II Samuel Questions: Chapters 1-2

What did the Amalekite who David met tell David about what he did to Saul?

Why did David have the Amalekite killed?

The narration begins with the words, “It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, ‘Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?’” (II Sam. 1).  Who was the “LORD” that David inquired?

After Saul died, Saul’s commander, Abner, made Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, king over Israel.  What tribe of Israel declared David King at this time?

What did Saul’s son Ishbosheth accuse Saul’s commander, Abner, of having done that resulted in Abner switching allegiance to David?

What did David’s ally, Joab, do to Abner soon after Abner had aligned himself with David?

What did David do to the men who killed Saul’s son Ishbosheth, which resulted in David reigning over all of Israel?

How do the collective tribes of Israel view their identity at the beginning of the chapter? (II Sam. 5.1).

Prior to entering battle, David often “inquired of the LORD” regarding his ability to either win or lose the forthcoming battle (II Samuel 5.19). As king of an empire, who would David have had to consult prior to entering any battle? Who or what was “the LORD” with whom David “inquired”?

Considering the symbolic undertones with which water has been used in prior books of the Bible, explain David’s metaphorical use of the word water within II Samuel 5.20. What has “broken through”?

What was David’s progression to becoming the leader of the people? (II Sam. 5.2-5.5).

What did Saul’s daughter, Michal, criticize David for doing, and what was the consequence of her words? (6.20-6.23). 

What did “the word of the LORD” tell Nathan that he was to convey to David? (II Sam. 7.4-7.16).

Examine Uriah’s description within II Samuel Chapter 11.  Who/What did David symbolically kill which dramatically changed his ability to rule over Israel?

As a result of following his desire, what does Nathan say will result from David’s actions within II Samuel 12.10-14? Explain why each of these prophecies makes sense.

What does Nathan say about the LORD’s sentiment towards David after his actions towards Uriah? (II Samuel12.13)

Consider what would have happened had David and Bathsheba’s first born son been permitted to live.  How would this have complicated the choice of who would have ruled Israel after David died? Explain.

What do David’s words suggest about his ability to be conscious after his first born son with Bathsheba died? (12.22-12.23).

Examine II Samuel Chapter 13. How do the conflicts within David’s family parallel the troubles that Jacob encountered when he returned to the land of Canaan from Laban’s house? (Genesis 31-34).

Summarize the events that took place between Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom - including the manner in which Absalom died.  Minimum of three sentences (2 pt. question).

Examine children’s YouTube videos on David’s life.  Was this consistent, inconsistent, biased, or not biased to your understanding of the original Bible story? Explain.

How did Absalom turn the people of Israel away from David? (II Samuel 15.4).

How did Absalom die? (II Samuel 18.9-18.15).