?
• David has them remain in Jericho until they have some beard-dignity back.  How do you think that was an act of kindness or was it?
• The 'sons of Ammon' realized they 'stink' to David.  So they gather an army, and hire mercenaries.  At what point does David send his own army?  What do you think the possibility might have been for Hanun to repent before this?
• The mercenaries were in the field (outside/away from the city), and the sons of Ammon were before the gates.  Why do you think Joab 'saw' the battle was before and behind?  Why put himself in that situation?
• Consider Joab's arrangement for battle. Why do you think he put the 'choice men' against the Arameans and under his command?
• Try to imagine this arrangement, Joab versus the Arameans and Abishai versus the city and Ammon.  What do you imagine it looks like?
• Joab gives an inspiring speech to the troops.  In verse 12 he says they should be strong and courageous for their 'people and the cities of our God'.  What are 'the cities of our God'?
• He finishes with, 'and may the Lord (Yahweh) do what is good in His eyes.'  So what is his challenge to his men and his assurance from God?
• The battle went well for Israel, but the Arameans didn't like that they lost, so they assemble an even larger army.  Who leads this battle for the Arameans?  Why do you think he is mentioned, what's the point?  How do you imagine him, what do you think he looks like?
• What correlation do you see here between the Aramean war in chapter 8 and this account?  What differences do you see?
• Who kills 'Shobach'?  Do you think it was actually him or one of his men?
• The Arameans make peace, and don't help the sons of Ammon any more.  What do you think that might mean for the sons of Ammon in the future?

That should keep us busy for a bit.  Next week we begin the account of David and Bathsheba; our story then becomes a 'soap opera'.  Remember to bring your notes and questions to the group.

Kindness To The Lame

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting February 5 to study 2 Samuel 9.  There is a lot of weirdness in this chapter.  David's actions toward Mephibosheth may seem strange, or at least they should.  But also consider the circumstances David found him in.

Read through this chapter several times, noting odd details, jotting down questions, and perhaps marking your Bible.  Then read ahead at 2 Samuel 16:1-4, and then skip to 19:24-30.  Then skip ahead to 2 Samuel 21:1-9 (which seems confusing).  These passages complete the account of Mephibosheth in David's story.  Without what has preceded (this chapter and the account earlier in 2 Samuel 4:4), these later details would not have made sense.  So this lengthy explanation needed to be included before the account of Absalom.

After you have read these accounts, noting and jotting down questions, read back through this chapter with the questions below:

• Why do you think David would ask about the house of Saul at this point?  What do you think people are thinking when he does?
• Ziba is brought to David, who is Ziba?  And what do you think Ziba's life has been like up to this point?
• David  asks where Mephibosheth is.  Why do you think he wasn't with Ziba already?
• Why do you think Mephibosheth is not with Saul's family in Benjamin? (he's across the Jordan)
• Consider that Mephibosheth falls on his face before David.  How debilitating do you think his 'lame' feet are?  How do you think he looks as he walks?
• The term, "eat at the kings table" doesn't refer to a literal 'table' or meal time, it refers to the source of the meals that Mephibosheth would eat.  So, how is Mephibosheth being treated by David?
• What do you think is going through Mephibosheth's mind at this point?
• What do you think is going through Ziba's mind at this point?
• Now David turns to Ziba, and tells him that everything of Saul reverts to Mephibosheth and that he now works for him.  What do you think is going through Ziba's mind now?
• Consider that all that Ziba does for Mephibosheth he doesn't really need per se because his meals are provided for by the king.  How do you think this makes Ziba feel?
• With that point (what Ziba produces isn't necessary to Mephibosheth), what happens to the produce?
• Why the detail that Ziba has so many children and servants?  What do you think the writer is pointing out here?
• Why do you think it's interesting that Mephibosheth has a son?  What detail is then missing?
• As you read the accounts ahead, who's missing?
• Why do you think it's important to repeat that Mephibosheth is lame in both feet?

2 Samuel 16:1-4

• David is fleeing from Absalom, and Ziba meets him with supplies.  What is his explanation of the supplies?
• David asks about Mephibosheth.  Does Ziba's answer make much sense to you?  Why do you think David believes him?

2 Samuel 19:24-30

• Mephibosheh makes the effort to come down to David as he enters Jerusalem.  What do you think this looks like?
• Consider how unkempt Mephibosheth looks. Does that help or hinder his story?
• He has a mustache.  Why not a beard?
• Does the account of Mephibosheth ring true?  Was he waiting for Ziba to bring him a donkey? Did he miss the 'last cab out of town' or something?
• Mephibosheth finishes his explanation by recounting all that David did for him, and that it was not deserved.  How does that help Mephibosheth?
• Who do you believe between the two?  If Mephibosheth sounds more plausible, why do you think David split the goods?
• What do you think about Mephibosheth's response to splitting the lands/goods with Ziba?
• This seems to be where the issue is left.  Do you think Mephibosheth ever gains favor with David again?

We're not going to cover the issues in chapter 21 just yet. There's too much weirdness to just skip over.  So, we'll cover that in detail when we get to that chapter.

Remember to bring your notes and questions to group.  This is an interesting account, and I think we're going to enjoy studying together.

Cataloguing Subjigation, Geopolitical Positioning

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Group meeting January 29 to study 2 Samuel 8.  This is a grand overview of David's establishment of Israel in the full extent of Palestine, for the first time since they entered the land.  His influence finally encompasses the whole of the land promised to Abraham.  There are still some rather interesting details that are peculiar in light of David, who he is, where he came from, and what happens to he and other kings later in Israel's history.

Read through the chapter a few times.  It sounds a lot like an old history book with snippets of detail, names, summaries of actions, and so on.  In some sense it can be boring, but on the other hand it can be rather fun if you do it with a map and try to get a sense of the geographical context.  That is also difficult because not everything can be found...

This is one of the times when a very good, large, Bible dictionary becomes handy.  I'll have one or two available on Thursday, but if you can acquire one, you will find it very handy as time goes on.  As you go through the chapter, jot down questions, notes, follow Bible translation cross references, and check out footnotes and other references.  Be sure, when you see a 'translation note' in one, that you also check other translations.  Phone/tablet apps are probably the easiest way to do that.

After you have gone through a few times with your own notes and questions, go back through with the questions below:

• Consider the timing.  'After this' you would think would mean after the preceding chapter, but remember the timing of the last chapter (7:1).  So how you think the editor of this material uses that phrase or what does he mean by it?  Why might he be using it here? What can you learn about his view of what he is compiling?
• Read verse 1 in a few translations.  They're not sure what to do with whatever David did to some city exactly.  It literally reads, 'David took bridle of the mother city from the hand of the Philistines.' What do you make of that?  It could be a place, 'Metheg Hammah' (KJV), but we're not sure where that would be since it's never used elsewhere.  The word is made up of two others: 'bridle' and 'cubit' but cubit is the 'mother' measure, so it's thought that it really means 'foundational' or 'base of all other things', or something; hence 'bridle of the mother' with city.  Considering this reference is never used before, or after, what do you think it means or refers to?
• In Moab David kills two-thirds of the survivors?  Read 1 Samuel 22:1-3, and then remember that David's great grandmother was Naomi (the Moabitess).  Why do you think that with Moab, he's so brutal?
• See if you can find Zobah on a map.  I'll have one to show on Thursday, but it's not that easy to pin down.  On the one I have, it's just above Israel, which puts it between Israel and the Euphrates River.  Yet Hadadezer is on his way to establish his rule at 'the River' which would be north of him.  Why is David harassing him that far north and not on the border with Israel?
• The Arameans from Damascus come out to help (which would put him between two enemies), he defeats them too.  What benefit can you think of for David to take on these foes?  Why's he picking these fights?
• Hamath is even further north, and this king doesn't fight, but brings David gifts.  What is going on for David here?  What is happening to Israel, and to their king?
• David dedicates all the stuff he gets to the Lord.  Why not tithe?  All of what Joram, son of Toi, king of Hamath brings he dedicates to the Lord.  Why do you think he does that?
• In verse 13, it says that David made a name for himself.  Could this be a fulfillment of God's promise in the previous chapter? (7:9) After what David accomplishes, who knows his name?
• Find the 'Valley of Salt' on a map.  He's attacked enemies in the north, he's defeated enemies to he southwest, now more Arameans are defeated in the southeast.  On a map, how secure is Israel now?
• What does it mean that David put garrisons in these places he defeated?  What's the benefit of doing that?
• The chapter winds up with a list of who does what.  What surprises do you see?  Did you catch the name swap?  
• What do David's sons do?  Look up the word here.  What is it really?  Why do you think translators had a real hard time with that?  Why do you think David wants his sons doing such work?

That should keep us busy for a while.  We'll be doing well to get passed the first few verses the way these questions were working out.  It took me two days to get through these!  I hope to see you all Thursday!

Mutual Admiration Society of Legendary Figures (MASLF for short)

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study group meeting January 22 to study 2 Samuel 7.  This is an odd chapter.  Essentially, it's a lot of superlatives connecting rejection and mutual admiration.  God speaks highly of David, so highly it's amazing.  And David speaks highly of God, humbly and meek.  It's so sappy it's sick, and yet, there are vital elements we need to consider emulating in our own relationship with God.

Read through the chapter a few times.  Look for the word usage differences between versions, however many you have.  Jot them down, note the more interesting ones, think of the similarities and differences in word meaning.  The flow of 'plot' or action isn't difficult to follow, but consider that as well.  Who is involved here?  What do they do? Then consider what they say.

After reading through a few times, making your own notes, read through again using the questions below:

• The setting is that all is going well for David.  So why do you think it bothers him that God is still in a 'tabernacle'?
• David speaks to Nathan (who's last name seems to be 'prophet') about his concern and Nathan gives him the 'go ahead'.  Why do you think Nathan would do that?  Try and ignore the rest of the chapter, what do you think Nathan is thinking?
• God corrects Nathan that night in a dream.  The first thing God addresses is the whole, 'tent' issue.  What's God's point about the tent?  Why do you think God is happy in a tent at this time?
• God then recites what He has done for David, and continues into a statement that He will 'build the house of David'.  What do you think God is doing here?  Why do you think God would take the position of 'house-builder' with David, and not the 'house dweller'?
• Verse 9 is worded strangely, in that God will make David's name 'like that of the greatest in the land."  Who else is there?  Who are these 'greatest in the land' of whom God speaks?  What do you think it means for God to word this the way He does?
• God speaks of David's death and descendants.  In a sense, God does not establish David's throne, but Solomon's.  Why word it that way?
• Nathan passes on the word of God to David.  Then David goes and sits in the Lord's presence.  Where do you think David goes?  Why is David able to go there?
• Translations vary with verse 19, especially the ending.  Essentially, it says '...and this the 'torah' of adam (human as made from dust/dirt)...'  Think about that term, 'torah of adam'.  Considering what 'torah' usually means with Scripture, what do you think it's use here might mean?
• David claims that God has done for him what He did because of God's heart and own word.  What do you think David is saying by that?  What do you think he means?
• Verse 22 is what David concludes from what God has done, what he believes about God.  What do you think is interesting about this claim, considering he and his men capture idols from their enemies?
• David then recounts that the people of Israel are unique.  Other people's considered themselves to be 'chosen' by gods to do stuff.  What do you think or see here that makes Israel different?
• Verse 25 is the turn into David's conclusion.  David now asks for what God has promised.  What does this teach you about your relationship with God?  Remember the 'Favor Of God' lessons?  How does this relate?

This isn't a long chapter, but it's not short either.  There's a lot more in it than I went over in these questions.  Be sure to bring your notes and questions as we go through it together.

Don't Touch That!

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Group meeting January 15 to study 2 Samuel 6.  This is an interesting chapter.  The details in how the ark is being moved illuminate some problems and misunderstanding by God's people.  The account of this in 1 Chronicles is very lengthy and drawn out.

Read over this chapter a few times.  Picture in your mind what it looks like; what's happening, who's doing what, what's it sound like, what sort of day is it?  As you read through it and imagine the events be sure to imagine the differences between the two attempts to bring the Ark into Jerusalem.  1 Chronicles splits these two attempts into three chapters, 13 and 15 through 16.  Read those, but look specifically at the differences in detail between the two attempts.  1 Chronicles is written from a priestly standpoint, so the emphasis is totally different.  Jot down observations and questions even between the two accounts.

After going through this chapter a few times, go back through with the questions below:

• Why was the Ark at Kiriath Jearim in the first place?  (Go back and read 1 Samuel 6 and 7) 
• The essential detail in Chronicles is the involvement of the Levites following the prescriptions from the Law on treatment of the Ark (Levies carry on poles).  Why do you think the whole involvement of the Levites might have been difficult at this particular stage of Israel's history?
• 1 Chronicles 13:3 says the people did not seek it all the days of Saul.  Why now?  Why not before?  
• All the priests at Nob were killed by Saul (except Abiathar), so how does that help you understand the 'priestly' historical context at this point?
• I said that Chronicles is written from a 'priestly context'.  What do you suspect would be the context of Samuel and Kings then? (consider the three roles of Jesus and that might help)
• Why do you think they would have tried to use a cart first to move the Ark?  Who do you think gave them  the idea? (read back to chapter 6 of 1 Samuel?)
• Who are Ahio and Uzza?  Why involve them in moving the Ark?
• If Uzza reaches out to steady the Ark about to fall, why do you think that would anger God?  What does that tell you about 'good stuff' we might do?
• It says that God struck him for his "error", "irreverent act", "irreverence", and some translations simply skip translating it all together.  Look up the word in the Strong's here.  There's even less, and somewhat contradictory information in another lexicon I have.  This word is only used here, and no where else.  In 1 Chronicles 13:10, it doesn't even have a term, it just says 'because he stretched out his hand on the Ark'.  So, what's happening here?  Why do you think God is so angry that He kills one who has guarded the Ark for many years?
• What is David's response to the death of Uzza? 
• David is angry, but also afraid.  What do you think he's thinking?  He is 'unwilling' to bring the Ark to Jerusalem.  Why do you think he would be 'unwilling'?
• Is there something missing in all this that is present as David goes to fight Philistines?
• They now place it with Obed-Edom.  His name is literally "servant of Edom".  Chronicles makes him out to be a Levite, but that's not mentioned here or later on in 2 Samuel.  Since God blesses him and his house (literally all that is to him), what is God communicating about the Ark?  How do you think this helps us understand what went wrong with Uzza, or does it?
• After 3 months, David hears that God blesses Obed-Edom.  What lesson does David seem to take from this? What do you think David was thinking/feeling before?
• It seems from verse 13 that the Ark is no longer being 'carted' to Jerusalem.  In this edition, there's no real description of any difference nor how David arrived at this particular difference.  Read 1 Chronicles 15:1-15 for a better description of the difference.  So, why do you think how David arrives at his conclusion is omitted there too?  How did he find the 'ordinance'?  Where was it?  Who had it? Why wasn't it used before?
• It's probably easier (and more profitable) to simply examine the difference between how David behaved the first time versus the second time.  So what did you notice as the major differences between how he went about moving the Ark the first time versus the second?
• What was David wearing for the occasion?  Obviously Michal despises David, and then accuses him of 'exposing himself' so we always assume that was all he was wearing, but it doesn't say that.  What other reasons, regardless of what she said, do you think she might have to despise David (whether they're true or not)?
• What do you think is significant that Michal is looking down out of a window as they enter the city?
• It says she despised David 'in her heart'.  Everyone seems to love David, and all he does turns up roses and sunshine.  What do you think is going on with Michal?
• The Ark is placed, sacrifices complete and David gives out gifts.  What do you think is significant about the gifts given?  It's an interesting detail, consistent between the two accounts.
• David blesses the people, which is normally a priests responsibility.  Why do you think David does it and it's okay that David does it?
• David goes home, with the intent to bless his house.  Michal chooses right then to go out to insult him.  What do you think motivated her to choose that time?  
• What did she obviously miss out on by not letting David do what he had in mind?  
• Rash, Michal was rash; but why do you think she was?  What reasons do you think she might have?  Consider her life up to this point.
• The ending statement about Michal is missing in Chronicles as is her insult of David.  What does that tell you about the focus of each?

That should keep us all busy for the evening.  I look forward to seeing everyone Thursday!