2 Samuel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

2 SAMUEL 19

DAVID REGAINS THE THRONE

David weeps and mourns over the loss of his son Absalom, despite his attempts to overthrow David. Joab confronted David, telling him that it was better for his wicked son to die. Joab accuses David of loving those who hate him and hating those who love him. Joab is not compassionate towards David over the loss of his son because Absalom’s wickedness threatened David’s reign.

Although David had been overthrown by Absalom, Absalom was killed, which made David king once again. David decides to appoint Amasa, who was previously Absalom’s commander, to be in charge of the Israelite army instead of Joab.

Shimei, a man who previously harassed David, comes to David to apologize. Although his actions are punishable by death, David forgives him. Ziba, one of Mephibosheth’s servants, tells David that Mephibosheth was disloyal to David. Mephibosheth denies these claims. Unsure of what to do, David split everything evenly between them. David’s previous interactions with Shimei and Ziba are recorded in 2 Samuel 16.

An older man named Barzillai showed kindness and generosity to David. In response, David asks him to accompany him in Jerusalem, but Barzillai does not go with David.

STUDY QUESTIONS

David repeatedly mourned the death of someone who opposed him. How did Joab rebuke David’s emotions in 2 Samuel 19:5-8? How do you think David’s army felt towards his grief over the death of an enemy?