2 Samuel Lesson 4 (2022)

DAVID A SHEPHERD KING OVER ALL ISRAEL

2 Samuel 4:1-5:25

Key Verse: 5:2b-3

Open it:

1. How do people try to gain favor and influence with influential people?

Explore it:

1. Read verses 1-7. How did Israel and its leader react to the death of Abner? (1) Who were the two leaders of Israel’s raiding bands? (2-3) How did Mephibosheth become crippled? (4) After Abner’s death, what happened to Ish-Bosheth? (4:1, 5-7)

2. Read verses 8-12. How did David react when Ish-Bosheth’s head was brought to him? (8-12a) How did David treat Ish-Bosheth after his death? (12b) Review how David dealt with Abner, Joab and Recab, and Baanah. In what respect did David try to unite Judah and Israel? (3:36-37, 4:1-12)

3. Read verses 5:1-2. Of what common history did the leaders of Israel remind David when they came to make him king? (1-2) Why did God want a shepherd-like king for his people? (1 Sa. 12:12b; 13:14; Ps. 23:1; Isa. 40:11)

4. Read verses 3-5. After years of fighting between Israel and Judah, what significant event occurred at Hebron? (3) How long was David king over both Israel and Judah? (5)

Apply it:

1. In what way can you resist defending yourself and letting God deliver you? How practical way can you honor someone you were close to who is now dead?