Sunday, July 26, 2009

Background:  We’ve been looking at David’s life – studied chapter 6 & 7 of 2 Samuel – David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and the celebration accompanying that, but also the awesome power of God.  Then we looked at David’s good idea (a temple) and then at the God idea (God building David a house=dynasty).  Chapters 8-10 display Israel’s rising power and respect – armies destroyed – then we get to chapter 11 and get a glimpse into the personal life of David – a glimpse that we almost wish we hadn’t seen.

The key to understanding this passage, I believe, is to watch the word “send” or “sent” and to see how the one supposedly in power (David) ends up losing control despite his continued “sending” to God who is really in control.  As you read the passage, circle this word and notice who is doing the sending.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-12:10

Questions:

1. 11:1 How does the author forewarn us that something is about to go wrong?

2. 11:1-2  How does this problem of kings napping while sending troops to war continue today?

3. 11:5 How does Bathsheba’s sending word of her pregnancy turn the tide against David?

4. 11:8  NOTE: “Wash your feet” was an Old Testament way of alluding to having sex/making love.  What was David’s plan?

5. 11:12-13 Contrast Uriah who will not sleep with own wife out of honor of country TO David who sleeps with another man’s wife while war continues.

6. Who else is affected by David’s sin? 

7. 12:1-4  How did Nathan get David to see his own sin?

8. 12:7  What could have happened to Nathan for saying this to a king?

9. What are David’s sins – list them.

10. How did one sin lead to another?

11. Is it ever too late to repent/change direction?  cf Psalm 51- David’s prayer

See you Sunday!  Don’t forget!  You can start this discussion online!!