Free group study handout
2 Samuel 10: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 2 Samuel 10 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
After the king of the Ammonites died, Hanun took his place (vv. 1-2). David sent messengers to Hanun to comfort him.
Key verse
“When David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the army of the mighty men.”
2 Samuel 10:7 (WEB)
Outline
- 2 Samuel 10:1–2 David's Kindness to Hanun
- 2 Samuel 10:3–4 Misunderstanding David's Intentions
- 2 Samuel 10:5–6 David's Response to Humiliation
- 2 Samuel 10:7–12 Preparations for Battle
- 2 Samuel 10:13–14 Victory Over the Syrians
- 2 Samuel 10:15–18 The Syrians Rally Against David
- 2 Samuel 10:19 Aftermath of the Conflict
Discussion questions
- In v4, what act does Hanun perform against David's servants?
- What does David instruct his ashamed servants to do in v5?
- Hanun's response to David's kindness, vv. 2-3: what does this show about political perception?
- Joab's battle strategy, vv. 9-11: how does he balance risks between two fronts?
- When have you faced misunderstanding like David's kindness in v2?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 2 Samuel 10: 1 Chronicles 19, 1 Corinthians 16, 2 Samuel 8.
Before next time: read 2 Samuel 11.