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?