2 Samuel 14: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Samuel 14 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Joab, concerned for Absalom, plans to persuade King David to allow him to return. He sends for a wise woman from Tekoa to present a case as a mourner. She tells the king she is a widow with two sons who fought, resulting in one killing the other.

Key verse

“Then the king answered the woman, “Please don’t hide anything from me that I ask you.” The woman said, “Let my lord the king now speak.”
2 Samuel 14:18 (WEB)

Outline

2 Samuel 14:1–3 Joab's Plan for Absalom
2 Samuel 14:4–11 The Woman from Tekoa
2 Samuel 14:12–20 David's Guilt and the Woman's Appeal
2 Samuel 14:21–24 Absalom's Return Permitted
2 Samuel 14:25–28 Absalom's Life in Jerusalem
2 Samuel 14:29–33 Absalom's Bold Move

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Joab instruct the woman from Tekoa to wear?
What does Absalom do to Joab's field in v30?
The woman's plea in vv. 13-14: how does it challenge David's view of his son?
In v24, why does David allow Absalom to return but not see his face?
When have you felt unable to confront someone close to you, as David does with Absalom?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 14: Numbers 35, Hebrews 9, 2 Samuel 13.

Before next time: read 2 Samuel 15.