We continue to have our Sunday morning Bible study. For this Sunday our lesson is from: 2 Sam 19: 8b – 43.
Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: When do you feel most motivated to ask for someone else’s forgiveness? To grant someone forgiveness? Did you ever ask mom or dad to settle sibling disputes? Did their solutions work? Have you given or received more favors in the past year?
Step 2: Hear – Read: David Returns to Jerusalem: 2 Samuel 19:8b-43.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- If you had previously backed Absalom, why would you now reconfirm David as king (vv. 8-10)? What about David’s appeal (vv. 11-13) would secure your vote of confidence? Why do you think Shimei behaves as he does (vv. 16-20; see 16:5-14)?
- How and why does David’s response vary from Abishai’s (vv. 21-23; see 16: 9-12)? How does Mephiboseth side of the story vary from Ziba’s (vv. 24-30; see 16:3)? Who do you find more credible and why? Who do you think David believes? Does it even matter to him?
- Why does David seek to reward Barzillai (vv. 24-30)? Why is that offer refused (vv. 34-37)? What face-saving alternative is then proposed and accepted? As Kimham, being singled out for such favor, how would you feel toward your two benefactors?
- Why are the men of Israel so upset (vv. 41-43)? Were they justified? Why or why not?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- Is the Lord’s return of David to power based, at least in part, on David’s favoring and forgiving others? Or is David now able to grant general amnesty only because God has first forgiven him? Why do you think so?
B. If King Jesus were to grant amnesty to you for something as particular as what King David offered Shimei, Mephiboseth, Barzillai or Kimham, what would that amnesty cover in your case? Would you accept the King’s generous offer? Or would you respectfully pass or defer to another? Why?
C. This week, where will you be as forgiving as David? As penitent as Shimei? As generous as Brazillai? As sincere and grateful as Mephibosheth? How can you begin doing this within your circle of family and friends and beyond?
Step 5: Reflect: I will do for him whatever please you. And anything you desire from me I will do for you.
