Series: 2 Samuel (Rebellion & Mercy)
Description: We all need good role models to help us live out our faith. David, a larger-than-life hero had big successes as well as big failures. He is someone that we can easily relate to; through family problems, heartbreak and rebellion, he drew close to God and experienced His mercy, direction and lasting promises. Like David through the highs and lows, the good and bad we can hold onto our faith and keep living for God.
Dates Titles (Scripture) Events:
June 23 – Honor (2 Samuel 1 -2) Communion, Worship night 06/29 6-7:30
June 30 – Worship (2 Samuel 6) Both campus potluck
July 7– Legacy (2 Samuel 7)
July 14 – Confession (2 Samuel 12) CG, Communion
July 21 – Betrayal (2 Sam. 15-18)
Introduction to 2 Samuel:
The child enters the room with long gown flowing, trailing well behind her high-heeled shoes. The wide-brimmed hat rests precariously atop her head, tilted to the right, and the long necklace swings like a pendulum as she walks. Following close is the “man.” His fingertips peek out of the coat sleeves that are already pushed upward six inches. With feet shuffling in the double-sized boots, his unsteady steps belie his confident smile. Children at play, dressing up—they copy Mom and Dad, having watched them dress and walk. Models … everyone has them … people we emulate, people who are our ideals. Unconsciously, perhaps, we copy their actions and adopt their ideas. Among all the godly role models mentioned in the Bible, probably no one stands out more than King David. Born halfway between Abraham and Jesus, he became God’s leader for all of Israel and the ancestor of the Messiah.
David was “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). What are the personal qualities that David possessed that pleased God? The book of 2 Samuel tells David’s story. As you read, you will be filled with excitement as he is crowned king over Judah and then king over all of Israel (5:1–5), praising God as he brings the Ark of the Covenant back to the Tabernacle (6:1–23) and exulting as he leads his armies to victory over all their enemies and completes the conquest of the Promised Land begun by Joshua (8–10). David accomplished much.
But David was human, and during dark times he stumbled and fell into sin. The record of lust, adultery, and murder is not easy to read (11–13) and reveals that even great people who try to follow God are susceptible to temptation and sin.
Godliness does not guarantee an easy and carefree life. David had family problems—his own son incited the entire nation to rebellion and crowned himself king (14:1–18:33). And greatness can cause pride, as we see in David’s sinful act of taking a census in order to glory in the strength of his nation (24:1–25).
But the story of this fallen hero does not end in tragedy. Through repentance, his fellowship and peace with God were restored, but he had to face the consequences of the sins he committed (12–20). These consequences stayed with him the rest of his life as a reminder of his sinful deeds and his need for God.
As we read 2 Samuel, look for David’s godlike characteristics—his faithfulness, patience, courage, generosity, commitment, honesty—as well as other God-honoring characteristics, such as modesty and penitence. Valuable lessons can be learned from his sins and from his repentance. You and, like David, can become a person after God’s own heart.
Purposes:
(1) to record the history of David’s reign; (2) to demonstrate effective leadership under God; (3) to reveal that one person can make a difference; (4) to show the personal qualities that please God; (5) to depict David as an ideal leader of an imperfect kingdom, and to foreshadow Christ, who will be the ideal leader of a new and perfect kingdom (chapter 7)
Author: Unknown. Some have suggested that Nathan’s son Zabud may have been the author (1 Kings 4:5). The writings of Nathan and Gad and are found in 1 Chronicles 29:29.
Original Audience: The people of Israel and believers today.
Date: Written:930 B.C.; written soon after David’s reign, 1010–970 B.C.
Setting: The land of Israel under David’s rule
Key Verse: “And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel” (5:12).
Key People: David, Joab, Bathsheba, Nathan, Absalom
Special Features: This book was named after the prophet who anointed David and guided him in living for God.
Outline:
A. DAVID’S SUCCESSES (1:1–10:19)
1. David becomes king over Judah
2. David becomes king over Israel
3. David conquers the surrounding nations. David took the fractured kingdom that Saul had left behind and built a strong, united power. Forty years later, David would turn this kingdom over to his son Solomon. David had a heart for God. He was a king who governed God’s people by God’s principles, and God blessed him greatly. We may not have David’s earthly success, but following God is, ultimately, the most successful decision we can make.
B. DAVID’S STRUGGLES (11:1–24:25)
1. David and Bathsheba
2. Turmoil in David’s family
3. National rebellion
4. The later years of David’s rule
David sinned with Bathsheba and then tried to cover his sin by having her husband killed.
Although he was forgiven for his sin, the consequences remained—he experienced trouble and distress, both with his family and with the nation. God is always ready to forgive, but we must live with the consequences of our actions. Covering up our sin will only multiply sin’s painful consequences.
I hope you can join us!
Darrell
Upwards Church 