Here’s how the study works: Read the chapters mentioned in the heading during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for several chapters creates the opportunity to revisit them and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
1:19 A gazelle lies slain on your heights, Israel. How the mighty have fallen!
David honours Saul even though he chased him for so long trying to kill him. David still showed him respect because he was the Lord's anointed. In doing so, David honoured the Lord.
1:19 A gazelle lies slain on your heights, Israel. How the mighty have fallen!
David honours Saul even though he chased him for so long trying to kill him. David still showed him respect because he was the Lord's anointed. In doing so, David honoured the Lord.
2:4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah.
2:11 The length of time David was king in Hebron over Judah was seven years and six months.
Even when David is anointed king it is just over Judah. It took another 7½ years before he was king over all Israel – such a long, slow process. In the end David was king of all Israel for 33 years, compared to Saul's 45 years. However a shorter amount of good leadership overcame a long time of bad leadership.
2:4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah.
2:11 The length of time David was king in Hebron over Judah was seven years and six months.
Even when David is anointed king it is just over Judah. It took another 7½ years before he was king over all Israel – such a long, slow process. In the end David was king of all Israel for 33 years, compared to Saul's 45 years. However a shorter amount of good leadership overcame a long time of bad leadership.
3:13 “Good,” said David. “I will make an agreement with you. But I demand one thing of you: Do not come into my presence unless you bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come to see me."
David probably hadn't seen Michal for 15 years yet David want her back for political reasons. It would divide the loyalties of those who were faithful to Saul. Although Saul wasn't a good king he had a long reign and many faithful supporters who David tried to win over, without bloodshed – but also without truly relying on the Lord.
Poor Michal seems like she was always a pawn in a game of political chess. First with her father (1 Samuel 25:44) and now with David.
3:13 “Good,” said David. “I will make an agreement with you. But I demand one thing of you: Do not come into my presence unless you bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come to see me."
David probably hadn't seen Michal for 15 years yet David want her back for political reasons. It would divide the loyalties of those who were faithful to Saul. Although Saul wasn't a good king he had a long reign and many faithful supporters who David tried to win over, without bloodshed – but also without truly relying on the Lord.
Poor Michal seems like she was always a pawn in a game of political chess. First with her father (1 Samuel 25:44) and now with David.
4:11 How much more—when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!
This is the second time someone brings supposedly "good news" to David and is killed for it (1:15-16). Interestingly David didn't kill Joab for murdering Adner. It seems Joab was David's nephew and David was always more lenient with family than with government officials. David avoided responsibility for Joab's action by saying God would deal with him (3:39).
4:11 How much more—when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!
This is the second time someone brings supposedly "good news" to David and is killed for it (1:15-16). Interestingly David didn't kill Joab for murdering Adner. It seems Joab was David's nephew and David was always more lenient with family than with government officials. David avoided responsibility for Joab's action by saying God would deal with him (3:39).
5:11-12 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David. Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
David knew it wasn't about him. For all his faults he recognized that it was God who had made him king and this not for his own sake but the sake of God's people.
5:11-12 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David. Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
David knew it wasn't about him. For all his faults he recognized that it was God who had made him king and this not for his own sake but the sake of God's people.