Sheba Rebels Against David
We hope you are all enjoying and celebrating the Easter Weekend. He is Risen indeed! If we get to only a portion of the planned study, that will be fine. For this Easter Sunday our lesson is from: 2 Sam 20: 1 – 26.
Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: What are the political leanings of your family? Which way do you lean? What pressing deadline are you facing right now? What will happen if you don’t get it done in the next three days? When have you lost a job to someone else, or been passed over for a promotion you deserved?
Step 2: Hear – Read: David Returns to Jerusalem: 2 Samuel 20:1-26.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- In what ways do events of the previous chapter especially 19:41-43 fuel Sheba’s revolt (vv. 1-2)? Why does David treat his concubines as he does (v. 3; see 16:21-22)?
- To squash Sheba’s revolt, why does David bypass Joab twice, first favoring Amasa and then Abishai (vv. 4-6)? What particularly galls Joab about Amasa’s appointment (ss 17:25; 19:13)? Could it be that Joab catching Amasa by his beard is the origin of that refrain, I’ve you by the hair on your chinny-chin-chin?
- What impact do the blood and guts of Amasa have on Joab’s men? What impact do such lurid details have on you? Is Sheba;s revolt a popular uprising (vv. 14 forward)? Popular with whom? Why would all the people (v. 22), among whom were Sheba’s own followers behead him?
- How does this story illustrate the wisdom of this woman? Who does she remind you of? Why? How would you evaluate David’s cabinet of royal officials? Who has served David most faithfully? Who would you impeach for breaking your code of ethics? Who is no longer serving at the post they were first given (see 8:15-18)?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- When have you been especially tempted to desert your king? For what reason? What kept you from going AWOL?
B. When your status of authority is diminished by someone else, how does that make you feel? When resentment builds up, how do you keep that in check? Where might resentment be getting the better of you now?
C. How can your Christian faith and your small group make a difference during such trying times?
Step 5: Reflect: We are the peaceful and the faithful…
