1 Chronicles 19: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Chronicles 19 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

After Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, David showed kindness to his son Hanun by sending messengers to comfort him (vv. 1-2). However, the princes of Ammon suspected David's intentions and told Hanun that the comforters were spies.

Key verse

“David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.”
1 Chronicles 19:2 (WEB)

Outline

1 Chronicles 19:1–2 David's Kindness to Hanun
1 Chronicles 19:3–5 Misunderstanding and Humiliation
1 Chronicles 19:6–8 Preparation for War
1 Chronicles 19:9–12 Battle Arrangements
1 Chronicles 19:13–15 Victory over the Enemy
1 Chronicles 19:16–19 Subsequent Confrontation

Discussion questions

In v2, what kindness does David intend to show to Hanun after Nahash's death?
What act of humiliation does Hanun inflict on David's servants in v4?
Hanun's distrust of David in vv. 3-4: what does this say about their previous relationship?
David's response in v13, 'May Yahweh do that which seems good to him': what does this imply about his leadership?
When have you misinterpreted someone's intentions like Hanun did with David's messengers?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 19: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Corinthians 16, 1 Chronicles 18.

Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 20.