Group Check-in

1. What was the best part of your week?
2. What was the most difficult part of your week?

What Are 2 Samuel 2-4 About?

These chapters show the messy, complicated transition between Saul’s kingdom and David’s. David is anointed king, but only over Judah. Meanwhile, Saul’s son Ish-bosheth is made king over the rest of Israel by Abner, Saul’s former commander.

A power struggle ensues. Abner and Joab, David’s commander, meet at Gibeon and agree to a “contest” between their warriors, but it spirals into bloodshed. Asahel, Joab’s brother, is killed by Abner in self-defense, and this ignites a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David.

Eventually, Abner switches sides. He recognizes David as God’s chosen king and pledges to bring all Israel under David’s rule. But before peace can be sealed, Joab murders Abner to avenge Asahel. David mourns Abner and distances himself from the violence, showing he isn’t the kind of king who builds power through treachery.

These chapters set the tone for David’s reign… a king who trusts God’s timing rather than seizing power for himself.

Key Verse

“The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.”—2 Samuel 3:1

S.O.A.P. for the Week

Passage: 2 Samuel 3:17–21 (Abner’s pledge to David)

Reflect: What does it look like to wait on God to establish your influence instead of forcing it? How do you respond when others try to pull you into their conflicts?

Ice-Breakers

• If you could choose any fictional character to be your royal advisor, who would it be and why?
• Imagine you’re throwing a peace banquet for two rival groups. What’s the first dish you’re putting on the menu?
• If you could instantly gain one “kingly” skill (wisdom, courage, patience, etc.), which would you choose and how would you use it?
• What’s the funniest or most awkward moment you’ve ever had trying to make peace between two people?

Group Discussion Questions

1. David is anointed king over Judah but not all of Israel (2 Samuel 2:1–4). Why do you think God allows this partial kingship to happen? What might David have been learning in this season?
2. The conflict between Joab and Abner escalates quickly (2 Samuel 2:12–32). What warning does this give us about how grudges and revenge can grow?
3. Abner changes sides in chapter 3. What does his change of heart reveal about God’s plan and sovereignty?
4. Joab murders Abner to avenge his brother (2 Samuel 3:22–39). How does David handle this situation? What does his response teach us about leadership and trust in God?
5. The phrase “David grew stronger while Saul’s house grew weaker” (3:1) is a turning point. How have you seen God strengthen you in times of waiting?
6. What do these chapters teach us about navigating conflict and trusting God’s timing?

Practical Takeaway

Power struggles are everywhere… in politics, workplaces, even families. These chapters remind us that God’s kingdom advances not through manipulation or revenge but through humility and trust. David refuses to seize what God hasn’t fully given yet. Instead, he mourns for his enemies, honors even those opposed to him, and lets God establish his throne.

When others wrong us, we’re tempted to act like Joab… to take matters into our own hands. But David points us to a better way: waiting, praying, and honoring God in the process.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach us to trust Your timing. Help us resist the temptation to force things into place or hold onto grudges. Give us wisdom and patience like David. When conflicts arise, may we be peacemakers, not power-seekers. Strengthen us to honor You in our relationships and leadership. Build Your kingdom in Your way, through us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.