2 Samuel 19: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Samuel 19 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

King David mourns deeply for Absalom, crying out, 'My son Absalom' (vv. 1-4). Joab confronts David, saying that he has shamed his servants by grieving for Absalom and urges him to comfort his people (vv.

Key verse

“The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “My son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son!”
2 Samuel 19:4 (WEB)

Outline

2 Samuel 19:1–2 David's Grief Over Absalom
2 Samuel 19:3–7 Joab Confronts David
2 Samuel 19:8–15 David Returns to the Gate
2 Samuel 19:16–23 Reconciliation with Shimei
2 Samuel 19:24–30 Mephibosheth's Loyalty
2 Samuel 19:31–39 Barzillai's Humility
2 Samuel 19:40–43 Conflict Between Judah and Israel

Discussion questions

In v2, how does the people’s mood change after hearing about David’s grief?
What does Joab accuse David of in v6 regarding his feelings for Absalom?
David's response to Shimei in vv. 21-22 raises the question: why does he choose mercy over punishment?
In v29, why does David decide to divide the land between Mephibosheth and Ziba?
When have you felt a tension between personal grief and public responsibility like David does in v8?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 19: 2 Samuel 9, 2 Samuel 16, 2 Samuel 18.

Before next time: read 2 Samuel 20.