2 Samuel 12: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Samuel 12 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Nathan tells David a parable about a rich man who took a poor man's beloved lamb (vv. 1-4). David, angered by the story, declares that the man deserves death and must restore the lamb fourfold (vv.

Key verse

“David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against Yahweh.” Nathan said to David, “Yahweh also has put away your sin. You will not die.”
2 Samuel 12:13 (WEB)

Outline

2 Samuel 12:1–4 Nathan's Parable of the Lamb
2 Samuel 12:5–10 David's Anger and Judgment
2 Samuel 12:11–14 God's Judgment Declared
2 Samuel 12:15–20 David's Mourning for the Child
2 Samuel 12:21–23 David's Response to Grief
2 Samuel 12:24–25 Birth of Solomon and God's Favor
2 Samuel 12:26–31 Joab's Victory and David's Leadership

Discussion questions

In v4, what does the rich man take from the poor man for the traveler?
What is David’s reaction to Nathan’s parable in v5?
David's response in v13: how does he understand his sin against Yahweh?
In v11, what does Nathan mean by saying evil will arise from David’s own house?
When have you faced consequences for a choice you made, as David did after Nathan's message?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 12: Psalm 51, 1 Samuel 15, Psalm 32.

Before next time: read 2 Samuel 13.