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Overview
David is known as Israel's greatest king, but he was not a super-hero. He had to fight many battles to establish his throne, and when he did become king, he committed murder, adultery, and brought disaster on his family. He was a man with human failings, yet he was also a man after God's own heart. David depended on God's grace for forgiveness when he stumbled—the same grace that is available to us today.
In this study, pastor John MacArthur will guide you through an in-depth look at the historical period beginning with David's struggle to establish his throne, continuing through his sin and repentance, and concluding with the tragic rebellion of his son Absalom.
Studies include close-up examinations of Joab, Amnon, Tamar, Absalom, and others, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes such as "Obedience and Blessing" and being a "Man After God's Own Heart."
—ABOUT THE SERIES—
The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:
- Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text.
- Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context.
- Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life.
- Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780718034887 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperChristian Resources |
| Publication date: | 03/29/2016 |
| Series: | MacArthur Bible Studies |
| Sold by: | HarperCollins Publishing |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 160 |
| File size: | 4 MB |
About the Author
Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker. He has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fifteen grandchildren. John's pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You, and its satellite offices in seven countries. In addition to producing daily radio programs for nearly two thousand English and Spanish radio outlets worldwide, Grace to You distributes books, software, and digital recordings by John MacArthur. John is chancellor of The Master's University and Seminary and has written hundreds of books and study guides, each one biblical and practical. Bestselling titles include The Gospel According to Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men, Twelve Extraordinary Women, Slave, and The MacArthur Study Bible, a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient.
Read an Excerpt
2 Samuel
David's Heart Revealed
By John MacArthur
Thomas Nelson
Copyright © 2016 John MacArthurAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-3488-7
CHAPTER 1
Uniting a Divided House
2 Samuel 2:1-3:30
Drawing Near
What kind of divisions do we find in our government today? What problems emerge when people are divided about who should govern them?
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The Context
During the time of the judges in Israel, the Lord had raised up certain individuals to lead His people against their enemies, settle disputes, and protect the nation. However, when the people looked around and saw that the other nations in Canaan were led by kings, they decided they would be better off if they had a king as well. Instead of relying on God to protect them and raise up their leaders, the Israelites chose to imitate the world around them.
Samuel, Israel's last judge and one of God's great prophets, warned the people that exchanging the Lord for a human monarchy would lead to bad consequences. A king would burden the people with taxes and exploit them for his own gain. Yet the people refused to listen, so the Lord instructed Samuel to anoint a young man named Saul as Israel's first king.
Sadly, Samuel's words of warning were fulfilled. Saul was disobedient to God, and the Lord eventually rejected him as king. In his place God chose another man who — unlike Saul — had his heart turned toward obedience. His name was David, and at the time Samuel anointed him as Israel's next king, he was tending flocks for his father, Jesse, in the land near the town of Bethlehem.
Saul, however, continued to reign for many years. But he didn't reign well. He understood that God had rejected him as king, and when he suspected that David was the man whom God had selected to replace him, he spent the remainder of his days trying to eliminate David as a threat. Tragically, Saul died in battle against the Philistines, and all his sons died with him — all except one, a man named Ishbosheth.
This study opens shortly after Saul's death, when David was preparing to take over the kingship. God had just called him to go to Hebron, where he would be anointed king over Judah. But Saul's sole survivor, Ishbosheth, felt the throne was his by birthright, and the nation was divided in its loyalties.
Keys to the Text
Read 2 Samuel 2:1-3:30, noting the key words and phrases indicated below.
David's Second Anointing: After the death of King Saul, the Lord directs David to go to the city of Hebron, where he will be anointed king over the tribe of Judah.
2:1. David inquired of the Lord: After the death of Saul, David was no longer a wanted man and could move about the land freely as the Lord directed him. A contrast can be seen here between Saul, who inquired of the Lord but the Lord would not answer (see 1 Samuel 28:6), and David, who inquired of the Lord and the Lord gave him direction.
Cities of Judah: David sought guidance from God about where to start his reign. He first asked if he should begin in the southern area of Judah. The Lord responded affirmatively, so David sought a more precise destination. The nucleus of David's future government would come from the cities of Judah.
To Hebron: God strategically chose Hebron, which had the highest elevation of any town in Judah, to be the initial location of David's rule over Israel. Hebron was located twenty miles south-southwest of Jerusalem and was the place where Abraham had lived long before (see Genesis 13:18). Caleb had received Hebron when Israel occupied the land of Canaan after their wilderness wanderings (see Judges 1:20).
2. Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow: David had married these two women during the time he was on the run from Saul. Ahinoam bore David his first son, named Amnon. The Amalekites had captured both her and Abigail, the former wife of Nabal, when David was off at war, but David had later recovered them (see 1 Samuel 30).
4. Anointed David king: David had already been privately anointed king by Samuel, but this anointing recognized his rule in the southern area of Judah. Later, he would be anointed as king over all Israel (see 2 Samuel 5:3).
Men of Jabesh Gilead: The people of Jabesh, a city of Israel located east of the Jordan River, had demonstrated their loyalty to Saul by giving him a proper burial.
7. Your master Saul is dead: David referred to Saul as "your master" so as not to antagonize the men of Jabesh Gilead. He sought to win Israel over to his side, not force them into submission.
Competition for the Throne: Saul's only remaining son raises himself up as heir to Saul's throne, effectively dividing the nation of Israel into two factions.
8. Abner the son of Ner: Abner was King Saul's cousin and the leader of the Israelite army. He remained loyal to Saul's house even though God had already anointed David to be the next king. His loyalty was misplaced at this point, but he eventually agreed to serve David as faithfully as he had served Saul.
Ishbosheth: This was Saul's only surviving son — the others had all been killed in Saul's last battle against the Philistines. His name means "man of shame." Abner put him on the throne as king over the northern tribes of Israel and the eastern tribes across the Jordan.
Mahanaim: Ishbosheth established himself in this town east of the Jordan River and reigned there for two years. This was the same city where Jacob had seen the angels while on his way to Penuel (see Genesis 32:2). It was appointed a Levitical city from the territory of Gad and later became a haven for David while he was fleeing from Absalom.
9. King over Gilead: The areas listed in this verse under Ishbosheth's reign include most of Israel.
10. Only the house of Judah followed David: A natural opposition arose between the tribe of Judah and the rest of Israel, as Judah was under the reign of David while the rest of Israel recognized the reign of Ishbosheth. David's family was from Judah, and the tribe would remain loyal to him throughout his kingship and beyond.
11. SEVEN YEARS AND SIX MONTHS: Several years passed before Ishbosheth assumed the throne of Israel, so that Ishbosheth's two-year reign came at the end of David's seven-year-and-six-month reign over Judah. It must have taken Ishbosheth about five years to regain the northern territory from the Philistines.
12. Gibeon: During the time of Joshua, Gibeon was an important city. Its people had probably sided with David because Saul had broken a treaty with the Gibeonites and acted treacherously toward them.
13. Joab the son of Zeruiah: Joab was David's nephew and the leader of his army. Although Ishbosheth and David sat on the thrones of their respective territories, Joab and Abner truly wielded the power and control by leading the military forces.
The Tragedy of Civil War: Two great generals, Abner and Joab, attempt to prevent all-out warfare, but it proves unavoidable.
14. Let the young men now arise: Abner proposed a combat of champions, twelve from each side, rather than a full-scale war. This was a sensible suggestion so far as it went, as the outcome of the combat, had it been decisive, would have prevented civil war. The problem was that Abner and the men of Israel should have submitted to the kingship of David, since he was the man God had anointed to sit on the throne over all Israel. Abner's plan failed, and the civil war erupted despite his suggestion.
18. The three sons of Zeruiah: Zeruiah was David's sister and the mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Abishai was an aide to David throughout his rise to power. He had been with David when he had the opportunity to kill King Saul and had encouraged his murder, but David would not allow it (see 1 Samuel 26:8). Asahel was another of Joab's brothers, and the tragic story that follows reveals that he was a man of character and determination.
19. Asahel pursued Abner: Asahel was pursuing Abner in battle, and had he killed this general of the opposing side, it would have immediately ended the conflict. He was clearly out of his league fighting Abner, as will be seen, yet he refused to turn aside from the pursuit. In many ways he was reminiscent of David, who did not hesitate to face the giant Goliath in a single combat that brought great victory to God's people.
21. Take his armor: For Asahel, obtaining the armor of the enemy general, Abner, would have represented a great trophy. He was ambitious to get it, but Abner suggested he take the armor of some other soldier for his trophy.
22. Turn aside from following me: Abner showed himself to be a man of character in this sad episode. He did not want to kill a young man of Asahel's quality, so he tried repeatedly to dissuade him from battle. But the seeds of division were already sown. Division is the work of the devil, and when God's people are divided against one another, only tragedy can result. Rather than fighting the enemy of their souls, godly men and women attack one another. In doing so, they waste their efforts, just as Abner and Asahel did fighting against each other.
23. DIED ON THE SPOT: This terrible tragedy would have equally terrible long-term consequences. Joab never forgave Abner for killing his brother, even though it had been done in battle.
25. The children of Benjamin: One of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was also Saul's tribe, and they had remained steadfastly loyal to him throughout his turbulent reign.
26. Shall the sword devour forever: As Abner had earlier proposed that the hostilities begin, he now proposed that they cease.
Abner's Change of Allegiance: As time passes, Abner begins to make his own move to secure the throne of Israel. This creates a rift between him and Ishbosheth.
3:1. there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: Many tribes of Israel continued to support the house of Saul rather than submitting to David as their king. The Lord had publicly anointed him and told the people, through Samuel, that he was God's selected ruler, yet David still had to establish his throne by force.
7. Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah: By taking Rizpah, Abner was making a clear statement to the people that he would take the place of Saul. Taking the king's concubine was a statement of power and rightful claim to the throne.
8. Abner became very angry: Abner resented Ishbosheth's reaction and, compelled by revenge, determined to transfer all the weight of his influence and power to David's side.
Am I a dog's head: This was another way to ask, "Am I a contemptible traitor allied with Judah?" Abner used this opportunity to condemn Ishbosheth and remind him that he would not have been in power at all had Abner not placed him there.
10. TRANSFER THE KINGDOM: Part of Saul's kingdom had already been transferred to David, but Abner now vowed to complete the process by helping David obtain the rest.
12. Whose is the land: Abner implied a conviction that in supporting Ishbosheth he had been going against God's purpose of conferring the sovereignty of the kingdom on David. However, this acknowledgment was no justification of his motives. Abner selfishly wanted to be on the winning side and be honored as the one who brought all the people under David's rule.
13. Michal, Saul's daughter: David requested that Michal be brought to him for two reasons. First, it would right the wrong that Saul had committed toward him by having given Michal, who was David's wife, to another man (see 1 Samuel 25:44). Second, it would serve to strengthen David's claim to the throne of all Israel by inclining some of Saul's house to be favorable to his cause.
14. A hundred foreskins of the Philistines: David reminded Ishbosheth that he had not only paid the dowry to Saul for Michal (one hundred foreskins of the Philistines) but had also delivered double the asking price (see 1 Samuel 18:25-27). Thus, Michal rightfully belonged to him.
16. To Bahurim: Located just east of Jerusalem, it became the final location where Paltiel would see Michal, whom Saul had given to him in marriage.
17. Elders of Israel: These men were the recognized leaders of the people. They served as Ishbosheth's advisers and would have been consulted when important decisions needed to be made. Abner stated to them that he recognized David as the servant of the Lord and that David had the right to the throne according to God's sovereign will.
19. In the hearing of Benjamin: Abner gave special attention to the tribe of Benjamin, because they were Saul's and Ishbosheth's kinsmen.
A Long-Awaited Revenge: After years of waiting, Joab hatches an evil plot against Abner — and executes it at the city gate.
21. HE WENT IN PEACE: David made peace with Abner, even though Abner had led the rebellious army against him. David's aim was always to bring peace and unity within Israel, and he was ever ready to forgive those who repented of wrongdoing. Joab was not so forgiving, and it seems he never believed that Abner's change of loyalties was genuine.
22. Joab came from a raid: To gain a balanced picture of Joab, we must remember that he was a great man of valor and served Israel faithfully throughout David's reign. He was one of the generals who led David's army courageously from victory to victory. Still, as we will see in this study and in future events, he was not above performing unscrupulous deeds at times. Joab was faithful to David, but he was also a man of violence.
24. What have you done: Joab was not shy about confronting David — and his confrontations were often for David's good. In this case, however, he was motivated by a personal vendetta.
25. Abner ... came to deceive you: This was not true, though it is possible Joab believed it. It is more likely that Joab was trying to manipulate David in order to gain his own revenge.
27. Joab took him aside in the gate: Joab's trick was the ultimate act of treachery. First, the city gate was a location of public debate and justice. As such, it was considered a safe place for disputes to be settled. Second, Hebron itself (where this took place) was one of Israel's cities of refuge — a safe haven for anyone who killed a person accidentally. Joab took advantage of these things to lull Abner into trusting him, and then stabbed him in the belly.
For the blood of Asahel his brother: Joab did not have a legitimate grievance against Abner. Abner had killed Asahel in combat — and even then he had tried to avoid doing so.
29. Let it rest on the head of Joab: David unfortunately failed to exact justice in his own household. Joab was guilty of murder, and it was David's responsibility as the king to put him to death. This was a pattern that David would repeat throughout his life.
Unleashing the Text
1) Why did the people of Israel try to make Ishbosheth king instead of David? Why did Abner, Saul's great military leader, side against David?
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2) Why did Abner suggest holding a "contest of champions" rather than open battle? Was this a good idea? Why did it fail?
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3) What caused Abner to shift his allegiance to David? What was the root cause of the rift that developed between Ishbosheth and Abner?
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4) Why did Joab murder Abner? Was Abner deserving of death? Was Joab's anger justified?
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Exploring the Meaning
Division is the devil's tool. The nation of Israel divided when King Saul died, with each faction placing their allegiance behind a different successor to the throne. That same division would return during David's reign and would ultimately divide Israel into two separate nations. Each time the people were divided, strife and civil war resulted.
Satan's goal is to divide God's people, because he knows that if we are busy contending against one another, we won't be doing battle against his forces of darkness. The evil one loves to see us bickering and scratching at one another, and he will do all he can to cause division and contention within the church. He knows that a united body of believers is a powerful force for advancing God's kingdom on earth.
The Lord wants His people to function as one body, to focus on serving one another, and to care for one another as members of that body. As Paul wrote, "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment ... For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, 'I am of Paul,' and another, 'I am of Apollos,' are you not carnal?" (1 Corinthians 1:10; 3:3-4).
(Continues...)
Excerpted from 2 Samuel by John MacArthur. Copyright © 2016 John MacArthur. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction, v,1. Uniting a Divided House 2 Samuel 2:1–3:30, 1,
2. Obedience and Blessing 2 Samuel 6:1–23, 13,
3. A Throne Established Forever 2 Samuel 7:1–29, 25,
4. Remembering Past Promises 2 Samuel 9:1–13, 37,
5. David's Acts of Sin 2 Samuel 11:1–27, 49,
6. David's Sins Are Revealed 2 Samuel 12:1–25, 61,
7. Trouble in David's House 2 Samuel 13:1–39, 73,
8. Absalom's Rebellion 2 Samuel 15:1–37, 85,
9. Absalom's Defeat 2 Samuel 18:1–19:15, 97,
10. A Second Rebellion 2 Samuel 19:16–20:26, 109,
11. The Man After God's Heart 2 Samuel 22:1–23:7, 121,
12. Reviewing Key Principles, 133,