Introduction Last week we read how David began to return to Jerusalem after the death of his son, Absalom, who had risen up against him in rebellion and had tried to take the kingdom from him. But Absalom was now dead; and so David began to return to Jerusalem. But chapter 19, which tells us … Continue reading 2 Samuel 19(40)–20(26) →

Introduction Absalom is dead. He had killed his half-brother. He had set himself up as king in place of his father. He had taken over the city of Jerusalem. He had slept with his father's concubines. He had gone out in battle to destroy his father's army. But now he was dead. And those who … Continue reading 2 Samuel 19(08b–39) →

Introduction In chapter 17 David's friend, Hushai, managed to persuade Absalom to disregard Ahithophel's advice, even though normally everyone listened to Ahithophel's advice. And that gave David and his followers time to cross over the River Jordan and to reach safety. And Hushai was able to persuade Absalom to disregard Ahithophel's advice, because the Lord … Continue reading 2 Samuel 18(01)–19(08a) →

Introduction David is on the run. For a lot of the time in 1 Samuel, David was on the run from Saul, who, as well as being king at that time, was also David's father-in-law; but he wanted to kill David. Now, in 2 Samuel, David is on the run again. But this time he's … Continue reading 2 Samuel 17 →

Introduction David has had to flee from Jerusalem, because his son, Absalom, had conspired against him and had appointed himself as king over Israel. And in last week's chapter, we read about some of the people who still supported David. Remember? There was the Kerethites and the Pelethites and the Gittites, all of whom were … Continue reading 2 Samuel 16 →

Introduction In today's chapter we read how Absalom conspired against his father, David, and appointed himself as king in place of his father. And, in order to spare the people of Jerusalem from being attacked by Absalom, David fled from the city. And so, we read how he crossed the Kidron, which was a stream … Continue reading 2 Samuel 15 →

Introduction Do you remember last week's chapter? It was one of those chapters which we almost wish was not in the Bible, because it was one of those chapters which contains a shameful story from the history of Israel. In fact, there were two shameful stories, because firstly there was the story of Amnon, who … Continue reading 2 Samuel 14 →

Introduction Last week the Lord sent the prophet Nathan to David to confront him about his sin with Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. And do you remember the Lord's grace and mercy towards David? Though David deserved to die for his sins, the Lord spared him and let him continue to live as king. And … Continue reading 2 Samuel 13 →

Introduction Here's a question for you: Which is stronger, David's sin or God's promise? Which is stronger or which will triumph over the other? David's sin or God's promise? We've seen David's sin, or perhaps I should say we've seen David's sins, because he committed multiple sins when he slept with Bathsheba; and when he … Continue reading 2 Samuel 12 →

Introduction We have before us today the familiar story of David and Bathsheba. It's a familiar story, but it's a shocking story, isn't it? It's a shocking story, because nearly everything we have read about David in the past has impressed us. Yes, we know that he's an ordinary man, and from time to time … Continue reading 2 Samuel 11 →