2 Samuel 11: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Samuel 11 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

At the return of the year, David sent Joab and his servants to war while he stayed in Jerusalem (vv. 1-2). From his roof, he saw Bathsheba bathing and took her to himself, despite learning she was Uriah's wife (vv.

Key verse

“When Uriah’s wife heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.”
2 Samuel 11:26 (WEB)

Outline

2 Samuel 11:1–2 David's Inaction During War
2 Samuel 11:3–5 David's Sin with Bathsheba
2 Samuel 11:6–11 David's Attempt to Cover Up
2 Samuel 11:12–13 Further Manipulation of Uriah
2 Samuel 11:14–21 Uriah's Death Ordered
2 Samuel 11:22–25 News of Uriah's Death
2 Samuel 11:26–27 Consequences of David's Actions

Discussion questions

In v2, what does David see from the roof of his house?
What does Uriah say in v11 about why he won't go to his house?
David's sending for Uriah in v6: what does this suggest about David's awareness of his own wrongdoing?
In v27, why does the text note that 'the thing that David had done displeased Yahweh'?
When have you ignored your responsibilities like David in v1 by staying behind?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 11: Psalm 51, 2 Samuel 12, Job 31.

Before next time: read 2 Samuel 12.