Free group study handout
2 Samuel 2: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 2 Samuel 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
David inquired of Yahweh whether to go up to any cities of Judah. Yahweh instructed him to go to Hebron (vv. 1-2).
Key verse
“Now Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s army, had taken Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;”
2 Samuel 2:8 (WEB)
Outline
- 2 Samuel 2:1–3 David's Inquiry and Anointing
- 2 Samuel 2:4–7 David Anointed King over Judah
- 2 Samuel 2:8–10 Ishbosheth Made King by Abner
- 2 Samuel 2:11 Duration of David's Reign in Hebron
- 2 Samuel 2:12–17 Conflict Begins at Gibeon
- 2 Samuel 2:18–23 Asahel's Pursuit of Abner
- 2 Samuel 2:24–32 End of Conflict and Aftermath
Discussion questions
- In v4, who is anointed king over the house of Judah?
- What act of kindness do the men of Jabesh Gilead perform in v5?
- Ishbosheth's reign in vv. 9-10: what does this say about the divided leadership in Israel?
- In v17, why does Abner's army suffer defeat against David's servants?
- When have you felt the need to take a side in a conflict like the one at Gibeon?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 2 Samuel 2: 2 Samuel 5, 2 Samuel 3, 1 Chronicles 12.
Before next time: read 2 Samuel 3.