Thursday, March 28
Read 2 Samuel 2
Think About It:
- David has a conversation with the Lord about where he was to go. He went and was anointed king by this tribe, Judah. He followed the Lord’s instruction and was rewarded. Can you think of a time when you received a reward for your obedience to the Lord?
- Abner, Saul’s army commander wasn’t ready to recognize David as king. So, he set up Saul’s son, Ishebosheth, as king over Israel. Joab, David’s army commander (Joab was Zeruiah’s son, David’s sister) and some servants met at a pool where Abner was with some of his servants. Abner tricked Joab into a game of skill that turned deadly. What lesson can we learn from this?
- Asahel didn’t want the fight to end, so he followed Abner. Abner warned him and asked him to stop. When he didn’t, he paid the price with his life. Asahel was unreasonable and proud. What are the results when we have these same attributes?
- The brothers of Asahel sought revenge for this death. Finally, after seeing the killing would just continue, Joab called a truce. How do we know when to end the battle?
Family Time:
- Throughout the Bible God has made many promises. Whenever God makes promises He always keeps His promises. Often it takes many years for His promises to be fulfilled. Can you think of any promises God made in the Bible?
- As we have been studying the life of David, what did he know God had anointed him for? After David was anointed king did he immediately become the new king? Was David’s life easy while he waited to be king?
- If you had an enemy that had been trying to kill you for years how would you respond when you found out that he was dead? David had every reason to celebrate and rejoice when he learned of Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1:1-10).
- David models grace and respect toward his enemy after he dies. David sings a song in honor of Saul and his close friend Jonathan (1 Samuel 1:17-27). From this song you would never know that Saul was David’s enemy.
- Do you and I respond to our enemies with the same character that David did towards his enemy? (Proverbs 24:17, Obadiah 1:12, 15) God can enable us to love our enemies and not rejoice over them when they face punishment.
