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?