David forgives Absalom, the rise of Absalom (how to stage a coup, Abimelech-style), and David's flight from Jerusalem. Discussion topic: Forgiving the unrepentant offender (David's model of forgiving without asking for repentance), how you respond when God takes your earthly kingdom from you, and the benefit of friends.
Lesson 11: Loss of an Earthly Crown
2 Samuel 14:25-15:37
April 20, 2024
Lesson 14: Awarding of Rewards
May 11, 2024 • Christy Voelkel
The King's Return, Rewards for Shimei, Abishai, Mephibosheth, Ziba, and Barzillai. Compassion (or the lack of it) as a determining factor in rewards, and comparison with Jesus' parable of Separating Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25). The Sheba Rebellion: Sheba's and Joab's rewards. Wrap-up of Part 2 of Second Samuel (Chapters 9-20).
Lesson 13: Serving Two Masters (p2)
May 4, 2024 • Christy Voelkel
The compassion of Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai; The battle with Absalom and Absalom's death; The dilemma of the men in the field when king and commander are at odds; Joab's error in placing service to the kingdom above obedience to the king. Parallels between Joab/David and Peter/Jesus.
Lesson 12: Serving Two Masters
April 27, 2024 • Christy Voelkel
Serving the masters of greed, pride, and vanity (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life 1 John 2:15-17). Ziba, the unjust steward, curries favor with David (Parable of the Unjust Steward, Luke 16); Shimei curses David and Abishai seeks vengeance. Absalom seeks counsel from two counselors (the double-minded man, James 1).