→ Samuel Review – Handout ⃪ Tonight we reviewed the… read more

As we continue through the closing chapters of Samuel we encounter a Psalm, also familiar to us as Psalm 18, that bids us reassess David and to frame the whole of his reign in light of God’s favor. How does a chastened yet grace-filled reflection help us to frame our own experience? How does it help highlight for the work of the son of David? Join us as we consider 2 Samuel 22!

Absalom’s coup has failed and David’s son is dead, but David continues to be caught between his role as father and his role as king. How can he and the people move forward? Will he resume his reign over the nation, or will it continue to fracture and rebel? And where is God in this picture? Join us as we continue in 2 Samuel!

The fallout of David’s non-reconciliation begins as Absalom massages the people’s egos and steals their hearts. His conspiracy is broad and deep, and David must respond swiftly for his own safety and that of his followers. In the midst of so much human action, the most unlikely interaction—with a Philistine mercenary!—will reawaken David’s faith and put the Lord’s actions back in the forefront of the narrative. Nevertheless in this section David continues to point us to Jesus primarily by way of contrast. Join us as we begin to consider Absalom’s coup and David’s flight! To be continued…

A nation rocked, a family torn asunder, a father and son estranged, a royal heir in exile. Thus 2 Samuel 14 begins. And though David’s heart inclines toward his son, his actions do not. Will the machinations of David’s court bring about reconciliation? Or will we see the parable of the Prodigal Son by way of contrast? Join us as we are frustrated by the events of this chapter and reflect on how it drives us to a different son of David.

The rape of Tamar and the murder of Ammon. A dark tale, a difficult text, an intense look at the depth and extent of human depravity as the consequences of David’s sin begin to work themselves out in his household. How does a text like this work in tandem with Romans 8 and Psalm 23 to reveal to us the beauty of God’s sovereignty? How does the blackness of sin highlight the brilliance of mercy? Join us as we read and discuss the next chapter of 2 Samuel and yearn together for the return of Christ.

Join us in a riveting discussion as we explore the Bible’s most fascinating turn of phrase in 2 Samuel 7. What begins as a noble desire to build a house for the Lord takes an unexpected turn as God flips the script, promising an everlasting dynasty for David. Consider with us the profound significance of this covenant, the anticipation of an eternal reign, and the profound implications for New Testament history. Don’t miss this deep dive into 2 Samuel 7, where earthly aspirations meet divine promises, shaping the very fabric of God’s redemptive plan.

In 2 Samuel 5 David is finally recognized as king by the northern tribes. Though deep divisions remain and shadows of future sin fall across the page, the dominant note is a recognition of God’s faithful presence with David and with the nation as the Lord blesses David for his people’s good. A new capital is established and the Philistines are finally defeated by a king of Israel—not once, but twice—as David contrasts with Saul in his reliance on the Lord. As David continues to establish his reign what will become of his kingdom? Will he rule as the Lord directs, or will he become a run-of-the-mill Ancient Near Eastern monarch?

Each gospel begins in a unique way; Matthew begins with a genealogy demonstrating that Jesus is the Christ, the son of David, the son and of Abraham. But what is the significance of this ancestral line, and how does it connect Jesus to the Old Testament? Join us as we follow Matthew’s explanation to answer the question: what child is this?