Sermon Questions - September 4, 2016

O My Son, Absalom!

2 Samuel 18:1-33

September 4, 2016

Study Questions

1. Read 2 Samuel 18:1-5. Precisely how did David organize his troops for battle? What does this imply about how many people went into exile with him? What were his instructions with regard to Absalom and why?

2. Read 2 Samuel 18:6-18. Where was the battle fought? What was the outcome of the battle and why? How is it that the forest devoured more than the sword that day?

3. Why did the man who found Absalom hesitate to kill him? Why did Joab ignore David’s clear instructions? What was done with Absalom? How did Absalom seek to preserve his name?

4. Read 2 Samuel 18:19-33. Why was Ahimaaz so eager to bring David the news of the battle? Why did Joab want to send a Cushite (non-Israelite) instead? When he reached David, what precisely did Ahimaaz say? Was he being honest? How did David react on hearing the news of Absalom’s death and why?

5. What’s the most important thing you learned from the sermon and your personal study?

6. How has today’s message helped you to grow in love for God and others?

7. What is the most important thing Jesus would have you do in light of 2 Samuel 18?

8. Take some time to worship Jesus. Thank him, praise him, and ask for his help as you seek to strive with other believers for the faith of the gospel.

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