1 Kings 1:38-53; 1 Kings 2:1-18

Scripture – 1 Kings 1:38-53; 1 Kings 2:1-18

Observation – 

• 1 Kings 1:38-40 - Solomon is made King
• 1 Kings 1:38-40 - Solomon is anointed and proclaimed as King.
• 1 Kings 1:41-53 - Solomon’s mercy to Adonijah.
• 1 Kings 1:41-49 - Adonijah hears that Solomon is made king.
• 1 Kings 1:50-53 - Solomon is merciful to Adonijah
• 1 Kings 2:1-12 - The final acts of King David.
• 1 Kings 2:1-4 - David's final words to Solomon.
• 1 Kings 2:5-9 -How Solomon dealt with friends and enemies.
• 1 Kings 2:10-12 - David's death and how many years he reigned.
• 1 Kings 2:13-18 - Adonijah asks Bathsheba to make an appeal on his behalf.

Examples to follow – Give mercy to your enemies. 

Examples to not follow – Taking mercy for granted and abusing it. 

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Don't take mercy for granted.

Prayer – Heavenly Father, you are a merciful God. I know that I can sometimes take your mercy for granted, sinning when I know I shouldn't. I am grateful for your mercy and I know I don't deserve it. Help me to not abuse it. Amen.

1 Kings 1:1-37

Scripture – 1 Kings 1:1-37

Observation – 

• 1 Kings 1:1-10 - Adonijah’s bid for the throne.
• 1 Kings 1:1-4 - King David's weak condition
• 1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah’s presumption.
• 1 Kings 1:6 - Adonijah’s character and looks.
• 1 Kings 1:7-10 - Adonijah's banquet.
• 1 Kings 1:11-27 - Nathan and Bathsheba intercede for Solomon.
• 1 Kings 1:11-14 - Nathan tells his plan to Bathsheba.
• 1 Kings 1:15-27 - Bathsheba and Nathan tell David of Adonijah’s bid for the throne.
• 1 Kings 1:28-37 - Solomon is planned to be made king
• 1 Kings 1:28-30 - David vows to set things right
• 1 Kings 1:31-37 - Arrangements are made for the anointing of Solomon as king.

Examples to follow – 

Examples to not follow – Taking advantage of those who are weak and frail.

Sins to avoid – Thinking of yourself rather than God's will.

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Don't think of yourself and what you want before you think about what God wants.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. I know that I sometimes want things and I don't ask you if you want it for me. Help me to ask you before executing it. Amen.

2 Samuel 24

Scripture – 2 Samuel 24

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 24:1-9 - David commands a census to be taken
• 2 Samuel 24:1-2 - David is moved to take a census.
• 2 Samuel 24:3-4 - Joab objects to the census.
• 2 Samuel 24:5-9 - The census is taken.
• 2 Samuel 24:10-17 - David's guilt and punishment.
• 2 Samuel 24:10 - David knows that he has done wrong in numbering the people.
• 2 Samuel 24:11-13 - David is allowed to choose his judgment.
• 2 Samuel 24:14 - David chooses the three days of plague.
• 2 Samuel 24:15-17 - The plague of destruction hits Israel severely.
• 2 Samuel 24:18-25 - David builds an altar.
• 2 Samuel 24:18-21 - David is instructed to erect an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah.
• 2 Samuel 24:22-24 - Refusing the gift of Araunah, David buys the threshing floor.
• 2 Samuel 24:25 - David’s altar and sacrifice.

Examples to follow – Accepting punishment. Realize you have sinned and repent.

Examples to not follow – Putting trust in what you have and not in what God can provide.

Sins to avoid – Looking only to what you want. Not accepting others advice.

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – 

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Help me to realize when I have sinned. I know sometimes I can be prideful and not see my own sin, so help me to realize when I have. Help me also to have a soft heart and repent just like David did when he sinned. Amen.

2 Samuel 23

Scripture – 2 Samuel 23

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 23:1-7 - David's last Psalm
• 2 Samuel 23:1-4 - The character of God’s perfect king.
• 2 Samuel 23:5-7 - David's trust in God's covenant
• 2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's mighty men
• 2 Samuel 23:8-12 - The names and feats of David’s top three soldiers.
• 2 Samuel 23:13-17 - A daring feat from David’s days at Adullam.
• 2 Samuel 23:18-23 - Two more notable men among the mighty men.
• 2 Samuel 23:24-39 - A list of David’s mighty men.

Examples to follow – Have good friends whom you can trust. Give glory to the Lord when he has clearly worked in a situation.

Examples to not follow – 

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Have good friends and be a good friend.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Help me to have friends who I can trust. Put those people in my life so that I can lean on them, but also help me to be a good friend myself. Amen.

2 Samuel 22

Scripture – 2 Samuel 22

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 22:1-51 - David's Psalm of Praise
• 2 Samuel 22:1 - Introduction
• 2 Samuel 22:2-4 - David praises the God of his deliverance.
• 2 Samuel 22:5-20 - David’s deliverance comes from God.
• 2 Samuel 22:21-30 - Why God delivered David
• 2 Samuel 22:31-46 - David’s deliverance comes from God.
• 2 Samuel 22:47-51- David praises the God of his deliverance.

Examples to follow – Praise God when you are delivered

Examples to not follow –

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Look to the Lord in your distress and he will rescue you.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father, I know I can look to you in my distress and you will rescue me. I praise you for all the times you have rescued me when I was in distress. Amen.

2 Samuel 21

Scripture – 2 Samuel 21

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 21:1-14 - David avenges the Gibeonites.
• 2 Samuel 21:1 - A three-year famine prompts David to seek God.
• 2 Samuel 21:2 - David speaks to the Gibeonites.
• 2 Samuel 21:3-6 - David’s agreement with the Gibeonites.
• 2 Samuel 21:7-9 - David fulfills the agreement with the Gibeonites.
• 2 Samuel 21:10-14a - Rizpah’s watch.
• 2 Samuel 21:14b - The famine ends
• 2 Samuel 21:15-22 - Defeat of the Philistine giants.
• 2 Samuel 21:15-17 - David retires from active duty.
• 2 Samuel 21:18-22 - David kills 3 Philistine giants.

Examples to follow – 

Examples to not follow –

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – 

Prayer – 

2 Samuel 20

Scripture – 2 Samuel 20

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 20:1-7 - David returns to Jerusalem and to an uprising
• 2 Samuel 20:1-2 - Shebah's rebellion
• 2 Samuel 20:3 - David puts away the women Absalom violated.
• 2 Samuel 20:4-5 - David tells Amasa to marshal an army to deal with Sheba’s rebellion.
• 2 Samuel 20:6-7 - David sends his royal guard because he is tired of waiting
• 2 Samuel 20:8-26 - Joab kills Amasa and defeats Sheba.
• 2 Samuel 20:8-10 - Using deception, Joab murders Amasa.
• 2 Samuel 20:11-14 - Joab takes command of the troops loyal to David.
• 2 Samuel 20:15-22 - Shebah's rebellion ends because of the words of a wise woman
• 2 Samuel 20:23-26 - David’s second administration.

Examples to follow – Take action to save you and your people. Sin has consequences on those around you.

Examples to not follow – Deceitful murder. Trying to gain for yourself by killing.

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey – 

Application – Realize that sin hurts those around you. Not just yourself.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Sin hurts those around me. Help me to realize that, and think about my actions before doing something. Help me to realize who I've hurt when I sin. Amen.

2 Samuel 18-19

Scripture – 2 Samuel 18-19

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 18:1-18 - Absalom's defeat, death, and display
• 2 Samuel 18:1-4 - David puts his army under three captains
• 2 Samuel 18:5 - David commands his captains
• 2 Samuel 18:6-8 - Absalom's army is defeated
• 2 Samuel 18:9-16 - Absalom's death at the hand of Joab
• 2 Samuel 18:17-18 - Absalom's display
• 2 Samuel 18:19-33 - David hears of Absalom's death.
• 2 Samuel 18:19-27 - Two runners are sent to tell David the outcome of the battle.
• 2 Samuel 18:28-32 - David learns of Absalom’s death 
• 2 Samuel 18:33 - David mourns
• 2 Samuel 19:1-8 - David’s mourning and Joab’s rebuke.
• 2 Samuel 19:1-3 - The effect of David’s grief upon his loyal supporters.
• 2 Samuel 19:4-7 - Joab rebukes David
• 2 Samuel 19:8 - David receives Joab's rebuke
• 2 Samuel 19:9-18a - Israel returns to David
• 2 Samuel 19:9-10 - The tribes debate receiving David back as king.
• 2 Samuel 19:11-14 - David sends negotiators to the tribes.
• 2 Samuel 19:15-18a - David comes over the Jordan River, helped by his supporters.
• 2 Samuel 19:18b-43 - David’s kindness to his subjects.
• 2 Samuel 19:18b-23 - David shows forgiveness to Shimei
• 2 Samuel 19:24-30 - David shows understanding to Mephibosheth.
• 2 Samuel 19:31-39 - David shows appreciation to Barzillai.
• 2 Samuel 19:40-43 - Israel and Judah quarrel about David.

Examples to follow – Recognize your sin. Be understanding. Be forgiving. Show appreciation. Take rebukes with grace.

Examples to not follow – Killing the Lord's anointed

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Be forgiving of others even when they don't deserve it.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Help me to forgive others like David did even when they don't deserve it. I know I should do this because you forgave us when we didn't deserve it. Amen. 

2 Samuel 16-17

Scripture – 2 Samuel 16-17

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 16:1-4 - Ziba's deception
• 2 Samuel 16:1-2 - Ziba meets David with supplies
• 2 Samuel 16:3-4 - Ziba speaks ill of Mephibosheth 
• 2 Samuel 16:5-14 - Shimei curses David
• 2 Samuel 16:5-8 - Shimei curses a former king.
• 2 Samuel 16:9-14 - David receives his curses with humility.
• 2 Samuel 16:15-23 - Absalom's counselors
• 2 Samuel 16:15-19 - Absalom receives Hushai as an advisor.
• 2 Samuel 16:20-23 - Absalom follows Ahithophel’s advice.
• 2 Samuel 17:1-14 - The advice of Ahithophel and of Hushai.
• 2 Samuel 17:1-4 - The counsel of Ahithophel.
• 2 Samuel 17:5-10 - Hushai disagrees with Ahithophel’s advice.
• 2 Samuel 17:11-13 - Hushai advises Absalom to raise a huge army and get David in person.
• 2 Samuel 17:14 - Absalom and the elders favor Hushai’s advice.
• 2 Samuel 17:15-29 - David is warned of Absalom’s plan.
• 2 Samuel 17:15-16 - Zadok sends his sons to tell David.
• 2 Samuel 17:17-22 - David is warned.
• 2 Samuel 17:23 - Ahithophel commits suicide.
• 2 Samuel 17:24-26 - Absalom crosses the Jordan to pursue David.
• 2 Samuel 17:27-29 - David finds supporters in Gilead.

Examples to follow – Respond to curses with humility.

Examples to not follow – Cursing others. Speaking ill of others. 

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Respond to insults with humility.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. I know people will attack me with words. Help me to respond with humility like David did. Amen. 

2 Samuel 14-15

Scripture – 2 Samuel 14-15

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 14:1-24 - Joab intercedes for Absalom
• 2 Samuel 14:1-3 - Joab’s plan to reconcile David and Absalom.
• 2 Samuel 14:4-11 - The woman of Tekoa tells a story of one son dead and another son threatened with death.
• 2 Samuel 14:12-17 - The woman of Tekoa applies her story to David and Absalom.
• 2 Samuel 14:18-20 - David asks the woman of Tekoa if Joab prompted her.
• 2 Samuel 14:21-24 - Absalom returns to Jerusalem but not to David.
• 2 Samuel 14:25-33 - Absalom meets with his father.
• 2 Samuel 14:25-27 - Absalom's handsome appearance
• 2 Samuel 14:28-32 - Absalom is refused audience with the king.
• 2 Samuel 14:33 - David receives Absalom
• 2 Samuel 15:1-12 - Absalom’s deceptive take-over.
• 2 Samuel 15:1-6 - Absalom steals the hearts of the men of Israel.
• 2 Samuel 15:7-10 - Absalom plans the overthrow of David’s kingdom.
• 2 Samuel 15:11-12 - Absalom makes his government
• 2 Samuel 15:13-37 - David escapes with the help of faithful friends.
• 2 Samuel 15:13-18 - David flees Jerusalem
• 2 Samuel 15:19-23 - David’s faithful friends.
• 2 Samuel 15:24-26 - David’s submission to God's rebuke
• 2 Samuel 15:27-29 - David sends the priests back to gather information.
• 2 Samuel 15:30 - David on the Mount of Olives
• 2 Samuel 15:31-37 - David hears of Ahithophel’s betrayal.

Examples to follow – Have good friends like David. Believe that God will continue to help you.

Examples to not follow – Betraying your friends.

Sins to avoid – Betrayal

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – God is working for you, even if it might not seem like it.

Prayer – Dear God. I know that in the future, when things are bad, you will protect me and help me. You are my fortress and I can hide in you. Amen.

2 Samuel 12-13

Scripture – 2 Samuel 12-13

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 12:1-12 - Nathan's confrontation of David
• 2 Samuel 12:1-4 - Nathan's parable
• 2 Samuel 12:5-6 - David condemns the cruelty of the man
• 2 Samuel 12:7-9 - Nathan's confrontation
• 2 Samuel 12:10 - David's punishment
• 2 Samuel 12:11-12 - Adversity against David
• 2 Samuel 12:13a-25 - David's repentance and the death of his newborn son
• 2 Sameul 12:13a - David repents
• 2 Samuel 12:13b-14 - Forgiveness and the consequences of David’s sin.
• 2 Samuel 12:15-23 - The mourning and death of David's son
• 2 Samuel 12:24-25 - God extends His mercy to David and Bathsheba.
• 2 Samuel 12:26-31 - David's victory at Rabbah
• 2 Samuel 12:26-28 - Joab fights against Rabbah
• 2 Samuel 12:29-31 - David captures the city, takes the spoil, and sets the people to forced labor.
• 2 Samuel 13:1-22 - Amnon and Tamar
• 2 Samuel 13:1-2 - Amnon's love to Tamar
• 2 Samuel 13:3-5 - Amnon accepts Jonadab's evil advice
• 2 Samuel 13:6-10 - Amnon pretends illness to be alone with Tamar.
• 2 Samuel 13:11-14 - Amnon rapes Tamar
• 2 Samuel 13:15 - Amnon rejects Tamar
• 2 Samuel 13:16-18 - Amnon casts Tamar out of his presence 
• 2 Samuel 13:19-20 - Tamar mourns, Absalom comforts her
• 2 Samuel 13:21-22 - David's anger 
• 2 Samuel 13:23-39 - Absalom murders Amnon
• 2 Samuel 13:23-27 - Absalom invites all the king’s sons to a feast.
• 2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Absalom kills Amnon.
• 2 Samuel 13:30-36 - David learns of the murder of Amnon.
• 2 Samuel 13:37-39 - Absalom flees to Geshur.

Examples to follow – Ask for forgiveness right away. 

Examples to not follow – Don't have friends that give you evil advice. Do not murder in cold blood. Do not rape. 

Sins to avoid – Murder. Rape.

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Ask for forgiveness and repent when you realize your sin.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Help me to repent when I sin. Help me to realize my sin and repent right away. Amen.

2 Samuel 10-11

Scripture – 2 Samuel 10-11

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 10:1-7 - The offense of the Ammonites.
• 2 Samuel 10:1-2 - David sends ambassadors to the Ammonites at the death of their king.
• 2 Samuel 10:3-5 - Hanun, the new Ammonite king, treats Israel’s ambassadors shamefully.
• 2 Samuel 10:6-7 - The Ammonites and Israelites prepare for war.
• 2 Samuel 10:8-19 - Victory for Israel
• 2 Samuel 10:8-12 - Joab divides the army into two groups.
• 2 Samuel 10:13-14 - Joab defeats the Arameans, and the Ammonites retreat
• 2 Samuel 10:15-19 - David wipes out the reinforcements
• 2 Samuel 11:1-5 - David's adultery
• 2 Samuel 11:1 - David stays home from war
• 2 Samuel 11:2 - David encounters temptation
• 2 Samuel 11:3 - David pursues temptation
• 2 Samuel 11:4 - David continues the temptation
• 2 Samuel 11:5 - David receives word from Bathsheba
• 2 Samuel 11:6-27 - David murders Uriah
• 2 Samuel 11:6-11 - David attempts to cover his sin
• 2 Samuel 11:12-13 - David's second attempt to cover his sin fails
• 2 Samuel 11:14-17 - David sends Uriah to battle with his own death sentence in hand.
• 2 Samuel 11:18-25 - Joab sends word of Uriah’s death back to David.
• 2 Samuel 11:26-27 - David marries Bathsheba.

Examples to follow – 

Examples to not follow – Don't put yourself in places where you might be tempted. Don't cover your sin. God sees it. 

Sins to avoid – Lust and Adultery. 

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Don't put yourself in places where you might be tempted. Don't be alone with your device.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Your word says to flee sexual immorality. Help me to not put myself in places where I might be tempted. Help me to flee in times of temptation. Amen.

2 Samuel 8-9

Scripture – 2 Samuel 8-9

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 8:1-14 - David's many wars
• 2 Samuel 8:1 - David subdues the Philistines.
• 2 Sameul 8:2 - David makes tributes of the Moabites
• 2 Samuel 8:3-8 - David conquers a Syrian alliances
• 2 Samuel 8:9-14 - The glory of David's kingdom
• 2 Samuel 8:15-18 - David's administration
• 2 Samuel 8:15 - A description of David's government
• 2 Samuel 8:16-18 - Key people in David’s government.
• 2 Samuel 9:1-4 - David's kind heart to the house of Saul
• 2 Samuel 9:1 - David's kind question
• 2 Samuel 9:2-4 - Ziba tells David about Mephibosheth.
• 2 Samuel 9:5-13 - David's kindness to Mephibosheth
• 2 Samuel 9:5-6 - Mephibosheth makes a humble appearance before David.
• 2 Samuel 9:7-8 - David calms the fears of Mephibosheth.
• 2 Samuel 9:9-12 - David's instructions to Ziba
• 2 Samuel 9:13 - David fulfills his promise to Mephibosheth.

Examples to follow – Fulfill your promises. Show kindness to those in need especially those who are lame.

Examples to not follow – 

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly.” 

Commands to obey –

Application – Show kindness to those who are in need and who are disabled. Show them kindness even if they might be a bit weird or aren't as cool or fun to be around.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Your word says that everyone is precious in your sight. I know this is true and I want to live that out myself. Help me to treat everyone the same way. Help me to not treat those who might be a bit slow differently to those who might be a bit more fun to be around. Amen.

2 Samuel 6-7

Scripture – 2 Samuel 6-7

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 6:1-9 - The failed attempt to bring the Ark
• 2 Samuel 6:1-2 - Bringing the ark of God to Jerusalem
• 2 Samuel 6:3-5 - The ark is brought out with joy
• 2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah is struck dead for touching the ark.
• 2 Samuel 6:8-9 - David reacts with anger and fear
• 2 Samuel 6:10-23 - The successful attempt to bring the Ark 
• 2 Samuel 6:10-12a - David leaves the ark at Obed-edom
• 2 Samuel 6:12b-15 - The ark successfully comes to Jerusalem
• 2 Samuel 6:16-19 - David brings everyone there into the worship and the fellowship meal.
• 2 Samuel 6:20 - Michal's complaint
• 2 Samuel 6:21-23 - David's rebuke of Michal
• 2 Samuel 7:1-7 - David proposes to build a house for the LORD
• 2 Samuel 7:1-3 - Nathan’s premature advice to David.
• 2 Samuel 7:4-7 - God's response to David's offer
• 2 Samuel 7:8-17 - God proposes to build a house for David
• 2 Samuel 7:8-9 - God reminds David what he has done for Him
• 2 Samuel 7:10-11 - God promises two things to David
• 2 Samuel 7:12-17 - God details His promise of a house for David.
• 2 Samuel 7:18-29 - David thanks God
• 2 Samuel 7:18-24 - David glorifies God for his goodness
• 2 Samuel 7:25-29 - David asks that the promise be fulfilled

Examples to follow – Do things for the Lord because he deserves it. Don't be afraid to praise God in public.

Examples to not follow – Don't answer prematurely even though it might sound good at first. Don't scorn or look at those who praise in public.

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – 2 Samuel 8-17

Commands to obey –

Application – Don't answer prematurely even though the offer might sound good to you.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Help me to ask you for advice and wisdom before answering people. Help me to not answer prematurely like Nathan did. Amen

2 Samuel 4-5

Scripture – 2 Samuel 4-5

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 4:1-7 - Ishbosheth is murdered
• 2 Samuel 4:1-4 - The condition of the house of Saul.
• 2 Samuel 4:5-7 - Baanah and Rechab murder Ishbosheth.
• 2 Samuel 4:8-12 - David executes Ishbosheth's assassins.
• 2 Samuel 4:8 - Baanah and Rechab bring the head of Ishbosheth to David.
• 2 Samuel 4:9-12 - David has Baanah and Rechab executed.
• 2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David reigns over Israel
• 2 Samuel 5:1-3 - The elders of Israel recognize David as king
• 2 Samuel 5:4-5 - The duration of David's reign
• 2 Samuel 5:6-16 - David captures Jerusalem
• 2 Samuel 5:6-8 - The capture of Jerusalem
• 2 Samuel 5:9-10 - Jerusalem is David's new capital city
• 2 Samuel 5:11-12 - David's palace and greatness
• 2 Samuel 5:13-16 - David's many wives
• 2 Samuel 5:17-25 - David defeats the Phillistines
• 2 Samuel 5:17-19 - David fights against the Philistines
• 2 Samuel 5:20-21 - David defeats the Philistines at Baal Perazim
• 2 Samuel 5:22-25 - David defeats the Philistines at the Valley of Rephaim.

Examples to follow – Ask God before making a decision

Examples to not follow – Do not murder.

Sins to avoid – Murder. Taking many wives.

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey – Go out for I will be with you.

Application – Ask God when making hard decisions, and follow through with it, because God will be with you.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. You are a wise God. Give me wisdom when making hard decisions. Help me also to go through with it, because I know you are with me. Amen.

2 Samuel 3

Scripture – 2 Samuel 3

Observation – 

• 2 Samuel 3:1-21 - Abner defects from Ishbosheth
• 2 Samuel 3:1-5 - David's sons are born in Hebron
• 2 Samuel 3:6-7 - Ishbosheth accuses Abner of going in to his concubine.
• 2 Samuel 3:8-11 - Abner's harsh reply
• 2 Samuel 3:12-16 - David agrees to receive Abner if he will bring Michal with him
• 2 Samuel 3:17-19 - Abner gets support for David among the other tribes
• 2 Samuel 3:20-21 - David officially receives Abner with a feast.
• 2 Samuel 3:22-39 - Joab murders Abner
• 2 Samuel 3:22-25 - Joab learns that Abner has joined David's side
• 2 Samuel 3:26-27 - Joab kills Abner secretly
• 2 Samuel 3:28-30 - David renounces Joab's evil murder
• 2 Samuel 3:31-39 - David mourns for Abner

Examples to follow – 

Examples to not follow – Don't attack people when they have repented.

Sins to avoid – Murdering. Taking revenge. Speaking harshly.

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Speak slowly and not harshly when someone accuses you of something.

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Help me to have patience and wisdom when people accuse me. Help me to not speak rashly or angrily at that person. Help me to be slow to speak. Amen.

2 Samuel 1-2

Scripture – 2 Samuel 1-2

Observation –

•  2 Samuel 1:1-16 - David learns of Saul and Jonathan's deaths
• 2 Samuel 1:1-4 - David hears the news in Ziklag
• 2 Samuel 1:5-10 - The Amalekite's story
• 2 Samuel 1:11-12 - David's reaction: mourning for Saul
• 2 Samuel 1:13-16 - David executes the Amalekite because he killed the LORD's anointed.
• 2 Samuel 1:17-27 - David laments for Saul and Jonathan
• 2 Samuel 1:17-18 - Introduction to the Song of the Bow
• 2 Samuel 1:19-27 - The Song of the Bow
• 2 Samuel 2:1-11 - Two kings over the people of God
• 2 Samuel 2:1-4a - David becomes king of Judah.
• 2 Samuel 2:4b-7 - David thanks the men of Jabesh Gilead because they buried Saul
• 2 Samuel 2:8-11 - Abner sets up Ishbosheth as king over Israel
• 2 Samuel 2:12-32 - War between the tribe of Judah and the other tribes of Israel.
• 2 Samuel 2:12-17 - Abner's troops and Joab's troops fight
• 2 Samuel 2:18-23 - Abner kills Asahel
• 2 Samuel 2:24-28 - A cease-fire is called
• 2 Samuel 2:29-32 - A great victory for David's army

Examples to follow – Feel sorry for people even if they have tried to kill you in the past.

Examples to not follow – Never persecute or kill those who the Lord has Annointed.

Sins to avoid – Murder.

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –

Application – Listen to those who God appoints as leader, even if it might be hard to accept. 

Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father. Help me to follow the people you appoint as leaders even if I might not agree with them. Help me to not harbor angry thoughts or become prideful and stubborn. Amen.