2 Samuel 24: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Samuel 24 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh's anger burned against Israel, prompting David to command a census (vv. 1-2). Joab, the captain of the army, questioned the king's desire for the count but ultimately obeyed (vv.

Key verse

“When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, Yahweh relented of the disaster, and said to the angel who destroyed the people, “It is enough. Now withdraw your hand.” Yahweh’s angel was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”
2 Samuel 24:16 (WEB)

Outline

2 Samuel 24:1–4 David's Census Commanded
2 Samuel 24:5–9 Counting the People
2 Samuel 24:10–14 David's Sin and Distress
2 Samuel 24:15–17 The Plague Sent
2 Samuel 24:18–24 Building an Altar
2 Samuel 24:25 Divine Mercy and Sacrifice

Discussion questions

In v2, what does David ask Joab to do regarding the people?
What does David say to Yahweh in v10 after counting the people?
David's choices in v13: what do they show about his understanding of divine judgment?
In v24, why does David insist on paying for the threshing floor?
When have you faced a situation where your actions affected others, as David did in v17?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 24: 1 Chronicles 21, 2 Samuel 12, John 10.

Before next time: read 1 Kings 1.