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Discussions Prophets and Writings

2nd Samuel 14 — thematic, chiastic parallels in the lives of Adam, David, Absolom, Amnon

This chapter is the culmination of the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar. It’s been three years since the death of Amnon at Absolom’s hands and David’s heart is still heavy. Joab convinces a wise woman to tell an elaborate story to tug at David’s heart to convince him to allow his son Absolom to return to Jerusalem.

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2nd Samuel 13 — tying up loose ends

This discussion wraps up some dangling questions about the events that lead to Amnon’s death, Absolom’s exile and Absolom’s eventual return to Jerusalem. We also learn more about how cunning Jonadab really is and how this story gives us insights into the character of the Messiah and Satan.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

2nd Samuel 13 — Amnon rapes Tamar, Absolom kills Amnon

We will compare three tragic “couples”: Adam and Eve, David and Bathsheba, and Ammon and Tamar. God repeats a story three times to help teach us a lesson about sin and transgression.

He’s also introducing Absolom as a Messianic figure. From here, we will be following his life closely for messianic clues.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

2nd Samuel 12 part 2 — David expresses true sorrow for adultery and murder

After the prophet Natan (Nathan) confronted David over his adultery with bat-Sheba (Bathsheba) and murder of her husband, Uriah, David expresses true repentance — revealed in Psalm 51 — and is granted mercy.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

2nd Samuel 12 — Natan confronts David over Bat Sheba and Uriah

This is the second time Nathan had to come to David with a word from the Lord, at least the second time recorded in Scripture. But this time David spoke the prophetic word upon himself.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

2nd Samuel 11 — David can’t hide his evil against bat-Sheba from Uriah and Yoab

David committed a series of sins that started out minor and culminated in the most egregious of sins of adultery and murder. This tragedy sets up a series of later tragedies that nearly take David off the throne permanently but they also harken back to the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from grace.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

2nd Samuel 10 — David ends the power of Ammon after the king’s snub of condolences

This story has a story within a story. It begins with the death of Nahash, the king of Ammon (1st Samuel 11). David was touched by Nahash’s death and sent a condolence party. The prince of Ammon treated this party poorly and that insult was the beginning of the end of Ammon’s power.