"Between Two Doors" / 2 Samuel 18:1-33 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verses 1-5, what two "doors" is David between when he sends his army against Absalom? Why might his orders to "deal gently" with Absalom be confusing and problematic?

What treatment did Absalom deserve? Why?

2 – In verse 9, how did Absalom manage to get his head stuck in a tree? Why didn't anyone help him?

Why was he left there when David's men discovered him?

What was Joab's former relationship to Absalom? (2 Samuel 14:1, 21, 23, 29, 31, 33)

3 – In verses 14-24, why did Joab impale Absalom? How did he die? (v14)

Why did Joab call a retreat when they were winning? (v16)

How is Absalom's burial an indignant insult? (v17)

What does Joab know that Ahimaaz does not? (v19)

What "two doors" is David standing between when the runners arrive? (v24)

4 – In verse 33, why is David distraught when his troops were victorious, delivered by God, and his kingdom restored and secured? What remedy does David wish for? Why would this not be in the best interest of the kingdom?

"The Wrong Side of History" / 2 Samuel 17:1-29 / Jim Rosenquist

1 - In verses 1-4, what is Ahithophel's plan to eliminate David and establish the kingdom for Absalom? Why is it such great plan? Why was it likely to succeed? What advantages does Ahithophel forsee?

2 – In verses 5-14, Why does Absalom ask Hushai's opinion? Why might Absalom be suspicious of Hushai's divided loyalty? What does Hushai know going into the meeting? What does he learn from Absalom? What is Hushai implying when he says, (v7) "This time Ahithophel's counsel is not good?" How does Hushai appeal to fear, caution, and flattery? Why would Absalom and his advisors go against Ahithophel's advice? (v14)

3 – In verse 15-22, How is David's intelligence network organized? What problems and dangers arose? Why is it critical to get information to David in a hurry?

4 – In verses 23, Why did Ahithophel commit suicide? How does scripture portray the man? Was he wrong to be outraged at David's behavior? Why did he end up on the wrong side of history?

5 – In verses 24-29, who were Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai? Why are they unlikely allies? What was at stake for them? Why did they help David even though he might lose?

What motivates us to take a stand against powerful enemies of Christ? How do we know that we are on the right side of history?

"The Wrong Side of History" / 2 Samuel 17:1-29

Jim Rosenquist

Download

"Coda pt. 2" / Hebrews 13:15-25 / Hanson Rosenquist

In this passage the author of Hebrews gives his final admonition, benediction, and farewell. Keep

this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. What is the significance of the phrase "Through him"? What is through Him?

2. Read Psalm 50. What is a sacrifice of praise and how is it greater than other types of sacrifice?

3. What are some common misconceptions of elders? What does the Bible say elders are and do (See Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-3; 1 Thess. 5:12-13)?

4. Why do we need biblical elders? What happens when biblically unqualified men get onto an elder board (See 2 Tim. 4:1-4)?

5. The Bible commands Christians to obey and submit to their elders (v. 17). What does this mean in practice? What does it not mean?

6. Why does the author ask for prayer in vv. 18-19?

7. In his benediction, what do we learn of the author's hopes for his readers?

8. How has the book of Hebrews exalted the Lord Jesus Christ to you? What, to you, is the significance of the phrase, "through Jesus Christ"?

"Coda pt. 2" / Hebrews 13:15-25

Hanson Rosenquist

Download

"Coda pt. 1" / Hebrews 13:7-14 / Hanson Rosenquist

In this passage the author of Hebrews continues to explain what is meant by "acceptable

worship" in 12:28. Keep this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. The word "worship" in 12:28 means "works of service" in the original koine Greek. How is remembering leaders and those who spoke the word of God an expression of worship?

2. What are the three "action commands" of v. 7? How do you practically obey them?

3. How does verse 8's proclamation of Jesus Christ's unchanging nature (immutability) relate to the commands of verse 7?

4. How does this proclamation relate to verse 9?

5. What's wrong with "diverse and strange teachings"? What are some examples?

6. Read Galatias 1:6-10. Can the gospel be changed? Why or why not? How serious is the Bible about any changes to the gospel?

7. Read Hebrews 10:1-14. How does this passage relate to verses 10-12 of our passage?

8. How should verse 14 inform your life outlook?

"Coda pt. 1" / Hebrews 13:7-14

Hanson Rosenquist

Download

"Valley Forge" / 2 Samuel 16:1-23 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verses 1-4, what is David's situation? Why might he and his people be in dire need? Why might he be pleased with Ziba's gift? Why might he question the gift? Does he? Is Ziba really trying to help David? Are his motives honorable? How do we know that Ziba is lying? (see 2 /Samuel 19:24-30) How is Ziba a war profiteer?

2 – In verses 5-14, why does Shimei risk his life to insult David? Why does he think he can get away with it? Why does David endure it? Why does David restrain his soldiers from killing Shimei? David is not guilty of Saul's demise; of what might he think himself guilty? When we are criticised and wrongly accused, we may still be guilty of other things. How might we have offended God? What is the solution? What similarities do we see between David's humiliation and Jesus' as they ascend the Mt. of Olives?

3 – In verses 15-23, what resistance does Absolom encounter taking control of Jerusalem and the throne? Why is he surprised to see Hushai? Does Hushai lie to Absolom? Are there occasions when it is appropriate to lie? (ie. hiding Jews from Nazis) Why does Ahithophel advise Absolom to lie with David's concubines? Why does he do it? How does this fulfill God's word through Nathan?

4 – Read Phil 4:19. What does this promise mean? How do we see it misused and misapplied? How is it encouraging? What does it tell us about God's nature or purpose?

"Valley Forge" / 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Jim Rosenquist

Download

"Trail of Tears" / 2 Samuel 15:1-37 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verses 1-6, why is Absolom parading around the city? Why is he glad-handing people who come to court? How? For what purpose? What does he imply he would do if he could? What results does he achieve? (v6) How is Absolom a "great politician? A man of the people?

2 – In verses 7-11, what is significant about Hebron? Why does Absolom chose this location to stage a rebellion?

3 – In verses 12, who is Anithopel Gilonite? (See 2 Samuel 23;34, 39 – 1 Samuel 11) Why is his defection so hard on David? Why might he be dissatisfied with David?

4 – In verses 13-18, why doesn't David stand and fight? Why run? Where is David planning to go?

5 – In verses 19 and following, how is Ittai such a faithful and encouraging friend? (What reason would he have not to be?) How is David encouraged by Ittai? By Abiathar and Zodok? By Hushai? Why does David send the ark back to Jerusalem?

6 – How does David prefigure Jesus in his trail of tears? Why does Jesus weep walking this same route? See Luke 22:39-44.

7 – Have you ever been sent a friend when you were lonely, sad, afraid, or rejected? Have you ever been a friend to someone who was? Which is better?

"Trail of Tears" / 2 Samuel 15:1-37

Jim Rosenquist

Download

"Restoring the Guilty" / 2 Samuel 14:1-33 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – Is Joab a fan of Absalom? (see 14:30-31, 18:14) Why does Joab want Absalom to come back to Jerusalem? Where is he now?

2 – How is the woman from Tekoa similar and dissimilar from the prophet Nathan? How is her story similar and dissimilar?

3 – David doesn't seem troubled to be tricked by the fabricated story. Why not? Why might he be actually happy about the legal precedent his decision renders?

4 – Why might Joab be happy about the king's ruling? Why does Absalom come home, but only under house arrest?

5 – Why does Joab ignore Absalom? How does Absalom get his attention? Does Absalom think he is worthy of death? Does he think king David might find him guilty

and condemn him? Is he bluffing?

6 – The king receives Absalom with a kiss; he is now released from house arrest and free to move about in society. Is he declared not guilty? Innocent? Forgiven? What?

7 – How does God justify us, guilty sinners and cosmic traitors, forgiven and restored? How does the holy and just God remain holy and just and pardon your sin?

"Restoring the Guilty" / 2 Samuel 14:1-33

Jim Rosenquist

Download

"Retributive Justice" / 2 Samuel 13:23-39 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verses 23-27, Absolom waits 2 years from the time Amnon violated is sister. Why? What is happening in the meantime? Why does Absolom invite the king and his entire court to a festival? Why does David decline?

Why does Absolom want Amnon to attend? What reason does he give? Why does David question this move? Why would the king give his approval? What does he suspect? What precaution does David take?

2 – In verses 28-29, why does Absolom have his servants murder Amnon? Why not do it himself? How does he make the act seem valiant?

Absolom and the rest of David's sons flee from each other. What are they fleeing from? Where do they all go?

3 – In verses 30-33, How does Jonadab know what is going on? Why doesn't he warn his friend, Amnon, of the danger? What is his advice to David?

4 – In verses 34-39, Why does Absolom flee to Geshur? Does he plan to stay there?

5 – How is Absolom's action condemned in scripture? Does Amnon deserve to die?Whose job is it to ensure justice in the land? In the family?

When is it permissible to take revenge? What parallels do you see in David's sins and those of his sons?

6 – Look at Romans 12:19. What does it say about Christians taking revenge? Why do we want to? Why shouldn't we?

Why do we doubt God's justice? Why do we question his promise? Why is this difficult for us? How will we benefit?

"Retributive Justice" / 2 Samuel 13:23-39

Jim Rosenquist

Download

"Forbidden Fruit" / 2 Samuel 13:1-22 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verses 1-2, Amnon thinks he "loves" Tamar. Did he truly "love" her? If not, then what? How should "love" look, behave, be shown? See 1 Cor 13:4-7, Mt 22:36-40, Eph 5:25-27.

2 – In verses 3-5, what is Jonadab's advice to /Amnon? Why is he giving this advice? Does he know what Amnon's plans?

3 – In verse 7, why does David comply with Amnon's request? Is he really clueless, powerless and willing?

4 – In verse 13, why does Tamar feel shamed? Is she compliant?

5 – In verse 15, why does Amnon hate Tamar more ferociously than he 'loved' her?

6 – In verse 20, why does Tamar live the rest of her life as a desolate woman? Whose fault is this? What part does David have? What does he do?

7 – How can we be forgiven for sinning against others? How can we be healed, cleansed, made whole from the sins others have committed against us? Which is more difficult? How is the cross of Christ the answer?

8 – How does Zech 3:1-5 prefigure what Christ does for us? How?

"Forbidden Fruit" / 2 Samuel 13:1-22

Jim Rosenquist

Download

Philadelphia / Hebrews 13:1-6 / Hanson Rosenquist

In this passage the author of Hebrews explains what is meant by "acceptable worship" in 12:28. Keep this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. The word "worship" i 12:28 means "works of service" in the original koine Greek. How is service an expression of worship?

2. What is unique about Christian's philadelphia love for one another? As in, what's unique about its source, cause, or characteristics?

3. Why do you think the author exhorts his readers to let this brotherly love continue?

4. How can we show hospitality (Gk. philoxenia, 'love for strangers') to strangers? What's significant about the rationale for showing hospitality to strangers (v. 2)?

5. How can we remember those who are in prison or being mistreated for their faith, even if we don't encounter it as often in the United States?

6. Why does the author return again to the topic of sexual immorality in verse 4 after having just brought it up in 12:16? How does marriage fit into this discussion?

7. How seriously does God take sexual immorality? Why don't people seem to act like they believe God's Word on sex? Do you believe it? Do your actions align with your profession?

8. This passage tells us to not love money, but to be content. What's the reasoning and encouragement behind this?

"Philadelphia" / Hebrews 13:1-6

Hanson Rosenquist

Download