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 20–21 About?

These chapters reveal the fragility of David’s kingdom after Absalom’s rebellion. In chapter 20, Sheba, a Benjaminite, leads another revolt against David, declaring, “We have no share in David.” His rebellion threatens to split Israel further, but it ends with his death at Abel Beth Maakah when a wise woman convinces her city to hand him over.

Chapter 21 shifts from political unrest to spiritual reckoning. A famine afflicts Israel for three years, and David seeks the Lord, discovering it is judgment for Saul’s past violence against the Gibeonites. To make atonement, seven of Saul’s descendants are handed over and executed. The chapter also recounts further battles with the Philistines, where David grows weary but his men step up to protect him. These passages highlight the consequences of sin, the need for justice and atonement, and God’s faithfulness in preserving His chosen king.

Key Verse

“But the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the Lord between David and Jonathan son of Saul.”—2 Samuel 21:7 (NIV)

S.O.A.P. for the Week

Passage: 2 Samuel 21:14

Ice-Breakers

• Have you ever experienced a season where one problem seemed to follow right after another? How did you process that?
• What’s a time when wise counsel or intervention helped prevent a conflict from escalating?

Group Discussion Questions

1. Sheba declares, “We have no share in David.” What does his rebellion reveal about the fragility of unity? How can bitterness or unresolved offense fracture God’s people today?
2. The wise woman of Abel Beth Maakah saved her city with courage and discernment. What does this teach us about the power of godly wisdom in conflict resolution?
3. The famine forced David to seek the Lord’s face for the cause. How does this challenge us to see trials as invitations to prayer and dependence on God?
4. The Gibeonites demanded justice, and David complied, though it was painful. What does it mean to wrestle with God’s justice? How do you deal with it when it feels harsh?
5. Why do you think the text highlights that David spared Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth? How does this reflect covenant faithfulness and ultimately point us to the gospel?
6. In chapter 21, David grows weary in battle and nearly falls. What do we learn about the importance of community and others stepping in when we are weak?

Practical Takeaway

When trials or dry seasons come, don’t just grit your teeth or complain—stop and seek God’s face. Take one specific challenge you’re facing this week and intentionally bring it before Him in prayer, asking, “Lord, is there something deeper You want to show me?”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us that You are just and faithful, even when we face the weight of sin’s consequences. Help us to seek You in times of trial, to act with wisdom in conflict, and to honor the covenants we’ve made. Thank You for sparing us in Christ, who bore our punishment and secured our place in Your family forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.