Bible Story Questions Volume Two
Date: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: BS: Christianity: The Bible; Old and New Testament
Description: Bible study, Family Bible study, How to study the Bible using Bible stories

Bible Story Questions

Volume Two

The Monarchy Through the Exile and Return

Norlan De Groot

Copyright © 2014 Norlan De Groot

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version, 2001, 2007.

ISBN: 978-1-312-60972-3

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To my wife Julie
and our four children:
Christopher, Philip, Megan, and Amy

Thank you for the privilege
of being your husband and father.

Series Preface

I originally wrote Bible Story Questions for my family. My wife and I wanted a way to teach our children how to study the Bible using the stories of the Bible. What we came up with is a unique way for parents to study Bible stories with their children.

It is unique in the way that the stories are presented. The readings are not a retelling of biblical stories. Rather, they are taken straight from the Bible. That’s the way it should be. Devotions with the family should serve to get the whole family into the Word, not take them away from it. I would encourage you to read each passage with your family, and if your children are old enough, to ask them to participate in reading each story. I divided the stories of the Bible into sections small enough for a family to read and still have time for discussion.

The approach of this book is also unique in the types of stories that are presented. While all the Bible is profitable for us, different genres in the Bible are profitable in different ways. Chronologies, poetry, and prophecy all have their place, but I chose predominantly narrative passages that I thought would be profitable to use as Bible stories.

At the same time, some of the stories chosen are ones that you probably have not seen in other Bible story books. Most Bible story books focus on stories with positive and uplifting themes. But many stories in the Bible speak of sin and sinful people in very straightforward ways. Some of them graphically describe the pain and tragedy that sin has brought into the world and into our lives. I have chosen not to avoid these stories. What better place to confront sin head-on than as a family gathered around God’s Word? Of course, if your children are very young, you may wish to skip over some of the more graphic stories, like the story of the Levite and his concubine in Judges 19, until your children have reached an age where they are mature enough to respond to such stories appropriately.

Another unique aspect of this book is the division of each lesson into four sections: a main thought and three sets of questions corresponding to the head, heart, and hands. The intent it to provide tools for the parent to set the passage in context and also to analyze it according to the traditional theological concepts of knowledge, piety, and practice.

The main thought that is identified for each story is intended to focus the discussion on a foundational concept to be learned from the story. Certainly much more can and should be discussed about each story, but the main thought will encourage a deeper discussion than simply a review of the plot. The main thought can be shared with the family before the discussion begins, or can simply be kept in mind by the parent(s) leading the discussion.

Head questions probe children’s understanding of the text. Do the children know what happened in the story? Can the children relate this story to similar Bible stories? Can they see God at work within the plot of the story?

Heart questions help children connect their understanding of the text with their heart attitudes. They expose children’s understanding of their relationship to God and others. They show how God reveals himself as one who loves his children and expects their love in return. They probe how the characters in the story show their love, or lack of love, for God and others. They also encourage children to probe their own hearts.

Hand questions probe how the hearts of biblical characters or the hearts of children affect what they do and say. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Hand questions probe the springs of life, pointing back to the state of the heart that produced those springs.

Generally, each lesson will include a mix of concrete and abstract questions. Concrete questions will be more appropriate for younger children and abstract questions will be more appropriate for those who are older.  Use whatever questions you feel are appropriate for your family. Don’t feel that you need to ask all the questions in each lesson, or that you have to answer them in the order they are listed. You may even want to read over the questions beforehand and choose the top three or four that you want to be sure to ask. Feel free to mix the questions around as they fit in the conversation you are having with your family. The point is to lead your family in a directed discussion of the text that affects the head, heart, and hands. In fact, I would encourage you to also come up with questions of your own that fit your family situation even better than the ones I have written.

The questions are not an end in themselves. They are meant to encourage a deeper study of Scripture. The answers are not given, but should be readily available from the text itself or from a good commentary or Bible atlas. The questions will have served their purpose if they help train your family to determine what kind of questions to ask when approaching the text of Scripture. These are not the only questions to ask, but a sampling of what can be asked. If your family asks other questions, be encouraged that they are learning what they need to learn to approach Scripture on their own.

As you study these Bible stories using the questions supplied, my hope is that you and your children will also learn strategies for approaching the text of Scripture that will serve you and them for a lifetime. Let’s teach our children to be more than passive participants in our devotions. Let’s teach them how to dig into the Word, to get their hands dirty, so to speak, and to engage the text for themselves.

Norlan De Groot

Samuel’s Birth

1 Samuel 1:1-20

Main Thought

Hannah’s faith is tested and rewarded.

Head

1. What were the names of Elkanah’s two wives?

2. What did Elkanah do year by year?

3. What portions of the sacrifice did Elkanah give Peninnah and her children? How was Hannah’s portion different?

4. What did Peninnah do that made Hannah sad?

5. What vow did Hannah make to the Lord? Why could no razor touch the child’s head?

6. How did Eli misunderstand what Hannah was doing before the Lord?

7. When Eli finally understood what Hannah was doing, what did he tell her?

8. How did Hannah respond to what Eli said?

9. Was Hannah’s prayer answered?

Heart

1. How did the Lord’s closing Hannah’s womb provide short term misery for Hanna, but long term blessing?

2. How was Hannah’s faith tested in this story?

3. What details from the story show that Hannah’s faith stood the test?

Hands

1. How does this story show the misery involved with a man who has two wives?

2. Did Elkanah’s faithfulness in worshiping and sacrificing have an effect on his wives? Explain.

3. How was Samuel’s life forever affected by the vow Hannah made?

Hannah Dedicates Samuel to the Lord

1 Samuel 1:21–2:11

Main Thought

Hannah exults in the Lord.

Head

1. Why didn’t Hannah go up to the yearly sacrifice at Shiloh after Samuel was born?

2. What did Elkanah mean in verse 23 when he said, “May the Lord establish his word”?

3. What things did Hannah bring with her when she finally went to Shiloh with Samuel? What does this say about Elkanah and his family?

4. How old was Samuel when Hannah brought him to Eli?

5. What did Hannah tell Eli when they brought Samuel to him?

6. Compare Hannah’s prayer in 1:11 with her prayer in 2:1-11.

Heart

1. Do you think it was hard for Hannah to give Samuel to the Lord? Explain.

2. Why would Hannah sing “My heart exults in the Lord” after she had just given up Samuel to Eli?

3. What can you learn about the Lord from Hannah’s song in chapter two?

Hands

1. In what way did Elkanah support Hannah in her desire to dedicate Samuel to the Lord?

2. In 1:28 Hannah said that she “lent” Samuel to the Lord. What does it mean to lend someone or something to the Lord?

3. Should Christians today consider lending someone or something to the Lord? Explain.

Eli Rebukes His Sons

1 Samuel 2:12-26

Main Thought

The Lord shows his favor to Samuel but not to Eli’s sons.

Head

1. What did Eli’s sons do that made the author of 1 Samuel describe them as “worthless men”?

2. What was so wrong about the way the priests’ servants would get meat from the sacrifices? (see Exod. 29:13;  Lev. 3:3-5; 7:31-32; and Deut. 18:3)

3. What would Hannah do for Samuel each year?

4. How many more children did Hannah have?

5. Did Eli like what his sons were doing? What did he say to them?

6. Compare the description of Samuel in verse 21 with his description in verse 26.

7. Compare the description of Samuel in verse 26 with the description of Jesus in Luke 2:52. How was Jesus like Samuel? How was Jesus greater than Samuel?

Heart

1. Why do you think the sons of Eli wouldn’t listen to him? (see v. 25)

2. According to verse 25, what is the difference between sinning against man and sinning against God?

3. Who can intercede for us when we sin against God?

4. What made Samuel different than the sons of Eli.

Hands

1. How did the attitudes of Eli’s sons in verse 12 lead to their actions in verse 17?

2. What more could Eli have done to correct the disobedience of his sons?

The Lord Rejects the Household of Eli

1 Samuel 2:27-36

Main Thought

The Lord rejects Eli and his household, but raises up a priest who will be faithful.

Head

1. Who came to see Eli?

2. Who was the “father” mentioned in verse 27?

3. According to verse 28, how did the Lord favor Eli’s father?

4. What did God say he was going to do the family line of Eli?

5. What would happen to Hophni and Phinehas?

6. Who was the faithful priest that the Lord was going to raise up in place of Hophni and Phinehas?

Heart

1. According to verse 29, by honoring his sons more than God, what did Eli effectively do to God’s sacrifices and offerings? Explain.

2. What happens when we honor other people or other things more than God?

3. The entire passage we read today was a warning to Eli. Why do you think God gave him this warning? Was there still time for Eli to make changes in his life and in the lives of his sons?

4. Was God right in rejecting Eli’s household? Why or why not?

Hands

1. What did Eli say and do that showed he honored his sons above the Lord?

2. What consequences would Eli and his household have to suffer because of their scorn for the Lord?

3. What would the faithful priest do differently than Eli?

4. What would God do differently for the faithful priest?

The Lord Calls Samuel

1 Samuel 3:1-21

Main Thought

Samuel is established as a prophet of the Lord.

Head

1. What was rare at the time this story took place? Why do you think it was rare?

2. What does it mean in verse three that “the lamp of God had not yet gone out”? (see Lev. 24:1-3)

3. When God called Samuel’s name twice in verse ten, he was doing something he had done before. Take a look at the lives of Abraham (Gen. 22:11); Jacob (Gen. 46:2) and Moses (Exod. 3:4). At what crucial point in their lives did God call their names twice? What do you think God meant by doing that?

4. What did God say was going to happen to the house of Eli? Why was this going to happen (see v. 13)

5. Why was Samuel afraid to tell Eli what the Lord told him?

6. Would Samuel’s prophecy have been the first time Eli had heard this? (see 1 Sam. 2:27ff.)

7. What did Eli say to Samuel to make him tell the prophecy? How did Eli react to what Samuel had to say?

Heart

1. What can you learn from verse seven about Samuel’s relationship with the Lord?

2. Why do you think it took three times before Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling Samuel?

Hands

1. What do you think Samuel did in order to minister to the Lord under Eli? How might Samuel’s work in verse one have prepared him for what God asked him to do later in this passage?

2. How was Samuel established as a prophet of the Lord?

The Philistines Capture the Ark

1 Samuel 4:1-11

Main Thought

The Israelites try to harness God’s power for themselves.

Head

1. What was “the word of Samuel”? Why did it come “to all Israel”?

2. Against whom did Israel go to battle?

3. What command had God given the Israelites regarding the Philistines? (see Exod. 23:31)

4. Who won the first battle?

5. What did the Israelites do to try to assure victory in the second battle?

6. What two prominent men went with the ark?

7. How did the Philistines react when they heard the ark was in the Israelite camp?

8. How much did the Philistines know about what God had already done for Israel?

9. Who won the second battle?

10. What is a foot soldier? How many foot soldiers of Israel died?

11. What happened to the ark of God?

Heart

1. Why do you think God allowed the Philistines to win the first battle?

2. What reasons might the elders of Israel have had for wanting to take the ark into the second battle?

3. Why did Hophni and Phinehas die? (see 2:34)

Hands

1. What was wrong with Israel taking the ark into the second battle?

2. In what ways do we try to manipulate God?

3. How did Israel’s actions defame God’s name?

Ichabod

1 Samuel 4:12-22

Main Thought

The glory departs from Israel.

Head

1. What tribe was the messenger from?

2. How far did the messenger have to run to get to Shiloh? (see 4:1)

3. Was Eli able to see that a messenger had come from battle and that his clothes were torn and dirt was on his head?

4. What did the messenger tell Eli?

5. What specific news was Eli reacting to when he fell over backwards in his chair?

6. How did Eli’s daughter-in-law react?

7. What did Eli’s daughter-in-law name the baby? Why?

Heart

1. Why was Eli sitting by the road watching? What was going on in his heart?

2. At what specific point in the messenger’s report did Eli fall over backwards? Why do you think it happened at this specific time?

3. If you had been Eli’s daughter-in-law, what would have grieved you the most in this story? Why?

4. Read verse 22 again. In what ways had the glory departed from Israel?

Hands

1. If Eli’s heart trembled for the ark, why did he let it go off into battle in the first place? Should he have done more to stop it?

2. Do you think Eli could have stopped Hophni and Phinehas from taking the ark into battle? Explain.

3. When God brings tragedy in our lives, what can we do to see the tragedy from God’s perspective?

Dagon Falls Before the Ark

1 Samuel 5:1-12

Main Thought

God shows his power to the Philistines.

Head

1. Where did the Philistines bring the ark after they captured it?

2. Who was Dagon? What was the house of Dagon?

3. What happened to Dagon after the first night?

4. What happened to Dagon after the second night?

5. How did the Lord afflict the people of Ashdod?

6. Where did the people of Ashdod send the ark?

7. What happened at Gath?

8. Where did the people of Gath send the ark?

9. What did the people of Ekron do when the ark came to their city?

Heart

1. How did God show his power over Dagon? Do you think God could have done even more against Dagon if he desired? Why didn’t he?

2. If you had been a Philistine living in one of the cities mentioned in today’s passage, how would you have described the God of Israel?

3. If you had been an Israelite watching what was happening in the Philistine cities, how would you have described God? Would your description of God differ from the Philistine description? Why or why not?

Hands

1. In what ways did the Philistines have to help their god, Dagon? What does this tell us about Dagon?

2. Does God need our help to protect himself?

3. Why might it be important to defend God against people who would deny him?

The Philistines Return the Ark

1 Samuel 6:1-16

Main Thought

God brings his ark back to Israel.

Head

1. How long was the ark in the land of the Philistines?

2. What did the Philistines make as a guilt offering to be sent with the ark when they returned it?

3. How did the Philistines return the ark?

4. Why did the Philistines take the two calves away from their mothers?

5. How did the Philistines know that God really was punishing them for keeping the ark?

6. Where did the ark stop?

7. How did the people of Beth-shemesh react when they saw the ark approaching?

8. What did the people of Israel do to the cows and the cart used to carry the ark?

Heart

1. Why did the Philistines have to return a guilt offering when they returned the ark? What were they guilty of?

2. How were the Philistines eventually forced to “give glory to the God of Israel”? (v. 5)

3. In verse six the Philistines mentioned the Egyptians and Pharaoh. How did the Philistines’ hearts differ from the Egyptians’ and Pharaoh’s hearts?

Hands

1. If the ark was in the land of the Philistines for seven months, why didn’t the Israelites try to retrieve it?

2. When the ark returned to Israel, what did the Israelites do that showed their respect for God and the ark?

The Ark Is Placed at Kiriath-jearim

1 Samuel 6:17–7:2

Main Thought

The ark of the Lord finds a new home.

Head

1. How many golden tumors did the Philistines return as a guilt offering?

2. With what cities were the tumors connected? Why?

3. In whose field was the ark placed when it was returned to Israel?

4. Why did God strike down some of the men of Beth-shemesh? How many men of Beth-shemesh died?

5. Compare the questions of the people of Beth-shemesh in 6:20 with the questions raised by the people of Ashdod in 5:7-8. How were the responses similar? How were they different?

6. Who came to get the ark from the people of Beth-shemesh?

7. Where was the ark placed?

8. Who was put in charge of the ark? Can you think of any reason why the men of Kiriath-jearim would have asked him to take responsibility for the ark?

9. How long did the ark stay at Kiriath-jearim?

Heart

1. Why did the men of Beth-shemesh ask the questions they asked in verse 20? How do you think they would have described God at that moment?

2. Why do you think the people “lamented after the Lord”? (7:2)

Hands

1. Did the people of Beth-shemesh do right by asking the men of Kiriath-jearim to come and get the ark? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the men of Kiriath-jearim had any second thoughts about getting the ark, knowing that some men of Beth-shemesh died because they looked upon the ark?

Samuel Judges Israel

1 Samuel 7:3-17

Main Thought

God protects his people.

Head

1. What did Samuel ask the people of Israel to do in order to prove that they were returning to God with all their heart?

2. In verse three, what did Samuel promise regarding the Philistines?

3. Did the people do what Samuel asked of them?

4. Why did Samuel ask the people to gather at Mizpah?

5. How did the Israelites respond to the Philistine threat in verse seven?

6. How did Samuel intercede for Israel?

7. What did the Lord do to throw the Philistines into confusion?

8. Do you think God’s action against the Philistines also had an effect on the Israelites? If so, what kind of effect do you think it had?

9. What was the name of the stone that Samuel set up? What does the name mean?

10. Describe the circuit that Samuel went on to judge Israel.

Heart

1. Why do you think God allowed the Philistines to threaten the Israelites?

2. What does the Israelites’ response to the Philistine threat say about the state of their hearts?

3. How did God prove his faithfulness to those who returned to him?

Hands

1. In this passage, how did the Israelites show their commitment to serve the Lord with all their heart?

2. Despite being afraid of the Philistines, what did the Israelites ask Samuel to do? What was the result?

Israel Demands a King

1 Samuel 8:1-22

Main Thought

Israel demands to be like the other nations.

Head

1. When Samuel became old, whom did he set as judges over Israel?

2. Whom did the sons of Samuel resemble? (see 2:12-17)

3. Why did the elders of Israel ask Samuel for a king? (see 8:5)

4. What did Samuel think of the elders’ request?

5. What did God think of it?

6. What did God tell Samuel to do?

7. What would a king of Israel do to the people?

8. After God told Samuel to obey the voice of the people, why did Samuel send every man to his city?

Heart

1. Why do you think Samuel made his sons judges over Israel? Do you think he was being obedient to God when he did so?

2. In what ways did the people reject God?

3. Why do you think God allowed them to have a king?

Hands

1. How did Samuel’s sons act after Samuel made them judges over Israel? Why do you think they acted this way?

2. Why do you think the people of Israel still demanded a king even after they heard all the terrible things a king would do to them? Do you think they believed those consequences would actually happen to them?

3. Do you think people today would be inclined to change sinful behavior if they knew the negative consequences that would come from that behavior? Why or why not?

Saul Seeks Samuel’s Help

1 Samuel 9:1-14

Main Thought

God brings Saul and Samuel together.

Head

1. What tribe was Saul from?

2. Was Saul from a rich or poor family?

3. In what way was Saul physically different from other people?

4. What did Kish ask Saul to do?

5. Why were donkeys so important to Kish?

6. Where did Saul and the young man travel in order to find the donkeys?

7. What did Saul’s servant suggest they do to find the donkeys?

8. Why did Saul think they had to bring something to Samuel if they asked for his help in finding the donkeys?

9. What did Saul’s servant have that convinced Saul to go to the seer?

10. What is the difference between a prophet and a seer?

Heart

1. Do you think Saul believed that Samuel was a true prophet of God? Explain.

2. In what way(s) did God use Saul’s servant to prepare Saul to accept what Samuel would tell him?

Hands

1. Describe some of the circumstances God arranged in order for Saul to meet Samuel. Do you think Saul understood just how life-changing these circumstances would be?

2. Do you think we always understand why God places us in certain circumstances? Do we need to understand them? What do we need to understand?

Samuel Invites Saul to a Feast

1 Samuel 9:15-27

Main Thought

Samuel obeys God and prepares Saul to be king.

Head

1. What did God tell Samuel before Saul came?

2. How did Samuel know that God had chosen Saul to be king?

3. What do you think God meant when he told Samuel in verse 17, “He it is who shall restrain my people”?

4. Why didn’t Saul need to worry about his donkeys? Why would Saul never have to worry about donkeys again?

5. What happened in Benjamin’s history that made Benjamin, the least of the tribes of Israel? (see Judg. 19–21)

6. Why did Samuel save a special portion of the sacrifice for Saul to eat?

7. Where did Saul and Samuel go after the sacrifice?

8. When Saul was ready to go to sleep, why was a bed set up on the roof?

9. Where did Saul and Samuel go the next morning?

Heart

1. Given what you know about Samuel’s decision to make his sons judges and his negative response to Israel’s request for a king, do you think Samuel enjoyed treating Saul the way he did in this passage? Why or why not?

2. Describe Saul’s humility in this passage. On what was it based? Do you think it was true humility? Explain.

Hands

1. How did Samuel communicate to Saul that something special was going to happen to him?

2. How did Saul respond to Samuel? Do you think Saul responded properly? Explain.

Samuel Anoints Saul

1 Samuel 10:1-16

Main Thought

God confirms Samuel’s anointing of Saul to be king.

Head

1. What did Samuel pour on Saul’s head? Why?

2. According to verse one, what commission did Samuel give to Saul as he anointed him king?

3. In verse one, why is the nation of Israel referred to as the Lord’s heritage? What does it mean to be the Lord’s heritage?

4. What signs did Samuel give Saul that the anointing was from the Lord?

5. Why did the group of prophets have musical instruments?

6. What was Saul supposed to do when he arrived at Gilgal?

7. What happened when Saul came to Gibeah?

8. What did Saul tell his uncle about his meeting with Samuel? What did Saul leave out?

Heart

1. Read verse nine again. Why do you think Saul needed another heart?

2. What was the purpose of the Spirit rushing upon Saul? Did it confirm that Saul was a prophet, or did it confirm that Saul was anointed king?

3. Why do you think Saul needed the Spirit to rush upon him?

4. Can you think of other times in the Bible when the Spirit of God rushed upon someone? (see Judg. 14:6, 9; 1 Sam. 16:13)

Hands

1. Why do you think the Lord gave so many signs to Saul?

2. Why did Saul decide not to tell his uncle everything that Samuel had told him? What do you think Saul was trying to do by keeping this information to himself?

Saul Becomes King

1 Samuel 10:17-27

Main Thought

Israel rejects God by proclaiming Saul as king.

Head

1. Why did Samuel ask the people to gather at Mizpah?

2. What does the name Mizpah mean?

3. Which tribe was taken by lot?

4. Which clan of Benjamin was taken?

5. Why couldn’t the people find Saul when his lot was taken? Where was he hiding?

6. Why might Saul have made a good impression as king?

7. What did Samuel tell the people after they had proclaimed, “Long live the king”?

8. What book did Samuel lay before the Lord?

Heart

1. Earlier, in 1 Samuel 7:5ff. Samuel also called the people to gather at Mizpah. How had the relationship between Israel and God changed between the earlier gathering at Mizpah and the one recorded in today’s story?

2. How might Mizpah be an appropriate name for what occurred there between Samuel, the people of Israel, and the Lord? (see also Gen.  31:49)

3. Why do you think God reminded Israel of what he did for them when he brought them out of Egypt?

Hands

1. Although the people didn’t outright say they rejected God, they did reject him through their actions in making Saul king. In what ways might we reject God through our actions?

2. Why do you think some men rejected Saul right from the start?

Saul Leads Israel in Battle

1Samuel 11:1-15

Main Thought

Saul confirms himself as king, as he fights in the power of the Spirit.

Head

1. What condition did Nahash the Ammonite give for making a treaty with Jabesh-gilead? Why would he make that a condition?

2. What did Saul do when he heard how Nahash had threatened the people of Jabesh-gilead?

3. What connection did Saul’s tribe, the tribe of Benjamin, have with Jabesh-gilead? (see Judg. 21:7-14)

4. Why would Nahash wait for seven days just to allow the people of Jabesh-gilead to send for help?

5. What did the men of Jabesh-gilead tell Nahash after they learned that Saul was coming to their aid?

6. How did Saul win the battle?

7. After the battle, what did some people want to do to others who had opposed Saul? Why did Saul put a stop to their thinking?

8. What does it mean to “renew the kingdom”? (v. 14)

Heart

1. According to verse seven, what happened to the people to make them follow Saul? Was this the Lord’s way of confirming Saul as king?

2. Do you think the people would have been filled with dread if someone other than Saul did what he did, and commanded them to assemble for battle? Why or why not?

3. Was it important that the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul? Explain.

Hands

1. Explain what Saul meant when he said in verse 13, “...today the Lord has worked salvation for Israel.” What role did Saul play in working out that salvation?

Samuel’s Final Address

1 Samuel 12:1-25

Main Thought

Samuel exhorts the people to serve the Lord with all their heart.

Head

1. Why did Samuel ask questions like, “Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I defrauded”? Did the people of Israel accuse Samuel of taking anything from them?

2. What events in Israel’s history did Samuel recall?

3. How did Samuel want the Israelites to treat the new king?

4. What miracle did Samuel ask the Lord to perform so that the people would know they acted wickedly in asking for a king? Why was this considered a miracle? (see v. 17)

5. Did the people admit that they did evil in asking for a king?

Heart

1. In the history of Israel that Samuel recalled, how did the Lord use heathen kings to bring the people of Israel back to obedience?

2. Do you think the people of Israel would have returned to the Lord if God had not sent heathen kings to oppress them?

3. How did Samuel comfort the people at the end of the chapter?

Hands

1. What had to happen for all to be well with Israel? What had to happen for the hand of the Lord to be against Israel? (see vv. 14-15)

2. If the Samuel and the people of Israel all agreed that asking for a king was wicked, why didn’t they just get rid of the king? Would getting rid of the king have taken away their sin?

3. What “empty things that cannot profit or deliver” (v. 21) had the people of Israel gone after?

4. Do you think Christians today are tempted to go after empty things that cannot profit or deliver? Explain.

Israel Battles the Philistines

1 Samuel 13:1-7

Main Thought

The Israelites tremble before the Philistines.

Head

1. Why is there missing text in verse one?

2. How many men were with Saul in Michmash? Where was Michmash?

3. How many men were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin?

4. What is a garrison?

5. What did Jonathan do to the Philistine garrison?

6. What was the Philistine reaction to Jonathan’s action?

7. How many Philistines gathered for battle?

8. Why were the people of Israel called out to join Saul at Gilgal?

9. What did the Israelites do when they saw how many Philistines  gathered for battle?

Heart

1. Verse six says that the Israelites saw they were in trouble. How would you  describe their situation from the perspective of an Israelite member of Saul’s army?

2. How would Samuel have described the situation?

3. How was Saul being tested by God in this story?

Hands

1. Was it appropriate for the Israelites to hide in caves and holes in the rocks, and in tombs and cisterns? Why or why not?

2. Was it appropriate for the people to follow Saul trembling? Why or why not?

3. If you have been Saul and saw how your army was acting, what would you have done?

Saul’s Disobedient Sacrifice

1 Samuel 13:8-23

Main Thought

Saul exposes the true nature of his heart.

Head

1. At the beginning of this story, why was Saul waiting? (see 10:8)

2. How long had he waited?

3. What did the people in the army do while Saul was waiting?

4. What did Saul finally do when Samuel didn’t come?

5. What explanation did Saul give Samuel for why he offered the burnt offering?

6. What would have happened if Saul had not offered the burnt offering but instead continued to wait for Samuel?

7. Read verse 15. How many men had stayed with Saul? Given the numbers of men Saul started with (v. 2), how many men had fled?

8. Why didn’t the people of Israel have any weapons? What was their only hope for winning the battle?

Heart

1. Why was it so wrong of Saul to offer the burnt offering instead of Samuel?

2. Do you think God was testing Saul by delaying Samuel for so long? If so, who was the test for? God? Samuel? Saul?

3. Do you think Saul was truly seeking the favor of the Lord, like he said in verse 12, or did he have other reasons for offering the sacrifices?

Hands

1. According to verse eight, Samuel appointed seven days for Saul to wait. Why was it a problem that Saul took matters into his own hands when Samuel didn’t show up at the appointed time?

2. How did Saul’s actions show that he was not a man after God’s own heart?

Jonathan Starts a Fight

1 Samuel 14:1-15

Main Thought

Jonathan exhibits courage from the Lord.

Head

1. At the beginning of this story, what did Jonathan decide to do?

2. Why don’t you think Jonathan told his plans to his father?

3. Where was Saul staying?

4. Did anyone know that Jonathan and his armor bearer had left?

5. Describe the passes that Jonathan and his armor bearer went through.

6. What test did Jonathan use to know if the Lord had given the Philistines into his hand?

7. How dangerous was it for Jonathan to approach the garrison by climbing up on his hands and feet? Explain.

8. How many men did Jonathan and his armor bearer kill on their first strike?

9. What happened to the Philistine camp after the first strike of Jonathan and his armor bearer.

Heart

1. Compare Jonathan’s obedience in this chapter to Saul’s disobedience in the previous chapter. Why do you think they are so different?

2. Was it right of Jonathan to use a test to determine the Lord’s will?

3. Would it be right for us to use a test like Jonathan did to determine the Lord’s will for our lives? Explain.

Hands

1. Even though Jonathan went up to fight the Philistine garrison, to whom did he give credit for the victory? (see v. 6)

2. If you were Jonathan’s armor bearer, would you have followed Jonathan? Why or why not?

The Israelites Pursue the Philistines

1 Samuel 14:16-35

Main Thought

Saul shows the rash nature of his heart.

Head

1. How did Saul find out that the Philistines were dispersing?

2. How did Saul find out that Jonathan was responsible for the Philistines dispersing?

3. Who was Ahijah?

4. Why did Saul want the ark brought to him?

5. Why did Saul tell the priest to withdraw his hand?

6. Who were the Hebrews mentioned in verse 21?

7. Who won that battle?

8. What was Saul’s vow? Why was it a rash vow?

9. What did Jonathan do that renewed his energy? Why didn’t other people do it?

10. According to Jonathan, what had his father done that troubled the land?

11. How did the people sin when they started to eat meat?

Heart

1. Why do you think God allowed Saul to trouble the land with his rash vow?

2. Between Saul and Jonathan, whose heart was closer to God’s own heart?

Hands

1. If Jonathan had not heard Saul’s oath, why was he considered guilty for breaking it?

2. What do you think prompted the people to eat meat with the blood still in it?

Saul Casts Lots

1 Samuel 14:36-52

Main Thought

Saul seeks guidance from the Lord, but only for his own ends.

Head

1. What did Saul plan to do by night?

2. Why didn’t God answer Saul when he inquired of him? (v. 37)

3. What did Saul do to find out who sinned?

4. What were the Urim and Thummim? How were they used? (see Exod. 28:30; Num. 27:21; Ezra 2:63)

5. What did Saul plan to do when Jonathan was singled out by lot as the one who sinned?

6. How did the people react when the lot fell to Jonathan?

7. Why is Saul’s family mentioned in verses 49-51?

8. How was Abner related to Saul?

9. How long did Saul have to fight against the Philistines?

10. Why is it important for us to know that “when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself”? (v. 52)

Heart

1. Do you think Saul was seeking to do the Lord’s will when he inquired of him, or did he have other motives? Explain.

2. In the record of Saul’s accomplishments in battle (vv. 47-48) why isn’t God mentioned?

Hands

1. Do you think Jonathan sinned by eating the honey?

2. In your opinion, why didn’t Jonathan just admit that he ate some of the honey, instead of going through the process of casting lots?

3. If you had been Saul, would you have been so willing to kill Jonathan?

Saul Spares Agag

1 Samuel 15:1-11

Main Thought

Saul turns his back on God.

Head

1. What did Samuel mean when he said in verse one that the Lord sent him to anoint Saul king over Israel? Hadn’t Samuel already done that?

2. Why did the Lord want Saul to devote the Amalekites to destruction?

3. What did Samuel specifically list that should be devoted to destruction?

4. Who were the Kenites? (v. 6; see also Judg. 4:11)

5. Why did Saul spare the Kenites?

6. In what way did Saul disobey Samuel’s command from the Lord?

7. In verse ten, why was Samuel angry, and what was he crying to the Lord about?

Heart

1. According to verse one, why was it so important for Saul to listen to the words of the Lord? What does it tell you about Saul that he didn’t listen?

2. What do you think God meant when he said that he regretted having made Saul King? Does God ever show regret? (see 1 Sam. 15:29, 35; see also Jonah 3:10)

Hands

1. Why do you think Saul allowed some of the animals to be spared? Do you think he believed he could get away with it? Why wouldn’t he be able to get away with it?

2. Why was it so wrong for Saul to only destroy the things that were despised and worthless?

3. Why do you think Saul spared Agag?

4. Why was it so wrong to spare Agag?

The Lord Rejects Saul as King

1 Samuel 15:12-35

Main Thought

To obey is better than sacrifice.

Head

1. What had Saul set up for himself?

2. What did Saul say when he first greeted Samuel?

3. Why might Samuel have questioned Saul’s greeting? (compare v. 11 with v. 13)

4. How did Samuel respond to Saul?

5. How did Saul try shift the blame for Israel’s disobedience from himself to the people? (see vv. 20-21)

6. When Saul finally confessed his sin to Samuel in verse 24, whom did he say he feared more than the Lord?

7. How did Samuel’s robe get torn?

8. How did Agag die?

Heart

1. Was God fair when he rejected Saul as king?

2. Even though the kingdom had been torn from Saul, why did Saul still want Samuel to return with him?

3. Why do you think Samuel grieved over Saul?

Hands

1. What was wrong about what Saul said he did in verse 15?

2. Had Saul really obeyed the Lord and gone on the mission on which the Lord sent him? (see v. 20)

3. Do you think Saul believed he had performed the commandments of the Lord?

4. Why is obedience better than sacrifice?

Samuel Anoints David to be King

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Main Thought

The Lord chooses a man after his own heart to be king.

Head

1. Why did Samuel grieve over Saul?

2. Why did Samuel have to fill his horn with oil?

3. Why was Samuel afraid to go to Jesse the Bethlehemite?

4. What was it about Samuel that made the elders of Bethlehem tremble when he approached the city?

5. Why did Samuel tell Jesse’s family and the leaders of Bethlehem to consecrate themselves?

6. Why did Samuel think God would choose Eliab? Why did the Lord reject Eliab?

7. How many sons of Jesse passed by Samuel before David was called?

8. How did Samuel know that God had chosen David?

9. How does the Bible describe David’s appearance?

10. What happened to David after Samuel anointed him?

Heart

1. How does the Lord see you differently than other people see you?

2. How does the way God sees you affect your relationship with him?

3. After Samuel anointed David, what did the Holy Spirit do? Do you think the Holy Spirit helped David in a special way? How does the Holy Spirit help all Christians?

Hands

1. Read verse two again. Did God tell Samuel to tell a half-truth? Is a half-truth a lie?

2. Would David’s heart affect how he would serve as king? In what ways?

David Plays the Lyre for Saul

1 Samuel 16:14-23

Main Thought

David brings peace to a troubled king.

Head

1. How did the Spirit of the Lord treat Saul differently than David? (see vv. 13-14)

2. What spirit tormented Saul? Where did this spirit come from?

3. What did Saul’s servants suggest to Saul in order to ease the torment from this harmful spirit?

4. Who came to play the lyre?

5. Read the description of David in verse 18. Which  part of this description do you think Saul would have considered to be most important? Explain.

6. What did Jesse send with David when he sent him to Saul?

7. What did Saul think of David?

8. What did the harmful spirit do when David played the lyre?

Heart

1. How do you explain the Lord sending a harmful spirit to torment Saul? Does this sound like something God should be doing? Why did he do it?

2. In what ways can you tell from this story that David had found favor with God?

Hands

1. If you were Jesse, knowing that David had been anointed to be the next king, would you have sent David to Saul when he requested him? Why or why not?

2. If you were David and knew that you were anointed to be the next king, would you have served Saul the way David did?

A Song of a Shepherd

Psalm 23:1-6

Main Thought

Jesus cares for us like a shepherd cares for his sheep and like a host cares for his guest.

Head

1. Although Psalm 23 was probably written later in David’s life, how does it recall David’s earlier life as a shepherd?

2. What might have been happening later in David’s life that would make him want to recall his earlier life as a shepherd?

3. What does verse one mean when it says, “I shall not want”?

4. What would green pastures and still waters mean for a sheep?

5. In what way would a sheep encounter the valley of the shadow of death?

6. How can a rod and staff be a comfort?

7. Compare what the Lord does for David in verse five with what the enemies mentioned in verse five would like to do.

8. In verse five, how does the image change from the shepherd imagery in the first four verses?

Heart

1. Besides the shepherding images mentioned in this psalm, how might our relationship to the Lord be like a sheep’s relationship to a shepherd? What about a guest’s relationship to a host?

2. Why can David be so confident that what is mentioned in verse six will actually occur?

Hands

1. How does the Lord lead you to green pastures and still waters today?

2. When the Lord leads you in paths of righteousness, why does he do it for his name’s sake?

Israel Fears Goliath

1 Samuel 17:1-16

Main Thought

God highlights Saul’s inadequacies as king.

Head

1. When the Philistines and Israelites gathered for battle, the Philistines were on a mountain. Where were the Israelites and what was between them?

2. How tall was Goliath?

3. Describe Goliath’s armor and weapons.

4. What challenge did Goliath propose to Israel?

5. How did Saul and the Israelite army respond to Goliath’s challenge?

6. Which three sons of Jesse had gone with Saul into battle?

7. What was David doing when the oldest three sons of Jesse went off to battle?

8. How many days did Goliath issue his challenge?

Heart

1. Why do you think God sent Goliath to torment Israel?

2. In what ways does this story already show that God had withdrawn his favor from Saul?

3. In what way would Goliath’s words have offended God? Were Saul and the Israelites offended in the same way?

Hands

1. If you had been with the Israelite army watching and listening to Goliath across the valley, what would have been your reaction?

2. If Saul and the Israelites did not want to fight Goliath, what else could they have done to engage the Philistines in battle?

3. What should Saul and the Israelite army have done when Goliath issued his challenges?

David Takes Provisions to His Brothers

1 Samuel 17:17-30

Main Thought

David describes Goliath from God’s perspective.

Head

1. Why did David have to carry food to his brothers? Why did he also take food to his brothers’ commanders?

2. What did David do for his sheep before he left to go to his brothers?

3. What were the Israelite and Philistine armies doing when David arrived at the encampment?

4. What did the men of Israel do when Goliath came up out of the ranks and challenged them?

5. What did David say after he heard Goliath’s challenge?

Heart

1. Why was David so offended at what Goliath said? (see v. 26)

2. Why was Eliab so angry with David? Why might Eliab have been jealous of David?

3. Can you think of other examples in Scripture where brothers treated another brother similar to the way Eliab treated David? (for example see Gen. 37:4ff.)

Hands

1. What answers could David have easily given to Eliab’s questions in verse 28? According to verse 29, how did David answer him? Why?

2. Was it important that David had an answer for Eliab?

3. If you seek the Lord’s will in all that you do, will you ever be left without an answer for someone who questions your actions and motives? Explain.

4. Although David was not yet king, how did he establish his character as king in this story? Consider how he responded to Goliath and to Eliab.

Saul Sends David to Fight Goliath

1 Samuel 17:31-40

Main Thought

David trusts in the Lord’s deliverance.

Head

1. Why did Saul send for David?

2. How did Saul compare David’s ability to fight with Goliath’s ability to fight?

3. How did David describe his ability to fight?

4. What did Saul say to David when he finally allowed him to fight Goliath? (v. 37)

5. What did Saul give David before sending him into battle? (v. 38)

6. With what did David arm himself before approaching Goliath?

7. Where was David when he picked up the stones for his sling?

Heart

1. Why did Saul describe Goliath as stronger and more capable to fight than David? What was Saul forgetting?

2. What reason did David give for being so confident that he could strike down Goliath as easily as he struck down a lion or a bear?

3. Who was David relying on to deliver him from the lion, the bear, and Goliath?

4. How would you compare God’s strength to the strength of a lion? A bear? Goliath?

Hands

1. Compare Saul’s statement at the end of verse 37 with his actions in verse 38. Do you think Saul meant what he said in verse 37?

2. Was David relying on his skill with a sling to defeat Goliath?

3. Read Psalm 16. How was the Lord a refuge for David? How is the Lord a refuge for you?

David Fights Goliath

1 Samuel 17:41-58

Main Thought

David fought in the strength of the Lord, whom Goliath defied.

Head

1. When Goliath approached to fight, who went in front of him? Why?

2. What did Goliath think of David when they approached each other to fight?

3. What “stick” was Goliath referring to in verse 43? Which weapon of David did Goliath fail to see?

4. When Goliath advanced quickly toward David, what did David do?

5. What did David do to Goliath after Goliath fell?

6. What did the Philistine army do when they saw that Goliath was dead?

7. What did the men of Israel and Judah do when they saw the Philistine army fleeing?

8. How far did the Israelite army pursue the Philistines?

9. What did David do with Goliath’s armor?

10. Why did Saul want to know the name of David’s father?

Heart

1. In verse 45, David compared Goliath’s strength with the strength that he possessed. According to David, in what did Goliath trust for his strength? Where did David find his strength?

2. What was Goliath’s attitude toward the source of David’s strength?

Hands

1. Read verses 46 and 47 again. Why do you think David took the time to say these words instead of just slinging the stone?

2. Was the stone finding its mark a result of God’s guidance, David’s skill with a sling, or both?

Saul’s Jealousy of David

1 Samuel 18:1-16

Main Thought

Saul understands his rejection from the Lord and despises David because of it.

Head

1. When did Jonathan become friends with David? How does verse one describe their relationship?

2. Why didn’t Saul let David return to his father’s house?

3. Why did Jonathan make a covenant with David?

4. What did Jonathan give to David?

5. How successful was David as a fighter? What promotion did Saul give him?

6. What did the women of Israel do that made Saul very angry?

7. What came upon Saul the day after he became angry with David?

8. What did Saul try to do to David?

9. Why was Saul afraid of David?

Heart

1. Why would Saul be angry that David killed ten thousand Philistines?

2. What do you think Saul was worried would happen if he allowed David to live?

3. Why did Saul stand in “fearful awe” of David? (see v. 15)

4. Do you think Saul stood in fearful awe of God?

Hands

1. How did Saul’s behavior toward David change after he heard the song of the Israelite women?

2. What effect would the Spirit leaving Saul have on Saul’s life?

3. What effect would the Lord being with David have on David’s life?

David Marries Michal

1 Samuel 18:17-30

Main Thought

Saul’s fear of David increases with David’s continued success.

Head

1. What did Saul ask of David in return for allowing David to marry his daughter Merab?

2. Why did Saul want David to fight so many battles?

3. What happened when Merab was ready to marry?

4. Why was Saul so pleased that Michal loved David?

5. Whom did Saul ask to convince David to marry Michal?

6. Why did David still refuse?

7. What finally convinced David to marry Michal?

8. What did Saul think would happen to David?

9. What made Saul even more afraid of David?

Heart

1. If Saul knew that the Lord was with David, why do you think he still tried to kill him?

2. It seems that the more successful David was, the more Saul hated him. Is David’s experience with Saul comparable to modern Christians’ experience with non-Christians? Why or why not?

Hands

1. What do you think about how Saul treated his daughters?

2. In what ways did Saul try to disguise his real motives in his relationship with David?

3. In this story, Saul sent David into battle hoping that he would be killed. When did David try something similar later in his life? (see 2 Sam. 11:15) How did David show that even then his heart was different than Saul’s? (see 2 Sam. 12:13; Psalm 51)

Saul Tries to Kill David

1 Samuel 19:1-10

Main Thought

Saul enlists the help of others in his attempt to kill David.

Head

1. What did Saul want Jonathan to do?

2. What did Jonathan do instead?

3. How did Jonathan try to help David?

4. What reasons did Jonathan give for why Saul should change his mind about David?

5. Were Saul and David reconciled?

6. What happened to make Saul hate David again?

7. From where did the harmful spirit come? Why?

8. What did Saul try to do to David?

9. What did David do after he dodged the spear?

Heart

1. When Jonathan talked with Saul, he said that “the Lord worked a great salvation for all Israel” through David. Do you think Jonathan meant what he said? Why or why not?

2. Saul replied to Jonathan, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.” Do you think Saul meant what he said? Why or why not?

3. Do you think Saul would continue to uphold his word not to harm David? Why or why not?

Hands

1. In this story we see Saul moving from personal attempts to kill David to enlisting the help of those around him. How does this illustrate the progression of sin in a person’s life?

2. How did God show his care for David in the events of this story?

Michal Helps David Escape

1 Samuel 19:11-24

Main Thought

God exerts his will over Saul’s will.

Head

1. How did David escape from his house?

2. What did Michal do to hide David’s escape?

3. Why would Michal have had an image in the house? What might she have used the image for?

4. When Michal told Saul’s messengers that David was sick, what did Saul tell them to do?

5. In verse 17, did David actually threaten to kill Michal? Why would Michal claim that he did?

6. Where did David go after he escaped? Why do you think he went there?

7. When Saul sent the first set of messengers to take David, what happened to them?

8. What happened to the second set of messengers Saul sent?

9. What happened to the third set of messengers?

10. What happened to Saul when he finally went to get David himself?

Heart

1. If the Lord had left Saul, how was it possible for him to prophesy with the other prophets? How would you answer the question in verse 24?

2. How did God show his control over the lives of Saul and David in this story?

Hands

1. What did Michal do to protect David? Was she being obedient to God by protecting David in this way?

2. How was Saul humiliated in this story?

Jonathan Makes a Covenant with David

1 Samuel 20:1-17

Main Thought

Jonathan finds peace in abiding by God’s sovereign will.

Head

1. Where did David go after he fled from Saul at Ramah?

2. Why was Jonathan convinced that Saul was not trying to kill David?

3. Why was David equally convinced that Jonathan was wrong?

4. Although Jonathan didn’t think David’s life was in danger, how far was he willing to go to help David?

5. What test did David propose in order to determine whether or not Saul really wanted to kill him?

6. Why was David expected to attend Saul’s new moon feast?

7. How would Jonathan let David know the results of the test?

8. How do we know from this story that Jonathan understood the Lord was no longer with his father Saul?

9. What did Jonathan ask David to do for him as one of the stipulations of the covenant?

Heart

1. What kind of impact do you think Jonathan’s love for God and David’s love for God had on their friendship with each other? (see also 1 Sam. 20:23)

2. What did Jonathan mean when he asked David to “show me the steadfast love of the Lord” in verse 14?

Hands

1. How could David be certain that Jonathan wouldn’t turn him over to Saul? How had Jonathan proven himself a friend in the past?

2. From your knowledge of the Bible, how did David fulfill his promise to Jonathan? (see 2 Sam. 9:1-13)

Jonathan’s Arrows

1 Samuel 20:18-42

Main Thought

Jonathan sides with the Lord and David instead of with his father Saul.

Head

1. How would Jonathan use his arrows to tell David if Saul wanted to kill him?

2. What did Saul think when David was absent on the first day of the feast?

3. Why couldn’t David have come to the feast if he had been unclean?

4. What did Saul do when David was absent the second day?

5. Why did Saul get so angry at Jonathan?

6. What reason did Saul give for wanting David to die?

7. When Jonathan tried to argue with Saul, what did Saul throw at him?

8. At what other time did Saul throw a spear at someone? (see 18:10-11)

9. Why is it ironic that Saul hurled a spear at Jonathan?

10. After Jonathan had delivered his message to David, why did he send the boy back to the city with the weapons?

Heart

1. If Saul knew from Samuel that the kingdom would be torn from him, why do you think he worked so hard to hold on to it?

2. If you were in a situation like David’s would you feel close to God or far from him? Explain.

Hands

1. In this story, Jonathan turned against his father in favor of his covenant with David, and actively helped David escape. Do you think Jonathan ever regretted his actions?

2. Why do you think this portion of the story records Jonathan saying several things, but David saying nothing?

David Receives Help from Ahimelech

1 Samuel 21:1-9

Main Thought

David begins life as a fugitive.

Head

1. How can you tell from the beginning of this story that Ahimelech was suspicious of David’s activities?

2. Did Ahimelech have a good reason to be suspicious?

3. How did David answer Ahimelech when Ahimelech questioned him?

4. In your opinion, do you think Ahimelech believed that David was on the king’s business?

5. What did Ahimelech give David to eat?

6. Did the Law of Moses allow David and his men to eat the holy bread? (see Lev. 24:5-9)

7. In addition to Ahimelech, David, and David’s men, who else was present that day?

8. What nationality was Doeg?

9. Along with the bread, what else did Ahimelech give to David?

Heart

1. What possible reasons might David have had for not wanting Ahimelech to know the true nature of his travel?

2. Do you think David ever asked God why this was happening to him?

Hands

1. Why do you think David went to Ahimelech for help instead of to an ordinary Israelite?

2. Did David lie to Ahimelech? Was it right or wrong of him to speak to Ahimelech the way he did?

3. Was it right of Ahimelech to give David the bread of the Presence to eat? (see also Matt. 12:3-4)

David on the Run

1 Samuel 21:10–22:5

Main Thought

David fears for his life, but remains faithful to his God.

Head

1. Where did David go when he fled from Saul?

2. Was Gath an Israelite city?

3. Did the servants of Achish trust David?

4. Why might the servants of Achish have called David “the king of the land”? (see v. 11)

5. What did David do to make sure that Achish didn’t fear him?

6. When David left Achish, where did he go?

7. Who met David at the cave?

8. Why might David’s family want to join David in the cave?

9. Why would people in distress, in debt, or bitter in soul want to join David at the cave?

10. Why did David leave his father and mother with the king of Moab? (Hint: Who was Jesse’s grandmother?)

11. Who told David to go back to Judah?

Heart

1. When David pretended to be mad was he showing a lack of trust in God’s providence? In what way might this event have shown that God continued to protect David?

2. Why do you think the prophet Gad told David not to remain in the stronghold but to return to the land of Judah?

Hands

1. What reasons might David have had for fleeing to Achish king of Gath? Would any of his reasons have been good reasons?

2. How did David show his faith in this story?

Saul Kills Ahimelech and His Family

1 Samuel 22:6-23

Main Thought

Saul destroys the Lord’s priests while David provides life and hope.

Head

1. What question did Saul ask the people of Benjamin?

2. Who else angered Saul besides David?

3. Who told Saul where David was? How did he know where David was?

4. When Saul summoned Ahimelech and his family, how do we know that Saul had already made up his mind that Ahimelech was guilty? (see v. 13)

5. How did Ahimelech answer Saul? Was Ahimelech telling the truth?

6. Whom did Saul command to kill Ahimelech and his family? Who ended up killing them?

7. Which member of Ahimelech’s family escaped? Where did he flee?

Heart

1. Does Saul sound like he is whining in verses seven and eight? Explain.

2. How does Saul’s question in verses seven through eight show his misunderstanding of the king’s role in Israel?

3. In verse eight Saul accused David of lying in wait for him. Was David actually lying in wait for Saul? What is ironic about Saul’s statement? How does this show the difference between David’s heart and Saul’s heart?

4. Compare 1 Samuel 22:19 with 15:3. How do these two stories show Saul’s true heart?

Hands

1. When David heard about the death of the priests, whom did he blame?

2. What did David do when he heard about the death of the priests?

David Saves Keilah

1 Samuel 23:1-14

Main Thought

David’s faithfulness to God is placed in stark contrast with the ingratitude of the people of Keilah.

Head

1. What were the Philistines doing to the city of Keilah?

2. How did David decide whether or not to fight for Keilah?

3. Why did David inquire of God a second time?

4. What did Saul do when he heard that David was at Keilah?

5. Why did David inquire of the Lord a third time?

6. What did David do after hearing from the Lord a third time?

Heart

1. How did David show his dependence on God in this story?

2. How did God show his care for David in this story?

3. If God knew what Saul would do and what the men of Keilah would do, why do you think he told David and his men to go to Keilah and fight the Philistines?

Hands

1. Do you think the people of Keilah appreciated David saving them from the Philistines?

2. Do you think the people of Keilah were more afraid of Saul or the Philistines?

3. If David had known how the people of Keilah would treat him, do you think he would have saved them in the first place?

4. Should David have listened to his men when they resisted going to battle against the Philistines at Keilah?

5. Do you consider both good and bad circumstances in your life to have come from the hand of God? How do you respond to them?

Saul Breaks Off His Pursuit

1 Samuel 23:15-29

Main Thought

God provides David a way of escape.

Head

1. Why was David in the wilderness of Ziph?

2. Why did Jonathan come to visit David?

3. What did Jonathan tell David?

4. In your opinion, between David and Jonathan, who was more certain that David would one day be king? Explain.

5. Why did the Ziphites contact Saul?

6. What did Saul tell the Ziphites to do?

7. How close did Saul get to David when David was fleeing from him?

8. Why did Saul break off his pursuit?

Heart

1. When might David have questioned whether or not God was in control of the situation in Ziph?

2. When might David have been more certain that God was in control?

3. Was there ever a time in any part of this story when God wasn’t in control?

Hands

1. How did Jonathan act as a true friend?

2. Do you think Jonathan simply acknowledged that David would be king, or did he actively seek to establish David as king?

3. Do you think the Ziphites gave David up because of their fear of Saul or their dislike of David?

4. If you had been David, how would you have responded to the events in this story? Read Psalm 54 to see how David responded.

David Spares Saul’s Life

1 Samuel 24:1-22

Main Thought

David shows his worthiness to be king.

Head

1. What did Saul do as soon as he was finished fighting with the Philistines?

2. How many men did Saul take with him to catch David?

3. How did it happen that Saul and David ended up in the same cave?

4. What did David’s men want David to do?

5. What did David do instead?

6. What did David do after Saul left the cave?

7. Why did David show the piece of Saul’s robe?

8. Why did Saul admit that David would one day be king?

9. What agreement, or covenant, did Saul make with David?

10. Why might the agreement have been easy for David to make?

Heart

1. When David’s men tried to convince David that God had put Saul in a compromising place for David’s benefit, how did David know that God did not want him to kill Saul?

2. Why was David still so afraid to put out his hand against the Lord’s anointed?

Hands

1. How did cutting off a corner of Saul’s robe prove David’s bravery? How did it prove David’s loyalty to Saul? How did it prove David’s faithfulness to God?

2. Why do you think Saul admitted that David was more righteous than he? How did David’s words and actions influence Saul’s admission?

David Protects Nabal’s Flocks

1 Samuel 25:1-17

Main Thought

David’s rashness is exposed by Nabal’s foolishness.

Head

1. Why might Samuel’s death have posed a problem for David?

2. Why might David have traveled to the wilderness of Paran?

3. If you have a Bible map, can you find Carmel and Maon in southern Judah? (Note: This is a different Carmel than Mt. Carmel in northern Israel.)

4. What was Nabal’s personality like in comparison to Abigail’s?

5. What did David ask of Nabal?

6. Why do you think Nabal answered David so harshly? Explain.

7. What did David plan to do because of Nabal’s answer?

8. What did Nabal’s servants think of Nabal?

Heart

1. In what way did Nabal show his foolish heart in this story?

2. How would you describe David’s heart in this story? Was he being wise or foolish?

3. In your opinion, who showed the most wisdom: Nabal, David,or Nabal’s servants?

4. Do you think David’s interaction with Nabal could have been a way to test David’s heart? How well do you think David stood the test?

Hands

1. Why might David have been justified in asking Nabal for provisions?

2. Why might Nabal have considered himself justified in refusing to give David provisions?

3. Would David have been right in killing Nabal for not giving him provisions?

Abigail Brings Food to David

1 Samuel 25:18-44

Main Thought

The Lord saves David from bloodguilt through the wise actions of Abigail.

Head

1. In verse 18, why was Abigail in such a hurry?

2. Why do you think Abigail told her young men to go before her when she went to meet David? Can you think of someone else in the Bible who did something similar? (see Gen. 32)

3. Why didn’t Abigail tell Nabal what she was doing?

4. How angry was David at Nabal? How can you tell?

5. How did Abigail treat David when she met him?

6. How did Abigail describe her husband to David?

7. What would have happened to Nabal if Abigail hadn’t come with gifts for David?

8. Was David glad that Abigail came? Why?

9. What did David mean in verse 35 when he told Abigail to go in peace to her house?

10. What happened to Nabal when Abigail told him what she had done?

11. What did David do for Abigail after Nabal died?

Heart

1. How did the Lord restrain David from bloodguilt? Why do you think the Lord did this? (see v. 28)

2. According to Abigail in verse 29, how would the Lord take care of David? Was she right?

Hands

1. If David had killed Nabal, how would that deed have affected him in the future? (see vv. 30-31)

David Sneaks into Saul’s Camp

1 Samuel 26:1-12

Main Thought

David is again spared from bloodguilt.

Head

1. When we encountered the Ziphites earlier in chapter 23, what were they doing? What were they doing in this chapter?

2. How many men did Saul take with him?

3. How did David know where Saul was camped?

4. Why do you think David went to where Saul was camped? Why didn’t David just run away?

5. Who went with David into Saul’s camp?

6. Where would Saul have been laying in the camp, on the edge or in the middle? How difficult would it have been to sneak that close to Saul?

7. What did Abishai want to do to Saul?

8. Why did David tell Abishai not to do it?

9. What did David do instead?

Heart

1. How did the Lord help David sneak into Saul’s camp? (see v. 12)

2. In the previous story, the Lord used Abigail to save David from bloodguilt. How did the Lord save David from bloodguilt in this story?

Hands

1. Judges 7:9-18 recounts the story of Gideon sneaking into the Midianites’ camp. How do Gideon’s actions in that story compare with David’s actions in this story?

2. Compare how Saul treated David in this story with how David treated Nabal in the previous story. How are the stories the same. How are they different?

David Confronts Saul

1 Samuel 26:13-25

Main Thought

David’s worthiness as king is confirmed again.

Head

1. What precaution did David take before he made himself known to Saul’s army?

2. Why did David call out to Abner and not Saul?

3. Why did David say Abner deserved to die?

4. How did David prove that he had gotten close enough to Saul to kill him?

5. Why do you think Saul called David, “my son”?

6. What did David try to tell Saul?

7. What did David do with Saul’s spear?

8. What blessing did Saul give to David before they went their separate ways? Did Saul’s blessing come true?

9. In chapter 24, David also confronted Saul when Saul was pursuing him. How is that story similar to today’s story? How is it different?

Heart

1. In verse 24, we might expect David to say something like, “As your life was precious this day in my sight, may my life be precious in your sight.” What did he say instead? Why?

2. In this story, David made numerous references to Saul as “the Lord’s anointed.” But David had also been anointed by the Lord. Why do you think David failed to mention his own anointing?

3. Do you think Saul meant what he said when he blessed David? Explain.

Hands

1. In verse 21 Saul admitted that he acted foolishly. How was Saul’s foolishness like Nabal’s foolishness?

David Escapes to the Philistines

1 Samuel 27:1-12

Main Thought

David allows fear to captivate his heart and control his actions.

Head

1. Where did David plan to go? Why?

2. How many men went with David?

3. Previously, when David met Achish the king of Gath, what did he do? (see 1 Sam. 21:10-15)

4. Why do you think David asked Achish to give him a place in one of the country towns instead of in the city of Gath?

5. What town did Achish give David?

6. Why was it ironic that a king of the Philistines gave David the town of Ziklag? (see Josh. 15:31 and 19:5)

7. How long did David live among the Philistines?

8. What did David do while he lived at Ziklag?

9. After he had made a raid, what would David tell Achish?

10. How did David make sure that news of what he was really doing would never reach Achish?

Heart

1. Why is it important to know that what David said in verse one he said “in his heart”?  What does verse one tell us about David’s heart?

2. How much was David controlled by fear in this story?

Hands

1. What did David do in this story that shows he had forgotten the Lord’s faithfulness to him?

2. Should David have fled to the Philistines? Explain.

3. Was it right of David to lie to Achish? Explain.

Saul Consults the Medium at Endor

1 Samuel 28:1-25

Main Thought

Saul discovers the fear that comes from being forsaken by the Lord.

Head

1. Why did David tell Achish that he would fight for him against Israel?

2. What is a necromancer?

3. Why do you think Saul removed the mediums and necromancers from the land?

4. Before consulting with the medium at Endor, what acceptable means did Saul use to inquire of the Lord? Why didn’t the Lord answer?

5. Why did Saul disguise himself before going to the medium?

6. How did the medium discover that she was talking to Saul?

7. Describe what the medium saw.

8. What did Saul want Samuel to do for him?

9. What did Samuel say was going to happen to Saul?

10. What did the medium do for Saul?

Heart

1. When Saul didn’t get an answer from the Lord through acceptable means, what was he really trying to do when he consulted the medium at Endor? Was he trying to control the Lord?

2. How might Christians today try to control the Lord?

3. Did Saul need to call Samuel back from the dead in order to learn what Samuel told him? Explain.

Hands

1. Several times throughout this story, Saul is described as being afraid and in great distress. What could Saul have done to rid himself of his fear? Why didn’t he do it?

2. What things did Saul do that increased his fear?

The Philistine Commanders Reject David

1 Samuel 29:1-11

Main Thought

The Lord rescues David from a serious predicament.

Head

1. In what predicament did David find himself at the beginning of this story?

2. Why did the Philistine commanders question David’s presence with Achish?

3. In verse three, how did Achish vouch for David?

4. What did the Philistine commanders think David would do in battle? (see 1 Sam. 14:21)

5. In verse six, how did Achish show his ignorance of David’s activities?

6. Do you think that David meant what he said to Achish in verse eight after Achish told him to leave? (see 1 Sam. 26:18; cf. 29:8)

7. What did David and his men end up doing?

Heart

1. If you were in David’s predicament and had the opportunity to pray to God, what would your prayer be?

2. Do you think David prayed a similar prayer? Explain.

3. How well do you think David showed his faithfulness to God in this story?

Hands

1. How had David been lying to Achish before this story? (see 1 Sam. 27:8-12)

2. In what way did David continue lying to Achish throughout this story?

3. What do you think David learned from the events in this story?

4. Did David’s actions reflect what he learned?

The Families of David and His Men Are Taken

1 Samuel 30:1-15

Main Thought

In the midst of tragedy, David strengthens himself in the Lord his God.

Head

1. What did the Amalekites do to Ziklag when David and his men were away?

2. How was the Amalekite raid on Ziklag different than the raids of David and his men that are recorded in 1 Samuel 27:8-12?

3. What happened to the wives and children of David and his men?

4. What did David’s men consider doing to him?

5. According to verse six, how did David strengthen himself?

6. When David inquired of the Lord, what was the Lord’s answer?

7. When David and his men pursued the Amalekites, why did 200 of his men stay behind at the brook Besor?

8. Why was the Egyptian by himself in the open country?

9. Why did David give the Egyptian water to drink and food to eat?

10. What did the Egyptian tell David about the families taken from Ziklag?

Heart

1. When David returned to Ziklag and discovered that his family was taken, do you think he questioned why God allowed this to happen?

2. How does David’s inquiry of the Lord differ from Saul’s inquiry of the Lord in chapter 28?

3. How do you see God’s hand at work in this story?

Hands

1. When all the others were bitter in soul (v. 6) what did David do?

2. How does this story compare to the story of Abram rescuing Lot and his family in Genesis 14?

David and His Men Rescue Their Families

1 Samuel 30:16-30

Main Thought

The Lord shows his grace to David and his men.

Head

1. What did David and his men see when they were shown the camp of the Amalekites?

2. How long did David and his men battle the Amalekites?

3. How many Amalekites escaped? How did they get away?

4. Why do you think verse 17 says that David struck down the Amalekites? Weren’t David’s men also involved in the fighting?

5. Were any people or possessions missing from what had been captured at Ziklag?

6. What else did David and his men capture?

7. What did the men who fought with David want to do to the two hundred men who stayed behind?

8. What rule did David make for treating those who went to battle and those who stayed behind?

9. Why do you think David sent part of the spoil to the elders of Judah?

Heart

1. What reason did David give in verse 23 for wanting to give equal spoils to the men who stayed behind?

2. How did David know that the Lord had preserved them and given into their hand the band that came against them?

Hands

1. How did God’s mercy and grace affect David’s treatment of the men who stayed behind?

2. How does God’s mercy and grace in your life affect how you treat others?

Saul and Jonathan Die in Battle

1 Samuel 31:1-13
Related passage: 1 Chronicles 10:1-14

Main Thought

Saul ends his life in a vain attempt to maintain his glory.

Head

1. How many sons of Saul died?

2. How was Saul wounded? How did Saul die?

3. Why did Saul’s armor bearer refuse to kill him?

4. What did the Israelites do when they saw that Saul and Jonathan were dead?

5. What did the Philistines do with Saul’s body?

6. Why do you think the men of Jabesh-gilead risked their lives to reclaim the bodies of Saul and his sons? (see 1 Sam. 11:1-11)

7. Why did the men of Jabesh-gilead burn the bodies?

Heart

1. Do you think God was protecting David by making sure he wasn’t involved in the battle in which Saul and Jonathan were killed?

2. Throughout his life, Saul sought his own glory rather than God’s. How does his story show the fleeting nature of personal glory? In what ways does this story show Saul’s glory torn from him?

Hands

1. If David had been Saul’s armor bearer, do you think he would have killed Saul like Saul requested? Why or why not?

2. In what ways did Saul’s deeds earlier in his life affect what happened to him in this chapter?

3. Many Puritans stressed the importance of dying well. Do you think living well has an effect on one’s ability to die well? Explain.

4. How did the actions of the men of Jabesh-gilead come back to them ? (see 2 Sam. 2:4-7)

David Learns of Saul’s Death

2 Samuel 1:1-16

Main Thought

David laments the death of the Lord’s anointed.

Head

1. After David returned to Ziklag with his family and possessions, how many days passed before he received news of Saul’s death?

2. Why did the man from Saul’s camp come with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head?

3. What lie did the Amalekite tell? How do we know that he lied? (see 1 Sam. 31) Why do you think the Amalekite decided to lie?

4. What two personal items from Saul did the Amalekite bring to David?

5. Why did the Amalekite only mention Saul and Jonathan and not Saul’s other two sons?

6. How did David respond to the news the Amalekite brought? How did David’s men respond? Why?

7. Why did David order the Amalekite be executed?

Heart

1. How had David’s life changed from when he discovered his family had been captured to when he learned of Saul’s death?

2. What part did God play in affecting that change?

3. Do you think David truly mourned for Saul? Was he truly sad that Saul had died? Explain.

Hands

1. How was David’s reaction to Saul’s death different than what the Amalekite and others would have expected?

2. In your opinion, how would David’s reaction to Saul’s death help to establish him as the king to succeed Saul?

3. Did the Amalekite receive justice at the hand of David, or was an injustice done?

David’s Lament

2 Samuel 1:17-27

Main Thought

David gives voice to his sorrow over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.

Head

1. What is a lament?

2. What is the Book of Jashar?

3. Who was the “glory” that David was referencing in verse 19?

4. Why shouldn’t people tell about the death of Saul in Gath and Ashkelon?

5. Why should no dew or rain fall on the mountains of Gilboa?

6. What did Saul do for the daughters of Israel?

7. Why was David distressed about the death of Jonathan?

8. How did David describe his relationship with Jonathan?

9. In what ways did Jonathan’s love for David surpass the love of women?

Heart

1. Knowing David’s friendship with Jonathan, it would be easy to understand his lamentation for him, but why would David lament over Saul?

2. In your opinion, why didn’t David include any references to God in this lament?

Hands

1. What actions of Saul did David mention in this lament? Are these actions praiseworthy?

2. Why do you think David didn’t mention more actions of Saul?

3. In these verses David lamented over his best friend and also his worst enemy. What can you tell from this lament about how David treated his friends and his enemies?

Two Kings

2 Samuel 2:1-11

Main Thought

David pursues God’s promise to make him king.

Head

1. Why would David want to return to Judah?

2. To which city did David return?

3. What were the towns of Hebron?

4. What did the men of Judah do to David at Hebron?

5. At this point, what was the extent of David’s rule?

6. What message did David give the men of Jabesh-gilead?

7. Why was this message important for the men of Jabesh-gilead to hear?

8. Did Abner want David to be king? What did he do with Ishbosheth?

9. Why might Abner be so intent on keeping Saul’s dynasty in place? (For a hint, see 1 Sam. 14:50.)

10. At this point, what was the extent of Ishbosheth’s rule?

11. How long did David rule at Hebron?

12. Why didn’t David go to Jerusalem to rule?

Heart

1. Why was it important for David to inquire of the Lord at the beginning of this story?

2. Knowing what Samuel had already told David, and what Saul confirmed to David, what could David rightfully expect from the Lord at this point?

Hands

1. Even though the Lord had promised the throne to David, what did David do in this story to ensure that he would be made king? Did David need to do these things? Should he have done them?

The Battle of Gibeon

2 Samuel 2:12-32

Main Thought

Israel enters into a civil war.

Head

1. What two armies fought in the Battle of Gibeon?

2. Describe the competition that Abner suggested. What happened to the men who competed?

3. Which army was defeated?

4. Name the three brothers who were sons of Zeruiah.

5. Who was Zeruiah? (see 1 Chron. 2:15-16)

6. How important were these three brothers to David? (see 2 Sam. 2:28; 23:18, 24)

7. What happened to Asahel when he pursued Abner? What did Abner do to try to avoid killing Asahel?

8. What did Abner say that made Joab decide to end the battle?

9. After the battle was ended, why did Joab and his men go through the Arabah at night?

Heart

1. Do you think David wanted to fight this war against the house of Saul? Why do you think he went to war?

2. How might David’s attitude toward this battle have been different than his attitude toward the non-Israelite cities that he raided in 1 Samuel 27?

Hands

1. If you had been Joab, would you have agreed to the contest that Abner suggested? Why or why not?

2. Would you consider Asahel zealous or would you consider him foolish for the way he pursued Abner? Why?

Abner Joins David

2 Samuel 3:1-25

Main Thought

Abner shows that his loyalty is primarily to himself.

Head

1. How many sons were born to David at Hebron?

2. How many of David’s sons were older than Solomon? Which of these sons would eventually attempt to become king before David appointed Solomon? (see 2 Sam. 13-18; 1 Kings 1-2)

3. How did Abner attempt to strengthen his position in Saul’s house

4. What did Ish-bosheth think of what Abner had done?

5. Why did Abner leave Ish-bosheth to join David?

6. Between Abner and Ish-bosheth, who was stronger and who was weaker?

7. What did David require before he allowed Abner to join him?

8. What did Abner say to Israel and Benjamin in order to get them to go over to David’s side?

9. What did Joab think about Abner joining David’s army? Why might Joab have thought that about Abner?

Heart

1. How did God make David increasingly stronger in this story?

2. How did God make the house of Saul weaker and weaker?

3. Do you think Abner joined David because David was God’s anointed? Why or why not?

Hands

1. How does this story show that David was not responsible for the death of Abner. Why was that important?

2. Do you think it was right of David to make Michal return to him as his wife? Explain.

The Murder of Abner

2 Samuel 3:26-39

Main Thought

Joab shows his murderous nature.

Head

1. Why did Joab kill Abner?

2. Did Abner deserve to die for Asahel’s death?

3. Why did David make a point of saying that he was guiltless for the death of Abner? Why do you think David included “my kingdom” as being guiltless?

4. In 2 Samuel 11, Joab participated in another murder. Who was guilty of that  murder?

5. In 2 Samuel 18:14, Joab killed another man. Was this killing justified?

6. What about the killing mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:8-10? Was this killing justified?

7. What did David make Joab do after Abner was dead?

8. Why did David sing a lament for Abner?

9. Why did all the people weep over Abner?

10. Why did David’s reaction to Abner’s death please the people?

Heart

1. What was it about Joab that made him kill so much?

2. Why do you think David kept a man like Joab around?

Hands

1. What consequences did David say would come upon the household of Joab? Do you think the consequence were deserved?

2. What did David later ask Solomon to do to Joab as a result of this murder? (see 1 Kings 2:5)

3. Did Solomon fulfill David’s request? (see 1 Kings 2:28-31)

The Murder of Ish-bosheth

2 Samuel 4:1-12

Main Thought

David refused to commend the murderous deeds of evil men.

Head

1. Why did Ish-bosheth’s courage fail when he learned that Abner had died?

2. Why does the story mention Saul’s other son, Mephibosheth?

3. What happened that caused Mephibosheth to be crippled?

4. How did Rimmon and Rechab kill Ish-bosheth? What did Rimmon and Rechab take with them when they escaped?

5. What did David think of Rimmon and Rechab’s act? What did he do to Rimmon and Rechab?

6. What did David do with the head of Ish-bosheth?

7. Why do you think no mention is made of the people weeping over Ish-bosheth the way they wept over Abner?

Heart

1. Was Ish-bosheth a “righteous man”? (see v. 11)

2. Why do you think David played a passive role in Ish-bosheth’s death and in Abner’s death in the previous story?

3. Could God have strengthened David’s kingship without the deaths of Abner and Ish-bosheth?

4. In what ways do the stories of Abner and Ish-bosheth’s deaths illustrate how God uses even sin and evil to fulfill his purposes?

Hands

1. What do you think motivated Rimmon and Rechab to kill Ish-bosheth? Do you think they were looking for a reward? Do you think they assumed they could get away with it?

2. What are some reasons that we might be motivated to do things that we normally wouldn’t do?

David Is Anointed King of Israel

2 Samuel 5:1-16
Related passages: 1 Chronicles 11:1-9; 14:1-7

Main Thought

The Lord establishes David as king for the sake of his people Israel.

Head

1. According to verses one and two, what reasons did the people give for wanting to make David king??

2. What did the tribes of Israel mean when they told David, “We are your bone and flesh”?

3. What did they mean when they said, “It was you who led out and brought in Israel”?

4. What is different between David’s being anointed king in 5:3 and his being anointed king in 2:4?

5. How old was David when he became king? How long did he reign?

6. Why did David go to Jerusalem?

7. What did the Jebusites think about David’s ability to capture the city?

8. What role did the water shaft play in David capturing the city?

9. What does “Zion” mean?

10. Who was Hiram?

11. How did Hiram’s actions encourage David?

Heart

1. According to verse ten, who made it possible for David to become greater and greater?

2. What reason did the author give for the Lord establishing David as king and exalting his kingdom?

Hands

1. How would David’s action of taking more concubines and wives cause trouble for him and his descendants?

David Defeats the Philistines

2 Samuel 5:17-25
Related passage: 1 Chronicles 14:8-17

Main Thought

The Lord bursts through against David’s enemies.

Head

1. Why would the Philistines search for David after they heard that he had been anointed king over Israel?

2. Where was the Valley of Rephaim?

3. Why did David go to the stronghold?

4. Why did David inquire of the Lord?

5. What did the Lord tell David to do?

6. Where was Baal-perazim?

7. What did David and his men do with the idols the Philistines left at Baal-perazim?

8. What answer did the Lord give when David inquired of him a second time?

9. How was the second battle different than the first?

10. Where is Geba? Where is Gezer?

Heart

1. Name at least two ways that David acknowledged the Lord’s power over the enemies of Israel.

2. Using examples from this story, how would you describe David’s relationship with the Lord?

Hands

1. Why do you think the Lord commanded David to fight the two battles using two different strategies?

2. In what ways did David show his leadership over the people of Israel in this story?

Uzzah and the Ark

1 Chronicles 13:1-14
Related passage: 2 Samuel 6:1-11

Main Thought

David and the Israelites learn the harsh consequences of disobedience.

Head

1. Why was the ark in Kiriath-jearim? (see 1 Sam. 6:21–7:2)

2. With whom did David consult when deciding to bring the ark from Kiriath-Jearim? With whom did he not consult?

3. How did David determine whether the decision to move the ark was from the Lord?

4. How far apart were the Nile of Egypt and Lebo-hamath? (see v. 5)

5. What did David and the Israelites use to carry the ark? Who else transported the ark in this way? (see 1 Sam. 6:7)

6. Why was using a new cart wrong? (see Exod. 25:14)

7. Who were driving the cart?

8. What did David and the Israelites do while the ark was being transported?

9. What did Uzzah do that caused his death?

10. Why was Uzzah’s act so wrong? (see Num. 4:15)

Heart

1. Does David’s action seem better or worse than what was done in the days of Saul? (see v. 3)

2. Why might verse four indicate a problem with David’s decision?

3. Why do you think the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom?

Hands

1. Did David have a right to be angry because of what God did to Uzzah? (see v. 12)

2. What did David do in his anger?

The Ark Is Brought to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 6:12-23
Related passage: 1 Chronicles 15:1–16:43

Main Thought

David honors the Lord in word and deed.

Head

1. Why did David decide to bring the ark from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem?

2. What did David do after those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps? Why?

3. Why did David dance before the Lord?

4. Why did David wear an ephod when he danced? Can you think of another person from the Bible who wasn’t a priest but also wore a linen ephod? (see 1 Sam. 2:18)

5. Why didn’t Michal like what David was doing?

6. Where did they bring the ark?

7. What did David give to the people after he finished offering the burnt offerings and peace offerings? Why?

8. Who did David say would honor him more than Michal?

9. What was David’s relationship with Michal like after this?

Heart

1. How would you describe Obed-edom’s relationship with the Lord?

2. Do you think the Lord was pleased with the way David brought the ark to Jerusalem?

3. What do you think pleased the Lord the most?

Hands

1. What did David say about his actions when responding to Michal?

2. What did David’s actions say about his relationship with the Lord?

3. What do our actions say about our relationship to the Lord?

God Makes a Covenant with David

2 Samuel 7:1-17
Related passage: 1 Chronicles 17:1-15

Main Thought

When David decides to build a house for the Lord, the Lord instead promises to build David’s house.

Head

1. What three houses are mentioned in this story?

2. According to verse one, what had David already accomplished before he decided to build a house for the Lord?

3. Who was Nathan? Why did David tell Nathan about his plans to build a temple to the Lord?

4. What did Nathan originally think of David’s plans?

5. What did the Lord think of David’s plans?

6. What did the Lord say he had done for David in the past?

7. What did the Lord say he would do for David in the future?

8. What did the Lord say he would do for his people Israel?

Heart

1. What did God mean when he said in verse 14 that he would be a father to David’s offspring, and David’s offspring would be to a son to him?

2. How does verse 14 apply to Jesus Christ? (see Heb. 1:5 and Luke 1:31-33)

3. When God talked about David’s offspring, he said, “I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him....” How can God show discipline and love at the same time?

Hands

1. Why was it inappropriate for David to build a house for God?

2. When might it be inappropriate to “do great things for God”?

David’s Prayer

2 Samuel 7:18-29
Related passage: 1 Chronicles 17:16-27

Main Thought

David lays claim to God’s promises to him and to his house.

Head

1. What had the Lord promised David?

2. According to David in verse 21, what prompted God to do what he did?

3. How did David describe the Lord in this story?

4. How did David describe what God did for Israel in this story?

5. What kind of relationship did God establish with Israel?

6. What kind of relationship did God establish with David?

7. How did David want God to confirm the promises he made concerning David?

8. Why did David want God to bless him in this way?

Heart

1. Why do you think God told David about what he planned to do for David’s house in the future?

2. Was God playing favorites when he treated David this way?

3. In what ways were the promises God made to David intended as blessings for all the world?

4. What attributes of God did David mention in this prayer?

5. How does God display his attributes today?

Hands

1. How did David show his humility in this prayer? What caused David to be so humble?

2. What parts of David’s prayer can you use as a pattern for your own prayers?

Some of David’s Many Victories

2 Samuel 8:1-18

Main Thought

The Lord shows that he is with David by granting him many victories.

Head

1. Had the Philistines been subdued before David?

2. What did David do to the Moabites after he defeated them?

3. What did David do to the army of Hadadezer?

4. What did David do to the Syrians of Damascus?

5. What are garrisons? How did David use them?

6. What did Toi king of Hamath do for David? Why?

7. What might David have done with the shields of gold that he took from the servants of Hadadezer and the silver, gold, and bronze he received from Toi?

8. What did David do to the Edomites?

9. Who was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada? (see 2 Sam. 23:20-23)

10. Who were the Cherethites and the Pelethites?

11. If David’s sons were priests, do you think they functioned in the same capacity as the Levitical priests? Explain.

Heart

1. How do we know that David gained all these victories because of the Lord?

2. Do you think the Lord approved of what David did to his enemies?

Hands

1. Do you think the nations around Israel considered David’s actions brutal? Why or why not?

2. According to verse 15, David administered justice and equity to all his people. Is justice and equity present in the victories recounted in this chapter?

David Shows Kindness to Mephibosheth

2 Samuel 9:1-13

Main Thought

David keeps his word.

Head

1. Why would David want to show kindness to someone from the household of Saul?

2. What was ironic about the way that Ziba responded to David when David asked him, “Are you Ziba?”

3. What other motives might Ziba have attributed to David besides wanting to do something nice for Saul’s household?

4. What was wrong with Mephibosheth? What happened to make him that way? (see 2 Sam. 4:4)

5. Do you think Mephibosheth was afraid when he was brought before David? Did he have any reason to be afraid?

6. What did David say he was going to do for Mephibosheth?

7. Why would Mephibosheth call himself a dead dog?

8. What did David tell Ziba to do for Mephibosheth?

Heart

1. How did David’s kindness to Mephibosheth reflect his relationship to Jonathan? How did it reflect his relationship to God?

2. In what way was the relationship of David and Mephibosheth like the relationship between Jesus Christ and us?

3. In what way was the relationship of David and Mephibosheth different than the relationship between Jesus Christ and us?

Hands

1. How does David show that he is a man of his word in this story? (see 1 Sam. 20:12-17)

2. How did Mephibosheth later acknowledge the grace that David had shown him? (see 2 Sam. 19:24-30)

David Defeats the Ammonites

2 Samuel 10:1-19
Related passage:1 Chronicles 19:1-19

Main Thought

God builds David’s kingdom.

Head

1. Why did David want to deal loyally with the Ammonites?

2. Why might the Ammonites be suspicious of David sending servants to comfort Hanun?

3. What does verse six mean when it says that the Ammonites “had become a stench to David”?

4. What military strategy did the Ammonites and Syrians use against the Israelite army commanded by Joab?

5. What military strategy did Joab use to fight against the Ammonites and Syrians?

6. Who fled first, the Ammonites or the Syrians?

7. What did the Syrians do when they realized they had been defeated by Israel?

8. Who went out to fight against the Syrians a second time?

9. By the end of this chapter, what were the Assyrians afraid to do?

Heart

1. Do you think Joab meant what he said in verse 12? Explain why or why not, using examples from Joab’s past.

2. How did God use the events of this story to build David’s kingdom?

Hands

1. What effect did Hanun’s actions toward David’s servants have on the relationship between Ammon and Israel?

2. Joab put his trust in the Lord, but he also was determined to put up a good fight against the Ammonites and Syrians. Is it possible to have faith and to rely on human effort at the same time? Explain.

David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11:1-13

Main Thought

David falls into a downward spiral of sin.

Head

1. Why is the spring of the year described in verse one as “the time when kings go out to battle”?

2. According to verse one, who went out to battle? Who didn’t go? Why didn’t he go?

3. At what point in the story did David learn that Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

4. What relationship did David already have with Uriah? (see 2 Sam. 23:8, 39)

5. What resulted from David’s sin with Bathsheba?

6. In this first part of the story, how did David try to cover up his sin?

7. What reason did Uriah give for not going home to his wife?

8. Why would it have been wrong for Uriah to have sexual relations with his wife at this time? (see Exod. 19:15; Lev. 15:18; 1 Sam. 21:5)

9. How did David try to get Uriah to go home to Bathsheba a second time? What did Uriah do that messed up David’s plans?

Heart

1. In what way was Uriah more righteous than David in this story?

Hands

1. How did David put himself into a situation that led to temptation?

2. After David sinned with Bathsheba, what other sins did he commit in trying to cover up the first sin?

3. Do sins sometimes have a way of a way multiplying, where one sin leads to another and another? Explain.

4. What has to happened to stop that cycle of sin?

David Plans Uriah’s Death

2 Samuel 11:14-27

Main Thought

David adds sin upon sin.

Head

1. What did David write in the letter he sent to Joab? Who carried the letter to Joab?

2. How did Joab carry out David’s orders?

3. How did Joab make sure that David would not get angry because of the casualties Joab caused?

4. In verse 21, who was Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? (see Judg. 9:1-57)

5. What was so dangerous about going near a city wall in battle?

6. What did Bathsheba do after she learned that Uriah had died?

Heart

1. Do you think Joab felt bad about following David’s orders regarding Uriah?

2. Was it right of David to encourage Joab after he learned of Uriah’s death? Why do you think he did it?

3. How can we tell from this story that David would not get away with arranging Uriah’s death? (see v. 27)

4. In many Bible stories we see qualities in David that prefigure the same qualities in Jesus Christ. How does this story show qualities in David that are just the opposite of Jesus Christ?

Hands

1. When David planned Uriah’s death, do you think he assumed he could get away with it?

2. Why is it always wrong to assume you can get away with sin?

3. How did David’s sin with Bathsheba and his attempted cover up affect the lives of others?

Nathan Rebukes David

2 Samuel 12:1-15a

Main Thought

David learns the consequences of his sin.

Head

1. Who was Nathan?

2. When was the last time Nathan appeared in the Bible? What was he doing then? (see 2 Sam. 7)

3. What story did Nathan tell David?

4. What two reasons did David give for saying that the man in the story should die? How could both of these reasons be applied to David?

5. What blessing did the Lord say he showered on David?

6. What consequences would David suffer because of this sin? (see vv. 10, 11, 14)

7. How did David respond after he heard the word from the Lord?

8. What did Nathan tell David after David acknowledged his sin?

Heart

1. Why did David get so angry at the man in Nathan’s story?

2. What did the Lord mean when he said in verse nine, “Why have you despised the word of the Lord?”

3. Why did the Lord put away David’s sin?

Hands

1. Do you think David recognized himself as the man in the story before Nathan told him, “You are the man”? Should David have recognized himself?

2. Do you think David saw himself as less of a sinner than he really was? Explain.

3. What is easier for you to forget: 1) sins you commit against others, or 2) sins others commit against you? Why?

David Confesses His Sin

Psalm 51:1-19

Main Thought

David confesses his sin and seeks God’s mercy.

Head

1. On what occasion did David write this psalm?

2. How would you define “mercy”? How is mercy different from grace? Why did David need God’s mercy at this time?

3. Why did David say in verse four that he only sinned against the Lord? How was his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah a sin against the Lord?

4. When did David’s sin begin? (see v. 5 and its relationship to original sin)

5. Why would David want to be purged with hyssop? (see Lev. 14:6 and Num. 19:6)

6. Why would God not be pleased with sacrifice or burnt offerings? (see v. 16) When would he be pleased with them? (see v. 19)

7. What sacrifices does God want? (see v. 12)

Heart

1. List some places in the psalm where David expressed his guilt over his sin.

2. What did David mean in verse ten when he asked the Lord to create in him a clean heart? What did he mean when he asked the Lord to renew a right spirit in him?

Hands

1. According to David, was there anything he could do to purge himself of his sin?

2. What did David ask God to do regarding his sin? List several ways he described this throughout the psalm.

3. At what point in the psalm did David finally discuss what he would do? (see v. 13) Why did it come at this point in the psalm?

David’s Child Dies

2 Samuel 12:15b-25

Main Thought

David experiences God’s just judgment but also experiences his grace.

Head

1. How long did David fast for his child?

2. Should David have already known that his fasting would be futile? (see 2 Sam. 12:14)

3. What did the elders of the house try to do to David?

4. Why were David’s servants afraid to tell David that the child died?

5. Where did David go as soon as he learned that the child had died

6. What did he do there?

7. What did he do when he returned to his own house?

8. How did the Lord again show his grace to David? (see vv. 24-25)

9. What hint do we get from this story that the Lord would place Solomon on the throne after David?

10. What was Solomon’s other name? What does it mean?

Heart

1. Do you think it was fair for David’s child to die for David’s sin?

2. Was David trying to manipulate God by his fasting?

3. What can we learn about David’s relationship with the Lord from this story?

Hands

1. Were you surprised at David’s reaction when he learned that the child had died? Explain.

2. Do you think David fasted because he was sorry for his sin or because he wanted to save his child? Of those two reasons, what would have been the better reason for David to fast? Why?

David Captures Rabbah

2 Samuel 12:26-31
Related passage 1 Chronicles 20:1-3

Main Thought

David takes credit for the defeat of Rabbah.

Head

1. Where was Rabbah? What country was it in?

2. Why is it called “the royal city”?

3. What king lived in this royal city? (see 2 Sam. 10:1)

4. What war did Israel fight to defeat the Ammonites? (see 2 Sam. 10:6-19)

5. After the Israelites defeated the Syrians, they went back to take control of the royal city of the Ammonites. When do we learn that they went back to do this? (see 2 Sam. 11:1ff.)

6. What hint did Joab give that the siege of Rabbah took a long time?

7. What advantage might a “city of waters” have in a siege situation?

8. Why did Joab want David to come to Rabbah?

9. What did David do with the crown of the Ammonite king?

10. How large was the crown?

11. What did David do with the residents of Rabbah and the rest of the Ammonites?

Heart

1. Knowing what you know about David’s behavior during this war, why do you think God still let him win it? (see Deut. 23:3-6)

Hands

1. Did David deserve to wear the crown that he took from the king of Rabbah? Explain.

2. If you had been an Israelite at this time, would you have given credit for winning the war to David or to Joab? Explain.

Amnon and Tamar

2 Samuel 13:1-22

Main Thought

David’s sins and weaknesses have a devastating effect on his family.

Head

1. How was Absalom related to Tamar?

2. How was Amnon related to Tamar?

3. How was Jonadab related to Amnon?

4. Why do you think Jonadab addressed Amnon as “son of the king” when he asked him what was wrong?

5. What scheme did Jonadab devise?

6. How did Amnon ensnare the king in his scheme?

7. Why did Amnon have Tamar put out of his house? Why was this sin an even greater sin against Tamar than his violation of her?

8. How did Tamar respond to Amnon’s sin against her?

Heart

1. How does the sin of Amnon against Tamar compare with the sin of David with Bathsheba?

2. What does Amnon’s sin reveal about his heart?

3. What does Tamar’s response to Amnon reveal about her heart?

Hands

1. Was Amnon’s desire for Tamer love or lust? What is the difference?

2. Why do you think Amnon’s attitude toward Tamar changed after he violated her?

3. Verse 21 says that David was very angry when he heard what Amnon had done, but it doesn’t say that he did anything about it. Why do you think nothing is said about what David did in response?

4. Should Absalom have pushed David to do something? Why did he remain silent?

Absalom Murders Amnon

2 Samuel 13:23-39

Main Thought

Absalom gets revenge for Amnon’s treatment of his sister.

Head

1. What happened two years before this story?

2. Do you think Absalom wanted David to come with him like he asked in verse 24?

3. When Absalom asked if Amnon could go with him, why do you think David questioned him about it?

4. Why did the other sons of David flee? What other motive might they have attributed to Absalom, besides wanting to kill Amnon?

5. Why would news spread that Absalom had killed all the king’s sons?

6. Who told David that only Amnon was killed? Where have we heard of this person before? (see 2 Sam. 13:5)

7. What did Absalom do after he murdered Amnon?

8. Why would Absalom go to Talmai? (see 2 Sam. 3:3)

9. How long was Absalom at Geshur?

10. Do you think Absalom longed to see David as much as David longed to see Absalom?

Heart

1. Do you think David was ignorant of Absalom’s motives, or did he just naively hope that Absalom had forgotten Amnon’s sin against his sister?

2. Do you think David was comforted that only one of his sons was dead?

Hands

1. When David hesitated to let Amnon go with Absalom, what did Absalom do to finally get his way? Do you think he might have manipulated David like this before?

Absalom Returns to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 14:1-24

Main Thought

Joab finds a way to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem.

Head

1. What did Joab want to do for Absalom? What trick did he use to accomplish it?

2. How was the woman’s story similar to the story of Absalom and Amnon? How was it different?

3. What judgment did David give concerning the woman’s story?

4. How did the woman connect her story to the situation between David and Absalom?

5. Why did David suspected that Joab was involved in seeking Absalom’s return?

6. What reasons did the woman give for why Joab did this? What did Joab want changed about the current course of events?

7. Do you think David was ready to forgive Absalom?

8. What condition regarding Absalom’s return did David give?

Heart

1. If you had to describe the focus of David’s heart in this story, where would you put it? In his desire for justice? In his desire for mercy? In his desire to have Absalom back again?

2. Why do you think Joab wanted Absalom back to badly? What changed in their relationship between this story and 2 Samuel 18:4?

Hands

1. Did David allow himself to be manipulated in this story?

2. By permitting Absalom to return, was David reducing the consequences of Absalom’s deed?

3. By permitting Absalom to return, was David allowing for the possibility that Absalom would succeed him as king?

Absalom is Allowed into David’s Presence

2 Samuel 14:25-33

Main Thought

David accepts Absalom back into fellowship with him.

Head

1. How would you describe Absalom’s appearance?

2. Why might Absalom have named his daughter Tamar?

3. Why do you think Joab initially decided not to meet with Absalom

4. Do you think Joab had an idea of what Absalom wanted?

5. How did Absalom force Joab to come?

6. Why did Absalom go to Joab when he sought an audience with King David? How had Joab helped him in the past?

7. Was Absalom taking his life in his hands by requesting to enter into David’s presence? (see v. 32)

8. Did David show any resistance to Joab’s suggestion that Absalom again be allowed into his presence?

9. Why was it significant that David kissed Absalom?

Heart

1. Do you think the people of Israel were influenced to follow Absalom because of his appearance?

2. Is the Lord is influence by outward appearance? (see 1 Sam. 16:7)

3. How was David’s forgiveness of Absalom different than Christ’s forgiveness of our sins?

Hands

1. Why do you think David went back on his original command to not let Absalom return into his presence? Was it because Joab convinced him, or did David miss Absalom?

2. Should David have allowed Absalom back into his presence? Why or why not?

Absalom Conspires to be King

2 Samuel 15:1-12

Main Thought

Absalom steals the hearts of the Israelites.

Head

1. Why would Absalom want fifty men to run before him?

2. Explain what Absalom did to steal the hearts of the men of Israel.

3. How did Absalom’s actions by the city gate show that he wanted to be king?

4. If Absalom was the oldest son of David, why would he need to try to take the throne from David? Why might he have questioned his rights as the next in line for the throne?

5. What lie did Absalom tell David in order to go to Hebron? Why did he lie?

6. Who was Ahithophel? Why was it a blow to David when Ahithophel sided with Absalom?

7. By the end of this story, who was growing stronger with the people, David or Absalom?

Heart

1. Compare Absalom’s attempt to establish his kingship with the way David’s kingship was established in 2 Samuel 7:8-22. How were their attitudes toward the kingship different? How were their attitudes toward God different?

2. Why do you think God allowed Absalom to steal the hearts of the men of Israel?

Hands

1. Could David have done anything prior to this story to avoid having Absalom rebel in this way?

2. Did Ahithophel show wisdom when he decided to side with Absalom? Why do you think he did?

David Flees from Jerusalem

2 Samuel 15:13-37

Main Thought

David retreats to fight another day.

Head

1. How did David find out about Absalom’s conspiracy? Would it have been possible for David to have known about Absalom’s intentions before this?

2. What reason did David give for fleeing the city? Whom did David leave behind when he fled? Why?

3. Who was Ittai the Gittite? How long had he been with David?

4. Why did David tell Ittai to go back? What was Ittai’s answer?

5. Who were Abiathar and Zadok? (see 1 Sam. 22:20-22 and 2 Sam. 8:17)

6. What did David do as he ascended the Mount of Olives?

7. How did the Lord answer David’s prayer regarding Ahithophel?

Heart

1. What was Ittai willing to give up just to be with David? What was he willing to endure? Why?

2. When David sent the ark of God back to Jerusalem, what did he say about God’s control of the situation?

3. Compare David’s suffering on the Mount of Olives with Jesus’ suffering there.

Hands

1. What did David do for Ittai as a result of Ittai’s loyalty to him? (see 2 Sam. 18:2)

2. What network did David set up that showed that he wasn’t just going to give in to Absalom’s rebellion?

3. How do we know when it’s time to retreat and when it’s time to be aggressive in our struggle with those who are enemies of God?

Ziba and Shimei

2 Samuel 16:1-14

Main Thought

David meets two men who disrespect David in different ways.

Head

1. What summit had David just passed in verse one?

2. What did Ziba bring to David? Why?

3. What reason did Ziba give for Mephibosheth staying in Jerusalem?

4. What did David give to Ziba? Why?

5. Who was Shimei and why didn’t he like David?

6. What did Shimei say and do to David? Was Shimei correct in what he said about David?

7. What did Abishai want to do to Shimei?

8. Why did David stop Abishai?

9. At the end of this story, where was David?

Heart

1. When Saul was king, do you think David would have treated Saul the way Shimei treated David? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think David allowed Shimei to treat him this way?

3. According to David, who would avenge the wrong that Shimei was doing to David?

Hands

1. Do you think Ziba lied to David? What reason might he have had for lying? If he was lying, what does this say about his respect for David as king?

2. Do you think David made a wise judgment regarding Ziba and Mephibosheth, or did he judge too quickly? Explain.

3. Even if Shimei had been correct in his assessment of David, was it proper for him to treat David the way he did? Explain.

Salvation Belongs to the Lord

Psalm 3

Main Thought

David knows that even in the worst circumstances salvation belongs to the Lord.

Head

1. When did David likely write this Psalm? How was David in distress?

2. Who was saying, “There is no salvation for him in God”? (see 2 Sam. 16:8)

3. Who were the “many” who were rising against David? (see 2 Sam. 15:12)

4. Whom did the Lord use to sustain David? (see 2 Sam. 15)

5. When the Lord helped David, how would that be a blessing for the Lord’s people? (see v. 8)

Heart

1. How did David describe the Lord in verse three? How was it possible for David to think this way about God in the midst of Absalom’s rebellion?

2. How did David approach the Lord in verse four? How did the Lord answer David’s prayers and sustain him when he was running from Absalom?

3. What did David ask the Lord to do in verse seven? How could David be confident that the Lord would do it?

4. Compare verse two with verse eight. How can David be assured of his salvation?

Hands

1. When David wrote this Psalm, do you think he was still in danger from Absalom?

2. When you are in troubling circumstances, does your relationship with God comfort you? Do you think about your relationship with God when you go through troubled times?

Ahithophel Advises Absalom

2 Samuel 16:15–17:4

Main Thought

Ahithophel directs Absalom’s evil course.

Head

1. Why was Absalom able to freely enter Jerusalem?

2. Why did Ahithophel accompany Absalom?

3. What did Hushai say when he met Absalom?

4. Why did Absalom question Hushai’s presence with him?

5. How did Hushai answer Absalom’s concerns?

6. What counsel did Ahithophel give regarding David’s concubines?

7. What did Absalom’s sleeping with David’s concubines communicate to the people about Absalom’s relationship with his father David?

8. What additional counsel did Ahithophel give to Absalom?

Heart

1. How did God use the evil actions of Absalom to fulfill his prophecy concerning David? (see 2 Sam. 12:11)

2. In verse 23, Ahithophel’s counsel was described as being so valued that is was considered to be like the word of God. Why might it have been considered that valuable? How do we know that it wasn’t?

3. How would you define wisdom? (see Eccles. 12:11-14)

4. Was Ahithophel wise? Hushai? Absalom? Explain.

Hands

1. Today’s passage continues the story of Absalom’s rebellion against David, but it ends with Absalom not only rebelling against David but actually planning his death. What evil deeds had Absalom done so far? How had those deeds built on each other?

2. Compare the cycle of sin that David fell into with Bathsheba and the cycle of sin that Absalom fell into in this story.

Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice

2 Samuel 17:5-23

Main Thought

The Lord directs Absalom’s paths through the advice of Hushai.

Head

1. What advice did Ahithophel give that Absalom wanted Hushai to confirm?

2. According to Ahithophel who should be killed? How?

3. According to Hushai who should be killed? How?

4. What parts of Hushai’s advice were true?

5. Do you think all the men of Israel from Dan to Beersheba were willing to follow Absalom?

6. How did Hushai tell David about what happened with Absalom?

7. What advice did Hushai give to David? Did David heed Hushai’s advice?

8. How did Jonathan and Ahimaaz escape Absalom’s men? What other Bible story does this remind you of? (see Josh. 2)

9. What did Ahithophel do when he saw that his counsel was not followed? Why do you think he did it?

Heart

1. Why did Absalom and all the men of Israel so easily reject Ahithophel’s advice?

2. Read the last sentence of verse 14. What do you think of a God who arranged the circumstances of this story so that he could bring harm upon Absalom? Was God being just? Why or why not?

Hands

1. Was Hushai’s advice believable? Why was it foolish of Absalom to follow it?

2. How might Hushai’s advice have been more appealing to someone who lacked confidence in himself or his men?

David Prepares for Battle

2 Samuel 17:24–18:5

Main Thought

God sustains and protects David through the deeds of others.

Head

1. Where was Mahanaim? On what side of the Jordan was it? How had this city been used by another Israelite king in the past? (see 2 Sam. 2:8-9)

2. How was Amasa related to Joab? How were Amasa and Joab related to David?

3. Why is it surprising that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites came to help David? (see 2 Sam. 10:1-19; 12:26-31)

4. What other good deed had Machir done prior to this? (see 2 Sam. 9:4)

5. How did David divide his men?

6. Why did David'’s men refuse to let David join them in battle?

7. Where did David stand as the men marched out for battle? Why did he stand there?

8. What order did David give Joab, Abishai, and Ittai? Who heard the order?

Heart

1. If you were David at this point in the story, how confident would you be that you would win against Absalom? Explain.

2. If you were David at this point in the story, how confident would you be that your men would deal gently with Absalom?

Hands

1. What people did God use to help David at this time? What did they do for him?

2. Was it wise of David to stay away from the battle? Explain.

3. How important was it for the soldiers to know that David was seeing them off by the city gate?

Absalom Dies in Battle

2 Samuel 18:6-18

Main Thought

Absalom reaps the consequences of his rebellion.

Head

1. Where was the battle between David and Absalom fought? Who won the battle?

2. What does verse eight mean when it says that, “the forest devoured more people that day than the sword”?

3. What happened to Absalom when he rode under the oak? What was ironic about this situation?

4. When the first man saw Absalom in his predicament, why didn’t he kill him?

5. How did Absalom die?

6. Who fled to their homes? (v. 17)

7. What monument did Absalom set up for himself in the King’s Valley? How was it different than the “monument” raised over his grave?

Heart

1. Do you think the writer of 2 Samuel might have understated the situation when he said in verse nine that Absalom happened to meet the servants of David? Do you think it was just a coincidence? (see also 17:14)

2. Was justice served with Absalom’s death? Should Joab have killed Absalom? Should David have commanded his army not to kill Absalom?

Hands

1. Why do you think Joab was so eager to kill Absalom?

2. Why did Joab restrain his troops after Absalom was killed? If David had died instead, would the war have been over? In an earlier story, when Ahithophel advised Absalom to only go after David, was Ahithophel correct?

David Grieves for Absalom

2 Samuel 18:19-33

Main Thought

David claims his role as father over his role as king.

Head

1. Where have we heard about Ahimaaz before? (see 2 Sam. 17:17-21)

2. Why didn’t Joab want Ahimaaz to take the news of Absalom’s death to David?

3. Which way did Ahimaaz take to get to David? Why might that have helped him get to David before the Cushite?

4. Why do you think Ahimaaz wanted so badly to bring news about the battle to David?

5. Why was David sitting between the two gates of the city?

6. How did David describe Ahimaaz in verse 27? Why would he say that?

7. Why do you think Ahimaaz neglected to tell David about Absalom?

8. How did the Cushite break the news of Absalom’s death to David?

9. How did David take the news of Absalom’s death?

Heart

1. In earlier stories, when men brought David news that God’s anointed king had died, what was David’s response?

2. If David had been consistent, what should have been his response to Absalom’s death? What was his response instead?

3. If Absalom had not died, do you think David would have forgiven Absalom? Explain.

Hands

1. Compare how Ahimaaz brought news of the battle to David and how the Cushite brought his news. How were they the same? How were they different?

David Returns to Judah

2 Samuel 19:1-15

Main Thought

The victory celebration of David’s forces is marred by David’s reaction to Absalom’s death.

Head

1. Why did the people who fought for David feel so bad after they won?

2. What does it mean to steal into a city?

3. How intense was David’s grief for Absalom? How did David express his grief?

4. When David covered his face, what did Joab say covered the faces of his supporters?

5. What did Joab say would happen if David didn’t go out and speak kindly to those who fought for him?

6. Why did the men of Israel who had fought for Absalom decide to bring David back as king?

7. What message did David ask Zadok and Abiathar to bring to the elders of Judah?

8. Who replaced Joab as the commander of Israel’s forces?

Heart

1. Did David show gratitude to God for giving him the victory over Absalom? How should David have responded to the victory?

2. Do you think David loved Absalom more than he loved those who fought for him?

Hands

1. How did David’s expression of grief for Absalom affect the people who had fought for him?

2. What might have been David’s reason for demoting Joab, his victorious general, and replacing him with Amasa, the losing general who had fought for Absalom?

Shimei, Ziba, and Mephibosheth Meet David

2 Samuel 19:16-30

Main Thought

As the Lord’s anointed, David shows mercy and justice.

Head

1. Why was Shimei in such a hurry to meet King David? (see 2 Sam. 16:5-13)

2. Who accompanied Shimei?

3. Why did Ziba rush to meet David?

4. Do you think Shimei was afraid of David? If he was afraid, why didn’t he run away?

5. What reason did Abishai give for wanting to put Shimei to death? Do you think Abishai had a good point? Explain.

6. What did Mephibosheth look like when he came to meet King David? Why?

7. Do you think Mephibosheth was telling the truth when he rejoiced at David’s return to Jerusalem?

Heart

1. When Shimei met David, did he try to make excuses for his earlier actions? What did he seek from David?

2. How does Shimei’s approach to David compare to our approach to God?

3. How does David’s mercy toward Shimei compare to Jesus’ mercy toward us? (see 1 Kings 2:8-9)

Hands

1. Why did David call Abishai his adversary in verse 22? What problems would David have created if he had killed Shimei?

2. Was justice served when David split Mephibosheth’s land equally between Mephibosheth and Ziba? Explain.

3. How is God’s justice similar to  David’s? How is it different?

David Rewards Barzillai the Gileadite

2 Samuel 19:31-43

Main Thought

David repays the kindness of Barzillai.

Head

1. What had Barzillai done for David? (see 2 Sam. 17:27-29)

2. How old was Barzillai?

3. What did David want to do for Barzillai? Why didn’t Barzillai want that? What did David do for Barzillai instead?

4. How long did David show his gratitude for what Barzillai had done? (see 1 Kings 2:7)

5. How many of the people of Judah brought David on his way?

6. How many of the people of Israel brought David on his way?

7. What controversy arose between the men of Judah and the men of Israel? Why? (Hint: How long would it take the tribe of Judah to travel to the Jordan? How long would it take all the other tribes to travel to the Jordan?)

Heart

1. Why did David show grace to Chimham?

2. How is David’s grace toward Chimham similar to the grace Jesus shows toward us? How is it different?

Hands

1. When Barzillai first helped David do you think he was expecting a reward from David later?

2. At the end of this story the people of Judah and the people of Israel got into an argument. Was this an argument worth having? What does this foreshadow about the relationship between Judah and the other tribes of Israel?

3. What do you think David could have done to soothe the tension between the people of Judah and the people of Israel?

Sheba Rebels

2 Samuel 20:1-26

Main Thought

David’s return to the throne is secured.

Head

1. Where did Sheba’s rebellion take place?

2. Do you think the fact that Sheba was a Benjamite played a role in his rebellion? Explain.

3. Who followed Sheba and who followed David?

4. Why did David take the ten concubines he had left in Jerusalem and place them under guard? (see 2 Sam. 16:22)

5. What did David ask Amasa to do?

6. Why do you think Amasa delayed implementing David’s command?

7. What army had Amasa commanded before David’s army?

8. Whom did David appoint in place of Amasa?

9. Why was David afraid that Sheba the son of Bichri would do him more harm than Absalom?

10. If David commanded Abishai to lead the army in verse six, why were the soldiers told to follow Joab in verse 11?

Heart

1. Why does the Bible describe Sheba as a “worthless man”? What made him worthless?

2. Why do you think Joab killed Amasa? (see 2 Sam. 17:25; 19:13)

Hands

1. How did Joab’s murder of Amasa come back to haunt him? (see 1 Kings 2:28-34)

2. Compare and contrast Joab’s murder of Amasa with Ehud’s assassination of Eglon in Judges 3:12-30. Why would one be considered a murder and the other a commendable act of a judge?

Sheba’s Death

2 Samuel 20:14-26

Main Thought

Joab and all of Israel benefit from the counsel of a wise woman.

Head

1. Where was Abel of Beth-maacah? What tribes would Sheba have to pass through in order to get there from the region of the Jordan by Jerusalem?

2. Who were the Bichrites and why did they follow Sheba into the city?

3. Describe what Joab did in order to get into the city where Sheba had fled?

4. Where did Joab finally catch up with Sheba?

5. To what was the woman of the city referring when she mentioned the saying, “Let them but ask counsel at Abel, and so they settled the matter”?

6. How did the woman describe Abel of Beth-maacah to Joab? Why did she describe it in this way?

7. What did Joab say would cause him to withdraw from the city?

8. What did the wise woman convince the people of the city to do?

Heart

1. Would you agree with the writer that the woman who called to Joab from the city was wise? Explain.

2. Do you think God approved of the way that Joab helped David reclaim his throne? Explain.

3. How would you describe the relationship between David and Joab?

Hands

1. Do you think the wise woman had to work very hard to convince the people of city to give up Sheba? Explain.

2. Do you think the conflict that caused the division between Judah and Israel was resolved with the death of Sheba? Explain.

David Avenges the Gibeonites

2 Samuel 21:1-14

Main Thought

God shows that his requirements for justice cannot be ignored.

Head

1. How did David find out that bloodguilt from some of Saul’s past deeds were the cause of the famine?

2. Why was it wrong to put the Gibeonites to death? (see Josh. 9:15)

3. What did the Gibeonites ask David to do?

4. Why did David spare Mephibosheth?

5. What descendants of Saul were taken?

6. What did Rizpah the daughter of Aiah do?

7. What did David do when he learned what Rizpah had done?

Heart

1. Originally, God commanded that the Gibeonites be totally destroyed. Now he punished Israel for killing some of them. Why? What was God protecting by not allowing the Israelites to destroy the Gibeonites?

2. Do you think David tried to manipulate God by handing over seven sons of Saul to the Gibeonites?

3. Do you think God allowed David to manipulate him? Why would God want the events of this story to happen?

Hands

1. Verse two mentions Saul’s zeal for the people of Israel and Judah. How did Saul’s zeal result in guilt on the people of Israel?

2. Is it possible to have zeal for the right things, but still sin because of it? Can you give some examples?

3. Was justice done in this story? Was there any part of this story that makes it seem like justice wasn't done? Explain.

Battles with Giants

2 Samuel 21:15-22

Main Thought

God sends giants to challenge David and the Israelites.

Head

1. How many wars are described in this passage? (see vv. 15, 18-20) When do you think these wars occurred? What clues in the passage helped you come to your conclusion?

2. Compare the descriptions of the Philistine warriors in this story to the description of Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:4-7.

3. Who saved David during the first war?

4. Who was Abishai?

5. How was David a lamp of Israel?

6. Whom did Elhanan strike down? If a Gittite is someone from Gath, what textual problem does verse 19 introduce? (see 1 Sam. 17:4) How would you solve this problem?

Heart

1. Considering how David was described and how the Philistine warriors were described, why might it be tempting to think that David would lose these battles with the Philistines? What might make us think otherwise?

2. Do you think the Israelites were encouraged with their ongoing victories against the Philistine giants, or were they frustrated that the wars against the giants just kept coming?

3. Why do you think the Bible doesn’t include an extended story of Jonathan killing the six-fingered and six-toed man from Gath? Why did the Bible include David’s battle with Goliath?

Hands

1. What did David’s fellow soldiers do to help David in this story?

2. Read verse 22. In what way could David take some of the credit for defeating these giants?

David Takes a Census

1 Chronicles 21:1-17
Related passage: 2 Samuel 24:1-17

Main Thought

David’s sin affects a nation.

Head

1. Read 1 Chronicles 21:1 and 2 Samuel 24:1. Who incited David to number Israel? How do you reconcile these two accounts?

2. Why did David say, “from Beersheba to Dan” when he told Joab to go number Israel?

3. Why did Joab try to convince David not to take the census?

4. What happened in the story that convicted David of his sin?

5. What three options did the Lord give David for his punishment?

6. Why did David choose the third option? Is this the option you would have chosen? Explain.

7. Where was the angel of the Lord standing when the Lord commanded the angel to stop destroying the people?

8. What was the angel of the Lord doing when David saw him?

9. What was David’s plea at the end of the story?

Heart

1. Why did God get so angry with David just for taking a census?

2. Why was David guilty of sinning by taking a census, when he was incited to do it by someone else?

3. If David was the one who sinned, why did God strike Israel and not just David in response to the sin?

Hands

1. If you had been Joab, would you have obeyed David’s order, or would you have respectfully told him that you could not obey? Explain.

2. How did David’s actions in this story affect the people of Israel?

David Builds an Altar

1 Chronicles 21:18–22:1
Related passage: 2 Samuel 24:18-25

Main Thought

In the midst of sin and its resulting consequences, God shows mercy and grace.

Head

1. What did Gad tell David to build at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite?

2. What was  happening at the threshing floor that made this site significant? (see 21:15)

3. What reason did David give Ornan for wanting to sacrifice there?

4. What was Ornan willing to give to David? Why did David refuse to accept them as a gift?

5. What happened to the sacrifice that David offered?

6. Where was the tabernacle located at the time of this story?

7. Why didn’t David go to sacrifice there?

8. What did David plan to build on the site he had just purchased from Ornan? What made David conclude that he should build a temple there?

Heart

1. Describe Ornan’s reaction to the angel and his reaction to King David. Why are his reactions different?

2. How did God show mercy in this story?

3. How did God show grace in this story?

Hands

1. How did David show his obedience to the Lord in this story? What things did he do?

2. How did God show that he accepted David’s obedience?

David Prepares Solomon to Build the Temple

1 Chronicles 22:2-19

Main Thought

David shares his expectation that Solomon will continue David’s resolve to glorify God.

Head

1. How did David describe his vision for the temple? Why did he start preparations for the temple instead of just leaving the preparations to Solomon?

2. What reason did David give for not being allowed to build the temple?

3. What was different about Solomon that God allowed him to build the temple?

4. According to David, what did Solomon need to do in order to prosper?

5. How well did David prepare for the building of the temple?

Heart

1. Why was it so important to have a magnificent and glorious temple? Can’t God be worshiped anywhere?

2. Why didn’t God allow David to build the temple? Were God’s reasons justified?

3. Do you think David was disappointed that God did not allow him to build the temple?

Hands

1. As a father, David made it very clear to Solomon that he expected Solomon to build the temple after he was gone. Did he have the right to make those demands of Solomon?

2. What expectations should modern fathers have for their children? Give some examples.

3. How might the expectations of modern fathers for their children be similar to David’s expectations for Solomon.

Adonijah Claims the Throne

1 Kings 1:1-27

Main Thought

Another son rebels against David.

Head

1. Why couldn’t David get warm?

2. What did Abishag the Shunammite do for David?

3. Who was David’s oldest surviving son?

4. How would David’s circumstances in the first four verses have encouraged Adonijah to claim the throne for himself?

5. How was Adonijah similar to Absalom? (see 2 Sam. 14–15)

6. Who was for Adonijah and who was for David?

7. When Adonijah held his feast, why did he invite the royal officials of Judah, but not the royal officials of Israel?

8. What plan did Nathan devise to inform David of Adonijah’s rebellion?

9. Why was Bathsheba worried that she and her son Solomon would be counted offenders?

Heart

1. If David were to write a psalm at this time in his life, what do you think he would say?

2. Read Psalm 69 and Psalm 71. Both psalms are thought to have been written by David during Adonijah’s rebellion. How do these psalms fit David’s circumstances in this story?

Hands

1. How might David’s earlier indulgence toward Adonijah have encouraged Adonijah to claim the throne now?

2. What do you think caused Joab and Abiathar to turn from loyal followers of David to rebels against David, in league with Adonijah?

David Makes Solomon King

1 Kings 1:28-53

Main Thought

David quickly moves to make Solomon king.

Head

1. How soon did David make good on his promise to Bathsheba? Why was it so important to do it quickly?

2. Who were Zadok and Nathan? What were their roles in Israel? (v. 32)

3. Who was Benaiah? How did he serve David? (see 2 Sam. 28:20-23)

4. How can you tell from this story that Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah were happy to do what David asked of them?

5. Why did David want Solomon to ride on his own mule?

6. After Solomon was anointed, what did David want him to do?

7. Why did the guests of Adonijah tremble and flee from the feast?

8. What did Adonijah do when he heard that Solomon had been anointed king? Why?

Heart

1. What do you suppose David thought when he heard another of his sons had rebelled against him? Do you think he blamed himself? Do you think he questioned God?

2. The events of this story seem to have been quickly planned by David as a reaction to Adonijah’s rebellion, and before Adonijah could consolidate his power. How is David’s approach to these events different than God’s?

Hands

1. How do we know from this story that David was following God’s will?

2. How was Solomon’s answer to Adonijah a mark of wisdom?

3. When Absalom tried to become king he fought a battle with David’s forces. Why didn’t Adonijah at least put up a fight?

David’s Final Instructions and Death

1 Kings 2:1-12
Related passage: 1 Chronicles 29:26-30

Main Thought

David makes sure that justice is done even after his death..

Head

1. What is “the way of all the earth”?

2. What was the charge of the Lord that David commanded Solomon to keep?

3. What word would the Lord establish for David through David’s sons? (see v. 4)

4. What action did David want Solomon to take against Joab? Why?

5. What did David want Solomon to do for the sons of Barzillai? Why?

6. What did David want Solomon to do to Shimei?

Heart

1. When David asked Solomon to kill Joab and Shimei, do you think he was after revenge, or did David have a different reason for seeking their deaths?

2. In what ways had God blessed David’s reign?

3. How did God show mercy to David throughout David’s reign?

Hands

1. Why didn’t David take action against Joab during his lifetime?

2. Why didn’t David take action against Shimei during his lifetime? (see v. 8)

3. How would Solomon show himself a man? (v. 2)

4. How can you show  yourself a man or woman?

5. How would Solomon walk before God in faithfulness? (v. 4)

6. How might you walk before God in faithfulness?

Solomon Establishes His Throne, Part 1

1 Kings 2:13-25

Main Thought

God removes a rival to Solomon’s throne.

Head

1. Why does verse 13 name the mothers of Adonijah and Solomon?

2. Why would Bathsheba be concerned that Adonijah might not come to her peacefully?

3. If Adonijah knew that the Lord had given Solomon the kingdom (v. 15), why would he still think that it rightfully belonged to him?

4. What was so wrong with Adonijah requesting to have Abishag the Shunammite as his wife? Who was Abishag? (see 1 Kings 1:3)

5. Why do you think Bathsheba agreed to take Adonijah’s request to Solomon?

6. Why might Solomon interpret Adonijah’s request as an attempt to claim the throne for himself? (see 2 Sam. 16:20-22)

7. According to verse 22, who else was on the side of Adonijah? Do you think they had anything to do with Adonijah’s request? Why did Solomon mention them here?

8. Was Solomon justified for demanding Adonijah’s life because of Adonijah’s request? (see 1 Kings 1:52)

Heart

1. How likely do you think it would be that any king would grant a request like Adonijah’s? Why do you think Adonijah made it?

Hands

1. Do you think Solomon understood himself to be following God’s will by doing what he did in this story? Explain.

2. During this period in history, kings would often establish their thrones by killing any rivals to the throne. How was Solomon able to avoid being guilty of murder and still establish his throne over Adonijah’s claim to it?

Solomon Establishes His Throne, Part 2

1 Kings 2:26-46

Main Thought

God, through Solomon, executes justice and ensures that Solomon’s throne is secure.

Head

1. Where did Solomon send Abiathar? Why didn’t he order Abiathar to be killed?

2. How had Abiathar shared David’s affliction? (see 1 Sam. 22:20-23; 2 Sam. 15:24-29)

3. How did Abiathar’s removal from the priesthood fulfill the word of the Lord spoken to Eli in Shiloh? (see 1 Sam. 2:27-36)

4. Why did Joab cling to the horns of the altar?

5. How did Joab’s death take away guilt from David’s house? ( see vv. 31-33)

6. What promotion did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada receive from Solomon? What promotion did Zadok receive from Solomon?

7. Why didn’t Solomon simply put Shimei to death right away?

8. What happened that made Shimei leave Jerusalem? How long had he obeyed Solomon’s command?

Heart

1. According to verse 33, Solomon claimed that “for David and for his descendants and for his house and for his throne there shall be peace from the Lord forevermore.” Who made that peace possible?

2. According to verse 45, Solomon claimed that “King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever” Who made this possible? How is this declaration different from the one in verse 33?

Hands

1. How did Shimei act foolishly in this story? Why do you think he did it?

Solomon Asks for Wisdom

1 Kings 3:1-15
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 1:1-13

Main Thought

The Lord blesses Solomon abundantly.

Head

1. What alliance did Solomon make at the beginning of this story?

2. Where did Solomon go to sacrifice? Why were the people sacrificing at the high places?

3. When the Lord appeared to Solomon, was it in person or was it in a dream? What did the Lord say to Solomon at Gibeon?

4. Before Solomon stated his request to God, what did he recall about God’s dealings with David?

5. What did Solomon ask from the Lord? Why?

6. What did the Lord give Solomon in addition to wisdom?

7. In which two places did Solomon make sacrifices in this story?

Heart

1. What do you think prompted Solomon to ask for wisdom rather than something else?

2. Why did God offer to give Solomon whatever he asked? Did Solomon do anything to deserve it?

3. What was it about Solomon’s request that pleased God?

Hands

1. Why was it wrong for Solomon to make a marriage alliance with Egypt? (see Deut. 7:3-4; 17:17)

2. Was it right or wrong of Solomon and the people of Israel to worship at the high places? Explain.

3. What do you think was Solomon’s motivation for making sacrifices to God at the beginning and at the end of this story?

Solomon's Wise Ruling

1 Kings 3:16-28

Main Thought

Solomon discerns what lies in the hearts of two mothers.

Head

1. Why did the two prostitutes bring their case to Solomon and not someone else? Why couldn’t anyone else solve it?

2. What were the prostitutes arguing about?

3. Did Solomon exhibit wisdom before this story?

4. How does the story serve as a confirmation that Solomon received extraordinary wisdom from God?

5. When Solomon established his throne in earlier events, he used the sword to bring death to specific people. How did Solomon use the sword differently in this story?

6. Why do you think God arranged the circumstances in such a way that these two prostitutes were brought before Solomon? Was it merely to settle their case, or was it also to confirm Solomon as wise in the eyes of the people?

7. At this point in Solomon’s reign, why might it be important for the people to stand in awe of Solomon’s wisdom and justice?

Heart

1. Explain how Solomon was able to discern what was in the heart of each woman.

2. Why do you think the prostitute whose child had died wanted the living child? Why do you think she so easily allowed the child to be killed?

Hands

1. Do you think Solomon really would have had the child cut in two if the child’s mother had not spoken up? How did he know the true mother would speak up?

2. Is the love of a parent different than other kinds of love? Explain.

A Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Main Thought

God establishes the times and seasons of our lives.

Head

1. Who wrote these verses in Ecclesiastes?

2. Is there really a time and season for everything? Explain.

3. According to verse one, where does all this activity take place?

4. Is the activity mentioned in verses two through eight human activity or divine activity? Who controls this activity?

5. What major events of life are mentioned in this poem? What smaller things in life are mentioned?

6. What do you think Solomon meant in verse three when he said, “a time to kill and a time to heal”?

7. What do you think Solomon meant in verse five when he said, “a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together.”? (For a possible answer see 2 Kings 3:19 and Isa. 5:1-2.)

Heart

1. Is it easy or difficult to submit to God’s control over the times and seasons of our lives? Explain.

2. What is your favorite verse in this poem? Why?

3. What human emotions might be connected with the activities mentioned in this poem?

Hands

1. If God establishes the times and seasons of our lives, do we have any freedom in what we do? Are we still responsible for what we do? Explain.

2. Can you think of other seasons of life that are not mentioned by Solomon? Are these times and seasons also under God’s control?

3. If God is in control, how should you live? (see Eccles. 3:12-13)

Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple

2 Chronicles 2:1-18
Related passage: 1 Kings 5:1-18

Main Thought

Solomon shows wisdom and humility in his temple preparations.

Head

1. What two buildings did Solomon plan to build?

2. Why did Solomon send a message to Hiram, the king of Tyre?

3. What had Hiram done for David in the past?

4. What did Solomon promise to pay the workers that Hiram provided? (see v. 10)

5. Why did Hiram think Solomon was wise?

6. How did Hiram arrange to send the building materials to Solomon?

7. What is a resident alien?

8. Why did Solomon get resident aliens to work on the temple?

9. How did Solomon know how many resident aliens lived in Israel?

Heart

1. Why did Solomon want the temple to be great? (see v. 5)

2. Would Solomon ever be able to build a temple that would be beautiful enough for God? Explain.

3. Does it matter where we worship? Does the building we worship in need to be beautiful? Explain.

Hands

1. How did Solomon show his wisdom in this story? How did he show his humility?

2. Did any of the non-Israelites in this story glorify God through what they did?

3. Is it possible for non-Christians to glorify God through their actions? Do Christians glorify God differently? Explain.

Solomon Brings the Ark to the Temple

2 Chronicles 5:1-14
Related passage: 1 Kings 8:1-11

Main Thought

God shows his acceptance of the temple and his presence with the people by filling Solomon’s temple with his glory.

Head

1. When Solomon was finished building the temple, what gifts from David did he bring into it?

2. How important was David in making sure the temple was built?

3. According to verse two, who brought the ark to the temple?

4. When had a similar assembly occurred? (see 1 Chron. 13 and 15)

5. Who actually carried the ark? Why? What else did they bring? (see v. 5)

6. What did Solomon do as the ark was being brought up?

7. Where did the Levites place the ark?

8. What was contained in the ark? What had been in the ark previously? (see Exod. 16:32-34; Num. 17:10-11)

9. At the end of the story, what filled the temple?

Heart

1. How did God show that he was pleased with the temple Solomon built?

2. What did the cloud signify?

3. Why is God’s presence so important for a believer?

Hands

1. How would you describe what happened in this story? Was it a celebration? A solemn occasion? Both? Explain.

2. Is it possible to worship God in a way that is a celebration and a solemn occasion all at the same time?

Blessings

2 Chronicles 6:1-11
Related passage: 1 Kings 8:12-21

Main Thought

Solomon revels in the blessings that come from the establishment of the temple in Jerusalem.

Head

1. To what was Solomon referring when he said in verse one that God would dwell in thick darkness? (see Exod. 20:21)

2. Which two parties did Solomon bless? Why?

3. Who chose to make Jerusalem the site of the temple?

4. Who chose to make David king over Israel?

5. If God appreciated David’s desire to build the temple, why didn't he let him build it?

6. What was located inside the ark? What did it represent?

Heart

1. Why would God dwell in thick darkness?  Would this description come from God’s perspective or ours?

2. Will we ever be able to fully understand and comprehend God, or will there always be a part of him that lies outside of our understanding? Explain.

3. In what way was the building of the temple a sign of God’s blessing on Israel?

4. Can people today bless God like Solomon did? Explain.

Hands

1. When Solomon blessed the people, were they sitting, standing, or kneeling? Why?

2. When the pastor pronounces the blessing at the end of a worship service, is the congregation normally sitting, standing, or kneeling? Why?

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication, Part 1

2 Chronicles 6:12-21
Related passage: 1 Kings 8:22-61

Main Thought

As a representation of the presence of God, the temple serves to bless God’s people.

Head

1. Where in the temple was Solomon when he made this prayer? What was he standing on?

2. What promise did God make to David? (see v. 15)

3. What request did Solomon make of the Lord in verse 16?

4. Did Solomon think that the temple he built could contain God?

5. What did Solomon ask God to listen for? (see vv. 19-21)

Heart

1. In verse 14, when Solomon described God by saying “there is no God like you,” how did he further describe this kind of God? How do these further descriptions distinguish God from all other gods?

2. Why do you think Solomon asked God in verses 16-17 to ensure that one of David’s descendants would always be on the throne of Israel? Was he just being selfish, or do you think there was another reason?

3. Why would Solomon ask a question like, “Will God indeed dwell with man on the earth?” What can you tell about Solomon’s attitude toward God from the question he asked?

4. In general, do you think people today have an attitude toward God that his similar to Solomon’s or different? Explain.

Hands

1. Why did Solomon kneel to pray?

2. Why did Solomon spread out his hands instead of folding them for prayer?

3. Are the different ways we can pray? Explain.

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication, Part 2

2 Chronicles 6:22-42

Main Thought

Solomon gives examples of how God will bless his people.

Head

1. What had Solomon just asked God to do for his people in verse 21?

2. Why would a man who sins against his neighbor (v. 22) need to take an oath before the altar? (see Exod. 22:9-11) What did Solomon ask the Lord to do in such a case?

3. Read verses 24-25. Can you think of any time in Israel’s history after Solomon that Israel needed to do this? (see Dan. 9:16-19)

4. Can you think of a time in Israel’s history when the Lord answered Solomon’s prayer in verses 26-27? (see 1 Kings 18:41-45)

5. Can you think of a time when this prayer was recalled later in the history of Israel? (see 2 Chron. 20:9-12)

6. According to verses 32-33, how could non-Israelites be blessed through the use of Solomon’s temple?

7. Did non-Israelites ever go the temple to worship? (see John 12:20)

8. Did the Lord ever help the Israelites when they prayed to him on the field of battle? (see 1 Chron. 14:9-12)

9. Did Israel ever end up praying to God under the circumstances listed in verses 36-39? (see Ezra 9:5-15)

10. Would Israelites have to be present at the temple to be blessed through the use of it?

Heart

1. Why would God forgive under any of the circumstances that Solomon mentioned?

Hands

1. When we sin, why is it so important to go to the Lord in prayer?

2. Why might it be difficult to pray to God after we have sinned?

The Dedication of the Temple

2 Chronicles 7:1-10
Related passage: 1 Kings 8:62-66

Main Thought

God receives glory in worship.

Head

1. What happened as soon as Solomon finished praying? Can you think of other times in the Bible when God sent fire down from heaven?

2. How did the people react when the fire came down and the glory of the Lord filled the temple?

3. In addition to helping with the offerings, how did the priests and Levites contribute to the celebration?

4. Why did Solomon have to use the middle court to offer the burnt offering and the fat of the peace offerings?

5. How long did Solomon hold the feast?

Heart

1. What did God communicate about himself, his relationship with Solomon, and his attitude toward the temple when he sent fire from heaven?

2. Did Solomon give glory to himself or to God when he dedicated the temple? Explain.

3. When the people went home, how were they feeling?

4. How do you feel when you leave worship?

Hands

1. How would the people of Israel have contributed to the celebration at the temple’s dedication?

2. How did the the participants in this dedication worship God? Can we do similar things in worship today?

3. What did Solomon do in worship that we no longer need to do? Why don’t we need to do it?

The Lord Appears to Solomon

2 Chronicles 7:11-22
Related passage: 1 Kings 9:1-9

Main Thought

God makes provision for the peoples’ repentance.

Head

1. When did Solomon finish his palace?

2. How was the temple to be used? What activities were acceptable in it?

3. What does it mean to shut up the heavens?

4. Why would God shut up the heavens or send locusts or pestilence?

5. How would the temple help people show their repentance to God?

6. What did Solomon have to do in order for his throne to be established?

7. What would happen if Israel would turn aside from God’s commands? (Note: the “you” in verse 19 is plural)

8. How would God make sure his blessing would always remain on his people?

Heart

1. Why would the people need to humble themselves before they sought the Lord in prayer?

2. How would the people of Israel show heartfelt repentance toward God? Would they be able to do that in their own strength?

3. Do you think God would still love the people even if he put the consequences of verses 19-22 into effect?

Hands

1. Why do you think God wanted the people of Israel to show their repentance by their actions?

2. How important are the right actions in showing true repentance?

3. How would you show heartfelt repentance toward God?

Solomon’s Other Activities

1 Kings 9:10-28
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 8:1-18

Main Thought

Solomon builds his kingdom.

Head

1. What had Hiram done for Solomon to help in build his palace and the temple?

2. Why did Solomon give Hiram twenty cities?

3. Why didn’t Hiram like the cities?

4. What did Hiram call the cities? What does that name mean?

5. What nationalities made up Solomon’s forced labor?

6. What is another name for “forced labor”?

7. What jobs did Solomon give Israelite laborers?

8. How many times per year did Solomon offer burnt offerings to the Lord?

9. Why did Solomon build a fleet of ships?

Heart

1. This passage covers a large portion of Solomon’s reign. In what ways does it show that Solomon’s heart was directed toward God?

2. In what ways does this passage already indicate that Solomon’s heart was not fully directed toward God?

Hands

1. Should Solomon have given Hiram better cities? Would you consider Solomon’s treatment of Hiram shrewd or callous?

2. Why did Solomon treat the people of Israel differently than he treated people of other nations?

3. Should we treat Christians differently than we treat non-Christians? Explain.

The Queen of Sheba

1 Kings 10:1-13
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 9:1-12

Main Thought

Solomon exhibits his wisdom and splendor to the world.

Head

1. Where is Sheba located?

2. Why did the Queen of Sheba come to Jerusalem? What did she bring with her?

3. If you were to guess, what questions do you think the Queen of Sheba asked Solomon?

4. Beside Solomon’s wisdom, what else impressed the Queen of Sheba?

5. Why do you think the Queen of Sheba gave Solomon so many gifts?

6. Besides receiving gifts from the Queen of Sheba, how else did Solomon acquire wealth in this story?

7. What is almug wood?

Heart

1. Why did Solomon originally ask for wisdom? Did he use his wisdom for that purpose in this story?

2. How would you define true wisdom? Did Solomon show true wisdom in this story?

3. Read verse nine again. Do you think the Queen of Sheba became a believer in the true God?

4. What is the connection between Solomon’s wisdom and his prosperity? Does one bring on the other, or do they both come from the same source? Explain.

Hands

1. Did Solomon do anything in this story to benefit the people of Israel?

2. If Solomon had acted differently in this story, could he have exhibited even greater wisdom?

Solomon’s Wealth

1 Kings 10:14-29
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 9:13-28

Main Thought

Solomon is confronted with the glories and the dangers of wealth.

Head

1. How many pounds of gold came to Solomon in one year?

2. How many gold shields did Solomon make? How much gold went into the larger ones? How much gold went into the smaller ones?

3. What was the House of the Forest of Lebanon?

4. Describe Solomon’s throne.

5. What were Solomon’s drinking vessels made of? Why didn’t Solomon make them from silver?

6. What was a chariot city?

7. Who were the king’s traders and what did they do? How did this bring additional wealth to Solomon?

Heart

1. When God blessed Solomon not only with wisdom but also with riches and honor, do you think that became a source of strength for Solomon or a source of temptation? Explain.

2. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-16. How was Solomon beginning to turn from the Lord?

Hands

1. Would you consider Solomon’s lifestyle extravagant? Should he have lived this way?

2. If you had been Solomon, what would you have done with so much wealth?

3. Is it possible to see Solomon’s wealth from both a negative and a positive perspective? How did his wealth lead to his downfall? How did his wealth promote God’s glory?

Solomon’s Wives

1 Kings 11:1-13

Main Thought

Solomon slides further into disobedience.

Head

1. In Solomon’s day, why did kings often marry foreign women?

2. How do we know that Solomon married foreign women for something more than just political reasons?

3. How many wives and concubines did Solomon have? What effect did Solomon’s wives have on him?

4. What false gods did Solomon go after? What other places of worship did Solomon build?

5. Verse nine mentions that God previously appeared to Solomon twice. When did those times occur? What did God say to him during those times? (see 1 Kings 3:1-15; 9:1-9)

6. What consequence did Solomon receive for his sins? Why did God temper his judgment on Solomon?

Heart

1. Do you think Solomon truly loved all his wives and concubines? Is true love possible with that many?

2. Do you think Solomon would have acquired so many wives if he had not been so wise, rich, and famous? Why do you think the Lord placed Solomon in that position?

3. How does Solomon’s weakness as a son of David point us to Jesus?

Hands

1. Read Deuteronomy 17:17-20. Was the Lord anticipating Solomon’s sins when he gave those laws to Moses?

2. Did Solomon ever do what was required in Deuteronomy 17:17-20?

3. Do you think Solomon knew that what he was doing was wrong? Why do you think he did it?

Solomon’s Adversaries

1 Kings 11:14-25

Main Thought

The Lord raises up adversaries to Solomon.

Head

1. Why did Hadad the Edomite hate Israel so much?

2. When Hadad fled for his life, where did he go for help? What kind of help did he get?

3. What did Pharaoh do to show how much he liked Hadad?

4. Why do you think Pharaoh liked Hadad so much?

5. Did Pharaoh also make a marriage arrangement with his daughter and Solomon? Why would he make both of these arrangements?

6. Who was Genubath? Who else in the Bible was raised like Genubath?

7. Why did Hadad want to return to his own country?

8. Who was Rezon the son of Eliada? Why did he become an adversary to the house of David?

Heart

1. Why did God allow adversaries to rise up against Solomon? Do you think his reasons could be similar to why he allowed adversaries to rise up against Israel during the period of the judges? Explain.

2. Did Solomon’s adversaries have a legitimate case against Israel and the house of David?

Hands

1. If you were Solomon, what would you have done in the face of the adversaries God sent?

2. Was David responsible for causing adversaries to rise up against Solomon? Should David have done anything differently to avoid creating adversaries? Explain.

3. Did Solomon help to ensure Hadad’s return when he had Joab put to death? Explain.

A Prophecy for Jeroboam

1 Kings 11:26-43
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 9:29-31

Main Thought

Solomon learns that his sins will divide the kingdom.

Head

1. What responsibility did Solomon give Jeroboam?

2. Who was Ahijah? What did Ahijah tell Jeroboam? How did he communicate the prophecy?

3. Why was God going to tear ten tribes away from Solomon?

4. Why didn’t God just take all the tribes away from Solomon?

5. What did God mean when he said in verse 36 that he would give David a “lamp before me in Jerusalem”?

6. What did God require of Jeroboam? (see v. 38)

7. What was Solomon’s reaction to the prophecy?

8. Why did Jeroboam flee to Egypt?

9. What was special about Egypt that made people flee to it for protection?

10. Who became king after Solomon?

Heart

1. Do the actions of Solomon against Jeroboam remind you of a previous king? Which one? (see 1 Sam. 18:28-29)

2. Would Solomon ever have been able to change the prophecy by killing Jeroboam? Why do you think he tried?

3. Why wasn’t Solomon’s wisdom enough to keep him more faithful to God toward the end of his life?

Hands

1. In what ways did Solomon succeed as a king?

2. In what ways did Solomon fail as a king?

Rehoboam’s Foolish Decision

1 Kings 12:1-15
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 10:1-15

Main Thought

Rehoboam proves to be a foolish son of Solomon.

Head

1. What was the original intention of all Israel regarding Rehoboam? (see v. 1)

2. What was so special about Shechem that all Israel went to make Rehoboam king there? What other events occurred at Shechem? (see Gen. 12:16-17; 33:18-20; Josh. 24:25-32; Judg. 9)

3. In what way did Solomon make the people’s yoke heavy? Had they been warned that this would happen? (see 1 Sam. 8:11-18)

4. Why do you think Rehoboam took three days to think about the people’s request?

5. Do you think Solomon would have taken three days to make a decision?

6. What advice did Rehoboam follow? In what way did the advice of the younger men set Rehoboam apart from Solomon?

Heart

1. What reason do you think Rehoboam might have given for rejecting the advice of the old men who served with Solomon?

2. What reason might Rehoboam have given for seeking the advice of the younger men?

3. How should Rehoboam have judged the advice he received?

4. Ultimately, why didn’t Rehoboam listen to the wise advice?

Hands

1. In what ways did Rehoboam’s actions mirror the actions of Pharaoh in Moses’ day? (see Exod. 5:5-9)

2. Do you think Rehoboam was trying to follow Pharaoh’s example?

The Kingdom Is Divided

1 Kings 12:16-24
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 10:16–11:4

Main Thought

Rehoboam’s attempt to show his strength highlights his weakness instead.

Head

1. Why did the people say, “To your tents, O Israel!” ? What did they signify when they went to their tents?

2. Why did Rehoboam send Adoram to them? Why did the people kill him?

3. Why did Rehoboam flee to Jerusalem?

4. Why does the Bible call what Israel did, “rebellion against the house of David”?

5. Whom did the northern tribes of Israel get to rule over them?

6. What tribes followed Rehoboam? Why?

7. Why did Rehoboam assemble an army?

Heart

1. Why do you think God stopped Rehoboam from going to war against Israel? If God already determined that these tribes would be removed from Rehoboam’s rule, what is the only thing a war would have done?

2. What was it about Shemiah’s words that made Rehoboam listen to them, when he didn’t listen to the words of Solomon’s counselors?

3. Do you think Rehoboam would have answered the people differently if he had a chance to do it all over again? Explain.

Hands

1. In order to rule effectively did Rehoboam need the consent of the people? Explain.

2. Why did the people withdraw their consent?

3. In general, do leaders need the consent of the people in order to lead effectively? What happens if they don’t get it?

Two Golden Calves

1 Kings 12:25-33

Main Thought

Jeroboam prioritizes his desires ahead of God’s requirements.

Head

1. Where did Jeroboam decide to live? Why do you think he decided to live there?

2. What did Jeroboam fear? (see v. 26) How did Jeroboam try to stop what he feared from happening?

3. Why do you think Jeroboam decided to make calves for idols? What prior history did Israel have with a golden calf? (see Exod. 32)

4. Where did Jeroboam place the two golden calves? Why?

5. What other places did Jeroboam create for worship? (see v. 31) Why was this wrong?

6. On what day and month did Jeroboam establish a special feast?

7. On what day and month was the Feast of Unleavened Bread? (see Lev. 23:5-6)

8. On what day and month was the Feast of Booths? (see Lev. 23:34)

9. Why do you think Jeroboam established a feast when he did? (see also 1 Kings 12:33)

Heart

1. Was Jeroboam most concerned about being faithful to God or remaining as king? Explain.

2. From a worldly perspective, was Jeroboam successful?

3. Was Jeroboam successful from a spiritual perspective?

Hands

1. Do you think Jeroboam was trying to replace Israel’s God, or just trying to give them a different way to worship? Explain.

2. Is it ever good to use sinful means to achieve desirable ends?

A Prophet Confronts Jeroboam

1 Kings 13:1-10

Main Thought

God pronounces judgment on Jeroboam.

Head

1. From what tribe was the man of God who confronted Jeroboam?

2. Where was Jeroboam standing, and what was he planning to do when the man of God confronted him?

3. Why do you think the man of God prophesied against the altar instead of against Jeroboam?

4. What did the prophet say would happen? Did it happen?  (see 2 Kings 23:15-16)

5. What sign did the prophet give that would confirm his prophecy?

6. Why didn’t the soldiers seize the prophet like Jeroboam commanded?

7. What commands from the Lord did the prophet reveal in verse nine? Why were these commands so important?

Heart

1. Compare what Jeroboam was doing beside the altar he built with what Solomon did beside the altar he built. (see 2 Chron. 5) Why was Jeroboam’s experience so different from Solomon’s?

2. When God dried up Jeroboam’s hand, what did that say about the relationship between God’s authority and Jeroboam’s authority?

3. What reason did Jeroboam give for asking the man of God to pray for him? What other reasons should Jeroboam have had for requesting prayer?

Hands

1. Why wouldn’t the man of God accept Jeroboam’s invitation to eat with him as a reward?

2. What reason, besides the healing of his hand, might Jeroboam have had for wanting to reward the man of God?

The Prophet Disobeys

1 Kings 13:11-34

Main Thought

God’s word is proven true.

Head

1. Why did the old prophet have to ask his sons which way the man of God went?

2. Why wasn’t the man of God allowed to eat or drink, nor return by the way he came?

3. What lie did the old prophet tell the man of God? Why?

4. How did the man of God learn the consequences for what he had done?

5. What happened to the man of God?

6. How did the old prophet know that the words of the man of God would surely come to pass?

7. In what ways did Jeroboam continue to sin?

8. What would be the consequences of Jeroboam’s sin?

Heart

1. Why do you think the story repeats God’s commands to the man of God multiple times? Was there any excuse for the man of God not to obey them?

2. Do you think the man of God had a legitimate reason for believing the old prophet? If he believed the old prophet, whom didn’t he believe?

Hands

1. How might the man of God have been able to determine if the old prophet was lying to him? What other words could he use to judge if the old prophet’s words were true?

2. What is our standard for judging whether or not someone’s words are in line with God’s will?

3. Why do you think the old prophet went back to bury the man of God?

Ahijah’s Prophecy

1 Kings 14:1-20

Main Thought

Jeroboam tries to trick God, but learns instead that God does not allow himself to be manipulated.

Head

1. Who was ill?

2. What was ironic about Jeroboam’s wife disguising herself before she went to see Ahijah? (see v. 4)

3. How did Ahijah know that Jeroboam’s wife was coming?

4. What unbearable news did Ahijah have for Jeroboam’s wife?

5. In what way would the deaths of Jeroboam’s family be dishonorable?

6. According to Ahijah, when would the boy die?

7. Why would the boy be the only child of Jeroboam who would be buried? In your estimation, what did the Lord find pleasing in the child?

8. What plans did the Lord have for Israel?

Heart

1. Read 1 Kings 11:38 in the light of what happened in this story. What should Jeroboam have learned from his son’s illness?

2. Why would Israel be punished because of Jeroboam’s sin?

Hands

1. Why did Jeroboam ask his wife to disguise herself before going to the prophet Ahijah? Why would Jeroboam want to hide his wife’s identity from Ahijah?

2. If you were Jeroboam’s wife, would you have returned to the city knowing that as soon as your feet entered the city the boy would die? Explain.

3. Are there ways that we try to manipulate God to do our will instead of bowing to his will?

Rehoboam Secures His Kingdom

2 Chronicles 11:5-23

Main Thought

Rehoboam shows that he is not entirely foolish, but he still relies on others to lead Judah in faithfulness.

Head

1. What did Rehoboam do to secure his kingdom? What’s missing from the list of things that he did?

2. What had Jeroboam done to the priest and Levites that made them come from all over Israel to serve in Judah? Who else came from all over Israel?

3. What were the “common lands and holdings” of the Levites?

4. Besides the golden calves, what other idols had Jeroboam made?

5. How many wives did Rehoboam have? Which wife did he love the most? How were Rehoboam’s wives also related to David?

6. How did Rehoboam use his sons in the defense of his kingdom?

Heart

1. If you were to describe Rehoboam, using only the events of this story, how would you describe him? Was he faithful? Foolish? Wise? Arrogant? Shrewd? A military genius?

2. From what you read in this story, do you think Rehoboam was a man after God’s own heart? Explain.

3. Who do you think kept the kingdom of Judah faithful during this time? Was it Rehoboam or the priests and Levites that moved to Judah?

Hands

1. What effect did the relocation of so many priests, Levites, and faithful Israelites to Judah have on the kingdom of Judah? Why do you think it had this effect?

2. How would you describe Rehoboam’s family? Can you foresee any problems arising in a family like that? (see also Deut. 21:15-17)

The Reign of Rehoboam

2 Chronicles 12:1-16
Related passage: 1 Kings 14:21-31

Main Thought

Although Rehoboam humbled himself when circumstances were bad, his reign proved that he did not set his heart fully to seek the Lord.

Head

1. What reason does the Bible give for Shishak coming up against Jerusalem?

2. How successful was Shishak in conquering Judah?

3. What did Rehoboam and the princes of Israel do after the prophet told them why the Lord abandoned Judah to the hand of Shishak?

4. Who were the princes of Israel?

5. What did Shishak take from Jerusalem?

6. What did Rehoboam do to make up for what was taken?

7. How old was Rehoboam when he began to reign and how long did he reign?

8. What were the chronicles of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the seer?

Heart

1. Do you think there is any connection between Rehoboam becoming established and strong, and his abandoning of the law of the Lord? Explain.

2. What did the Lord do for Rehoboam and the princes of Israel after they humbled themselves?

Hands

1. Why do you think God still made Rehoboam and the people of Judah suffer consequences for their sin even after they humbled themselves?

2. If you do something wrong, but then say you are sorry, should your parents still punish you for what you did? Explain.

The Reign of Abijah in Judah

2 Chronicles 13:1-22
Related passage: 1 Kings 15:1-8

Main Thought

Abijah seeks his strength in the Lord.

Head

1. Why was there war between Abijah and Jeroboam?

2. What complaint did Abijah have against Jeroboam?

3. How long did a covenant of salt last? (see Num. 18:19)

4. What reason did Abijah give for Rehoboam’s inability to withstand Jeroboam and his men?

5. What did Abijah claim was greater than Jeroboam’s golden calves?

6. What proof did Abijah give that the people of Judah were on God’s side?

7. What military maneuver did Jeroboam try? Did it work?

8. Why did the men of Judah cry out to God?

9. Did Jeroboam ever recover from his defeat at the hands of Abijah?

Heart

1. Do you think Abijah was correct in admonishing Jeroboam for taking much of Israel away from David’s descendants?

2. Do you think Abijah told the whole truth about how a large portion of David’s kingdom ended up in the hands of Jeroboam?

3. What reason does the Bible give for Abijah’s victory? (see v. 18)

Hands

1. Can you recall from a previous story Jeroboam’s reason for creating the golden calves? From this story, what did Jeroboam’s golden calves actually bring him?

2. Would you classify Abijah as a good king or a bad king? Explain. (see also 1 Kings 15:3)

The Reign of Asa in Judah

2 Chronicles 14:1-15
Related passage: 1 Kings 15:9-11

Main Thought

Asa relies on the Lord and is blessed.

Head

1. How long did the land of Judah have rest under the rule of Asa? Why did the land have rest?

2. Why were foreign altars in the land? When do you think they were built?

3. What were the high places and pillars used for?

4. What were the Asherim? Who was Asherah?

5. Why did Asa build fortified cities?

6. Where was Mareshah? What purpose did it serve for Judah? (see 2 Chron. 11:8)

7. What did Asa pray when Zerah the Ethiopian came out with his army to battle Judah?

8. What reason did Asa give for why God should defeat the Ethiopian army?

9. Where did the army of Judah get its plunder?

Heart

1. Is it possible to command someone to seek the Lord? (see v. 4)

2. In his prayer, how did Asa describe God’s relationship to his people?

3. In his prayer, how did Asa describe the people’s relationship to God?

Hands

1. What did Asa do that was good and right?

2. What is the difference between Asa’s prayer and a “foxhole prayer”?

3. Did Asa trust in himself or God when he built the fortified cities? Explain.

Asa’s Reforms

2 Chronicles 15:1-19
Related passage: 1 Kings 15:12-15

Main Thought

The Lord promises his people that he will be found by them.

Head

1. What role did Azariah play in this story?

2. Read verse two and 1 Chronicles 28:9. Why do you think David’s charge to Solomon was repeated to Asa?

3. To what period in Israel’s history do verses three and four refer? (see Judg. 2:11-16)

4. Why was there no peace in those times? (see Judg. 2:20-23)

5. Why was Asa told to take courage now?

6. In the covenant that Asa and the people made, what did they promise?

7. Was God found by them? What else did God give them?

8. Why did Asa remove Maacah his mother from her role as queen mother? What did he do with the image she made?

Heart

1. Why does verse two state, “If you seek him, he will be found by you,” instead of stating, “If you seek him, you will find him”?

2. On a scale from one to ten, how would you rate Asa’s commitment to the Lord? Explain.

Hands

1. When Asa heard the words of Azariah, what was the first thing he did? Why?

2. After Asa had gathered all Judah and Benjamin and other faithful Israelites, what did he do next? Why?

3. Do you think the order in which Asa did these things is important? Explain.

Asa Seeks Help from Syria

2 Chronicles 16:1-14
Related passage: 1 Kings 15:16-24

Main Thought

Asa’s commitment to God falters.

Head

1. Where was Ramah? Why would Baasha be able to limit Asa’s movement by fortifying it?

2. What did Asa do in order to get Baasha to withdraw from him?

3. What did Ben-hadad do to make Baasha withdraw from Ramah?

4. What did Asa do to make sure Ramah wouldn’t be built up again?

5. What did Hanani the seer mean when he said that the “eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth...”?

6. What happened to Asa’s feet toward the end of his life?

7. How was Asa honored after he died?

Heart

1. How did Asa’s payment of tribute to Ben-hadad show Asa’s lack of faith?

2. Think of Asa’s war with the Ethiopians in chapter 14, and his trouble with Baasha now. How did Asa respond to these two challenges differently? What had changed to make Asa respond so differently now?

3. Do you think the Lord actively supports those whose hearts are blameless toward him? Explain.

Hands

1. What did Asa’s reliance on the king of Syria cost him?

2. When Hanani confronted Asa with God’s word, how did Asa respond? How did Asa’s actions reflect what was in his heart?

3. What did Asa do to try to cure his feet? What didn’t he do? What should he have done?

The Reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel

1 Kings 15:25–16:7

Main Thought

The kings of Israel provoke the Lord to anger.

Head

1. Who was Nadab’s father? How did Nadab take after his father?

2. How did Baasha become king?

3. What did Baasha do to the family of Jeroboam after he became king? Why would he do that?

4. Who was Ahijah the Shilonite? When did he prophesy about Jeroboam? (see 1 Kings 11:29ff)

5. What was the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

6. Why was God so angry with Baasha?

7. Who was Jehu the son of Hanani?

8. What were God’s plans for Baasha and his household?

Heart

1. How did God keep his word to Jeroboam? (see 1 Kings 11:37-38)

2. Even though Baasha killed Nadab in order to become king, who really was responsible for making Baasha leader over Israel?

3. When Jehu proclaimed the destruction of Baasha’s household, he graphically described how the members of his family would die. Why do you think he described the destruction of Baasha’s family so graphically?

Hands

1. If God had said that he would destroy Jeroboam’s household in 15:29, why was Baasha condemned for destroying it in 16:7?

2. Nadab and Baasha are both described as doing things that provoked the Lord to anger. What things do you think they did that made the Lord so angry?

The Reigns of Elah and Zimri in Israel

1 Kings 16:8-20

Main Thought

Israel’s monarchy continues to do evil in the sight of the Lord.

Head

1. Where was Tirzah and why was it important in this story?

2. What was Zimri’s relationship to Elah?

3. What was Elah doing when Zimri killed him?

4. What did Zimri do to Elah’s family? How did we know that Elah’s family would die this way? (see 16:1-4)

5. How long did Zimri reign?

6. How did the Israelite army respond to what Zimri had done?

7. Who was Omri?

8. How did Zimri die?

Heart

1. Consider all the kings of Israel from Jeroboam on down. Could any of them be considered a blessing for the people? Do you think any of them encouraged the people to greater faithfulness? Why do you think God allowed them to reign?

2. In what way might the kingdom of Israel be used as an example for the kingdom of Judah?

3. Do you think Elah was concerned about the prophecy against his father Baasha and his household? What reason might he have had for not being concerned?

Hands

1. Did Elah die as a result of his father’s sins, or did he die as a result of his own sins?

2. Did Zimri fulfill the word of the Lord when he killed Elah and his family? Why did he die after only seven days as king? What reason does the Bible give for why Zimri died?

The Reign of Omri in Israel

1 Kings 16:21-28

Main Thought

An evil king prospers in Israel.

Head

1. Why was there a civil war in Israel?

2. Who was Tibni?

3. From city did Omri reign during his first six years as king of Israel?

4. What was so important about Samaria that made the author of 1 Kings go into so much detail about Omri’s purchase and fortification of it?

5. How did Samaria get its name?

6. Who was Omri’s son?

Heart

1. How did Israel provoke God to anger in this story?

2. Verse 27 talks about the might that Omri showed. If he was such an evil king, why do you think the Lord allowed him to become so strong?

3. Do you sometimes wonder why evil people can become so powerful today? Did you know that one of the prophets wondered the same thing? (see Hab. 1:1-4)

4. What should be our response when unfaithful people prosper, but faithful people continue to struggle? (see Hab. 3:17-19)

Hands

1. Verse 25 says that Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord. Do you think the people of Israel also considered his deeds to be evil?

2. When you go about your daily activities, do you consider that all your actions are done in the sight of the Lord?

3. What might Omri have done that made him more evil than all the kings who were before him?

Ahab and Elijah in Israel

1 Kings 16:29–17:7

Main Thought

Elijah proclaims God’s sovereign control over Israel.

Head

1. Who was king in Judah when Ahab began to reign?

2. Did Ahab do more evil than Omri? What additional things did he do that made him more evil than all the kings that went before him?

3. Where was Jezebel’s home town? Was it in Israel?

4. What temple did Ahab build in Samaria? What else did Ahab make?

5. Who rebuilt Jericho? What did his activity cost him?

6. Who was Elijah? Where was he from?

7. What did Elijah say would happen in the land of Israel?

8. Where was the brook Cherith? Was it inside or outside of Israel’s borders? Why was its location significant?

9. What did God tell the ravens to do for Elijah?

10. Why did the brook Cherith dry up?

Heart

1. Considering Omri’s attitude toward the Lord, do you think it is any surprise that Ahab also did evil in God’s sight?

2. Why do you think God sent the drought instead of simply destroying Israel?

3. How did God provide for Elijah in this story?

4. In what ways did God show his control of creation in this story?

Hands

1. How did Elijah show his dependence upon God in this story?

2. How did Elijah force Israel to show its dependence on God?

3. How did Hiel try to show Israel’s independence from God?

The Widow At Zarephath

1 Kings 17:8-24

Main Thought

God sustains life outside of Israel.

Head

1. Where was Zarephath located? Was this within or outside of the boundaries of Israel? Why was the location of Zarephath significant?

2. Why might it have been difficult for the widow to bring water to Elijah? Why was it difficult for the widow to bring bread?

3. What did Elijah promise the widow? What happened to the flour and oil?

4. What happened to the widow’s son? What did Elijah do about it?

5. What effect did the raising of the widow’s son have on her belief that Elijah was a true prophet? How did miracles help to confirm that someone was a true prophet?

Heart

1. What do you think the widow meant when she told Elijah, “You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance...”?

2. Whom did Elijah say had killed the widow’s son? Why would he say that?

3. At the end of the story, the widow confirmed that she believed Elijah was a true prophet of God. Do you think she had faith before then? Explain.

4. How did God show in this story that he is a God of life? Give several examples.

Hands

1. Why might it have been difficult for Elijah to travel to Zarephath? Why did he do it?

2. Do you think it was difficult for the widow to share her last morsel of bread with Elijah? Do you think she believed what Elijah said about the oil and water not running out?

Elijah Returns to Israel

1 Kings 18:1-16

Main Thought

God brings life back to Israel.

Head

1. Before the Lord came to Elijah in this story, what had been going on for three years ?

2. What did the Lord say he was going to do?

3. How did Obadiah serve Ahab’s household?

4. How did Obadiah serve the Lord?

5. What had Obadiah done for the prophets of the Lord?

6. What was Obadiah doing when Elijah found him?

7. Why was Obadiah afraid to tell Ahab about Elijah?

8. How did Elijah assure Obadiah that he would show himself to Ahab?

Heart

1. Why do you think God decided to end the drought at this time?

2. Describe how Obadiah feared the Lord. How was his fear of the Lord different from his fear of Ahab and Jezebel?

3. When Obadiah explained why he was afraid to go to Ahab, did he show a lack of trust in Elijah? Did he show a lack of trust in the Lord?

4. Is there a difference between not trusting someone and simply needing more assurance from them?

Hands

1. Consider Obadiah’s life. How do you think he was able to stay faithful to the Lord when he was surrounded by unfaithful people?

2. Do the circumstances of your life have an impact on your faithfulness to God?

3. When Obadiah left Elijah to find Ahab, do you think he looked back to see if Elijah was still there? Explain.

The Priests of Baal on Mount Carmel

1 Kings 18:17-29

Main Thought

The priests of Baal cry out to a lifeless god.

Head

1. What did Ahab call Elijah when he first saw him? Why?

2. What did Elijah tell Ahab to do?

3. When the people had assembled, what question did Elijah ask them?

4. What did Elijah propose in order to settle the matter?

5. How did the priests of Baal try to get Baal’s attention?

6. What did Elijah think about the actions of the priests of Baal?

7. What response did the priests of Baal get from their god?

Heart

1. Who was the real “troubler of Israel”? Why?

2. What reasons can you think of for the people not answering Elijah in verse 21?

3. Why do you think the people agreed to Elijah’s demonstration regarding the sacrifices? How strong would their faith be if they needed to see a miracle before they believed?

4. Consider Baal’s response to the priests of Baal in verse 29: “but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.” How is God’s communication with us different?

Hands

1. Why did Elijah mock the priests of Baal? What purpose did it serve?

2. Did it matter how much effort the priests of Baal exerted in order to get Baal’s attention? Why not?

3. Why do you think false religions focus so much on man’s efforts instead of the actions of their “god”?

4. How is Christianity different from false religions?

Elijah on Mount Carmel

1 Kings 18:30-46

Main Thought

God answers Elijah’s prayer.

Head

1. Before this story, did an altar of the Lord already exist on Mount Carmel?

2. How many stones did Elijah use to rebuild the altar? Why? At what other times were 12 stones used in Israel? (see Exod. 39:8-14 and Josh. 4:2, 9, 20-24.

3. How many jars of water in total were poured on the burnt offering and the wood?

4. At what time of day did the offering of oblation normally take place? (v. 36; see also v. 29)

5. What did Elijah ask of God in his prayer?

6. What happened to the altar that Elijah used?

7. What did the people say when they saw what God had done?

8. What happened to the prophets of Baal?

9. How did Elijah get to Jezreel?

Heart

1. In his prayer, what did Elijah ask God to do regarding the hearts of his people? Had God already turned the hearts of the people back to him?

2. Besides proving himself to be God that day, what other reason might God have had for destroying not only the burnt offering but the altar itself? Why didn’t God normally allow worship at high places?

Hands

1. Why did Elijah put so much water on the burnt offering and the wood? How would this help the people turn back to God?

2. What did Elijah do to try make sure the people didn’t slip back into Baal worship?

Under the Broom Tree

1 Kings 19:1-8

Main Thought

The Lord ministers to Elijah.

Head

1. In what city were Ahab, Jezebel, and Elijah all staying?

2. If Elijah had been afraid of Jezebel before this story began, do you think he would have gone to Jezreel?

3. What did Jezebel say that made Elijah afraid?

4. Where is Beersheba in relation to Jezreel?

5. What is a broom tree? What did Elijah ask of the Lord when he was under the broom tree?

6. If Elijah wasn’t afraid of dying, why did he run away from Jezebel?

7. What reason did the angel give for feeding Elijah two times?

8. Where did Elijah go after the broom tree?

9. What is another name for Mount Horeb? (see Deut. 5:2ff)

10. What other events in Israel’s history had taken place at Mount Horeb?

Heart

1. Why do you think Elijah’s courage failed him?

2. Do you think God was disappointed with Elijah? Explain.

3. How did the Lord minister to Elijah under the broom tree?

Hands

1. Why do you think Jezebel sent a messenger to tell Elijah she wanted him dead? Why didn’t she just send someone to kill him?

2. When is it appropriate to stand and fight for your faith? When should you retreat?

3. Why do you think the Lord fed Elijah twice for his journey to Mount Horeb instead of simply transporting him there?

The Still, Small Voice

1 Kings 19:9-21

Main Thought

The Lord strengthens Elijah for future tasks.

Head

1. In what mountain was Elijah’s cave located?

2. What did Elijah tell the Lord about what was going on in Israel?

3. What natural events did the Lord show to Elijah? Why wasn’t the Lord in those natural events?

4. How did the Lord present himself to Elijah? Why?

5. What three people did the Lord tell Elijah to anoint? How would these three people serve God’s purposes in the future? (see 1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 8:7-13; 9:1-10)

6. How did God assure Elijah that faithful people remained in Israel?

7. What was Elisha doing when Elijah found him? Why did Elijah cast his cloak on Elisha? What was Elisha’s response?

Heart

1. Why do you think God started his conversation with Elijah by asking him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

2. When Elijah described to the Lord what was going on in Israel, what parts of his life and work did he leave out? Why do you think he failed to mention them?

3. Was Elijah really the only faithful Israelite left? Why might he have thought he was?

4. When the Lord asked Elijah again, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” why did Elijah give the Lord the same answer again?

Hands

1. Why do you think the Lord gave Elijah specific tasks to do after he left Horeb?

2. How would Elijah find the strength to do them?

Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria

1 Kings 20:1-12

Main Thought

Ahab assesses his own strength in order to meet Ben-hadad’s threat.

Head

1. How many kings gathered together to fight against Samaria?

2. What was Ahab willing to give to Ben-hadad to avoid a war? What additional demand did Ben-hadad make?

3. Why do you think Ben-hadad made these demands?

4. Why did Ahab call the elders of Israel? Why did he need their approval before replying to Ben-hadad the way he did?

5. How did Ahab respond to Ben-hadad’s second demand?

6. What did Ben-hadad mean when he said, “The gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me”? (v. 10)

7. What did Ahab mean when he said, “Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off”? (v. 11)

Heart

1. When Ben-hadad and the 32 other kings assembled against Samaria, what did Ahab fail to do?

2. Do you think Ahab relied on his own strength in the responses he gave to Ben-hadad? Explain.

3. How might Ben-hadad’s attack on Samaria have been a way to test Ahab? Later, Hezekiah, king of Judah would be tested in a similar way. How did Hezekiah stand up to the test? (see 2 Kings 18:28–19:1)

Hands

1. Should Ahab have agreed to give Ben-hadad his silver and gold and his wives and children?

2. Was Ahab’s second response to Ben-hadad an attempt to insult Ben-hadad? Why do you think he said it?

Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad

1 Kings 20:13-30a

Main Thought

The Lord gives victory to Ahab and the Israelites.

Head

1. What did the prophet tell Ahab in verse 13? Why was God going to give Ahab victory?

2. What questions did Ahab ask of the prophet? Why do you think he asked those questions?

3. At what time of the day did Ahab go out to battle? What was Ben-hadad doing?

4. How did Ben-hadad’s order in verse 18 show his overconfidence?

5. What made the Syrian army flee?

6. What do you think the prophet wanted Ahab to do in verse 22?

7. What excuse did the Syrians give for losing the first battle?

8. How were the Israelites described in verse 27? How were the Syrians described?

9. Why did God give Ahab victory in the second battle? (see v. 28)

Heart

1. Why did God give Ahab the victory?

2. According to the prophet, God would give Ahab victory so that Ahab would know that God is the Lord. What had Ahab done that showed he really didn’t know God as Lord?

3. Do you think the Israelites were frightened when camped at Aphek?

Hands

1. In what ways was it obvious from this story that the victory was the Lord’s and not Ahab’s? Consider the number of men in each army, what happened in the battles, the words of the prophet, etc.

2. Why wasn’t Ahab mentioned by name in the second battle?

Ahab Releases Ben-hadad

1 Kings 20:30b-43

Main Thought

Ahab forms an unholy covenant and learns the consequences.

Head

1. Where did Ben-hadad flee when he knew the battle was lost?

2. Why do you think the kings of Israel had a reputation for being merciful?

3. Why did Ben-hadad and his servants put sackcloth around their waists and ropes on their heads?

4. What request did Ben-hadad’s servants make to Ahab on Ben-hadad’s behalf? What was Ahab’s response?

5. What did Ben-hadad promise Ahab?

6. What did the prophet ask his fellow prophet to do to him? Why did the prophet need to be wounded?

7. Why was the fellow prophet killed by a lion?

8. What lesson did the prophet teach Ahab?

Heart

1. Why would Ahab call Ben-hadad his brother? In what ways might Ahab have considered Ben-hadad to be like a brother? Why should he have known that he wasn’t?

2. Who should Ahab have called his brothers?

3. Why did Ahab go home vexed and sullen? How should Ahab have reacted to the words of the prophet?

Hands

1. What reasons might Ahab have had for letting Ben-hadad go free? Are any of these reasons good reasons? Explain.

2. Do you think it was a bit harsh for the fellow prophet to be killed by a lion just because he didn’t strike the prophet? Why did God consider it to be an offense punishable by death?

Naboth’s Vineyard

1 Kings 21:1-16

Main Thought

Ahab chooses his will over God’s law.

Head

1. If Naboth’s vineyard was located in the town of Jezreel, how could it be next to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria?

2. What did Ahab request of Naboth? Why did Naboth refuse? What reason did Naboth give for refusing?

3. What question did Jezebel ask Ahab? What did Jezebel think a king should be able to do? Where do you think she got this idea?

4. What plan did Jezebel devise to take Naboth’s vineyard? Why did Jezebel need two worthless men as witnesses? (see Deut. 17:6)

5. Of what sin did the worthless men accuse Naboth?

6. What did Ahab do as soon as he heard that Naboth was dead?

Heart

1. Do you think Ahab’s offer would have been fair under normal circumstances? Why was it so wrong for Ahab to make this offer?

2. Why do you think Ahab assumed he could possess the land after Naboth died? Who should have inherited it?

3. Why was Ahab vexed and sullen? At what other time was he vexed and sullen? (see 1 Kings 20:43) What does this tell you about Ahab?

Hands

1. How did Ahab act when he returned to his house after Naboth had refused him? Do you think he was acting like a spoiled child?

2. What was Jezebel’s idea of how a king should act? How was it different from God’s idea of how a king should act?

3. How did Ahab show a disregard for God’s law? (see Gen. 17:8; Lev. 25:23; Deut. 25:5ff.)

4. Which of the Ten Commandments were broken in this story?

Elijah Confronts Ahab

1 Kings 21:17-29

Main Thought

When confronted with the word of the Lord, Ahab repents.

Head

1. When we last read about Elijah, what was he doing? (see 1 Kings 19)

2. How had Elijah changed from the last time we read about him?

3. What two sins of Ahab did Elijah list in verse 19?

4. What did Elijah say would happen to Ahab and his family?

5. Who incited Ahab to do evil in the sight of the Lord?

6. What did Ahab do after he heard Elijah’s words?

7. What did the Lord do after Ahab humbled himself?

8. Do you think Elijah told Ahab about God’s decision to postpone the disaster on Ahab house? Why doesn’t the story include this information?

Heart

1. What provokes the Lord to anger?

2. Why do you think the Lord expressly mentioned the deaths of Ahab and Jezebel and described them so vividly?

3. Does it surprise you that Ahab humbled himself before God? Do you think he was truly sorry for what he had done, or was he just sad that the consequences were so severe?

4. How was Ahab’s response to Elijah’s words in verse 27 different than his response to Naboth in verse 4?

5. Did the Lord change his plans regarding Ahab’s family? Explain.

Hands

1. What did Elijah do that made Ahab consider him an enemy?

2. In what ways had Ahab sold himself to do evil in God’s sight?

Ahab and Jehoshaphat Form an Alliance

1 Kings 22:1-12
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 18:1-11

Main Thought

Despite his ill-advised alliance, Jehoshaphat seeks the word of the Lord.

Head

1. What happened during Israel’s last war with Syria? Why was there peace for three years? (see 1 Kings 20)

2. When should Ramoth-gilead have been returned to Israel? (see 1 Kings 20:34)

3. How do you know there was peace between Judah and Israel?

4. What did Jehoshaphat want to do before going into battle? Why?

5. Do you think the 400 prophets were true prophets of God? If the 450 prophets of Baal had been slaughtered at Mount Carmel, what other false prophets might be left? (see 1 Kings 18:19)

6. What did the 400 prophets tell the kings?

7. Why did Jehoshaphat ask specifically for another prophet of the Lord?

8. Why didn’t Ahab like to inquire of Micaiah?

9. Why did Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah make horns of iron? What did the horns of iron signify?

Heart

1. Compare and contrast what Jehoshaphat said to Ahab in verse four with what Ruth said to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17.

2. Do you think Jehoshaphat should have visited Ahab in Samaria? Why was he there?

Hands

1. If Micaiah always prophesied bad things about Ahab, what should Ahab have done about it?

2. What did Ahab do instead?

Micaiah

1 Kings 22:13-28
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 18:12-27

Main Thought

Ahab hears the clear word of the Lord but disregards it.

Head

1. How did the messenger try to influence Micaiah?

2. How did Micaiah answer the messenger?

3. How did Micaiah pretend to go along with the messenger’s request?

4. How do you think Ahab figured out that Micaiah wasn’t originally telling him the truth?

5. What was Micaiah’s true prophecy? What was Ahab’s response to the prophecy?

6. What did Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah do to Micaiah? Why?

7. What did Ahab do with Micaiah?

Heart

1. Do you think the messenger who went to summon Micaiah believed that God spoke through his prophets? Do you think he believed in God? Explain.

2. Why do you think God included in Micaiah’s prophecy the story of how God determined to entice Ahab?

3. Was God responsible for the lying spirit that was placed in the mouth of all of Ahab’s prophets? Explain.

Hands

1. If Ahab knew that God was using lying spirits in his prophets to entice him, why do you think he still sided with them and put Micaiah in prison?

2. In what ways did Micaiah have to suffer for proclaiming the word of the Lord?

3. What was the test of a true prophet? (see Deut. 18:22)

The Death of Ahab

1 Kings 22:29-40
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 18:28-34

Main Thought

Ahab learns that he cannot avoid what God has determined for him.

Head

1. Did Micaiah’s prophecy stop Ahab from going to war?

2. Why did Ahab disguise himself? Why did he ask Jehoshaphat to wear his robes?

3. Who was the one person that the king of Syria wanted his captains to fight against? Why?

4. What mistake did the captains of Syria’s army make?

5. How was Ahab killed?

6. Why do you think Ahab stayed propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians?

7. Why did the army of Israel flee when they saw that Ahab was dead?

8. What happened to the blood in Ahab’s chariot?

Heart

1. Why didn’t Micaiah’s prophecy stop Ahab from going to war?

2. Do you think God directed the random arrow that killed Ahab?

3. When do you think Ahab realized that Micaiah’s prophecy was coming true? Explain.

Hands

1. If Micaiah had been a false prophet, was there any need for Ahab to disguise himself? Since Micaiah really was a true prophet of God, did Ahab’s disguise have any chance of being effective?

2. If you had been Jehoshaphat, would you have allowed Ahab to disguise himself while you still wore your robes?

3. Do you understand and accept God’s will for your life?

The Reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah

1 Kings 22:41-50
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 17:1-19

Main Thought

Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father Asa, but his rule was not without problems.

Head

1. Who was Jehoshaphat’s father?

2. How long did Jehoshaphat reign?

3. Was Jehoshaphat a good king or a bad king?

4. Can you think of any reason why Jehoshaphat might have considered it acceptable to leave the high places standing? (see 1 Kings 15:14)

5. Although Jehoshaphat didn’t remove the high places, what did he remove?

6. Why do you think verse 47 mentions that there was no king in Edom, but that a deputy was king? What does this information have to do with the reign of Jehoshaphat?

7. What other king had ships at Ezion-geber in Edom? (see 1 Kings 9:26-28)

8. Why do you think Jehoshaphat refused to let Israelites from the ten northern tribes serve on his ships? (see 2 Chron. 20:35-37)

9. Who was Jehoshaphat’s son?

Heart

1. In what ways did Jehoshaphat show himself to be a faithful king?

2. In what ways did Jehoshaphat show himself to be an unfaithful king?

Hands

1. What kind of influence do you think Jehoshaphat’s father Asa had on Jehoshaphat? Explain.

2. Was it wrong of Jehoshaphat to make peace with the king of Israel?

Jehoshaphat’s Reforms

2 Chronicles 19:1-11

Main Thought

Jehoshaphat is reprimanded and responds with faithfulness.

Head

1. What danger was Jehoshaphat in that made the writer of Chronicles say that he returned to Jerusalem “in safety”?

2. Who was Jehu the son of Hanani?

3. According to Jehu, what had Jehoshaphat done wrong?

4. According to Jehu, what good had Jehoshaphat done?

5. What did Jehoshaphat do throughout Judah to bring the people back to the Lord?

6. Whom did Jehoshaphat appoint in Jerusalem to be judges?

7. What charge did Jehoshaphat give the judges he appointed?

Heart

1. What is the difference between fearing the Lord and being afraid of the Lord?

2. How would the fear of the Lord encourage the judges to seek justice?

3. How does the fear of the Lord encourage you to do what is right?

4. How could Jehoshaphat’s charge to the judges also apply today?

Hands

1. After Jehoshaphat was reprimanded by Jehu, what did he do?

2. How was Jehoshaphat’s response to Jehu different from Ahab’s response to Elijah?

3. What things did Jehoshaphat do that helped to bring the people back to the Lord?

4. What is the difference between judging for man and judging for the Lord?

Jehoshaphat’s Prayer

2 Chronicles 20:1-19

Main Thought

The Lord takes up Judah’s cause and claims the battle as his own.

Head

1. What had Jehoshaphat done prior to this story that showed his faithfulness to God?

2. What is the first thing Jehoshaphat did after hearing about the army assembling against him?

3. How did Jehoshaphat praise God in his prayer?

4. What did Jehoshaphat remind God of in his prayer?

5. What request did Jehoshaphat make of God in his prayer?

6. In verse nine, Jehoshaphat recalled an earlier statement by another king. Do your remember when this statement was made? (see 2 Chron. 6:24-31)

7. How soon did Jehoshaphat receive an answer to his prayer?

8. What did God tell Jehoshaphat and his army to do?

Heart

1. Do you think Jehoshaphat may have wondered what God was doing when an army of Judah’s enemies assembled for war after he had just made so many reforms in the land?

2. Why do you think God answered Jehoshaphat so quickly and clearly?

Hands

1. When Jehoshaphat assembled Judah for prayer, was that an active or a passive response to the threat from the Moabites and Ammonites?

2. If trouble comes in  your life, do you consider prayer a part of your active response to that trouble?

3. Was the way God answered Jehoshaphat’s prayer an exception, or should we expect similar answers to our prayers?

The Lord Delivers Judah

2 Chronicles 20:20-34

Main Thought

The Lord shows his power over the nations and his love for his people.

Head

1. Where is the wilderness of Tekoa?

2. What did Jehoshaphat do when the army of Israel went out?

3. How were the Moabites and Ammonites defeated? Did the army of Judah have to do any fighting at all?

4. What did the army of Judah discover when it arrived for battle?

5. How long did it take the army of Judah to remove all the goods, clothing, and precious things?

6. Why did the people assemble in the Valley of Beracah?

7. When the people of Judah returned to Jerusalem, where did they go first?

8. How did this battle help Jehoshaphat have rest from fighting other nations?

Heart

1. Do Jehoshaphat’s words to Judah in verse 20 still apply to us today? Explain.

2. How did the Lord confirm Jehoshaphat’s faith in him?

3. What caused the people of Judah to “not yet set their hearts upon the God of their fathers”?

Hands

1. Why did Jehoshaphat appoint people to go before the army and sing to the Lord? What effect did this have on the battle?

2. Have you ever considered singing to the Lord when you are going through troubling times? What effect would it have on your personal battle?

Elijah Condemns Ahaziah

1 Kings 22:51 through 2 Kings 1:18

Main Thought

God displays his power in the life and death of Ahaziah.

Head

1. How long did Ahaziah reign?

2. Why do you think verse 52 says not only that Ahaziah walked in the ways of his father, but also that he walked in the ways of his mother?

3. What did Ahaziah do that was evil in the sight of the Lord?

4. What was lattice used for and why would it be a problem if you fell through it?

5. Where did Ahaziah send his messengers?

6. Who met the messengers instead? What message did he give the messengers?

7. How can you tell from the story that Ahaziah knew about Elijah?

8. What message did Elijah give to Ahaziah after he came down from the hill? Did Elijah’s word come true?

Heart

1. If Ahaziah didn’t want to inquire of God, why do you think God sent Ahaziah a message anyway?

2. Why did Ahaziah try to force Elijah to come down from the hill and go to him?

3. Why do you think God made such an impressive display of his power for Ahaziah? How was this show of God’s power similar to what happened on Mount Carmel with Ahab?

Hands

1. How did the first captain try to convince Elijah to come? How did the second captain try to convince Elijah to come?

2. How was the third captain’s approach to Elijah different than the first two captains?

Elijah Is Taken Up to Heaven

2 Kings 2:1-14

Main Thought

The Lord shows his glory through Elijah’s transport to heaven.

Head

1. Why do you think Elisha was so insistent on staying with Elijah?

2. What did the sons of the prophets at Bethel and Jericho tell Elisha about Elijah?

3. How do you think Elisha came to know what was going to happen to Elijah?

4. Why do you think Elisha wanted the sons of the prophets to keep quiet?

5. Why do you think fifty of the sons of the prophets watched Elijah and Elisha at some distance when they went to the Jordan?

6. How did Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan?

7. What did Elisha ask from Elijah? What did he have to do to receive it?

8. What appeared to take Elijah to heaven? What did Elisha call Elijah? Why?

9. What did Elisha do with Elijah’s cloak?

Heart

1. Why do you think God decided to take Elijah to heaven in such a dramatic fashion? Who benefited from seeing that? In what way did he benefit?

2. Even though Elijah told Elisha to stay back, do you think he secretly wanted him to follow? Explain.

Hands

1. Why do you think Elisha tore his own clothes into two pieces?

2. How did Elisha show that he had received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit?

Elisha Succeeds Elijah

2 Kings 2:15-25

Main Thought

The spirit of Elijah is passed to Elisha, and the work of God in Israel continues.

Head

1. How do you think the sons of the prophets knew that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha?

2. Why did the sons of the prophets ask permission from Elisha to look for Elijah?

3. What did the sons of the prophets think had happened to Elijah?

4. Why did Elisha refuse to send the sons of the prophets to look for Elijah?

5. What city is being spoken of in verse 19? (see 2 Kings 2:4)

6. What miracle did Elisha perform in this city?

7. What happened to Elisha in Bethel? What did he do about it?

8. How did the incidents in the two towns help to confirm Elisha as Elijah’s successor and a true prophet of God?

9. What was significant about Elisha going on to Mount Carmel and then to Samaria? What had Elijah done in these places?

Heart

1. Why do you think the sons of the prophets insisted so strongly that they search for Elijah? Do you think Elisha told them what actually happened? If he did, do you think they believed him?

2. How do we know from this story that God was still at work in Israel?

Hands

1. Why was it so wrong of the boys to make fun of Elisha?

2. Why did Elisha let the sons of the prophets search for Elijah even though he knew it was futile?

Three Kings United Against Moab

2 Kings 3:1-10

Main Thought

Jehoshaphat again forms an unholy alliance with the king of Israel.

Head

1. Who became king of Israel after Ahaziah? Why didn’t a son of Ahaziah become king? (see 2 Kings 1:17)

2. How was Jehoram different from Ahab and Jezebel?

3. What was the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nebat?

4. What annual tribute did Mesha king of Moab have to pay to Israel?

5. What happened to make Mesha think that he could successfully rebel against Israel?

6. How did Jehoshaphat answer Jehoram when he asked him to go to war with him against Moab? When had he given a similar answer? (see 1 Kings 22:4)

7. Why did Jehoshaphat think the war was lost to Moab even before the armies went to battle?

Heart

1. Why do you think it was so hard for Jehoshaphat to say no to the kings of Israel?

2. Why do you think Jehoshaphat failed to inquire of the Lord before he marched into battle with the kings of Israel and Edom?

3. When Edom  and Israel went to war, did they normally fight on the same side or on opposing sides? Why did they fight on the same side now?

Hands

1. Why was Jehoshaphat so willing to join Israel against Moab? What benefit did he see for himself or for Judah? Was his reason legitimate?

2. When would have been a good time for Jehoshaphat to insist on inquiring of the Lord?

The Lord Grants Victory

2 Kings 3:11-27

Main Thought

The Lord displays his power for Jehoshaphat.

Head

1. What was going on that made Jehoshaphat want to inquire of the Lord?

2. What prophet was available? What did Jehoshaphat think of this prophet?

3. Why didn’t Elisha want to prophesy for the king of Israel?

4. What was the only reason why Elisha would prophesy?

5. Why did Elisha want a musician before he would prophesy?

6. According to Elisha’s prophecy, how was the Lord going to help the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom?

7. Besides giving them water, how else was the Lord going to help the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom?

8. How did the Lord provide water for the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom, and at the same time provide victory for them against Moab?

9. When the battle was going against him, what did the king of Moab do in desperation?

10. Whose wrath is described in verse 27?

Heart

1. Why do you think the Lord told the kings in verse 18 that “this is a light thing in the sight of the Lord”?

2. Do you think that the way the Lord provided water and victory helped to confirm that it was a light thing in the sight of the Lord?

Hands

1. Does the story mention anywhere that the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom acknowledged what the Lord did for them? Do you think they did? Explain.

Elisha and the Widow’s Oil

2 Kings 4:1-7

Main Thought

God provides redemption through Elisha.

Head

1. Compare this miracle of Elisha with the miracle of Elijah in 1 Kings 17:9-16. How are they alike? How are they different?

2. How did Elisha know this widow’s husband before he died?

3. What was going to happen to the widow’s two sons? Why?

4. If the widow was in debt, who was supposed to help her? (see Lev. 25:25)

5. What did Elisha tell the widow and her two sons to do?

6. What happened that made the oil stop flowing?

Heart

1. Why did the widow come to Elisha? Why didn’t she ask for specific help?

2. Why doesn’t the Lord always help people get out of debt through miracles like this?

3. Do you think the widow ever questioned why God would let her lose her husband and almost lose her sons? Explain.

4. What did the Lord do for the widow in addition to taking care of her debts?

Hands

1. How did the widow’s actions show that she believed what Elisha told her?

2. If you were one of the widow’s sons, what would you have thought about what the widow asked you to do? Would you have helped her?

3. If you were one of the widow’s neighbors, would you have let her borrow all your vessels? Would you have asked why she needed them? Would you have believed her answer?

The Shunammite Woman Bears a Son

2 Kings 4:8-17

Main Thought

The Shunammite woman shares her blessing with Elisha and is further blessed.

Head

1. Where was Shunem located?

2. What kind of relationship did Elisha have with the Shunammite woman and her husband?

3. How do you think the Shunammite woman learned that Elisha was a holy man of God?

4. What did the Shunammite woman and her husband do for Elisha?

5. What did Elisha want to do for the Shunammite woman? Why did he suggest “a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army”?

6. What did the Shunammite woman mean when she said, “I dwell among my own people”?

7. Who suggested that the Shunammite woman might desire a son?

8. How did the Shunammite woman react when Elisha told her she would have a son?

Heart

1. Do you think the Shunammite woman expected something from Elisha when she provided a place for him to stay? Explain.

2. Why do you think the Shunammite woman refused to have Elisha speak a word on her behalf to the king or the commander of the army?

3. Do you think the Shunammite woman believed Elisha when he told her she would have a son? Explain.

Hands

1. How had God blessed the Shunammite woman materially?

2. How did the Shunammite woman use her blessings to serve Elisha?

Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son

2 Kings 4:18-37

Main Thought

As he did through Elijah, God brings life from death through Elisha.

Head

1. What happened to the Shunammite woman’s son? Where did the Shunammite woman lay the boy?

2. Why did the Shunammite woman ask her husband for one of his servants and one of his donkeys?

3. When Elisha saw the Shunammite woman coming, what did he ask Gehazi to do?

4. What possession of Elisha did Gehazi take with him when he went to the boy? Why?

5. Compare this story with the story of Elijah raising the widow’s son in 1 Kings 17:17-24. How are these stories alike? How are they different?

Heart

1. After the boy died, why did the Shunammite woman tell her husband that all was well? Why did she want to go to Elisha so quickly?

2. Why do you think the Lord hid the reason for the Shunammite’s distress from Elisha?

3. In verse 28 was the Shunammite woman reprimanding Elisha for giving her a son? Explain.

4. Why do you think the Shunammite woman refused to leave Elisha even after Gehazi went to the boy?

Hands

1. How do the actions of the Shunammite woman show her complete dependence on the Lord?

2. What did Elisha symbolize when he stretched himself out on on the boy? By what power was the boy raised?

Death in the Pot

2 Kings 4:38-44

Main Thought

God through Elisha provides nourishment in the midst of famine.

Head

1. What problem was occurring in the land?

2. How did the sons of the prophets get ingredients for the stew?

3. Why would someone cut up gourds for the stew without knowing what they were? What was wrong with the gourds?

4. How did Elisha make the stew edible?

5. What was “bread of the firstfruits”?

6. How much food was given to Elisha and the sons of the prophets? Under normal circumstances, would it have been enough to feed them?

7. Compare the final miracle of Elisha in this story with Jesus’ miracles in Matthew 14:13-21 and 15:32-39.

Heart

1. Why do you think God sent a drought at this time?

2. What two aspects of God’s life-giving grace are highlighted by Elisha’s two miracles in this story?

3. How does Elisha’s miracle of the multiplication of food point to an even greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ?

Hands

1. If you had been one of the sons of the prophets who discovered the death in the pot, would you have been willing to take the first bite of stew after Elisha threw the flour into it? Explain.

2. How did the sons of the prophets depend on Elisha to get them through the drought?

3. Can you think of other times when people depended on a prophet to get them through a drought?

Naaman Is Healed of Leprosy

2 Kings 5:1-14

Main Thought

Naaman encounters a true prophet in Israel.

Head

1. What army did Naaman command?

2. What problem did Naaman have?

3. How did the Israelite girl come to be in Naaman’s household? What did she tell Naaman’s wife about Elisha?

4. How did the king of Syria get involved?

5. What did Naaman take along with him to Israel? Why?

6. What did the king of Israel think the king of Syria was trying to do?

7. Did the king of Israel send for Elisha, or did Elisha initiate the contact with the king? What does this tell you about the king?

8. Why was Naaman upset with Elisha?

Heart

1. Do you think the servant girl believed in God, or did she just believe in Elisha? What’s the difference? Explain.

2. How did God glorify himself through Naaman’s leprosy?

3. Why was the king of Israel so upset when Naaman came to him? Do you think he ever considered that God might help him?

4. In verse eight, what reason did Elisha give for asking the king of Israel to send Naaman to him? Why would Naaman need to know that there is a prophet in Israel?

Hands

1. Why do you think Elisha just sent a messenger to Naaman instead of coming out of his house to meet him?

2. How did Naaman’s servants convince Naaman to do what Elisha said? What happened when he did?

The Greed of Gehazi

2 Kings 5:15-27

Main Thought

Gehazi learns the consequences of tarnishing God’s glory.

Head

1. Why did Naaman return to Elisha? What did he want to give him?

2. Why did Naaman want two mules’ load of earth from Israel?

3. What exception did Naaman ask for regarding Rimmon?

4. Did Elisha grant Naaman’s request regarding Rimmon?

5. Why did Gehazi run after Naaman?

6. What lie did Gehazi tell Naaman?

7. What did Elisha tell Gehazi after Gehazi returned?

Heart

1. When Naaman confessed in verse 15 that “there is no God in all the earth but in Israel,” do you think he really believed it?

2. Do you think Elisha knew whether or not Naaman was a true believer?

3. Do you think Gehazi was a true believer? Do you think he considered that God knew what he had done?

4. Why do you think Naaman was so happy to give Gehazi some gifts?

Hands

1. When you do something you know you shouldn’t do, do you consider that God knows everything you do?

2. How do we know from Gehazi’s actions that he knew what he was doing was wrong?

3. What consequence did Gehazi have to live with because of his sin?

4. Do you think the consequence Gehazi received was justified, or do you think it was too harsh? Explain.

The Floating Axe Head

2 Kings 6:1-7

Main Thought

The Lord continues to provide for the sons of the prophets through Elisha.

Head

1. What was the problem with the place where the sons of the prophets were staying?

2. Why did they have to go to the Jordan to get logs?

3. Why do you think Elisha agreed to go along? Do you think he knew what was going to happen?

4. What happened to the axe head?

5. Why was it so important to know that it was borrowed? How expensive do you think it would be to replace an axe head?

6. What question did Elisha ask the young prophet? Why did he ask it?

7. What was the point of throwing a stick into the water where the axe head fell?

8. What miracle occurred in this story?

Heart

1. Why do you think the young prophet who lost the axe head went first to Elisha to tell him what happened?

2. What did the young prophet have to admit about himself to Elisha regarding the axe head?

3. How did this miracle of Elisha show God’s provision for the sons of the prophets? How had God provided for the sons of the prophets before? (see 2 Kings 4:38-44)

Hands

1. Do you think the young prophet who lost the axe head could have done anything to avoid losing it?

2. Was the young prophet responsible for replacing it? Why?

Elisha Traps the Army of Syria

2 Kings 6:8-23

Main Thought

God provides deliverance for Israel through Elisha.

Head

1. How had the relations between Israel and Syria changed since chapter five?

2. How did Elisha help the king of Israel avoid the army of Syria?

3. What did the king of Syria think was happening?

4. Why did the king of Syria surround Dothan?

5. What did Elisha’s servant think about the army surrounding Dothan?

6. What did Elisha see that his servant didn’t see?

7. When Elisha prayed for God to open his servant’s eyes, what did Elisha’s servant see?

8. What did the Lord do to the army of Syria?

9. What did Elisha do to the army after it was struck blind?

10. What did the king of Israel want to do to the army of Syria?

11. What did Elisha tell the king of Israel to do instead?

Heart

1. In verse 16, Elisha told his servant, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Can we make that same statement today? Is there ever a time when we can’t make that statement?

2. Did the Lord use the horses and chariots of fire to fight against Syria? What did the Lord do to disarm the Syrian army? Why do you think he showed Elisha and his servant the horses and chariots of fire?

Hands

1. Why didn’t Elisha allow the king of Israel to strike down the army of Syria?

The Siege of Samaria

2 Kings 6:24-33

Main Thought

The king of Israel decides that he can wait on the Lord no longer.

Head

1. Describe the deteriorating relationship between Israel and Samaria in chapters five and six. How bad had it become?

2. What problem did the woman bring before the king?

3. Compare the problem between the two women in this story with the problem between the two prostitutes in 1 Kings 3:16-28. What was different about the responses of the two kings?

4. Why was the king wearing sackcloth beneath his clothes?

5. Do you think the king considered Elisha responsible for the siege, or at least unwilling to help Samaria out of it? Why did he send a messenger to Elisha?

6. Why did Elisha tell the elders to hold the door shut against the king’s messenger? Who was coming right behind the messenger?

Heart

1. What do you think the king was trying to do by attempting to kill Elisha? Was he trying to get revenge? Show his power? Vent his frustration? Explain.

2. Based on the king’s attitude toward Elisha, how would you describe the king’s attitude toward God?

3. Why do you think the elders gathered at Elisha’s house? Do you think they had a different attitude than the king?

Hands

1. Consider the words of the messenger in verse 33, “This trouble is from the Lord! Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” Is it ever appropriate to ask that question of the Lord? Explain.

2. If you had been in Samaria, would you have been content to wait on the Lord?

The Syrians Flee

2 Kings 7:1-20

Main Thought

The Lord miraculously rescues Israel.

Head

1. Who was Elisha talking to when this story began?

2. According to Elisha, would food be cheap or expensive on the following day?

3. Why didn’t the captain believe Elisha? What consequences did Elisha say would come to the captain because of his unbelief?

4. Where were the lepers staying? Why?

5. Why did the lepers decide to go to the camp of the Syrians? What did the lepers find?

6. What did the lepers decide to tell the people in the city?

7. Why didn’t the people of Samaria go out to the Syrian camp right away? What did they do instead?

Heart

1. How did God rescue Samaria? Why did he rescue it?

2. If you were Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, and discovered what the Lord did to make you flee from the siege of Samaria, what would have been your attitude toward God?

3. If you were the king of Israel, what should have been your attitude toward God?

Hands

1. Do you think the consequences the captain suffered were appropriate for his sin? Explain.

2. When Samaria was at its lowest point during the siege, where was Elisha? Why do you think God made him suffer with the rest of the Samarians?

3. Why do the righteous sometimes have to suffer with the wicked?

The Shunammite’s Land Is Restored

2 Kings 8:1-6

Main Thought

God showers more blessings on a faithful Israelite.

Head

1. Prior to this story, what had Elisha done for the Shunammite?

2. How long did the famine last?

3. Where did the woman go to avoid the famine?

4. What happened to the woman’s land while she was in the land of the Philistines?

5. Why did the woman have to go to the king to ask that her land be returned to her?

6. What was the king doing when the Shunammite came to him?

7. If Gehazi was having a conversation in the king’s presence, do you think he had leprosy when this story took place? How can you explain Gehazi’s presence near the king? Could this story have happened before the story of Naaman? Could Gehazi have been one of the lepers at Samaria? Could Gehazi have somehow been healed of his leprosy (but note 2 Kings 5:27)?

8. Where do you think Elisha was? Why wasn’t he present with the king when this story took place? (see v. 7)

Heart

1. How was God at work in this story?

2. Do you think God arrange the events of this story for the woman’s benefit? Gehazi’s benefit? The king’s benefit? Explain.

Hands

1. How did the woman’s obedience to Elisha’s words result in blessing for herself and her family?

2. Why do you think the king not only restored the Shunammite’s land, but also all the income that the land produced while she was gone?

Hazael Murders Ben-hadad

2 Kings 8:7-15

Main Thought

Elisha fulfills the command that God originally gave to Elijah to anoint Hazael king over Syria.

Head

1. Why did Elisha travel to Damascus?

2. What did Ben-hadad ask Hazael to do?

3. Why did Hazael take a gift with him? How large was the gift?

4. Can you think of other times when people brought gifts to prophets? (see 1 Sam. 9:1-9; 1 Kings 14:1-4; 2 Kings 5:1-6)

5. Why do you think Hazael referred to the king of Syria as “your son Ben-hadad”?

6. Why did Elisha fix his gaze on Hazael and weep? What would Hazael do to the people of Israel?

7. Did Hazael believe Elisha at first? How did Hazael describe himself to Elisha? Why?

8. How did Hazael become king?

Heart

1. If God knew that Hazael would do such terrible things to Israel, why do you think he commanded Elijah to anoint Hazael king over Syria?

2. Why do you think Hazael listened to Elisha? Do you think Hazael considered Elisha to be a true prophet?

Hands

1. In verse ten, did Elisha tell Hazael to lie?

2. Do you think Elisha’s discussion with Hazael encouraged Hazael to murder his master?

3. Why do you think it took Elisha so long to fulfill the command that God had originally given to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:15? (For a possible answer see 1 Kings 21:27-29.)

The Reign of Jehoram in Judah

2 Chronicles 21:1-20
Related passage:2 Kings 8:16-24

Main Thought

Jehoram seeks to do his own will and dies to no one’s regret.

Head

1. Why did did Jehoshaphat give the throne of Judah to Jehoram instead of to Jehoram’s brothers?

2. What did Jehoram do to his brothers? Why would he do something like that?

3. Who was Jehoram’s father? Who were his father-in-law and mother-in-law? Whose example did he follow?

4. Who revolted against Jehoram? Why?

5. What sins of Jehoram did Elijah speak against? What consequences did Elijah say would come?

6. What did the Philistines and Arabians do to Jehoram and the people of Judah? Why?

7. Who was the only son left in the house of Jehoram?

8. How did Jehoram die?

9. How did the people of Judah respond to his death?

Heart

1. Why do you think Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel instead of the kings of Judah? Do you think his wife had anything to do with it?

2. Even though Jehoram was an evil king, why didn’t the Lord destroy Jehoram’s family line?

Hands

1. What did Jehoram do to lead the people of Judah into idolatry?

2. Do you think the people of Judah wanted to follow Jehoram’s evil ways? Explain.

The Reign of Ahaziah in Judah

2 Chronicles 22:1-6
Related passage: 2 Kings 8:25-29

Main Thought

Ahaziah follows evil counselors, to his undoing.

Head

1. What is another name for Ahaziah? (see 2 Chron. 21:17)

2. Who killed all of Ahaziah’s brothers?

3. How old was Ahaziah when he began to reign?

4. Who was Ahaziah’s mother? Who were his mother’s parents?

5. What reason did the writer give for why Ahaziah followed in the evil ways of the house of Ahab?

6. Describe Ahaziah’s mother.

7. Who served as counselors to Ahaziah?

8. Why did Ahaziah join forces with Israel?

9. What king did Ahaziah and Jehoram fight against?

10. Why is the king of Israel called “Jehoram” and “Joram”?

11. What happened to Joram?

12. Why did Ahaziah go to Jezreel?

Heart

1. Although Ahaziah’s mother and others influenced Ahaziah to follow the ways of the house of Ahab, what evidence from this story shows that it was also Ahaziah’s personal desire to live like Ahab’s family?

2. Do you think Ahaziah’s mother cared that she might be the cause of Ahaziah’s undoing?

Hands

1. Should Ahaziah have listened to his mother? Explain.

2. How did Ahaziah’s counselors contribute to his undoing?

Jehu is Anointed King of Israel

2 Kings 9:1-13

Main Thought

God anoints the instrument of his judgment against the house of Ahab.

Head

1. What did Elisha ask one of the sons of the prophets to do?

2. Why was Jehu at Ramoth-gilead? (see 2 Kings 8:28)

3. Why do you think Elisha told the prophet who anointed Jehu to anoint him in a private room and flee as soon as he was finished?

4. What did the prophet tell Jehu about the house of Ahab?

5. What were the commanders of Israel doing when the prophet came to them? Why might the commanders of Israel need to be in council at this time? (see 2 Kings 8:29)

6. What happened to the family lines of Jeroboam and Baasha? (see 1 Kings 15:27-30 and 16:8-14)

7. What did the prophet say would happen to Jezebel? What had Jezebel done to the servants of the Lord?

8. What did Jehu say when the other commanders first asked him what the prophet had said?

9. What did the other commanders do when Jehu told him what actually happened with the prophet?

Heart

1. When God expressed his desire to destroy the entire family line of Ahab, what aspect of his character was he exhibiting?

2. Why do you think God decided to make Jezebel die in such a gruesome way?

3. How did God plan to use Jehu to fulfill his purposes?

Hands

1. Why do you think Jehu tried to hide what the prophet told him?

Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah

2 Kings 9:14-29

Main Thought

Jehu wields the sword of God’s justice against the kings of Israel and Judah.

Head

1. In verse 15, to what decision was Jehu referring? (see v. 13)

2. Why did Ahaziah go to visit Joram? How were they related?

3. What did the first horseman do when he went out to meet Jehu?

4. What did the second horseman do?

5. How did the watchman know the person coming was Jehu?

6. What peace do you think Joram asked Jehu about? Was it the peace between Joram and Jehu, or peace between the army of Israel and the army of Syria? Explain.

7. When did Joram realize that Jehu meant to kill him? What did he do about it?

8. Why did Jehu tell his aide to throw Joram’s body in Naboth’s vineyard?

9. Why did Jehu also pursue Ahaziah? How did Ahaziah die?

Heart

1. Who was ultimately responsible for the downfall of Ahaziah? Why? (see 2 Chron. 22:7-9)

2. When Jehu answered Joram’s question, why did he refer to Jezebel’s deeds instead of Joram’s?

Hands

1. Do you think Jehu’s deeds in this story made him a faithful servant of God or a traitor to the king? Explain.

2. Why did Ahaziah’s servants bury Ahaziah in Jerusalem? (see 2 Chron. 22:9) Was it right of them to do this?

Jehu Kills Jezebel

2 Kings 9:30-37

Main Thought

The Word of God spoken through Elijah the prophet concerning Jezebel is fulfilled.

Head

1. What did Jezebel do when she heard that Jehu had come to Jezreel? Why?

2. When Jezebel asked Jehu, “Is it peace?” do you think she already knew the answer?

3. Who was Zimri? What did he do to his master? How long did he reign? (see 1 Kings 16:8-15)

4. Why would Jezebel mention Zimri to Jehu? Who fought against Zimri and eventually became king? How was Jezebel related to Omri? (see 1 Kings 16:8-22)

5. What were the eunuchs supposed to do for Jezebel? What did they do instead?

6. What did Jehu and his men do to Jezebel’s body after the eunuchs had thrown her down? What did they do after that?

7. Why couldn’t Jehu and his men later bury Jezebel?

8. How was the Word of God spoken through Elijah fulfilled in this story?

Heart

1. Did God control the circumstances of Jezebel’s death? Did he show justice through those circumstances? Explain.

Hands

1. Do you think Jezebel was ever sorry for how she had lived her life?

2. Do you think Jehu’s treatment of Jezebel was overly cruel, or was it a fitting punishment for her? Explain.

3. Were the eunuchs traitors? Should they have done what they did?

Jehu Kills Ahab’s Family

2 Kings 10:1-17

Main Thought

Jehu shows what he thinks it means to have zeal for the Lord.

Head

1. How many sons of the king were living in Samaria?

2. Why did Jehu want the leaders of Samaria to prepare to fight against him?

3. Why were the leaders of Samaria so afraid of Jehu?

4. What message did the leaders of Samaria send to Jehu?

5. What did Jehu tell the leaders of Samaria to do with the king’s sons?

6. What did Jehu do with the heads? Why?

7. Besides the king’s relatives, what other people did Jehu strike down?

8. Whom did Jehu meet when he was traveling to Samaria? What did he do with them?

9. Who was Jehonadab, the son of Rechab? Why did Jehu want to show him his zeal for the Lord? (see Jer. 35:5-7; 18-19)

Heart

1. What does it mean to have zeal for the Lord? Did Jehu have that kind of zeal for the Lord?

2. Do you think Jehu committed these acts against Ahab’s family purely out of zeal for the Lord, or do you think he also had some selfish motives? Explain.

3. Can zeal be misplaced?

Hands

1. Did Jehu’s zeal for the Lord find its proper expression in Jehu’s actions? Explain.

2. Should the leaders of Samaria have fought against Jehu, or should they have obeyed his command to execute the king’s sons?

Jehu Kills the Ministers of Baal

2 Kings 10:18-36

Main Thought

Jehu serves the Lord by removing Baal worship, but Jehu’s heart is still not wholly devoted to the Lord.

Head

1. What lie did Jehu tell the people?

2. Who accompanied Jehu when he went into the house of Baal? Whom did Jehu station outside the house of Baal?

3. What did Jehu command after he finished making the sacrifices?

4. According to verse 27, how did the Israelites make the site of the temple unclean for any kind of worship?

5. According to verse 30, how had Jehu served the Lord well?

6. According to verse 31, how had Jehu not served the Lord well?

7. What happened to the areas of Israel east of the Jordan river during Jehu’s reign?

Heart

1. What does this story better illustrate: Jehu’s zeal for the Lord, or Jehu’s hatred of Baal worship? What is the difference?

2. What evidence from this story shows that Jehu was not totally zealous for the Lord?

3. What evidence from this story shows that the Lord was withdrawing his mercy from Israel?

Hands

1. Should Jehu have made sacrifices to Baal? Explain.

2. Was it right of Jehu to lie to the people, even though it resulted in fewer worshipers of Baal in Israel?

3. Does the end ever justify the means?

4. How did the Lord reward Jehu for his service to him?

The Reigns of Athaliah and Joash in Judah

2 Kings 11:1-21
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 22:10–23:21

Main Thought

God saves the line of David through the actions of Jehosheba and Jehoiada.

Head

1. What did Athaliah do when she saw her son was dead?

2. How was Athaliah related to the royal family? How was Jehosheba related to Athaliah?

3. What did Jehosheba do to save the royal line? How was she able to work out a hiding place with Jehoiada the priest? (see 2 Chron. 22:11)

4. When Joash was seven years old, what did Jehoiada do in order to make Joash king? Why did Jehoiada make such extensive military preparations? Whose weapons did Jehoiada hand out?

5. What caused Athaliah to come to the house of the Lord? What did she cry out when she saw what was happening there?

6. Why did the guards take Athaliah outside of the temple?

7. Describe the covenant that Jehoiada made?

8. What did the people do to the house of Baal? Why?

9. Why did all the people of the land rejoice?

Heart

1. In what ways were Jehoiada and Jehosheba faithful to the Lord?

2. How did Jehoiada lead the people in faithfulness?

3. Do you think Jehoiada would have an influence on Joash after Joash was crowned king?

Hands

1. How much danger do you think Jehosheba and Jehoiada were in during the six years that they hid Joash? Do you think they were troubled by it?

Jehoash Repairs the Temple

2 Kings 12:1-16
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 24:1-16

Main Thought

Despite obstacles, Jehoash makes sure that repairs are made to the temple.

Head

1. Why is Joash also called Jehoash?

2. How long did Jehoash reign?

3. Why did Jehoash do what was right in the eyes of the Lord? In what way did Jehoash fall short of doing what was right?

4. What did Jehoash command the priests to do?

5. How many years had Jehoash reigned when he called the priests to ask them why no repairs had been made to the temple? What did he do about it?

6. How did Jehoiada help to make sure enough money was collected for the repairs and that it was being used properly?

7. What money was not used for temple repairs, but instead was given to the priests?

Heart

1. Do you think the priests were faithful despite the late start they got repairing the temple? Explain.

2. Should Jehoash have asked the workmen for an accounting of how they used the money? What do you think made the workmen so honest?

Hands

1. If the priests were in charge of the repairs, and Jehoiada was in charge of the priests, why did it still take so long for the repairs to be made?

2. What practical things did Jehoash do to make sure that the temple was repaired? Do you think the temple would have been repaired if Jehoash had not stepped in?

The Sins and Death of Joash

2 Chronicles 24:17-27
Related passage: 2 Kings 12:17-21

Main Thought

After years of faithfulness, Joash is lured into unfaithfulness when his mentor dies and the princes of Judah command more influence.

Head

1. Who were the princes of Judah? Why did Joash listen to them?

2. What did the princes of Judah convince Joash to do?

3. Why was God angry with Judah, and what did he do to bring them back to him?

4. Did the princes of Judah listen to the prophets?

5. How well did Joash know Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada? Explain.

6. What did Joash do to Zechariah?

7. What were Zechariah’s dying words?

8. What did the Syrians do to the princes of the people? Why?

9. Who killed Joash? Why?

10. Who reigned in Joash’s place?

Heart

1. Do you think Joash was truly faithful to God, or was he only faithful because of Jehoiada?

2. Was Zechariah correct in his assessment of Joash’s unfaithfulness?

3. Why did God use the Syrians to execute his judgment against Joash?

4. Does God use unbelievers to do his will? Explain.

Hands

1. Did Zechariah’s dying words come true? Explain.

2. Would Joash have been able to defeat Syria if he had had a larger army? Explain.

The Reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash in Israel

2 Kings 13:1-13

Main Thought

Despite the evil reign of Jehoahaz, the Lord shows that he is still willing to provide a savior for Israel when Jehoahaz seeks the Lord.

Head

1. What sins of Jeroboam did Jehoahaz follow?

2. What did the Lord do when his anger was kindled against Israel?

3. Who already knew that Hazael would do these things against Israel? (see 2 Kings 8:12)

4. What did God give Israel when Jehoahaz sought the Lord?

5. Was Jehoash any different from his father? Explain.

6. What is another name for Jehoash? (see v. 12)

7. When Jehoash became king of Israel, who was king of Judah?

8. Why is Amaziah king of Judah mentioned in verse 12 instead of Joash king of Judah (v. 10)? How was Amaziah related to Joash? (see 2 Kings 14:1)

Heart

1. What made Jehoahaz finally seek the favor of the Lord?

2. How eager do you think the Lord was to provide a savior to Israel?

3. In our own lives, why do we often need to see tragedy or oppression before we seek the Lord?

4. If Jehoash king of Israel saw all the tragedy that the Lord brought on his father, why did he continue to walk in the ways of Jeroboam and do evil in the sight of the Lord?

Hands

1. What pattern do verses 3-6 remind you of? (see Judg. 2)

2. Do you think this pattern still shows itself among God’s people today? Explain.

The Death of Elisha

2 Kings 13:14-25

Main Thought

The Lord shows his sovereign control over kings and nations, and over life and death.

Head

1. If 2 Kings 13:13 reported the death and burial of Joash, why does verse 14 still mention events that happened during his life?

2. What did Joash cry out when he went to Elisha? Where was this phrase used before? (see 2 Kings 2:12)

3. Why did Elisha ask Joash to take a bow and arrows? What did the bow and arrows represent?

4. Why did Elisha tell Joash to shoot an arrow out of a window that faced to the east? What lay toward the east?

5. What did Joash already know about the arrows before Elisha told him to strike the ground with them?

6. Why was Elisha angry with Joash?

7. Why do you think the Lord allowed Elisha to die instead of taking him up to heaven like he did for Elijah?

8. What happened to the body that was thrown into Elisha’s grave?

Heart

1. When Joash said, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” do you think he meant the same things as Elisha did when Elisha said it? Explain.

2. How does the Lord show his sovereign power over kings and nations in this story?

3. How does God show his sovereignty over life and death in this story?

Hands

1. Why do you think Joash only struck the ground with the arrows three times? Would you have struck the ground more times? Explain.

The Reign of Amaziah in Judah

2 Chronicles 25:1-13
Related passage: 2 Kings 14:1-7

Main Thought

Amaziah does what is right in the eyes of the Lord

Head

1. What did Amaziah do to avenge the murder of his father?

2. How many men from Judah and Benjamin was Amaziah able to assemble for war?

3. What did Amaziah do to increase his army?

4. Why did the man of God warn Amaziah not to let the army of Israel go with him?

5. What did the man of God say to try to encourage Amaziah to go to battle without the Israelite soldiers?

6. What did Amaziah do with the soldiers from Israel?

7. What did Amaziah do with the hundred talents of silver that he had already paid the soldiers from Israel?

8. Why were the Israelite soldiers so angry with Amaziah?

9. Was Amaziah successful in his battle?

10. What did the army of Israel do before they returned to Israel?

Heart

1. Was Amaziah a good king or a bad king? Explain.

2. Did Amaziah reveal a lack of trust in God by adding the Israelite soldiers? Explain.

3. How do you explain verse 13 in the light of what the prophet told Amaziah in verse nine?

Hands

1. Give an example of how Amaziah kept the law of Moses?

2. What did Amaziah do that showed he trusted in God?

The Idolatry and Defeat of Amaziah

2 Chronicles 25:14-28
Related passage: 2 Kings 14:8-22

Main Thought

Amaziah turns away from the Lord and suffers the consequences.

Head

1. Where was Seir located?

2. Who lived in Seir? Who was their patriarch? (see Gen. 32:3)

3. What did Amaziah do with the Edomite idols?

4. What did the prophet say regarding Amaziah’s use of the Edomite idols? How did Amaziah respond to the prophet?

5. According to Amaziah, who could make the prophet a royal counselor? In reality, who had already made the prophet a counselor?

6. What did the prophet say about Amaziah’s future?

7. What did Amaziah mean when he sent a message to Joash, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us look one another in the face”?

8. Explain the parable that Joash told to Amaziah.

9. What happened in the battle between Israel and Judah?

10. How did Amaziah die?

Heart

1. Why do you think Amaziah took the Edomite idols back to Judah and worshiped them? Do you think he really cared if God was with him?

2. Why do you think God again sent a prophet to Amaziah? What does this tell you about God’s patience with the line of David?

3. What do you think about God determining to destroy Amaziah?

Hands

1. Do you think Amaziah would have struck down the prophet if the prophet had not stopped speaking?

2. How did Amaziah’s life show the true state of his heart?

The Reign of Jeroboam II in Israel

2 Kings 14:23-29

Main Thought

God uses an evil king to fulfill his good purposes.

Head

1. Why is the Jeroboam in this story known as Jeroboam II? Who was Jeroboam I?

2. How did Jeroboam II take after his namesake, Jeroboam I?

3. In what way could the reign of Jeroboam II be considered successful?

4. What other king was able to extend the borders of Israel to Lebo Hamath? (see I Kings 8:65)

5. In what way could the reign of Jeroboam II be considered unsuccessful?

6. Who was Jonah the son of Amittai? Where else in the Bible is he mentioned? (see Jonah 1:1)

7. What trouble were the Israelites in before the Lord used Jeroboam to save them?

8. How do you explain the statement in verse 28 that says Jeroboam “restored Damascus and Hamath to Judah in Israel”? What did Jeroboam have to do with Judah?

Heart

1. How did God show his covenant faithfulness in this story?

2. Why do you think God used an evil king to bring about Israel’s restoration?

3. Does God have a right to use evil people to fulfill his purposes?

Hands

1. How do you think Jeroboam would have described the things he did during his reign?

2. How do you think Jonah would have described the things Jeroboam did during his reign?

Jonah Runs Away from God’s Call

Jonah 1:1-17

Main Thought

The Lord demonstrates his sovereign control over Jonah’s life.

Head

1. Where did God command Jonah to go? Where did Jonah attempt to go instead?

2. How did God stop Jonah’s attempt to flee?

3. What was Jonah doing in the inner part of the ship when the storm was raging?

4. What did the captain of the ship ask Jonah to do?

5. Why did the sailors cast lots? Were the lots effective?

6. What did Jonah tell the sailors about God that made them afraid?

7. Did the sailors want to throw Jonah into the sea? Why did they call out to the Lord?

8. What happened to Jonah after he was thrown into the sea?

Heart

1. Why didn’t Jonah want to go to Nineveh?

2. Why do you think the Lord let Jonah board the ship instead of stopping him earlier? How did God use Jonah’s experience at sea to change his heart?

3. How was it possible for Jonah to sleep while the storm was raging?

4. If people on a ship were in a storm today, do you think they would cast lots like the sailors of Jonah’s day did? Explain.

Hands

1. Verse three states that Jonah attempted to go to Tarshish, “away from the presence of the Lord.” Even if Jonah had made it to Tarshish, would he have been able to escape from the presence of the Lord?

2. Is it ever possible to escape from the presence of the Lord? Explain.

Jonah Prays to the Lord

Jonah 2:1-10

Main Thought

Jonah recognizes that salvation belongs to the Lord.

Head

1. Where was Jonah when he prayed this prayer?

2. What is Sheol?

3. Why did Jonah compare the belly of the fish with the belly of Sheol?

4. How did Jesus use Jonah’s experience in the belly of the fish to teach a lesson about his own life? (see Matt. 12:40)

5. According to verse seven when did Jonah finally remember to call to God?

6. According to verse eight, how is the Lord different from vain idols?

7. What did the Lord do for Jonah after Jonah finished his prayer?

Heart

1. How could Jonah say in verse two that the Lord answered him, since he was still in the belly of the fish?

2. When Jonah prayed in verse four, “I am driven away from your sight,” was he really driven away from God’s sight? Didn’t Jonah want to escape from the presence of the Lord? How did his experience in the fish change his mind?

3. How did God show his steadfast love to Jonah throughout the first two chapters of this book?

Hands

1. In verse six Jonah prayed, “yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.” Did Jonah do anything to warrant God saving him? Explain.

2. If you had been in Jonah’s situation, would you have prayed to God? Would your prayer have been similar to Jonah’s, or would it have been different? Explain.

Jonah Preaches in Nineveh

Jonah 3:1-10

Main Thought

Jonah proclaims God’s sovereign control over Nineveh.

Head

1. Compare Jonah’s call from God and his response in 3:1-3 to his call from God and response in 1:1-3.

2. What warning did Jonah proclaim?

3. What did the king do when he heard Jonah’s call to repentance?

4. What did the king command others in Nineveh to do? Why?

5. Did the king know that God would relent from his punishment, or was he just hoping God would do so?

6. How did Jesus use the story of Nineveh’s repentance to rebuke the Jewish leaders of his day? (see Matt. 12:41)

7. Did God change his mind about Nineveh, or did he use the Ninevites’ repentance to fulfill what he had already willed concerning Ninevah long ago?

Heart

1. Does the text ever mention that Jonah told the people of Nineveh they could avoid destruction if they repented? Do you think he wanted the people to know that? Explain

2. How quickly did the people of Nineveh repent after hearing Jonah’s message? How were their hearts moved so quickly?

3. Do you think the repentance exhibited by the people of Nineveh was true repentance?

Hands

1. When people repent, is it something they have done, or is it something God has worked in them?

2. What connection do outward actions have with true repentance?

God Teaches Jonah a Lesson

Jonah 4:1-11

Main Thought

The Lord defends his right to show mercy to Nineveh.

Head

1. Why was Jonah so angry? Why did he ask God to kill him? (v. 3)

2. What reason did Jonah give for attempting to flee to Tarshish?

3. Where did Jonah go after he left the city? Why did he go there?

4. What did God do for Jonah as he sat outside the city?

5. Why did God make the plant die?

6. Why did Jonah ask a second time for God to kill him? ( v. 8)

7. How did God respond to Jonah each time Jonah asked to die?

8. What lesson did God teach Jonah through the plant?

Heart

1. How would you describe Jonah’s attitude toward God in his prayer in 4:2-3? How does it compare to Jonah’s attitude toward God in his prayer in 2:2-9?

2. Do you think Jonah still wished he could have found a way to get to Tarshish? Do you think he ever repented of trying to flee there?

3. Why did Jonah ask God to kill him?

4. Do you think Jonah really wanted to die, or was he just trying to express his extreme anger to God?

5. How did God show his patience with the people of Nineveh?

6. How did God show his patience with Jonah?

Hands

1. Why do you think Jonah made a booth outside the city? What do you think he was hoping would happen to the city?

2. Was it right of Jonah to ask God to take his life? Explain.

The Reign of Uzziah in Judah

2 Chronicles 26:1-23
Related passage: 2 Kings 15:1-7

Main Thought

Uzziah grows strong but also proud.

Head

1. By what other name was Uzziah known? (see 2 Kings 15:1)

2. How old was Uzziah when he began to reign? How long did he reign?

3. Describe some of Uzziah’s successes. Why was he successful against his enemies? (see v. 7)

4. Describe what Uzziah did to build and maintain his strength.

5. What did Uzziah do that was unfaithful to the Lord?

Heart

1. How does verse five link Uzziah’s zeal for the Lord and his prosperity as king? Do people who seek the Lord always prosper in this life? Explain.

2. What happened when Uzziah grew strong? (see v. 16)

3. Do you think it is tempting for people to become proud when they become strong, rich, or successful at something? Explain.

4. If God doesn’t give you strength, riches, or success, would you be more inclined to ask him to bless you in that way, or to thank him for helping you resist the temptation to become proud? Explain.

Hands

1. Why do you think Uzziah became angry when the priests tried to stop him from offering incense?

2. Do you think Uzziah was stricken with leprosy because he attempted to burn incense, or because he became angry when the priests tried to stop him? Explain.

3. Are pride and anger often connected? How might they show themselves in someone’s life?

Isaiah’s Vision

Isaiah 6:1-13

Main Thought

The holy God commissions his servant Isaiah to be his spokesman.

Head

1. During whose reigns was Isaiah a prophet? (see Isa. 1:1)

2. In Isaiah’s vision, where was the Lord sitting?

3. Do you think the temple mentioned in verse one was a temple in heaven or a temple in Jerusalem? What connection might there be between the temple in heaven and the temple in Jerusalem?

4. Who were the seraphim? What did they look like?

5. What happened to the temple because of the presence of a holy God?

6. How did Isaiah respond to his vision of God?

7. What did one of the seraphim do with a burning coal? Why?

8. According to verses 9-13, do you think the people of Israel would listen to Isaiah? Explain.

9. How were Isaiah and Jesus alike? (see Isa. 6:11 and Matt. 13:14-15)

10. How does the last line of verse 13 show God’s grace?

Heart

1. Why is the word “holy” used three times in a row to describe God?

2. Why was Isaiah concerned about his unclean lips? How did his unclean lips affect his relationship with God?

3. How do you think it was possible for Isaiah to cry out “Woe is me” in verse five, and then three verses later have the courage to volunteer to be God’s spokesman?

Hands

1. What did Isaiah’s lips have to do with his calling?

2. What did God do to prepare Isaiah for his vocation? How might God prepare other people for their vocations?

The Reigns of Five Kings in Israel

2 Kings 15:8-31

Main Thought

The kings of Israel continue in and exceed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

Head

1. Who were the five kings of Israel named in this passage?

2. How long did each of the five kings reign? Were they good or bad kings?

3. How did Shallum obtain the throne from Zechariah?

4. What promise did God make to Jehu?

5. How did Menahem obtain the throne from Shallum? What did Menahem do to appease the king of Assyria and to keep his hold on the throne?

6. How did Pekah obtain the throne from Pekahiah?

7. Why do you think the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat are mentioned so often in regard to these kings?

8. By the end of Pekah’s reign, how powerful was the king of Assyria?

9. How did Hoshea obtain the throne from Pekah?

Heart

1. Zechariah was the last descendant of Jehu. Were the kings that replaced Jehu’s line any better than Jehu’s line? Why do you think God brought Jehu’s line to an end?

2. Did God keep his promise to Jehu? Does God ever go back on his word?

Hands

1. On a scale from one to ten, how violent were these kings? What do you think make them so violent?

2. What did these kings do that showed they trusted themselves than God?

The Reign of Jotham in Judah

2 Chronicles 27:1-9
Related passage: 2 Kings 15:32-38

Main Thought

Jotham orders his ways before God.

Head

1. Who was Jotham’s mother? Why do you think the author of 2 Chronicles also mentioned that she was the daughter of Zadok?

2. Was Jotham a good king or a bad king? Explain.

3. How was Jotham different from his father? How was Jotham different from the rest of the people of Judah?

4. What did Jotham do to strengthen Judah?

5. Why did the Ammonites give Jotham silver, wheat, and barley?

Heart

1. Why do you think the people of Judah still followed corrupt practices instead of following the righteous example of Jotham?

2. What reason did the author of 2 Chronicles give for why Jotham became mighty?

3. What good things do you think Jotham learned from watching his father Uzziah?

4. What things do you think Jotham learned to avoid after watching his father Uzziah?

Hands

1. Explain how Jotham “ordered his ways before the Lord his God.” (v. 6) What does it mean to order your ways before God? What would you need in order to successfully order your ways before God?

2. In what ways might parents and other authorities in your life provide you with good examples for how to live?

3. Why might you need to be careful and discerning when using parents and other authorities as examples for how to live?

The Reign of Ahaz in Judah

2 Chronicles 28:1-15
Related passage: 2 Kings 16:1-5

Main Thought

The people of Judah and Israel bring the fierce wrath of the Lord upon themselves.

Head

1. In what ways did Ahaz do evil in the sight of the Lord?

2. Where was the Valley of  Son of Hinnom? The Greek word for “hell” is “gehenna.” It took its form from the Hebrew phrase “gai ben-hinnom,” which is translated “Valley of the Son of Hinnom.” In what ways might the Valley of the Son of Hinnom be comparable to hell?

3. What did Ahaz do to his sons? Who was Ahaz copying when he did this?

4. What did God do to Ahaz because of his sins?

5. What did Oded tell the army of Israel that returned to Samaria?

6. What did the men of Ephraim do for the captives from Judah?

Heart

1. Was Ahaz forced to burn his sons as offerings? Why do you think he did it?

2. What reasons did the Chronicler give for why the 120,000 men of Judah died at the hands of Pekah, king of Israel?

3. Do you think God’s punishment of Judah was appropriate, or was it too harsh? Explain.

Hands

1. What did Ahaz do to provoke the Lord to anger? In what way did Ahaz break God’s law as summarized by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40?

2. What did the Israelite army do to provoke the Lord to anger? In what way did the army of Israel break God’s law as summarized by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40?

Ahaz Provokes the Lord to Anger

2 Chronicles 28:16-27
Related passage: 2 Kings 16:6-20

Main Thought

The Lord sends judgment on Ahaz and the people of Judah, but Ahaz remains unrepentant.

Head

1. Who was invading Judah? Why were they invading Judah?

2. To whom did Ahaz appeal for help? To whom should he have appealed for help?

3. Did the king of Assyria help Ahaz? What did he do instead?

4. Why did Ahaz sacrifice to the gods of the kings of Assyria?

5. What did Ahaz do with the vessels of the house of God? Why?

6. Why did Ahaz close the temple in Jerusalem and make altars in every corner of Jerusalem instead? What did he do in every city in Judah?

7. Why do you think the people decided not to bury Ahaz in the tombs of the kings of Israel?

8. Who reigned after Ahaz?

Heart

1. What did the Lord do to push Ahaz toward repentance in this story?

2. How did Ahaz show his unrepentant heart in this story?

Hands

1. When Ahaz was in deep distress because of his sin, how did he try to get out of it? What was the result? Explain.

2. Do you think people still try to get out of the consequences of one sin by committing another sin? Explain.

3. How did Ahaz try to manipulate the “gods” of Syria for his own ends?

4. Do you think people try to manipulate God for their own ends? Explain.

Isaiah Gives Ahaz the Sign of Immanuel

Isaiah 7:1-25

Main Thought

The Lord promises Immanuel.

Head

1. Who came up to Jerusalem to wage war against it?

2. What was the name of Isaiah’s son? What did his name mean?

3. In verse four, how did God want Isaiah to describe the kings of Syria and Israel?

4. What king did Syria and Israel want to set up in place of Ahaz, king of Judah? Why was it so important for the line of Ahaz to remain on the throne of Judah?

5. When Isaiah told Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord, why do you think Ahaz refused? What sign did the Lord give Ahaz anyway?

6. When do you think the sign given to Ahaz was fulfilled? Could it have been fulfilled in Isaiah’s time? Could it also have been fulfilled in the New Testament? (see Matt. 1:23)

7. When Isaiah says “in that day” in verses 18, 20, 21, and 23, to what event is he referring? What will happen “in that day”?

Heart

1. What caused the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people to shake “as the trees of the forest shake before the wind”? Should that cause have produced such fear in Ahaz and the people of Judah? Explain.

2. Explain the end of verse nine, which says, “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.”

Hands

1. Why did Isaiah admonish Ahaz for not wanting to put the Lord to the test? Isn’t it wrong to put the Lord to the test? What is different about this situation?

2. How would the Lord use the king of Assyria to do his will?

Isaiah Foretells the Assyrian Invasion

Isaiah 8:1-22

Main Thought

Isaiah foretells what will happen when the Lord finally brings destruction on the land of Israel at the hands of Assyria.

Head

1. What did God ask Isaiah to write on a tablet? Why?

2. Who was the prophetess mentioned in verse three?

3. What would happen before Isaiah’s son could cry “My father” or “My mother”?

4. What did the calm waters of Shiloah and the mighty waters of the River represent? What would the “waters” of the River do to Israel? What would they do to Judah?

5. Whose strong hand was upon Isaiah?

6. In what way would the Lord be a sanctuary to Isaiah and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to Israel and Judah?

7. In what way is Jesus Christ still a sanctuary to some and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to others? (see 1 Pet. 2:4-9)

8. What do you think Isaiah meant when he said in verse 20, “To the teaching and to the testimony”?

Heart

1. What was wrong with what the people called a conspiracy in verse 12? Why shouldn’t Isaiah fear what they fear? Whom should Isaiah fear instead?

Hands

1. What did God ask Isaiah to do in verses 16-18?

2. How would Isaiah and his children act as signs in Israel?

3. What did the unfaithful people in Judah do differently from Isaiah?

4. In the end, what will happen to unfaithful people?

Isaiah Gives Hope for the Future

Isaiah 9:1-7

Main Thought

Isaiah proclaims the hope of Israel and the world.

Head

1. What is the gloom that Isaiah mentioned in 9:1? (see 8:22)

2. What will happen to the gloom? Why?

3. Isaiah, speaking as if he already lives in a future time, speaks of a “former time” in verse one. What happened in that “former time”?

4. In what part of Israel was the land of Zebulun and Naphtali?

5. Where was Galilee?

6. Who would come from Galilee?

7. Why do you think Isaiah called it “Galilee of the nations”?

8. What was the “great light” that the people walking in darkness would see? (see John 1:5; 3:19-21)

9. Who is the child spoken about in verse six?

10. How long will Jesus Christ’s government last?

11. Whose zeal will make Isaiah’s hope a reality?

Heart

1. Even though Isaiah prophesied that Israel would fall to Assyria, what hope did he give for God’s people?

2. How did Jesus Christ provide light in the darkness?

3. How is Jesus Christ a Wonderful Counselor? Mighty God? Everlasting Father? Prince of Peace?

Hands

1. Why didn’t Isaiah encourage the people to look for a political solution to their problems with Assyria?

2. Where did Isaiah want the people to put their trust instead?

The Fall of Israel

2 Kings 17:1-23

Main Thought

God removed Israel out of his sight.

Head

1. Was Hoshea a good king or a bad king?

2. What is a vassal? Why did Hoshea become Shalmaneser’s vassal?

3. What did Hoshea do that made Shalmaneser angry?

4. How long did Shalmaneser besiege Samaria? Why did he besiege it for so long?

5. What did Shalmaneser do to the Israelites after he captured Samaria?

6. What reason does the Bible give for why Israel was taken into captivity?

7. Explain what the Lord meant when he said that he removed Israel out of his sight. What does it mean to be removed from the Lord’s sight?

Heart

1. When the Lord sent prophets to warn the Israelites, what was their reaction?

2. Why do you think the Israelites were so stubborn?

3. Was Israel ever able to rid themselves of the sins of Jeroboam? Why or why not?

4. If Judah followed after the sins of Israel, why didn’t God also remove Judah from his sight? What was different about God’s relationship with Judah?

Hands

1. List some things the people of Israel did that provoked the Lord to anger. Why do you think they did these things?

2. How is it possible to do things “secretly against the Lord”? (v. 9)

3. How did Judah follow after Israel’s sins?

The Resettlement of Samaria

2 Kings 17:24-41

Main Thought

The worship of God in Samaria becomes defiled.

Head

1. Why did the king of Assyria take people from Babylon and other places to resettle Samaria?

2. Why did the Lord send lions to attack the people who resettled Samaria?

3. What solution did the king of Assyria try, in order to relieve the people of the threat of lions?

4. What did the priest of the Lord try to teach the people? Was he successful?

5. Why did the people from the different nations worship different gods in Samaria?

6. What reasons did God give for demanding people worship only him?

Heart

1. Do you think the people who resettled Samaria wanted to learn about God? Explain.

2. Why do you think the people decided not to listen to God when he told them to worship only him?

3. When the people worshiped other gods in addition to the true God, was their worship partly true and partly false, or completely false?

4. Is it possible to fear the Lord but also to serve other gods? Explain.

Hands

1. When the people tried to worship other gods along with the true God, what happened to their worship?

2. Why do you think God wants our undivided worship?

3. How did the worship of one generation of Samaritans affect the worship of subsequent generations?

Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple

2 Chronicles 29:1-19
Related passage: 2 Kings 18:1-8

Main Thought

Hezekiah’s heart turns to seek the Lord.

Head

1. Why did the author of 2 Chronicles say that David was Hezekiah’s father?

2. Why did Hezekiah have to open the doors of the temple? (see 28:24)

3. What did God do in response to the sinful actions of Hezekiah’s ancestors?

4. Before the Levites could cleanse the temple, what did they have to do to themselves? (see v. 15)

5. How long did it take the Levites to cleanse the temple?

6. What report did the Levites bring to Hezekiah?

Heart

1. When Hezekiah told the Levites to carry out the filth from the Holy Place, what do you think he was describing?

2. What do you think God would have called filth in the context of the Holy Place?

3. How did Hezekiah’s desire to make a covenant with the Lord (v. 10) get into his heart?

4. If Hezekiah’s father was so bad, how did Hezekiah turn out so good?

5. Do you think the Levites followed Hezekiah’s orders willingly or reluctantly? Explain.

6. Why do you think Ahaz discarded the utensils used in the temple?

Hands

1. What sinful things did the fathers of Hezekiah’s generation do?

2. What made these things sinful?

Hezekiah Restores Temple Worship

2 Chronicles 29:20-36

Main Thought

Hezekiah restores temple worship by first making atonement for the people’s sins.

Head

1. According to verse 21 what was the sin offering for?

2. Who made the offering? Why didn’t Hezekiah make the offering himself?

3. What did the priests do with the blood of the bulls, rams, and lambs? Why?

4. Why did the king and the assembly lay their hands on the goats? What previous ritual did this point to? (see Lev. 16:20-22)

5. What did the priests do differently with the goats in this passage than in the passage from Leviticus?

6. How was the sin offering different from the other offerings?

7. Why did the Levites have to help the priests make the sacrifices?

8. What were the peace offerings and drink offerings and what purpose did they serve? (see v. 35)

Heart

1. Why do you think Hezekiah began his restoration of temple worship with a sin offering?

2. How do we know that God prepared the people for the restoration of worship in the temple? Could it have happened without God’s preparation?

Hands

1. Explain why praises were sung during the burnt offering and not during the sin offering.

2. In our worship, what is the difference between a song of confession and a song of praise? In what parts of the worship are they sung?

Hezekiah Prepares to Keep the Passover

2 Chronicles 30:1-12

Main Thought

Hezekiah calls all Israel to faithfulness.

Head

1. Why did Hezekiah send messengers throughout Israel as well as Judah?

2. When did Hezekiah begin his reign? When was Israel taken captive by Assyria? During what time period, then, did Hezekiah likely keep the Passover?

3. According to verse two, during what month did Hezekiah determine to keep the Passover? Was this the month in which it should have been held? (see Num. 9:5)

4. Why couldn’t Hezekiah keep the Passover at the time appointed by God?

5. What was written in the letters that the couriers carried? How did the Israelites respond to the couriers? Who responded in humility?

Heart

1. Should God have accepted Hezekiah’s observance of the Passover even though it was not at the right time? Explain. (see Num. 9:9-13)

2. What reason does verse 12 give for the people of Judah having one heart?

3. How did Hezekiah know that “the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him”? (see 2 Chron. 6:36-39)

Hands

1. Think of the way the men of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves after they heard Hezekiah’s message. Is it natural to humble yourself when you have been reprimanded?

2. What do you think the couriers did when they were mocked in some of the cities of Israel?

The Celebration of the Passover

2 Chronicles 30:13-27

Main Thought

Hezekiah and the people of Judah and Israel find joy in obedience.

Head

1. What was the Feast of Unleavened Bread? How was it connected to the Passover? (see Lev. 23:5-6; Ezek. 45:21; see also Mark 14:1; Luke 22:1)

2. Why did the people remove the altars that were in Jerusalem?

3. What does “consecrate” mean?

4. Why were the priests and Levites ashamed?

5. Why did the Levites have to slaughter the Passover lamb for so many people?

6. What special request did Hezekiah make of the Lord?

7. How did the Lord answer Hezekiah’s prayer?

8. How long did the entire festival continue?

Heart

1. Why was there great joy in Jerusalem? What caused the great joy?

2. Should the Lord have accepted Hezekiah’s request to heal the people even though they had not cleansed themselves and ate the Passover otherwise than as prescribed in the law? Explain.

3. Why was God described as the God of their fathers?

4. What do you think the Lord delights in most: sacrifices or the state of one’s heart? (see also 1 Sam. 15:22)

Hands

1. After the first seven days of the festival were completed, why do you think the people wanted to continue for another seven days?

2. Do you think being obedient one time makes you want to obey again? Explain.

Hezekiah Organizes the Temple Worship

2 Chronicles 31:1-21

Main Thought

Hezekiah and the people of Judah and Israel make plans to remain obedient.

Head

1. To what is verse one referring when it says, “When all this was finished”?

2. Describe the offerings that the people gave to the Lord.

3. What is a tithe?

4. Verse six mentions that the people of Israel and Judah who lived in the cities of Judah gave their tithes. Why doesn’t the text mention the people of Israel who lived outside of Judah?

5. Why did Hezekiah prepare chambers in the house of the Lord?

6. What were freewill offerings?

Heart

1. What motivated the people to destroy the Asherim, high places, and altars throughout Judah and Ephraim?

2. When Hezekiah commanded the people to give, did they do it reluctantly or with joy? Explain.

3. Why did Hezekiah prosper?

4. Do you think Hezekiah was motivated to do what was good, right, and faithful by the thought of prosperity, or was he motivated by something else? Explain.

Hands

1. What did Hezekiah command the people in Jerusalem to give to the Levites? Why?

2. Are we still commanded to give to the Lord? Explain.

3. Explain what Hezekiah did that was good and right and faithful? What makes an action good? What makes it right? What makes it faithful?

Sennacherib Invades Judah

2 Kings 18:13-37
Related passages: 2 Chronicles 32:1-19; Isaiah 36:1-22

Main Thought

Assyria tries to bully God’s people into submission.

Head

1. How did Hezekiah first try to deal with Sennacherib’s threat? Why did Hezekiah apologize to him? (see 2 Kings 18:7)

2. What tribute did Sennacherib require? Where did Hezekiah get it?

3. Who were the Tartan, the Rab-saris, and the Rabshakeh?

4. Which men from Judah went out to the conduit of the upper pool to negotiate with the men from Assyria?

5. What did the Rabshakeh tell the representatives of Judah about Hezekiah’s trust in Egypt? What did he say about Hezekiah’s trust in God? Why did he say this?

6. What wager did the Rabshakeh offer to make in verse 23? Why did he make the offer? (see v. 24)

7. Why did the representatives of Judah want the Rabshakeh to speak to them in Aramaic? Did the Rabshakeh listen to them?

Heart

1. Do you think Hezekiah was relying on God when he first tried to bargain with Sennacherib? Explain.

2. How did the Rabshakeh blaspheme God’s name? What didn’t he understand about God?

Hands

1. How did the Rabshakeh try to frighten the people of Judah into submission? Do non-Christians do similar things today? How should Christians respond to them?

2. What promises did the Rabshakeh make to try to lure the people of Judah into submission? Do non-Christians do similar things today? How should Christians respond to them?

Hezekiah Seeks Help from the Lord

2 Kings 19:1-19
Related passage: Isaiah 37:1-20

Main Thought

Hezekiah lays his troubles before the Lord.

Head

1. What did Hezekiah do as soon as he heard what the representatives of Assyria said?

2. What was Isaiah’s response to Hezekiah’s messengers?

3. Why did the king of Assyria send messengers to Hezekiah a second time?

4. What did Hezekiah do with the letter he received from the king of Assyria?

5. According to Hezekiah, why were the kings of Assyria able to conquer so many other nations and destroy their gods?

Heart

1. Compare the attitude of the king of Israel during the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings 6:30-31 with the attitude of Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19:1-4. How did the kings treat the prophets in each story? What was the kings’ attitude toward God?

2. Compare God’s response to the king of Israel in 2 Kings 6 and his response to Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19. What was different about his response? What was similar?

Hands

1. What concerns did Hezekiah bring before the Lord in prayer? Was Hezekiah concerned about his personal safety? Was he concerned about God’s glory?

2. What facts about the kings of Assyria did Hezekiah remind the Lord of in his prayer? Why did Hezekiah mention those facts?

3. What did Hezekiah ask the Lord to do? Why?

4. In what ways can Hezekiah’s prayer be a model for our prayers?

Sennacherib’s Fall

2 Kings 19:20-37
Related passages: 2 Chronicles 32:20-23; Isaiah 37:21-38

Main Thought

Isaiah contrasts Sennacherib’s arrogance with the Lord’s mighty power.

Head

1. What did the Lord mean when he told Hezekiah through Isaiah that he had heard Hezekiah’s prayer? Doesn’t he hear all prayers?

2. According to verse 22, when Sennacherib mocked and reviled Israel, whom was he really mocking?

3. Give some examples from verses 23-24 of how Sennacherib bragged about himself.

4. Who is speaking in verses 23-24? Who is speaking in verses 25-28?

5. What did the Lord mean when he said he would put a hook in Sennacherib’s nose and a bit in his mouth?

6. What sign did the Lord give to confirm that all he said would take place?

7. What city was Isaiah speaking of in verse 32? Why would God defend that city? What did the Lord do to defend the city?

8. What happened to Sennacherib when he returned home?

Heart

1. How did Hezekiah’s prayer help save Jerusalem?

2. Can prayer change things? Explain.

3. Compare Sennacherib’s attitude toward God with Hezekiah’s attitude toward God.

Hands

1. According to verse 29, how long would it take for Judah to  recover from Sennacherib’s assault? What did they have to do to bring about the recovery?

2. When you ask God for help, do you expect immediate results?

Hezekiah’s Illness

2 Kings 20:1-11
Related passages: 2 Chronicles 32:24; Isaiah 38:1-22

Main Thought

The Lord shows mercy to Hezekiah.

Head

1. How sick was Hezekiah?

2. What does it mean to “set your house in order”?

3. What did Hezekiah tell the Lord in his prayer?

4. When Isaiah first went to Hezekiah, what message did he bring from the Lord?

5. Why did Hezekiah weep bitterly?

6. When Isaiah returned to Hezekiah, what message did he bring from the Lord?

7. Do you think God changed his mind about Hezekiah?

8. What sign did Hezekiah ask from the Lord? Why did he need a sign?

9. What would have to happen for the shadow to go back ten steps?

Heart

1. If Hezekiah was such a good king, why do you think the Lord sent him an illness that almost killed him?

2. Why do you think the Lord was moved to add fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life?

3. How did the Lord show his love for Hezekiah in this story?

Hands

1. If you could know the day the Lord would take you to heaven fifteen years before it happened, would you want to know? Explain.

2. Do you think Hezekiah reacted to the news of his impending death in a way that showed he was a child of God? Explain.

3. What attitude should Christians have toward death?

Envoys from Babylon

2 Kings 20:12-21
Related passages: 2 Chronicles 32:25-33; Isaiah 39:1-8

Main Thought

Hezekiah opens the doors of his kingdom to those who would return to destroy it.

Head

1. Verse 12 says that Merodach-baladan sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah because he heard that Hezekiah was sick. What other reason might Merodach-baladan have had for sending envoys?

2. Compare Hezekiah’s treatment of the envoys from Babylon with Solomon’s treatment of the Queen of Sheba in 1 Kings 10. How are the two stories the same? How are they different?

3. Why do you think Hezekiah allowed Isaiah to question him so intently about the envoys?

4. Why was it important for Hezekiah to tell Isaiah that the envoys came from a far country?

5. What did Isaiah say Babylon would do to Judah in the future?

Heart

1. What reason might Hezekiah have had for showing all of his wealth to the envoys from Babylon?

2. Do you think the envoys glorified God after seeing Hezekiah’s wealth? Did the Queen of Sheba glorify God after seeing Solomon’s splendor? What do you think made the difference?

3. Why do you think Hezekiah was so sullen when he was told he would die, but so willingly accepted Isaiah’s prophecy about Babylon? What does this tell you about Hezekiah?

Hands

1. Did Hezekiah sin by showing the envoys all his wealth?

2. Do you think Babylon’s later destruction of Jerusalem was a direct result of Hezekiah’s actions toward the envoys? Explain.

Isaiah Proclaims Comfort for God’s People

Isaiah 40:1-5

Main Thought

The Lord comforts his people through a prophecy of the coming King.

Head

1. Why did God’s people need comfort? What did Isaiah assume had happened to them?

2. What did Isaiah mean when he said that Jerusalem’s warfare has ended?

3. What did Isaiah mean when he said that Israel “has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins”?

4. In what context did Isaiah first speak these words? (see Isaiah 37–39) Why were Isaiah’s words appropriate for the context?

5. Who was the voice crying, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord”? (see Matt 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23)

6. Why does verse three talk about making a straight highway and verse four talk about making the ground level? Why did these things need to be straight and level?

7. Has verse five already been fulfilled? Is it still to be fulfilled? Both?

Heart

1. Are there times when you need God to speak tenderly to you? Explain.

2. What promises did God make in these verses? When would these promises be fulfilled?

3. How would the knowledge of Jesus’ coming give comfort to God’s people in Hezekiah’s day? During the exile? Today?

Hands

1. Do you think preparing the way of the Lord was different in Isaiah’s time? The time of the exile? John the Baptist’s time?

2. What things should we do today to prepare the way of the Lord?

The Reign of Manasseh in Judah

2 Kings 21:1-18
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 33:1-9

Main Thought

Manasseh provokes the Lord to great anger.

Head

1. How old was Manasseh when he began to reign?

2. What did Manasseh do that showed he was an evil king?

3. What did Manasseh do in the temple that was so offensive to God?

4. What was going to make everyone’s ears tingle?

5. What did God mean when he said he would “wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish”?

6. What was the measuring line of Samaria, and why would it be stretched over Jerusalem?

7. How long had Israel provoked the Lord to anger? (see v. 15)

Heart

1. If Hezekiah was such a good king, what happened that made Manasseh such a bad king?

2. Do you think Manasseh intentionally put the carved image of Asherah in the temple? Explain.

3. How does this story show God’s patience?

4. In what way did God still consider Israel his heritage?

5. Why do you think God let Manasseh reign for 55 years and then die a peaceful death?

Hands

1. Do you think Hezekiah bore some responsibility for the way Manasseh turned out? Explain.

2. What consequences did the sins of Manasseh bring upon Israel? (see 2 Kings 21:10-14; 24:1-4)

Manasseh’s Repentance

2 Chronicles 33:10-20

Main Thought

When confronted with the consequences of his sin, Manasseh humbles himself and seeks the favor of the Lord.

Head

1. Did you notice that this passage in 2 Chronicles does not have a related passage in 2 Kings? Why do you think the author of Chronicles decided to add it?

2. What did the Lord do to Manasseh that finally caused Manasseh to humble himself and seek the Lord’s help?

3. What happened when Manasseh prayed to the Lord?

4. What building project did Manasseh start when he returned to Jerusalem?

5. Why was Manasseh’s building project important for Assyria?

6. What did Manasseh remove from the temple? Who had put them there previously? (see 2 Chron. 33:4-7)

7. Does the story say what Manasseh did with the idols he removed?

8. Did Manasseh make any reforms outside of Jerusalem?

Heart

1. Do you think that Manasseh truly turned his heart to the Lord when he was in Assyria, or was he just trying to get out of an uncomfortable situation? Explain.

2. Do you think the people of Israel turned their hearts back to the Lord? Explain.

Hands

1. How might Manasseh’s later actions in Jerusalem show the true state of his heart?

2. Was it right or wrong of the people to sacrifice at the high places, even though they only sacrificed to the Lord? Explain.

The Reign of Amon in Judah

2 Kings 21:19-26
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 33:21-25

Main Thought

Amon follows the evil path of his father.

Head

1. How old was Amon when he began to reign? How long did he reign?

2. What was Amon’s reign like compared to Manasseh’s?

3. If Manasseh had previously removed the idols from the temple, how was Amon able to serve and worship them?

4. What happened to cut Amon’s reign short?

5. Who reigned in Amon’s place?

6. Where was Amon buried?

7. What did the people of Judah do to the men who conspired against Amon?

Heart

1. Do you think Manasseh bears some responsibility for Amon’s idol worship? Explain.

2. If Amon saw Manasseh’s repentance and change, why do you think he decided not to follow that? What do you think prompted him to return to Manasseh’s earlier disobedience?

Hands

1. If Manasseh had tried harder, do you think he could have totally eradicated idol worship from Judah? Explain.

2. Do you think Manasseh could have stopped Amon from worshiping idols? Explain.

3. If Amon was leading Judah back into disobedience, were Amon’s servants right in conspiring against him?

4. Why do you think Manasseh and Amon were buried in the garden of Uzza instead of the normal burial place for kings of Judah?

The Reign of Josiah in Judah

2 Chronicles 34:1-13
Related passage: 1 Kings 22:1-7

Main Thought

Josiah abandons the evil ways of Manasseh and Amon, turning instead to follow the ways of his father David.

Head

1. Why do you think the writer referred to David as Josiah’s father?

2. How old was Josiah when he turned to follow the Lord?

3. How old was Josiah when he purged false worship from Jerusalem?

4. Describe some of the things Josiah did to purge Judah of false worship.

5. How could Josiah go into Israel to destroy altars? Didn’t Assyria control that land?

6. What did Josiah begin in the eighteenth year of his reign? What was the house that Josiah cleansed? (see v. 8)

7. Who gave the money to enable the work on the temple to begin?

8. Who had oversight over the work on the temple?

Heart

1. What do you think caused Josiah to turn to the Lord when he was 16?

2. Who supported Josiah in his reforms? Do you think Josiah could have continued his reforms without their support? In what ways might they have encouraged each other to continue the reforms?

3. Do you think Josiah experienced any resistance from the people of Judah to his reforms? If he did, how do you think he handled it?

Hands

1. How was Josiah’s purging of false worship in Judah different from Manasseh’s? Do you think Josiah’s was more or less effective?

2. Describe how you think the men who worked on the temple did their work faithfully.

Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law

2 Chronicles 34:14-28
Related passage: 2 Kings 22:8-22

Main Thought

Josiah learns a lesson in God’s justice and mercy.

Head

1. Who was Hilkiah?

2. How did Hilkiah know that the book he found was an important book?

3. Who was Shaphan, and why did Hilkiah give the Book of the Law to him?

4. Why do you think Shaphan waited to tell Josiah about the Book of the Law until after he told him about the progress in restoring the temple?

5. Why did Josiah tear his clothes?

6. Who was Huldah? What was her message?

7. Why did God decide not to bring disaster in Josiah’s lifetime?

Heart

1. Have you ever owned something and forgotten about it? Do you think something like that happened with the Book of the Law? Explain.

2. Before Josiah was aware of the Book of the Law, was he guilty for not obeying the words written in it? Explain.

3. Why do you think God still determined to bring disaster on Judah even after they found the book of the law? What does that tell you about the nature of God?

Hands

1. What did Josiah do to create a situation that ultimately resulted in the discovery and reestablishment of the Book of the Law?

2. If Josiah knew that the Lord would be very angry at his people for forgetting the Book of the Law, why do you think he sent messengers to inquire of the Lord? Why didn’t he try to hide it?

Josiah Renews the Covenant

2 Kings 23:1-20
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 34:29-33

Main Thought

Josiah renews the covenant and rids the land of unfaithful practices.

Head

1. Why did Josiah want the elders of Judah and Jerusalem with him when he went to the temple? Who else went with Josiah to the temple?

2. Why did the king stand by the pillar to renew the covenant? (see 2 Kings 11:14)

3. Compare Josiah’s covenant in verse three with Joshua’s covenant in Joshua 24:22-28. How are they alike? How are they different?

4. What was in the temple that needed to be taken out and destroyed?

5. What does “deposed” mean? Why did Josiah do this to the priests at the high places around Judah and Jerusalem?

6. List some of the things Josiah destroyed or removed from Judah and Jerusalem.

7. What did Josiah do to Jeroboam’s altar at Bethel? Who was buried in the tomb with the monument? (see 1 Kings 13)

Heart

1. What reasons might the people have had for joining Josiah in the covenant? Do you think some of the people may have joined Josiah for good reasons and others for bad reasons? Explain.

2. Why do you think Josiah made the covenant before he removed the articles of idol worship from the temple?

Hands

1. Before Josiah’s reforms, how were the Israelites sinning? What did Josiah do to stop their sins from continuing?

2. Is it ever enough just to tell yourself to stop sinning? What else needs to happen?

Josiah Celebrates the Passover

2 Kings 23:21-27
Related passage: 2 Chronicles 35:1-19

Main Thought

Josiah renews the Passover celebration, but this renewal does not turn the Lord’s anger away from Judah.

Head

1. What command did Josiah give to all the people?

2. What was the “Book of the Covenant”?

3. How special was this Passover? Had there ever been a Passover like it?

4. Compared to other times in Israel’s history, what made this celebration of the Passover different?

5. How many years had Josiah been king before he kept the Passover?

6. Why was Manasseh mentioned in this passage?

7. If Josiah was now king, why did he still have to deal with the effects of Manasseh’s sin?

Heart

1. After so much idolatry in the land, how was it possible for Josiah to tell the people to keep the Passover to the Lord your God?

2. How would celebrating the Passover help to bring the people of Israel back into a right relationship with God?

3. What would you consider to be the worst part of what God said in verse 27?

Hands

1. Why couldn’t the celebration of the Passover turn away God’s wrath from Judah?

2. Have you ever done something wrong and then tried to make up for it by doing something extra good? Why doesn’t that ever work?

The Death of Josiah

2 Chronicles 35:20-27
Related passage: 2 Kings 23:28-30

Main Thought

Josiah hears a warning from the Lord, but disregards it.

Head

1. To what was the writer referring when he started verse 20 with the phrase, “After all this...”?

2. Where is Carchemish? Why was Neco king of Egypt traveling to Carchemish? Who was fighting there? (Note: You may need to consult a Bible dictionary.)

3. Why didn’t Neco want to fight Josiah?

4. With whom was Neco at war?

5. Why did Josiah disguise himself? What other king disguised himself before going into battle? (see 1 Chron. 18:29)

6. Compare the death of Josiah with the death of Ahab. How were the two kings treated differently after their deaths?

7. What did Jeremiah utter for Josiah? Are Jeremiah’s laments for Josiah the same laments that are found in the book of Lamentations?

Heart

1. Was God speaking to Josiah through Neco? Explain

2. Can God use unbelievers to speak in prophetic ways? Explain.

3. Why do you think Josiah decided not to listen to Neco? Should Josiah have known better?

Hands

1. What do you think Josiah was trying to do by fighting Neco king of Egypt?

2. Verse 26 talks about Josiah’s good deeds. Can you name some of them? How was Josiah able to do these good deeds?

The Remaining Kings of Judah

2 Chronicles 36:1-21
Related passage: 2 Kings 23:31–24:20

Main Thought

The Lord fulfills his word against his unfaithful people.

Head

1. How long did Jehoahaz reign? Who deposed him?

2. What gave the king of Egypt the right to depose Jehoahaz and lay a tribute on Judah? (see 2 Chron. 35:20-27)

3. What did Neco do with Jehoahaz and Eliakim?

4. Why did Neco give Eliakim another name? What did it show about Neco’s power over Eliakim?

5. What did Nebuchadnezzar do to Jehoiakim (Eliakim)? What else did Nebuchadnezzar take to Babylon?

6. Who reigned after Jehoiakim? What happened to him?

7. Who reigned after Jehoiachin? What happened to him?

8. Who prophesied against Zedekiah?

9. What finally happened to the people of Judah? What did the writer mean in verse 21 when he talked about the land finally enjoying its Sabbaths? (see Lev. 26:34-39)

Heart

1. Of the kings we read about in this passage, were any of them good?

2. How did God still show compassion on the kings and the people of Judah (see v. 15)

Hands

1. How did the people show that there was no remedy for their sin? (see v. 16)

2. In what ways might people today show that they are intent on remaining in their sin?

The Call of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1:1-19

Main Thought

The Lord calls and prepares Jeremiah for his special work.

Head

1. To what tribe did Jeremiah belong?

2. Where was Jeremiah’s home town?

3. During what year of Josiah’s reign did the Lord first come to Jeremiah?

4. During which other kings’ reigns did Jeremiah prophesy?

5. When did God establish his plans for Jeremiah’s life?

6. Did Jeremiah want to follow God’s will for his life?

7. What did the almond branch represent?

8. What did the boiling pot facing away from the north represent?

Heart

1. Did God know you before you were born? Did he establish his plans for you before you were born? Does this comfort you or displease you?

2. How did God prepare Jeremiah for his life’s work?

3. How might God prepare you for your life’s work?

4. If the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah during good king Josiah’s reign, why did the Lord still plan destruction for Judah?

5. What comfort did God give Jeremiah at the end of this chapter?

Hands

1. In verse 18 God told Jeremiah that he would make him a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, in order for Jeremiah to do the work God called him to do. In what way would Jeremiah be like a fortified city against the kings and people of Judah? How would he be like an iron pillar? How would he be like a bronze wall?

The Ruined Loincloth

Jeremiah 13:1-11

Main Thought

The Lord compares the people of Judah to a ruined loincloth.

Head

1. What is a loincloth? What did it represent in this passage? (see v. 11)

2. Why did the loincloth need to be linen?

3. Why wasn’t Jeremiah allowed to dip the loincloth in water?

4. Why did Jeremiah have to put it around his waist?

5. Where did Jeremiah hide the loincloth?

6. Do you think Jeremiah went all the way to the Euphrates river? What other option might he have had? (Note: You may need to consult a commentary.)

7. What did Jeremiah find when he returned later to retrieve the loincloth?

8. What lesson was the ruined loincloth supposed to teach the people?

9. Compare Jeremiah’s reaction to the ruined loincloth with God’s reaction to his people.

10. How could the nation of Judah have been a people for God?  How could they have been a name, a praise, and a glory? (v. 11)

Heart

1. How did the stubborn hearts of the people ruin them?

2. Can stubborn hearts still ruin people today?

3. How is pride related to a stubborn heart?

Hands

1. If the people of Judah had listened to God, would things have been different for them?

2. How important is it for people to listen to God today? What are some ways that we can do that?

The Potter and the Clay

Jeremiah 18:1-12

Main Thought

God shares his plans to remake Judah into a faithful nation, but the plans include breaking the nation down like a potter breaks down his clay.

Head

1. What does a potter make?

2. How does a potter use a wheel?

3. What did the potter do to the clay he was using?

4. How are God’s people like clay in a potter’s hands?

5. What would God do to rework Judah and Jerusalem into “another vessel”?

6. How could the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem avoid what God was planning?

7. Does God ever change his mind? How can God say that he will relent of the disaster he plans for a nation if they repent?

Heart

1. Does God have the right to treat us like a potter treats clay? Explain.

2. What reasons might God have for destroying a nation?

3. What reasons might God have for building up and planting a nation?

4. Does God have plans for individual people as well as for nations? Do you think he has plans for you?

Hands

1. What did Jeremiah call the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem to do in verse 11?

2. According to verse 12, what did the people do instead of following Jeremiah’s call? Why?

3. Is it ever too late to turn from evil and amend your ways?

4. What might prevent people from amending their ways?

The Broken Flask

Jeremiah 19:1-15

Main Thought

God calls Jeremiah to preach a message of destruction to the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

Head

1. Where did God tell Jeremiah to take the potter’s earthenware flask?

2. What is a potsherd?

3. Why was the gate called the Potsherd Gate?

4. Name at least three reasons why the Lord was going to bring disaster upon Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

5. What new name would the Valley of the Son of Hinnom be called?

6. What would happen to the people of Judah and Jerusalem in this valley?

7. How did the broken flask represent God’s people?

8. How would Jerusalem become like Topheth (the Valley of the Son of Hinnom)?

9. Where did Jeremiah go after he prophesied in Topheth?

10. What did he say there?

Heart

1. How do you think the people of Jerusalem reacted when they heard Jeremiah’s message? (For one example, see Jer. 20:1-2)

2. How would their reaction reflect the state of their hearts?

3. Do you think Jeremiah was afraid to prophesy like this to the people?

Hands

1. Does God sometimes call people to do difficult things?

2. Might God be calling you to do some difficult things? What will be your response?

The Good and Bad Figs

Jeremiah 24:1-10

Main Thought

God makes a marked distinction among his people.

Head

1. When did the events of this chapter occur?

2. What were other names for Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim? (see Jer. 22:24 and 2 Chron. 36:8)

3. When Nebuchadnezzar took the people of Judah captive, he did it in several waves. Who was taken captive with Jeconiah in this wave?

4. Explain the difference between a vision and a dream.

5. Whom did the Lord compare to the good figs? What did the Lord promise to do for them?

6. Whom did the Lord compare to the bad figs? What did the Lord promise to do for them?

Heart

1. If God determined to bring good to the good exiles from Judah, why did he send them into captivity in the first place?

2. How would the good exiles from Judah be able to return to God with their whole heart?

3. If this passage is focused on God’s people, why is there a distinction made between good and bad figs? Shouldn’t all God’s people be good figs? Why aren’t they?

4. Do you think there are good figs and bad figs in the church today? Explain.

Hands

1. How can you tell if a person is a good fig or a bad fig?

2. Should we be concerned about who is a good fig or a bad fig?

3. How can you be sure you are a good fig, especially when bad things happen in your life?

The Lord Proclaims Captivity for Judah

Jeremiah 25:1-14

Main Thought

God promises to make the land of Judah a waste because of the sins of the people.

Head

1. When did the events of this story take place?

2. How long had Jeremiah warned Judah and Jerusalem about the wrath that was coming?

3. According to verses five and six, what message did Jeremiah and other prophets tell the people of Judah and Jerusalem?

4. According to verses eight through ten, what did God say he would do because Judah had not obeyed him?

5. In what ways would life as usual stop for the people of Judah after the Babylonians came? (see v. 10)

6. How long would the punishment against Judah last? What would God do to Babylon at the end of that time? Why?

Heart

1. Does 70 years sound like a long time or a short time to you? Why do you think God made the punishment last 70 years?

2. Why wasn’t God’s punishment against Judah permanent? Why didn’t it last forever instead of just 70 years?

3. If God used Babylon to punish the people of Judah, why did he later punish the Babylonians for their deeds?  Weren’t they being used as God’s instrument to punish Judah? Why should Babylon be punished for that?

Hands

1. Read verse seven again. In what ways might the people of Judah have provoked the Lord to anger with the work of their hands?

2. In what ways might we today provoke the Lord to anger by the work of our hands?

Jeremiah Threatened with Death

Jeremiah 26:1-15

Main Thought

The people of Judah reject the words of the Lord as spoken by Jeremiah.

Head

1. When did the events of this story take place?

2. Where was Jeremiah supposed to preach? Who was his audience? Where were they and what were they doing?

3. What did God tell Jeremiah to say to these people?

4. What place did Shiloh have in the history of Israel, and what happened to it? (see 1 Sam. 1:3ff and Ps. 78:60-64)

5. When the priests, and the prophets, and all the people heard what Jeremiah said, what did they want to do to him? Why?

6. Why might the people of Judah have considered Jeremiah’s words to be blasphemy against God? Why were his words not blasphemy?

7. Why did the officials of Judah take their seat in the entry of the New Gate? What judgment did they proclaim against Jeremiah?

8. What did Jeremiah say in his defense?

Heart

1. How was it possible for the people of Judah to remain stuck in their evil ways even while they went to the temple to worship?

2. Do you think the people of Judah thought they were walking in evil ways, or do you think they considered themselves to be religiously healthy?

3. Is it possible for people today to worship God sincerely, but in reality still be walking in evil ways?

Hands

1. When Jeremiah defended himself to Judah’s officials, did he change his message to make it more palatable for the leaders? Explain.

2. Do you think Jeremiah was ready to die for the words he spoke?

Jeremiah Spared from Death

Jeremiah 26:16-24

Main Thought

The Lord makes good on his promise to protect and deliver Jeremiah from the hands of his enemies.

Head

1. What reason did the people give for saying that Jeremiah did not deserve the sentence of death?

2. Who was Micah of Moresheth? (see Mic. 1:1) How did Hezekiah respond to him?

3. What did Uriah the son of Shemaiah say about Jerusalem and Judah?

4. How did Jehoiakim react when he heard Uriah’s prophecy? What did Uriah do when he heard Jehoiakim’s reaction?

5. How did Uriah die?

6. Compare and contrast Hezekiah’s response to Micah with Jehoiakim's response to Uriah.

7. What person was instrumental in saving Jeremiah from death?

Heart

1. What did the priests want to do with Jeremiah? What did the officials want to do with him? Why did they differ?

2. Do you think there is a reason that the religious leaders were the ones who led the call to put Jeremiah to death? Explain.

3. Read Jeremiah 1:17-19. Explain how these verses may have helped Jeremiah during the story we read today.

Hands

1. How did the elders of Judah apply the lesson of Hezekiah and Micah to their own situation? How did they apply the lesson of Jehoiakim and Uriah to their own situation?

2. How did the elders of Judah know which lesson to apply in which way?

Jeremiah’s Yoke

Jeremiah 27:1-22

Main Thought

Jeremiah exhorts God’s people to submit to God’s punishment.

Head

1. What is a yoke-bar? How were yokes used in the days of Jeremiah?

2. Where did the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon live in relation to Judah?

3. What were envoys from these countries doing in Jerusalem?

4. What was Jeremiah’s message for these envoys?

5. According to verse seven, how long would Nebuchadnezzar’s line be in power?

6. What would happen to Babylon after that time?

7. What would the Lord do to any nation that didn’t submit to Babylon?

8. What would the Lord do for nations that did submit to Babylon?

9. What were the false prophets saying about Babylon?

10. Where were the vessels of the Lord’s house? How did they get there? (see 2 Kings 24:10-13)

11. What did Jeremiah say about the vessels of the Lord’s house that remained in Jerusalem?

Heart

1. If Babylon was a heathen nation, why did the Lord allow it to conquer so many other nations including Judah?

2. How do you think Jeremiah felt about having to proclaim this message to Judah about Babylon?

Hands

1. Why should Judah have submitted to Babylon?

2. If you do something wrong and suffer the consequences for it, should you try to lessen those consequences if you can?

Hananiah the False Prophet

Jeremiah 28:1-17

Main Thought

The Lord shuts the mouth of a false prophet.

Head

1. What else happened “in that same year”? (v. 1)

2. Why do you think Hananiah mentioned a yoke when he talked about Babylon’s oppression?

3. What did Hananiah say was going to happen within two years?

4. Read verse six again. Was Jeremiah agreeing with Hananiah, or was he communicating something else?

5. How would people know if Hananiah was a true or false prophet? (see v. 9; also see Deut. 13:1-2)

6. Why did Hananiah break the yoke-bars of Jeremiah? What would replace the wooden yoke bars? Why?

7. What happened to Hananiah? Why?

Heart

1. Who told Jeremiah to wear the yoke-bars? When Hananiah broke them, what was Hananiah saying about his relationship to God?

2. Do you think Hananiah knew his prophecy wasn’t from God? Why do you think he said it?

3. Do you think it was important for Jeremiah to foretell Hananiah’s death? Who would benefit from knowing that Hananiah’s death was certainly from the Lord? Explain.

Hands

1. When Hananiah first broke the yoke-bars from Jeremiah’s neck, why did Jeremiah simply leave? Why didn’t he fight against Hananiah?

2. In your opinion, why doesn’t the chapter record Hananiah’s response to Jeremiah’s prophecy in verse 16? At that point did Hananiah’s response no longer matter? Explain.

Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles

Jeremiah 29:1-14

Main Thought

Although the Lord follows through on his promise of punishment, he also gives his people hope for the future.

Head

1. Who received the letter that Jeremiah sent? Where was Jeremiah when he sent it?

2. What did Jeremiah tell the exiles to do? Why?

3. According to verse seven, why should the exiles seek the welfare of Babylon?

4. Why should the exiles not listen to their prophets and diviners?

5. According to verse ten, how long would the exile last? What would happen at the end of seventy years?

6. To what plans was the Lord referring in verse 11?

Heart

1. What do you think God meant when he said in verse 14, “I will be found by you”?

2. Does the Lord have plans to give you a future and a hope? How can you know? On what does your future and hope depend?

3. What did God say he would do for those who call upon him and come and pray to him?

4. How does God act like a father or mother in this passage?

Hands

1. If you had been one of the exiles, would you have wanted to make yourself at home in Babylon? Explain.

2. At the end of the exile, what would the people of Judah say and do that was different from before the exile? What changed?

3. According to verse 14, when we seek God, how will we find him? What makes us want to seek him?

The New Covenant

Jeremiah 31:31-40

Main Thought

God promises to establish a new covenant that cannot be broken.

Head

1. What did God promise to make with the house of Israel and the house of Judah?

2. What was the old covenant like? With whom did God make the old covenant? How was it broken?

3. If the Old Testament Israelites were not able to keep the old covenant from being broken, how will it be possible to keep the new covenant from being broken?

4. What is the new covenant like? With whom did God make the new covenant?

5. How is the new covenant different from the old covenant?

6. Who are the offspring of Israel mentioned in verse 36?

7. According to verses 35 and 36 what will have to happen before the offspring of Israel cease to be?

8. To what city is God referring in verses 38-40?

Heart

1. What promises does God make to you in today’s passage?

2. What hope does God give you in this passage?

3. What role does God the Father play in the new covenant?

4. What role does Jesus Christ play in the new covenant?

5. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the new covenant?

Hands

1. If God writes his law on our hearts, why do we still sin?

2. In what ways can we make our participation in the new covenant more evident in our lives?

Jeremiah Buys a Field

Jeremiah 32:1-15

Main Thought

God, through Jeremiah, promises his people that they will one day return to Israel to buy and sell land there.

Head

1. When did this story take place? What was happening to Jerusalem at the time?

2. Where had Zedekiah put Jeremiah?

3. What did Jeremiah say would happen to Jerusalem? What did he say would happen to Zedekiah?

4. Who was Hanamel? How was he related to Jeremiah?

5. What was the right of redemption? (see Lev. 25:25-32)

6. Why would Jeremiah want to buy a field that would soon fall into the hands of the king of Babylon?

7. How did Jeremiah know that Hanamel’s request was of the Lord?

8. What did Jeremiah do with the deed of purchase? Why?

Heart

1. When the story began, where had God, in his providence, placed Jeremiah?

2. At the end of the story, what did God ask Jeremiah to do with his money?

3. Do you think Jeremiah questioned what God was doing to him in these events?

4. How did this story give hope to Jeremiah? How did it give hope to the people of Judah? How does it give hope to you?

Hands

1. Why do you think Hanamel wanted to sell his field?

2. Was it right of Hanamel to ask Jeremiah to buy the field?

Jeremiah’s Prayer

Jeremiah 32:16-35

Main Thought

Jeremiah seeks to understand why God made him invest in a land that God had prepared for destruction.

Head

1. How did Jeremiah incorporate adoration in his prayer?

2. How did Jeremiah incorporate confession in his prayer?

3. How did Jeremiah incorporate thanksgiving in his prayer?

4. How did Jeremiah incorporate supplication in his prayer?

5. How did God use Egypt to glorify himself?

6. Who were the Chaldeans? Are they the same as the Babylonians?

7. How did God plan to use Babylon against Jerusalem?

Heart

1. Why did Jeremiah pray this prayer? What didn’t Jeremiah understand?

2. What attributes of God did Jeremiah refer to in his prayer?

3. How did God use these attributes to bless his people?

4. Did God have a right to be angry with his people? Explain.

5. Is anything too hard for God?

6. Compare what God is like in this story with what the false gods in this story were like.

Hands

1. What had God’s people done to arouse his anger?

2. At this point, could the people of Jerusalem do anything to turn away God’s anger?

3. Will there ever be a time when it will be too late to confess your sins before God and seek his forgiveness?

God’s Promise of Future Blessing

Jeremiah 32:36-44

Main Thought

God  promises blessing through an everlasting covenant.

Head

1. What city was being discussed in verse 36?

2. According to verse 37, when the people went into exile, did they just go to Babylon, or did they go to many other countries? Explain.

3. If the Babylonian exile scattered the Israelites throughout the world, would that have made it more difficult to be gathered back to Jerusalem later on? Explain.

4. What is the everlasting covenant that God mentioned in verse 40?

5. Who will be responsible for making sure the everlasting covenant is not broken?

6. Read verse 42 again. How thorough was God in bringing disaster? How thorough will he be in bringing good?

Heart

1. What would God have to do to gather his people after the exile?

2. What does verse 38 say about God’s covenant relationship with his people?

3. What did God mean when he said in verse 39, “I will give them one heart and one way...”? What does it mean to have one heart? What does it mean to have one way? Why does God need to give it?

4. In this passage, how did God show himself to be a God who keeps his promises?

Hands

1. What do God’s people have to do to keep the everlasting covenant? Can they do it?

2. How will God make sure his people don’t break the everlasting covenant?

God Promises Peace

Jeremiah 33:1-13

Main Thought

God will not relent in his punishment, but he will also bring peace to his people.

Head

1. Where was Jeremiah when the word of the Lord came to him?

2. Why did the houses of of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah need to be torn down to make a defense against the siege mounds and against the sword?

3. Would Jerusalem have to suffer defeat at the hands of Babylon? Explain.

4. According to verse seven, what would God do for Jerusalem after its defeat?

5. According to verse eight, what else would God do for Jerusalem?

6. According to verse nine, how would God view the city?

7. How were shepherds and flocks important to the people of Judah at this time in history?

Heart

1. Why do you think God revealed himself as the creator in verse two, and not as something else like savior, healer, judge, etc.?

2. Read verse three again. How is God’s knowledge different from our knowledge?

3. What kind of God can make something good again that previously was considered “a waste without man or beast? (v. 10; see also v. 12)

Hands

1. In these verses, when the Lord promised to again show Judah his favor and bring peace to the land, how would the activities of the people show that God was again with them?

2. Is it possible for Christians today to tell if God is with us? Explain.

God’s Eternal Covenant

Jeremiah 33:14-26

Main Thought

God assures his people that his blessings remain as certain as the sun coming up every morning.

Head

1. What promise did God make with the house of Israel and the house of Judah? What did David have to do with the promise?

2. Who was the righteous Branch that would spring up for David?

3. How did God keep the promise he made in verse 17? How did God keep the promise he made in verse 18?

4. How difficult would it be to break God’s covenant with David and his covenant with the Levitical priests?

5. Read verse 22 again. Who else received a similar promise? (see Gen. 15:5)

6. How are the the promises in Jeremiah 33:22 and Genesis 15:5 connected? (see vv. 25-26)

7. In verse 24, who are “these people,” and who are “the two clans that he chose”?

8. Why did “these people” despise God’s people?

Heart

1. How does Jesus execute justice and righteousness?

2. Why do you think God made such wonderful promises in these verses, when the final destruction of Jerusalem was still to come?

3. How are today’s Christians also connected to the promises God made to Israel and Judah through Jeremiah?

Hands

1. How do you think Jeremiah’s message in chapter 33 affected the people in Jerusalem at that time?

2. Can Jeremiah’s message have the same effect today?

Jeremiah Speaks to Zedekiah

Jeremiah 34:1-22

Main Thought

God contrasts his faithfulness to his people with their unfaithfulness to one another.

Head

1. How close was Nebuchadnezzar to Jerusalem when the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah?

2. What is a fortified city? Other than Jerusalem, what two other cities were fortified cities in Judah? (v. 7)

3. What covenant did Zedekiah make with the people in Jerusalem?

4. Why do you think Zedekiah wanted the Hebrew slaves set free at this time?

5. Why do you think the people of Jerusalem later took back their Hebrew slaves?

6. How would taking back a Hebrew slave profane God’s name?

7. According to verse 17, how would God “set free” the people who had set their slaves free and then taken them back?

8. To what was God referring when he mentioned the calf that the people cut in two and then passed between the parts?

9. How would God “bring them back to this city”? (v. 22)

Heart

1. Why do you think God let Zedekiah die in peace?

2. When the people of Jerusalem set their Hebrew slaves free, do you think they really meant it? Explain.

Hands

1. When the people of Jerusalem took back their Hebrew slaves, whom did they sin against? Explain.

2. Did the people of Jerusalem bring harsher punishment on themselves because of what they did to their slaves?

The Rechabites

Jeremiah 35:1-19

Main Thought

The Lord shows his people an example of obedience.

Head

1. Who were the Rechabites? (see 2 Kings 10:15-17; see also 1 Chron. 2:55; Judg. 4:11)

2. Where did God tell Jeremiah to take the Rechabites?

3. What did God tell Jeremiah to offer the Rechabites? Why did they refuse?

4. How did God use the example of the Rechabites as a lesson for the people of Judah?

5. What did Jonadab ask the Rechabites to do?

6. What did God ask his people to do?

7. Contrast the obedience of the Rechabites with the disobedience of the people of Judah.

8. What promise did God give to the Rechabites?

Heart

1. Why do you think the Rechabites obeyed Jonadab for so many generations?

2. Do you think the Rechabites suffered with the other people of Jerusalem when Nebuchadnezzar captured the city?

3. Does God sometimes let the righteous suffer with the wicked? Explain.

Hands

1. Would the Rechabites have disobeyed a law of God if they drank the wine that Jeremiah offered them? Why were they conscience bound not to drink it?

2. Are there things we do today that may not be specifically commanded in the Bible, but are still worth doing? What makes them worth doing?

Jeremiah Records His Words on a Scroll

Jeremiah 36:1-19

Main Thought

At God’s command, Jeremiah puts his words into writing.

Head

1. What did God tell Jeremiah to write on the scroll?

2. Who actually wrote the words on the scroll? How long did it take?

3. How do you think Jeremiah remembered all the words God spoke to him from the time God called him to the day he started writing them down?

4. Why was Jeremiah banned from going to the temple? (see 7:1–8:3; 26:1-24)

5. In what part of the temple did Baruch read the words of Jeremiah?

6. Why might Baruch have decided to go to a chamber associated with the son of Shaphan? (see 2 Kings 22:1-11)

7. What did Micaiah, the grandson of Shaphan, do when he heard the words that Baruch read?

8. When the kings officials heard that Baruch was reading Jeremiah’s words in the temple, what did they ask him to do?

Heart

1. What reason did God give in verse three for asking Jeremiah to write his words on a scroll? Do you think God had given Judah enough chances?

2. In verse 16, why were the king’s officials afraid? Why should they have been afraid?

Hands

1. Do you think Baruch was eager or afraid to read Jeremiah’s words in the temple? Explain.

2. How dangerous was it for Baruch to do what he did? Why did the kings officials tell him and Jeremiah to go and hide?

Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah’s Scroll

Jeremiah 36:20-32

Main Thought

God’s message will not be stopped.

Head

1. Why do you think the king’s officials left the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the secretary when they first went to the king?

2. What did the king do to the scroll?

3. Why do you think Jehoiakim made Jehudi read the scroll before he burned it piece by piece in the fire?

4. What time of the year was it when Jehoiakim heard the words on the scroll read to him? Why was that important?

5. Compare Jehoiakim’s response to Jeremiah’s words with Josiah’s response when Shaphan read from the Book of the Law in 2 Chron. 34:18-21.

6. Why weren’t Jehoiakim’s men able to seize Jeremiah?

7. How did God respond to Jehoiakim burning the scroll? What did he tell Jeremiah to proclaim against Jehoiakim?

Heart

1. Why wasn’t Jehoiakim afraid to burn Jeremiah’s scroll?

2. Why do you think the king’s officials were afraid to burn the scroll?

3. Why do you think God told Jeremiah to write another scroll? Was it for Jehoiakim’s benefit? For the benefit of the people? For the benefit of the king’s men?

Hands

1. How do you think Jeremiah felt about producing another scroll and delivering it to Jehoiakim with a prophecy about Jehoiakim’s downfall? Explain.

2. Why do you think Jeremiah added many similar words to the second scroll? What might those words have said?

Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah

Jeremiah 37:1-10

Main Thought

Zedekiah seeks the Lord’s help, even though he refuses to listen to the words of the Lord’s prophet.

Head

1. Who was Zedekiah’s father? How was Zedekiah related to Coniah and Jehoiakim?

2. How did Zedekiah become king? What does this say about Judah’s sovereignty as a nation?

3. When had Jeremiah been put into prison? (see 29:24-32; 37:11–38:6)

4. Whom did Zedekiah send to Jeremiah? What did they ask him?

5. Why did the Chaldean army withdraw from Jerusalem?

6. What did Jeremiah say would happen when the Egyptian army returned to Egypt?

7. How certain was Babylon’s victory over Jerusalem?

Heart

1. In your opinion, why didn’t Zedekiah go to Jeremiah personally to make his request?

2. Why do you think God gave Jeremiah such a pessimistic message for Zedekiah?

3. If God would allow even an army of wounded men to defeat Jerusalem, was there any hope for them? Explain.

Hands

1. Did you notice a discrepancy between what Zedekiah did in verse two and his request in verse three? Why do you think he made his request?

2. If you were Jehucal  and Zephaniah, how would you have delivered Jeremiah’s message to Zedekiah? Would you have tried to tone it down a bit, or would you have given it with full force, the way that Jeremiah delivered it?

Jeremiah Is Imprisoned

Jeremiah 37:11-21

Main Thought

Jeremiah is falsely accused and imprisoned, but through it all the Lord provides for him.

Head

1. What made it possible for the people of Jerusalem to leave the city?

2. Why did Jeremiah go to Benjamin?

3. What was Jeremiah’s “portion there among the people”? (see 32:1-15 for a possible explanation)

4. Where was the Benjamin gate? Why was Jeremiah stopped there?

5. Why did Irijah think Jeremiah was deserting to the Chaldeans? What did he do with Jeremiah? What did the officials do to Jeremiah? Why?

6. When Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah, what did he ask him? What word from the Lord did Jeremiah give Zedekiah?

7. What did Jeremiah ask of Zedekiah? How did Zedekiah answer Jeremiah’s request?

Heart

1. Why do you think Zedekiah questioned Jeremiah secretly when Jeremiah was brought to his house? Do you think Zedekiah considered Jeremiah to be a true prophet of God? Why do you think Zedekiah refused to listen to Jeremiah?

2. Do you think Jeremiah enjoyed telling Zedekiah the word from the Lord?

3. How did the Lord provide for Jeremiah at this time?

Hands

1. Did Irijah or the officials have any reason to seize, beat, and imprison Jeremiah? Why do you think they treated him so poorly?

2. Explain how Jeremiah responded to the treatment he received from the officials.

Jeremiah Is Thrown into a Cistern

Jeremiah 38:1-13

Main Thought

Despite receiving abuse from the king and his officials, Jeremiah continues to preach the message God gave him.

Head

1. Why would the people of Jerusalem die if they stayed in the city but live if they surrendered to the Chaldeans?

2. What did the officials want to do with Jeremiah? Why?

3. In what way would Jeremiah’s preaching have weakened the defenses of Jerusalem? Do you think that was Jeremiah’s intent?

4. Why couldn’t Zedekiah do anything against his officials?

5. Where did the officials put Jeremiah? What were the conditions like there?

6. Why did Ebed-melech go to Zedekiah at the Benjamin Gate?

7. What name did Ebed-melech call Jeremiah in verse nine? Do you think Ebed-melech considered Jeremiah a true prophet?

8. Why do you think Zedekiah went along with Ebed-melech’s request?

9. How did Ebed-melech remove Jeremiah from the cistern?

10. Was Jeremiah free to go where he pleased after he was released from the cistern? Explain.

Heart

1. Do you agree with the officials who said that Jeremiah was not seeking the welfare of the people of Jerusalem? Explain.

2. Who had a stronger character, Ebed-melech or Zedekiah? Explain.

Hands

1. What risks did Ebed-melech take in order to save Jeremiah?

2. How did Zedekiah show his character through words and actions?

Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah Again

Jeremiah 38:14-28

Main Thought

Zedekiah shows his many weaknesses.

Head

1. What was the third entrance of the temple?

2. What two concerns did Jeremiah voice in verse 15? Which concern of Jeremiah did Zedekiah address in verse 16? Which concern did Zedekiah not address? Why not?

3. What choice did Jeremiah give Zedekiah?

4. According to verse 19, who was Zedekiah really afraid of if he surrendered to the Babylonians? What did Jeremiah say to reassure Zedekiah?

5. What vision did Jeremiah share with Zedekiah?

6. Whose feet were sunk in the mud in verse 22?

7. What did Jeremiah say would happen to Zedekiah’s wives and sons?

8. How long did Jeremiah remain in the court of the guard?

Heart

1. Why do you think Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah? Do you think Zedekiah secretly believed what Jeremiah was saying? Explain.

2. Do you think Jeremiah’s ministry to Zedekiah was helped by his own experience of being sunk in the mud? Explain.

3. Do you think Jeremiah was frightened by Zedekiah’s words in verse 24? (see 1:17-19)

4. Was Zedekiah afraid of his own officials? Why?

Hands

1. How would Zedekiah’s obedience have helped him during this time?

2. Did Jeremiah lie when the officials asked him what he said to the king? Explain.

The Fall of Judah

2 Kings 25:1-21
Related passages: 2 Chronicles 36:17-21;
Jeremiah 39:1-10; Jeremiah 52:1-30

Main Thought

The Lord fulfills the promised curses for covenant disobedience.

Head

1. What are siegeworks? How long was Jerusalem besieged?

2. What caused the men of war in Jerusalem to flee the city? Were they able to get away?

3. What happened to the sons of Zedekiah?

4. What happened to Zedekiah? (see Jer. 52:11)

5. Who was Nebuzaradan? What did he do to all the important buildings in Jerusalem? Why?

6. Whom did Nebuzaradan carry into exile? Whom did did he leave in Judah? Why?

7. What articles of the temple were taken?

8. What did Nebuzaradan do to many of the important men of the city?

Heart

1. How had God maintained his faithfulness to the covenant in the midst of the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of Judah? (see Deut. 28)

2. If  some people of Judah remained faithful to God, and were taken into exile, what do you think bothered them the most? (see Ps. 137)

Hands

1. If you had been one of the soldiers in Jerusalem, would you have tried to flee after a breach was made in the wall?

2. In Jeremiah 25:9 the Lord called Nebuchadnezzar his servant. How was Nebuchadnezzar a faithful servant in these verses? How was he unfaithful?

Jeremiah Receives a Promise

Jeremiah 39:11-18

Main Thought

The Lord promises safety to two men who remained faithful to him.

Head

1. Why did Nebuchadnezzar command Nebuzaradan to do no harm to Jeremiah?

2. Where did the commanders of the Babylonian army find Jeremiah?

3. To whom did the commanders entrust Jeremiah?

4. Who was Ebed-melech? Was he an Israelite?

5. What did Ebed-melech do for Jeremiah? (see Jer. 38:7-13)

6. What did Jeremiah tell Ebed-melech?

7. What reason did God give for sparing Ebed-melech’s life?

Heart

1. Compare God’s promise to Ebed-melech in verse 17 with God’s promise to Jeremiah in 1:18-19. How are the promises alike? How are they different? How well does each promise fit each man?

2. Do you think Ebed-melech was a true child of God? Was it possible in the Old Testament for a non-Israelite to be a believer?

Hands

1. Do you think God’s promise to Ebed-melech in verse 17 was a reward for the help Ebed-melech earlier gave Jeremiah? Explain.

2. If Ebed-melech had put his trust in the Lord (v. 18) why was he afraid of men (v. 17)?

3. Is it wrong for Christians to be afraid of people who might dislike them, or even try to harm them? Explain.

4. In this story, both Jeremiah and Ebed-melech received a promise that they would be physically safe. Which promise would you have found more assuring?

Jeremiah Remains in Judah

Jeremiah 40:1-16

Main Thought

Jeremiah stays with the poor who remained in Judah.

Head

1. What office did Nebuzaradan hold?

2. What mistake did Nebuzaradan make regarding Jeremiah? (see 39:11-12)

3. What choice did Nebuzaradan give Jeremiah? What choice did Jeremiah make?

4. What protection did Nebuzaradan offer Jeremiah if Jeremiah stayed in Jerusalem?

5. Who was Gedaliah? Was he a descendant of David? Who was Gedaliah’s grandfather?

6. When the captains of the forces in the open country went to Gedaliah, what did Gedaliah tell them? Did they like what Gedaliah said?

7. Compare Gedaliah’s advice in verse ten with Jeremiah’s advice in
29:4-7. How was the advice alike? How was it different?

8. Where was Mizpah? Why did Gedaliah choose to live there? Why couldn’t he live at Jerusalem?

9. What warning did Johanan give Gedaliah? Why don’t you think Gedaliah believed him? If Jeremiah was staying with Gedaliah, why don’t you think Jeremiah warned Gedaliah about Ishmael’s plot?

Heart

1. Consider the words of Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, in verses two and three. Do you think Jeremiah would have agreed with what he said? Explain. How could this have been avoided?

Hands

1. If Jeremiah earlier preached that the people should submit to Nebuchadnezzar and go peacefully to Babylon, why didn’t Jeremiah go to Babylon when he had the chance?

Gedaliah Murdered

Jeremiah 41:1-18

Main Thought

Ishmael wants to return the kingship to David’s line, but uses sinful means to attempt it.

Head

1. Why was Gedaliah in Mizpah? (see Jer. 40:10)

2. From what family was Ishmael descended?

3. What did Ishmael’s lineage have to do with Gedaliah’s murder?

4. Why did the eighty men travel to Jerusalem with their beards shaved, their clothes torn, and their bodies gashed? Why did they bring grain offerings and incense with them?

5. If the temple was destroyed, where would these men bring their grain offerings and incense?

6. What lie did Ishmael tell the eighty men? Why did Ishmael save ten of the men? What did Ishmael do with the seventy men that he killed?

7. What reason would Ishmael have to cross over to the Ammonites?

8. Who pursued Ishmael? Why?

9. What did Johanan do with the captives he rescued from Ishmael?

10. Where do you think Jeremiah was at this time?

11. Why were Johanan and those with him afraid of the Babylonians

12. Why do you think they considered fleeing to Egypt?

Heart

1. Do you think Jeremiah regretted not going to Babylon?

2. Was it wrong of Ishmael to want someone from David’s line to regain the kingship?

Hands

1. If Ishmael had succeeded in his plot and become king, do you think God would have blessed his kingship? Explain.

Jeremiah Warns Against Fleeing to Egypt

Jeremiah 42:1-22

Main Thought

Jeremiah gives the remnant a word from the Lord, but he knows their hearts are unwilling to receive it.

Head

1. What did the remnant who were left in Judah ask Jeremiah to do in verse two? Did Jeremiah agree to their request?

2. What promise did the people make to Jeremiah in verses five and six?

3. Did Jeremiah believe that the people would keep their promise?

4. Why do you think God made Jeremiah wait ten days before speaking to him?

5. What did the Lord tell the people through Jeremiah?

6. Why might the remnant have reason to fear Babylon? (see ch. 41)

Heart

1. Do you think the remnant really wanted to know which way God wanted them to go?

2. When the remnant talked to Jeremiah about the Lord in verse three, why do you think they referred to God as, “the Lord your God”?

3. Why do you think Jeremiah referred to the Lord as “the Lord your God” in verse four?

4. What do you think the people meant when they referred to the word of the Lord as either good or bad in verse six? When might someone think of a word from the Lord as being bad?

5. Whom do you think the remnant feared more, Nebuchadnezzar or God? Explain.

Hands

1. What could the people expect from God if they went to Egypt? Why?

2. How did Jeremiah know that the people would disobey?

Jeremiah Is Taken to Egypt

Jeremiah 43:1-13

Main Thought

Jeremiah is forced to go to Egypt with the remnant but continues his work as a prophet there.

Head

1. What does “insolent” mean?

2. On what basis did Azariah, Johanan, and the others claim that Jeremiah was lying?

3. Who was Baruch? Why would the men suspect Baruch of plotting against them?

4. Why do you think the men forced Jeremiah and Baruch to go to Egypt with them?

5. Where is Tahpanhes? What did Jeremiah do there? What was located there?

6. Why did prophets sometimes act out their prophecies?

7. What three forms of punishment are mentioned in verse 11?

8. Why wouldn’t Egypt be able to stand up against Nebuchadnezzar?

Heart

1. Do you think the remnant was surprised that Jeremiah prophesied punishment to come in Egypt? Explain.

2. If the people knew before they left for Egypt that God would punish them for going there, why do you think they went?

3. Do you think Jeremiah was angry for being taken to Egypt?

Hands

1. Were the people able to escape God’s judgment by fleeing to Egypt? Explain.

2. Is it ever possible to escape the consequences of one sin by adding another sin to it? What usually happens?

Jeremiah Proclaims Judgment on the People

Jeremiah 44:1-14

Main Thought

The people in Egypt add to their sins and increase their guilt before God.

Head

1. To whom was the word from the Lord directed in this passage?

2. According to verse three, why did God bring disaster on Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah?

3. According to verse four, what had God done to warn the people of their sin?

4. According to verse five, did the people listen to the prophets?

5. According to verses seven and eight, what additional things were the people doing that increased their sin?

6. If God responded to the sins of the people in Jerusalem by bringing destruction, what could the people in Egypt expect when they added even more sins? (see vv. 11-14)

7. Would any of the people who fled to Egypt return to Jerusalem?

Heart

1. If you had asked the people why they didn’t heed God’s word through the prophets, what reasons might they have given? Would any of those reasons have been good reasons?

2. How important is it for us today to heed God’s word as it is given to us in Scripture? What reasons might people give for not heeding it?

Hands

1. Read verse nine. Do you think the people in Egypt forgot about the sins of their fathers, or was something else going on?

2. What other reasons might explain why the people added to their sins in Egypt? (see v. 10)

3. How important is humility, fear of God, and obedience (see v. 10) in maintaining a good relationship with God? Explain.

The People Refuse to Listen

Jeremiah 44:15-30

Main Thought

God withdraws his name from his people and determines to punish them for their stubborn hearts.

Head

1. What were the women doing that Jeremiah spoke against? Did their husbands approve?

2. What reason did the men give for continuing to make offerings to the queen of heaven?

3. Who was the queen of heaven? What country worshiped her? How did the people of Judah worship her? (see Jer. 7:18)

4. According to verse 17, what had the people vowed?

5. What did Jeremiah say had happened to the people when they lived in Jerusalem and sacrificed to the queen of heaven? What did Jeremiah say would happen to the people if they continued to sacrifice to the queen of heaven while they were in Egypt?

6. How had the situation in Jeremiah’s day changed from the time when Moses led the people out of Egypt and God placed his name upon them at Mount Sinai?

7. What sign did the Lord give to confirm that he would surely bring harm to his people? (see v. 30)

Heart

1. Did the men know that Jeremiah spoke in the name of the Lord? (see v. 16) Why would they still not listen to Jeremiah?

2. In this story did God give the people in Egypt hope for the future?

Hands

1. What reason did the men give for continuing to worship the queen of heaven? (see vv. 17-18) What do you think about their reason?

2. Do you think people today might have similar reasons for not obeying God? Explain.

God’s Message to Baruch

Jeremiah 45:1-5

Main Thought

God shows his concern for Baruch, exhorting and encouraging him to remain faithful in all the circumstances where he places him.

Head

1. Who was Baruch? What was his relationship to Jeremiah?

2. When did Jeremiah give Baruch this message?

3. Why do you think Baruch needed to hear this message?

4. Did Baruch go to Egypt with Jeremiah? (see 43:6)

5. Why did Baruch say, “Woe is me” in verse three?

6. According to verse four, why did even the Lord have occasion to be sad and troubled? What was the Lord breaking down? Why?

7. Did Baruch seek great things for himself?

8. Why did the Lord tell Baruch not to seek great things for himself?

9. What promise did God make to Baruch?

10. Why would Baruch’s life be considered a “prize of war”?

Heart

1. Do you think God felt empathy for Baruch and what Baruch had to go through in his life?

2. On a scale of one to ten how comforting would you rate the last sentence: “But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go”? Do you think Baruch was comforted by it? Explain.

Hands

1. If you could trade places with either Jeremiah or Baruch, who would you trade places with? Why wouldn’t you trade places with the other one?

2. Is it wrong to seek great things for yourself? Explain.

The Chariot of the Lord

Ezekiel 1:1-28

Main Thought

The Lord shows Ezekiel his glory.

Head

1. Where was Ezekiel when he first saw visions of God?

2. Describe the cloud that Ezekiel saw coming from the north.

3. What four things were in the cloud? What did they look like? How did they move?

4. What were on the earth beside each creature? What did they look like? How did they move?

5. What was over the heads of the living creatures?

6. What did the living creatures sound like when they moved?

7. What did Ezekiel hear coming from above the expanse?

8. What was located above the expanse? Whose throne do you think it was? Who was seated above the throne? What did he look like?

Heart

1. In your opinion, what elements of this vision most clearly show God’s glory?

2. Given Ezekiel’s situation as a captive in Babylon, why do you think the Lord came to him in a vision like this? How would Ezekiel’s vision be helpful to the other captives?

3. What elements of the vision relate to some of God’s attributes, like omnipresence, omniscience, etc.? Do these elements help you glorify God and stand in awe of him?

Hands

1. What was Ezekiel’s response when he realized he was seeing the glory of the Lord?

2. How should we respond to God after reading about his glory in this chapter?

The Call of Ezekiel

Ezekiel 2:1–3:3

Main Thought

The Lord calls Ezekiel to preach to a rebellious house.

Head

1. What do you think God meant when he called Ezekiel, “Son of man”?

2. Why do you think Jesus later would call himself the Son of Man?

3. Who entered Ezekiel in verse two?

4. How had Israel become a nation of rebels?

5. Why was Ezekiel told to preach to the Israelites whether they listened or not?

6. What did God give Ezekiel to eat?

7. What did the writing on the scroll represent?

8. What did the scroll taste like?

9. Compare Jeremiah’s call (Jer. 1:4-19) with Ezekiel’s call in this passage. How were they alike? How were they different?

Heart

1. If the words on the scroll were words of lamentation and mourning and woe, why did the scroll taste so sweet to Ezekiel?

2. Do you think the scroll would have tasted sweet to a different Israelite?

Hands

1. How did the Spirit help Ezekiel obey God’s command in verses one and two?

2. Does the Spirit still help us obey God’s commands today?

3. How was Ezekiel to be different from the people of Israel? (see v. 8)

4. According to this passage, how do you think the Israelites would later treat Ezekiel? Why?

Ezekiel’s Commission

Ezekiel 3:4-15

Main Thought

The Lord commissions Ezekiel to speak his words to the people.

Head

1. What words was Ezekiel commissioned to bring to the people of Israel?

2. If the people of Israel were not willing to listen to God, do you think there was any chance that they would be willing to listen to Ezekiel? Explain.

3. Why did God say he would make Ezekiel’s forehead like emery harder than flint?

4. Describe the work of the Spirit in this passage.

5. What was the “voice of a great earthquake” in verse 12?

6. What did Ezekiel mean when he said in verse 14, “the hand of the Lord being strong upon me”?

Heart

1. What do you think would have been easier for Ezekiel: preaching to the people of Israel, or preaching to strangers from a foreign country? Explain.

2. Compare the way in which the people received the words of God and the way in which Ezekiel received them. (see v. 10)

3. What effect did the Spirit’s work have on Ezekiel in this passage?

4. Why did Ezekiel say in verse 14, “I went in bitterness in the heat of my spirit”?

5. What overwhelmed Ezekiel? Explain.

Hands

1. What made it so hard for Ezekiel to preach to Israel?

2. Do you think congregations today can make it hard or easy for a minister to preach to them? Explain.

A Watchman for Israel

Ezekiel 3:16-27

Main Thought

Whether or not the Israelites listen to him, Ezekiel will still warn them.

Head

1. What had Ezekiel done for seven days prior to what happened in verse 16? (see v. 15)

2. What did a watchman do? How was Ezekiel like a watchman?

3. What would happen if Ezekiel didn’t warn the people whom God wanted him to warn?

4. What would happen if Ezekiel did warn the people, but the people didn’t listen?

5. What would happen if Ezekiel warned the people and they did listen?

6. What valley did Ezekiel go to in verse 22? What appeared to Ezekiel in the valley?

7. Why did Ezekiel shut himself in his house? What happened to him there? Why?

8. According to verse 27, when was Ezekiel able to speak?

Heart

1. What do you think was Ezekiel’s highest motivation for being a watchman for Israel? Did he do it because God commanded it? Did he do it for the sake of the people of Israel? Did he do it so that no blood would be on his own head? Explain

2. Why do you think Ezekiel fell on his face when he saw the glory of the Lord?

3. Would you have done the same thing? Explain.

Hands

1. Read verse 20 again. Why wouldn’t God remember the good deeds of the righteous person?

2. When does God count good deeds as righteous?

Ezekiel Acts Out the Siege of Jerusalem

Ezekiel 4:1-17

Main Thought

God asks Ezekiel to act out the punishments he has in store for his people.

Head

1. What did Ezekiel draw on the brick?

2. What are siegeworks?

3. What did God ask Ezekiel to do with the siegeworks and the brick?

4. What message was Ezekiel sending to the Israelites by laying siege to a model of Jerusalem?

5. What did Ezekiel do with the iron griddle? Why?

6. Why did Ezekiel have to lay on his left side? What did it represent?

7. Why did Ezekiel have to lay on his right side? What did it represent?

8. How much was twenty shekels worth of food? Why did God want Ezekiel to bake it on human dung? Why did Ezekiel protest?

9. How did God accommodate his command to Ezekiel’s concerns?

Heart

1. Why do you think God asked Ezekiel to do the strange things recorded in this chapter? Couldn’t God have found another way to communicate his message to Israel? Why might it have been important to God to communicate it this way?

2. In your opinion, what was the worst thing God asked Ezekiel to do in this chapter?

Hands

1. If you had been Ezekiel, would you have found it difficult to obey all of God’s commands in this chapter?

2. Do you think the people of Israel listened to Ezekiel’s prophecies?

3. Do you think Ezekiel’s actions made it easier or harder to take Ezekiel seriously?

Ezekiel Acts Out the Destruction of Jerusalem

Ezekiel 5:1-17

Main Thought

The Lord describes his furious anger against his people and the punishment that he has planned for them.

Head

1. What did God ask Ezekiel to do with a barber’s razor? According to Old Testament law, was Ezekiel supposed to do this? (see Lev. 21:5)

2. Into how many parts did Ezekiel divide the hair? How can you use a balance to measure out three parts of something?

3. What did he do with each part, and what did that represent?

4. What does verse four mean when is says “a fire will come out into all the house of Israel”?

5. Describe the punishment that God was going to inflict on Jerusalem.

6. What is a reproach and a taunt?

7. Read Numbers 14:11-20. What was different about the situation in Numbers and the situation in Ezekiel, when God was willing to make his people a reproach and a taunt?

Heart

1. In describing such awful punishments, do you think God was simply venting his anger, or was he describing punishments that were truly just and appropriate?

2. Do you ever think of God as furious and jealous?

3. Throughout all of the anger and wrath that God describes in this chapter, is there any mercy and grace? Explain.

4. Do you think God was concerned about what the other nations would think when he punished his people in this way?

Hands

1. What did the people of Jerusalem do that was worse than what the nations around them did?

Judah’s Abominations

Ezekiel 8:1-18

Main Thought

God shows Ezekiel the abominations of Judah.

Head

1. Who was sitting with Ezekiel in his house?

2. Who was the man mentioned in verse two? Had he made an appearance in Ezekiel before? (see 1:27)

3. Where did the man take Ezekiel? How did he get him there?

4. Verse three mentions, “the entrance of the gateway of the inner court.” To what structure in Jerusalem does that description refer?

5. What was happening north of the altar gate? (see v. 5)

6. According to verse six, what would the abominations in the temple drive the Lord to do?

7. What did Ezekiel find when he went through the wall into the entrance of the court?

8. What were the men doing with the censers in verse 11? Can you think of other Bible stories where men used censers improperly? (see Lev. 10:1; Num. 16:17ff) How does this story compare to them?

9. In verse 16, why were men facing away from the temple? Where were they facing? What were they doing?

Heart

1. What kinds of sins most offended God in this chapter? Were they sins against other people (like murder, coveting, etc.) or sins against God (like worshiping other gods, worshiping him improperly, etc.).

2. Do you think God is as offended by the sin of false worship as he is by the sin of murder? Explain.

Hands

1. In verse 12, how did the elders justify what they did? Do you think people do the same thing today?

The Man Clothed in Linen

Ezekiel 9:1-11

Main Thought

God marks his faithful people before he rains down destruction on Jerusalem.

Head

1. In today’s passage, Ezekiel is still experiencing a vision. Where had the Lord taken him in the vision? (see 8:3)

2. How many executioners came to the city? What city did they come to? What did they have in their hands?

3. What did the man clothed in linen have in his hand?

4. What house do you think is being talked about in verse three?

5. Describe the movement of the glory of the God of Israel. (v. 3)

6. What did the glory of God tell the man clothed in linen to do?

7. Who received the mark from the man clothed in linen? What happened to the people who didn’t have a mark?

8. At what place in the city would the executioners begin?

Heart

1. What do you think the glory of the God of Israel was planning to do by moving from the cherubs to the threshold of the temple in verse three? Why was it planning to do this?

2. Why would God give a mark to all the people who were sad about all the bad things that were happening in Jerusalem?

3. Does God put a mark on his people today?

4. Why did Ezekiel cry out?

Hands

1. According to verse nine, what excuse did the people give for doing such bad things in the house of Israel and Judah?

2. Do you think people make similar excuses today?

God’s Glory Leaves the Temple

Ezekiel 10:1-22

Main Thought

God removes his presence from his people.

Head

1. What is described in verse one?

2. Where have we seen whirling wheels before? (see 1:15-21)

3. Where did the man clothed in linen get the coals?

4. What did the man clothed in linen do with the coals? Why?

5. Verse three says that “a cloud filled the inner court.” Can you think of other Bible stories when a cloud filled the temple/tabernacle? What did the cloud represent in those stories? (see Exod. 40:34-35; Num. 9:15; 16:42; 2 Chron. 5:13-14)

6. What sound was heard in verse five? Why?

7. Consider the description in verses 9-14. Where have you heard this description before? (see v. 15)

8. According to verses 18-19, where did the glory of the Lord move?

Heart

1. In what ways does this chapter make you stand in awe of God?

2. In what ways does this chapter make you sad?

Hands

1. How does God make his presence known today?

2. Do you think God at times will withdraw his presence from people today?

3. How does church discipline affect the experience of God’s presence for some people?

4. If church discipline is meant to bring people back into the presence of God, what do you think Ezekiel chapter ten was meant to do for the people of Israel?

Ezekiel Acts Out the Exile

Ezekiel 12:1-16

Main Thought

Ezekiel acts out the exile of Jerusalem to his fellow captives, but they still do not understand.

Head

1. In verse one what reason did the Lord give for Israel having eyes but not seeing and having ears but not hearing?

2. Where in the New Testament do you hear of God’s people having eyes and ears but not seeing or hearing? Do you think the reason for them not seeing and hearing is the same as the reason given in Ezekiel? (see Matt. 13:15; Mark 4:12; John 12:40; Acts 28:27)

3. What did God ask Ezekiel to act out?

4. Why did Ezekiel dig through the wall?

5. How many times are words like “sight” or “seeing” used in this passage? Why is there such an emphasis on seeing in this passage?

6. Who was the “prince of Jerusalem” mentioned in verse ten?

7. What happened to Zedekiah to ensure the he wouldn’t see the land of the Chaldeans? (see 2 Kings 25:7)

8. Who were the people mentioned in verse 16? For what purpose did God spare them?

Heart

1. Do you think the people that were with Ezekiel understood what Ezekiel was doing?

2. Is there such a thing as spiritual sight as well as physical sight? Explain.

3. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us to understand spiritual things?

Hands

1. Is it possible to listen to God’s Word, but not really hear it? Explain.

Ezekiel’s Wife Dies

Ezekiel 24:15-27

Main Thought

God uses the death of Ezekiel’s wife to teach his people.

Head

1. Who was the delight of Ezekiel’s eyes?

2. What happened to her?

3. Why wasn’t Ezekiel allowed to weep for her?

4. How might Ezekiel’s reaction to his wife’s death be compared to the Lord’s reaction to the destruction of Jerusalem?

5. What did the people think of how Ezekiel reacted to his wife’s death?

6. How did Ezekiel serve as a sign for the people?

7. Who would come to Ezekiel on the day when Jerusalem was destroyed?

8. What would the fugitive say to Ezekiel?

9. What would change about Ezekiel after the fugitive spoke to him?

Heart

1. How would the people know that the Lord is God?

2. When the Lord spoke about Jerusalem as being the pride of the people, wasn’t Jerusalem his pride, too? Wouldn’t the Lord be sad about the destruction of Jerusalem?

3. Do you think Ezekiel wondered about God’s decision to use the death of his wife as an object lesson for Israel? Explain.

4. Was it right of the captives to consider Jerusalem the pride of their power, the delight of their eyes, and the yearning of their soul?

Hands

1. If you had been Ezekiel, would you have been able to do what God asked without crying?

2. How do you think Ezekiel was able to do what God asked?

A Heart of Flesh

Ezekiel 36:22-38

Main Thought

The Lord comforts his people with promises of blessing.

Head

1. In verse 22, what reason did God give for deciding to act?

2. What had Israel done that made God act?

3. What does “vindicate” mean? What did God mean when he said in verse 23, “I will vindicate the holiness of my great name”?

4. What would God do for Israel that would vindicate his holiness?

5. This passage lists many blessings the Lord would give to his people in the future. What do you think their lives were like when Ezekiel first shared this word of the Lord with them?

Heart

1. What’s the difference between a heart of stone and a heart of flesh?

2. What reason did God have for taking someone’s heart of stone and replacing it with a heart of flesh?

3. Once someone is given a heart of flesh, can they ever go back to a heart of stone?

4. Name some of the promises God made to the people of Israel in this passage. Are these promises for you, too?

5. According to verse 31, why would the people loathe themselves? Is there any rescue from that state of loathing? Explain.

Hands

1. According to verse 27, how are we able to obey God’s statutes and rules?

2. How would the blessings God gave to his people affect the nations around them?

3. Do the blessings God has given you affect those around you? Explain.

The Valley of Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Main Thought

The Lord brings new life to his people.

Head

1. Was Ezekiel physically brought to the valley, or was this a vision?

2. What did Ezekiel see in the valley?

3. Explain Ezekiel’s answer to the Lord in verse three.

4. How were the dry bones like the people of Israel?

5. In Ezekiel 36, God said that the nations around Israel would know that he is the Lord. According to 37:6, who else would know that God is the Lord?

6. Describe what happened when Ezekiel began preaching to the bones?

7. What was the rattling described in verse seven?

8. Why do you think Ezekiel described the newly resurrected bones as an army?

9. In what way might people who have been given new life in Christ be compared to an army?

Heart

1. Compare the hopelessness Ezekiel felt at first seeing the valley of dry bones with the feelings of the people of Israel at this time.

2. Explain how this story of the valley of dry bones fits with the passage we read yesterday of the Lord giving his people hearts of flesh.

3. Compare the hope that God gave at the end of this passage with the hopelessness that was described at the beginning of it.

Hands

1. If God has created an army of people with new life in Christ, what do you think he expects of this army?

2. How might this passage help you praise God?

God’s Glory Returns to the Temple

Ezekiel 43:1-12

Main Thought

The glory of the Lord reclaims its rightful place within the temple.

Head

1. Who is the “he” referred to in verse one? (see 40:3-4)

2. What building was associated with the gate Ezekiel described? (v. 1)

3. From what direction was the glory of the God of Israel coming?

4. How would you describe the glory of the God of Israel as it appeared in this vision?

5. When the glory of the Lord left the temple, from what gate did it leave, and which direction did it go? (see 10:18-19; 11:23)

6. When Ezekiel described the coming of the Lord in this vision, to what other visions did Ezekiel compare it?

7. Where else in the Bible do we read about the glory of the Lord filling the temple/tabernacle? (see Exod. 40:34-35; 2 Chron. 7:1)

8. Who spoke to Ezekiel from the midst of the temple?

9. How did the temple serve as God’s throne?

Heart

1. Why did God come back to the temple?

2. Do you think it was necessary for God to consume Israel in his anger (v. 8)? Explain.

Hands

1. What did the Israelites do that would make them ashamed? What change did God expect from them? Explain.

2. How is God’s name defiled?

3. Why would knowing the design of the temple (v. 11) help the Israelites to change their behavior? What else would the Israelites need to know to change their behavior?

A River from the Temple

Ezekiel 47:1-12

Main Thought

The Lord is the source of all life, and he provides it abundantly.

Head

1. Who is the “he” referred to in verse one? (see 40:3-4)

2. What was issuing from below the threshold of the temple?

3. How deep was the river after the man measured out 1,000 cubits?

4. How deep was it after he measured out an additional 1,000 cubits?

5. How deep was it at 3,000 cubits?

6. How deep was it at 4,000 cubits?

7. What did Ezekiel see when he went back to the bank of the river?

8. Where did the water flow?

9. What would the water from the river do for the sea?

10. How would the water affect sea creatures?

11. How productive would the river be?

12. What would happen to the swamps and marshes?

13. Compare this river in Ezekiel with the river mentioned in Revelation 22:1-2. Are the two rivers the same or different? Explain.

Heart

1. How does this vision show the life that comes from God’s presence?

2. How abundant is the life that God brings?

Hands

1. How did the fishermen benefit from the life that flowed from the temple? Explain.

2. Do you benefit from the life that God brings you? Explain.

3. Why do you think the swamps and marshes were left salty?

Daniel Refuses the King’s Food

Daniel 1:1-21

Main Thought

Daniel and his friends show their allegiance to God’s authority over against the authority of Nebuchadnezzar.

Head

1. When did Nebuchadnezzar besiege Jerusalem?

2. Who gave Jerusalem into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand?

3. What items did Nebuchadnezzar take from the temple? Where did he take them?

4. What kind of people did Nebuchadnezzar take back to Babylon?

5. What did Nebuchadnezzar want Ashpenaz to teach these youths? Why? How long was Ashpenaz required to teach them? What kind of food did Nebuchadnezzar provide for them?

6. What were the Hebrew and Babylonian names of Daniel and his three friends? Why do you think they were given Babylonian names?

7. What did Daniel and his three friend refuse to do? Why? Why was the steward afraid to go along with Daniel’s request?

8. How did God bless Daniel’s decision to be faithful?

9. In what other ways did God bless Daniel and his three friends?

Heart

1. How can you tell from the beginning verses of this chapter that the Lord was in control of everything that happened to Daniel?

2. How does the way God blessed Daniel and his friends compare with the way he blessed Solomon with wisdom?

Hands

1. On a scale of one to ten, how confident do you think Daniel was that God would bless his request not to eat the food of the Babylonians? Do you think his behavior would have changed if the possible outcome would have been worse than it was?

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Daniel 2:1-16

Main Thought

In his fear over his dream, Nebuchadnezzar makes rash commands, while Daniel replies with prudence and discretion.

Head

1. Why would Nebuchadnezzar be so troubled by a dream?

2. Why did the king summon magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans? Were Daniel and his three friends part of this group?

3. Why did Nebuchadnezzar refused to tell the Chaldeans his dream?

4. Do you think the Chaldeans would have been able to provide an interpretation for the dream if Nebuchadnezzar had told them what the dream was?

5. Was Nebuchadnezzar correct in assuming that if the Chaldeans could tell him his dream, they could also tell him its correct interpretation?

6. Why were the Chaldeans so troubled?

7. Who told Daniel Nebuchadnezzar’s demands? Did he have to make this known to Daniel? Why do you think he did?

8. When Daniel made his request in verse 16, did he already know the dream and its interpretation? (see v. 19)

Heart

1. How was God was at work controlling this situation for his glory?

2. Why do you think Nebuchadnezzar accused the Chaldeans of trying to stall for time, but he didn’t accuse Daniel of the same thing, when Daniel asked him to name a time in verse 16?

Hands

1. How did Nebuchadnezzar attempt to exert his power and control over the situation? Do you think he felt out of control?

2. How was Daniel able to reply with prudence and discretion when Arioch came to kill him?

God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Daniel 2:17-30

Main Thought

God, through Daniel, shows his control of all life, including dreams.

Head

1. Why weren’t Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah told about Nebuchadnezzar’s pronouncement when Daniel was told about it?

2. In verse 18, what reason did Daniel give for seeking “mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery”? Was this a good reason?

3. Why did God respond so quickly to Daniel’s request?

4. In verses 24 and 25, did Daniel or Arioch say anything about telling the king the contents of his dream as well as the interpretation? Explain.

5. In verse 26, did Nebuchadnezzar say anything about Daniel providing both the content of the dream and the interpretation? Explain.

6. How did Daniel answer Nebuchadnezzar? Whom did Daniel recognize as the only one with the ability to reveal the dream and its interpretation?

Heart

1. According to Daniel’s prayer, how does God show his wisdom and might? (see vv. 21-22)

2. According to Daniel’s prayer, in what ways did God give Daniel wisdom and might? (see v. 23)

3. Give some examples of other ways in which God helps his people reflect his attributes. For example, how does God help us to reflect his mercy, his knowledge, etc.?

Hands

1. Do you think Daniel ever doubted that God would reveal the dream to him? Explain.

2. Do you think Daniel was tempted to take credit for knowing the dream and its interpretation? Explain.

Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Daniel 2:31-49

Main Thought

Daniel shows Nebuchadnezzar God’s complete control over the past, present, and future of all the nations of the earth.

Head

1. Describe the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. What was the most valuable metal, and where was it located on the image? Describe the value of the other metals as you move down the image.

2. What was unique about how the stone was made? What did the stone do to the image?

3. What happened to the image after it was destroyed? What happened to the stone?

4. If the image represents the kingdoms of the world, what will happen to them? If the stone represents the kingdom of God, what will happen to it? (see v. 35)

5. How many kingdoms did Daniel describe?

6. How was the fourth kingdom different from the other three?

7. According to verse 44, what would happen “in the days of those kings”? Explain.

Heart

1. Read verses 37 and 38 again. Why did Daniel call Nebuchadnezzar the “king of kings”? How did Daniel show in this verse that God was even greater than Nebuchadnezzar?

2. Why would Nebuchadnezzar promote a man who just told him that the kingdom he built would one day be destroyed?

Hands

1. How do you explain verse 46? Who was Nebuchadnezzar trying to worship?

2. Why do you think Daniel requested a promotion for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

Nebuchadnezzar Builds a Golden Image

Daniel 3:1-12

Main Thought

Nebuchadnezzar seeks to further establish his own kingdom.

Head

1. Describe the image that Nebuchadnezzar built. What was it made of? How tall and wide was it?

2. Who gathered to worship the image? Why?

3. Why do you think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were present at the dedication, but Daniel wasn’t?

4. Does the passage ever say what the image looked like? What do you think it looked like?

5. What command did Nebuchadnezzar give regarding the image?

6. What would happen to those who didn’t obey Nebuchadnezzar’s command?

7. Who obeyed Nebuchadnezzar? Who didn’t obey him?

8. Who accused Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of not obeying Nebuchadnezzar? Might they have had a reason for wanting to accuse these three men?

9. According to what the accusers said in verse 12, in what ways were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego disobeying the king?

Heart

1. Compare the statue in this chapter with the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter two. What can you learn about the nature of Nebuchadnezzar’s heart from this comparison?

2. Why do you think Nebuchadnezzar wanted everyone to worship the image without exception?

Hands

1. When might you need to disobey someone in authority over you?

2. Do you think Daniel would have bowed down to the image? Explain.

The Fiery Furnace

Daniel 3:13-30

Main Thought

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego bow before the true King.

Head

1. Why did Nebuchadnezzar send for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

2. What do you think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego meant when they told Nebuchadnezzar in verse 16, “we have no need to answer you in this matter”? What answer did they give to Nebuchadnezzar?

3. Describe what happened when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace. Who was the fourth person?

4. Why did Nebuchadnezzar describe the three men as “servants of the Most High God”? Did Nebuchadnezzar already know about God?

5. Compare Nebuchadnezzar’s decree about his statue at the beginning of the story with his decree about God at the end of the story. Where does his decree about God fall short?

Heart

1. Why do you think Nebuchadnezzar was in a “furious rage” even before he talked to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

2. How can you reconcile Nebuchadnezzar’s question at the the end of 3:15 with his statement in 2:47?

3. How did Nebuchadnezzar praise God at the end of this story.

Hands

1. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused Nebuchadnezzar’s direct command, were they confident that the Lord would rescue them from the fiery furnace, or just confident that he could if that was his will? In either case, would their answer have changed?

2. Do you think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could have answered Nebuchadnezzar in a way that made him a little less furious? Why didn’t they?

Nebuchadnezzar Has a Second Dream

Daniel 4:1-18

Main Thought

God shows his sovereignty over the kingdoms of men.

Head

1. What did Nebuchadnezzar plan to do in verse two? Why?

2. How did Nebuchadnezzar describe himself in verse four?

3. Why was Nebuchadnezzar afraid? Did he ever say he was afraid in his first dream? What was different about his request to the wise men of Babylon with this dream?

4. Why did Daniel come in after the other wise men had tried to interpret the dream?

5. Describe the tree in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. How large was it? What did it look like? What purpose did it serve?

6. Who came down from heaven, and what did he proclaim?

7. What would happen to the beasts of the field and the birds of the air when the tree was chopped down?

8. Whose mind would be changed from a man’s to a beasts? How long would this change last?

Heart

1. What does Nebuchadnezzar’s description of Daniel in verses eight and nine tell you about Nebuchadnezzar’s attitude toward God and his understanding of Daniel’s gift of interpretation?

2. How did God show his power over the kingdoms of the world?

3. Although Nebuchadnezzar recognized a difference between Daniel and the other wise men of Babylon, did he ever recognize a difference between Daniel’s God and the other gods? Explain.

Hands

1. What did Nebuchadnezzar do that warranted this punishment from God? How was it a fit punishment for him?

Daniel Interprets the Second Dream

Daniel 4:19-27

Main Thought

Daniel confronts Nebuchadnezzar with Nebuchadnezzar’s sin against the Lord Most High.

Head

1. Why was Daniel alarmed and dismayed? Why did Nebuchadnezzar have to assure Daniel not to be alarmed and dismayed?

2. Do you think Daniel meant what he said at the end of verse 19?

3. According to Daniel how did the tree in the dream represent Nebuchadnezzar?

4. What did Daniel say was going to happen to Nebuchadnezzar?

5. How long would Nebuchadnezzar live like a beast? What would signal the end of that time? (see v. 25)

6. What did the stump represent?

7. What advice did Daniel give to Nebuchadnezzar?

Heart

1. If you had been Daniel, would you have been alarmed and dismayed when you understood the interpretation of the dream?

2. Do you think Nebuchadnezzar heeded the advice Daniel gave at the end of this story? Why or why not?

Hands

1. If you had been Daniel, would you have offered advice to Nebuchadnezzar like Daniel did? If so, would your advice have been similar to Daniel’s?

2. Was Daniel taking a risk by offering advice like he did to Nebuchadnezzar? Do you think Daniel expected him to heed his advice? Why do you think he gave it?

3. How did Daniel suggest Nebuchadnezzar should change his life?

4. Do you live your life with the knowledge that “Heaven rules”?

Nebuchadnezzar Is Humiliated and Restored

Daniel 4:28-37

Main Thought

The Lord demonstrates his awesome majesty over a king who would claim majesty for himself.

Head

1. How many months passed between the time Nebuchadnezzar had his dream and the time it was fulfilled?

2. How did Nebuchadnezzar show that he was unchanged by his dream twelve months earlier?

3. What did the voice from heaven tell Nebuchadnezzar?

4. Compare what Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar in his interpretation of the dream with what the voice from heaven told Nebuchadnezzar.

5. Describe Nebuchadnezzar after he was driven from among men.

6. Beginning with verse 34, who is speaking? What did Nebuchadnezzar acknowledge about God in verses 34-35?

Heart

1. Why do you think God waited a year before fulfilling what he told Nebuchadnezzar in a dream?

2. What reason might God have had for coming to Nebuchadnezzar in a voice from heaven?

3. What reason might God have had for bringing Nebuchadnezzar so low and then raising him up again? (see v. 35)

4. Compare verse 30 with verse 36. Had Nebuchadnezzar’s opinion about himself changed in the seven years he lived like a beast? Do you think he meant what he said in verses 34-35?

Hands

1. How was Nebuchadnezzar’s life different after God restored him?

2. Is it possible to acknowledge God’s greatness without accepting his lordship in your life? Explain.

The Handwriting on the Wall

Daniel 5:1-12

Main Thought

Belshazzar profanes the vessels from God’s temple and encounters God’s righteous wrath.

Head

1. Who was King Belshazzar? How was he related to Nebuchadnezzar?

2. How many people attended the feast?

3. Why do you think King Belshazzar wanted to use the gold and silver vessels from the temple in Jerusalem for his feast?

4. What did the king and his guests do with the vessels from the temple?

5. What else did the king and his guests do at the banquet?

6. What made the king so afraid? Describe what he looked like in his fear.

7. What did the king offer the person who could read the writing and interpret it? Why did he offer those specific things?

8. Who reminded the king about Daniel? How did she describe Daniel?

9. Do you think people had forgotten that Daniel could interpret dreams?

Heart

1. Why do you think God used such a frightening, visual way of communicating his message to Belshazzar?

2. Take a look at the queen’s description of Daniel in verses 10-12. Do you think she really understood where Daniel received his ability to interpret dreams? Explain.

Hands

1. Why do you think Belshazzar’s use of the temple vessels was so offensive to God?

2. Do you think God is still offended when people profane what he has declared holy? In what way might people offend God in this way today?

Daniel Interprets the Handwriting

Daniel 5:13-31

Main Thought

Daniel holds Belshazzar up to God’s righteous standard and declares him wanting.

Head

1. Was Daniel present at the banquet? If he wasn’t, why not?

2. Why do you think Belshazzar addressed Daniel by his Hebrew name instead of his Babylonian one?

3. What is right and what is wrong about what Belshazzar said about Daniel in verse 14?

4. What did Belshazzar promise Daniel if Daniel could interpret the dream? What did Daniel think about the gifts ?

5. According to Daniel, who made Nebuchadnezzar great?

6. What happened to Nebuchadnezzar when he became proud?

7. What did the handwriting mean? How did it apply to Belshazzar’s life? How soon was the prophecy fulfilled?

8. Who took over the kingdom after Belshazzar? What empire did he rule?

Heart

1. If Daniel didn’t want the gifts that Belshazzar promised, why did he interpret the handwriting on the wall? Why did Belshazzar give Daniel the gifts even though Daniel didn’t want them?

2. Why do you think Daniel told Belshazzar Nebuchadnezzar’s story? Wouldn’t Belshazzar already have heard it? (see v. 22) How did Belshazzar follow in the footsteps of Nebuchadnezzar?

3. How did Daniel describe God in verse 23?

Hands

1. When Daniel gave his interpretation to Belshazzar, why wasn’t he dismayed and alarmed like he was with Nebuchadnezzar in 4:19?

The Plot Against Daniel

Daniel 6:1-9

Main Thought

The presidents and satraps used Daniel’s faithfulness against him.

Head

1. Who was Darius and how did he become king? (see 5:31)

2. What position in the kingdom did Darius first give Daniel? What position did Darius plan to give Daniel?

3. Why did the other presidents want to find a ground of complaint against Daniel?

4. Why were the other presidents unable to find any ground of complaint against Daniel?

5. Why would the only ground of complaint against Daniel have to be connected with the law of his God?

6. What plot did the other presidents and satraps hatch against Daniel?

7. How would this plot create problems for Daniel?

8. Why couldn’t the law of the Medes and the Persians be changed?

Heart

1. How did Daniel’s love for God show itself to the other presidents and satraps?

2. Is it possible that others might use our love for God to hurt us in this life? Explain.

3. What reasons might Darius have had for signing the document and injunction?

4. Do you think Darius considered what the document and injunction would do to Daniel? Why or why not?

Hands

1. In verse three, the author said that an “excellent spirit” was in Daniel. How do you think an excellent spirit would show itself in Daniel’s day-to-day activities?

Daniel and the Lion’s Den

Daniel 6:10-28

Main Thought

Daniel remains faithful to God despite his circumstances.

Head

1. Why does verse ten begin by saying, “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed”? Why do we need to know that?

2. What did Daniel do after the injunction had been signed? Did he do anything different than what he had done previously?

3. How did the men approach Darius with the news that Daniel prayed to God? Why did they need to be careful?

4. If Darius made the law, why was he distressed when he heard that Daniel broke it? Why did the men remind Darius that the law he made was a law of the Medes and Persians?

5. What did Darius say to Daniel before casting him into the lion’s den?

6. Why was the king so troubled that night?

7. What happened to the men who accused Daniel? Why?

8. Compare the decree of Darius in verses 26-27 with Nebuchadnezzar’s decree in 4:34-35. How are they alike? How are they different?

Heart

1. In verse 20, why did Darius call out to Daniel? Do you think he believed that God had saved Daniel?

2. Do you think Darius cared that God saved Daniel, or was he just glad that Daniel was safe?

3. What reason does verse 23 give for why no harm came to Daniel?

Hands

1. In this story were Daniel’s actions governed by his relationship with God, or by the circumstance in which he found himself?

2. Are your actions governed more by your relationship to God or your current circumstances?

The Banquet of Ahasuerus

Esther 1:1-9

Main Thought

Ahasuerus shows off his grandeur.

Head

1. Who was Ahasuerus? Over what lands did he reign? What does this tell you about his power?

2. What did Ahasuerus do in the third year of his reign? How big would the feast have to be to accommodate all those people?

3. How long did the feast last?

4. What did Ahasuerus do at the end of the feast for the people of Susa?

5. Describe the table settings and some of the furnishings at the feast.

6. What was the pavement like that was under the couches of gold and silver? What is porphyry? What is mother-of-pearl? Does this sound like something you would use for pavement?

7. What does verse eight mean when is says, “There is no compulsion”?

8. What did Vashti do when Ahasuerus was having his feast?

Heart

1. Why would God allow someone who didn’t believe in him to acquire so much power?

2. According to verse four, what did Ahasuerus want to show while the celebration was taking place?

3. Compare Ahasuerus’ court with the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:18-21. Do you think Ahasuerus could ever come up with something as grand as the New Jerusalem? Explain.

Hands

1. How was Ahasuerus able to have a celebration that lasted 180 days?

2. If a world leader tried to have a similar celebration today, how do you think people would react?

Queen Vashti Refuses the King’s Command

Esther 1:10-22

Main Thought

Vashti refuses to be publicly disgraced.

Head

1. To what was verse ten referring when it mentioned the “seventh day”?

2. Why did King Ahasuerus want Queen Vashti to come to his banquet?

3. Why do you think Queen Vashti refused?

4. Why were the king and his wise men so concerned that Vashti refused?

5. What does it mean to look at someone with contempt?

6. What advice did the wise men give Ahasuerus?

7. Why do you think the wise men wanted the law written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes?

8. What do you think Ahasuerus meant when he sent the law throughout the kingdom so that “every man be master in his own household”?

Heart

1. Can you see God already at work in this story? How?

2. Do you think Ahasuerus’ relationship with Vashti was a healthy one? Explain.

3. Do you think the households in the kingdom of Ahasuerus were the same or different from households today? How might they be the same? How might they be different?

4. Do you think one type of household is better or worse than the other?

Hands

1. Do you think Vashti intended her actions to be used as an example for other women?

2. What did the king and his officials hope would happen in all the homes in the kingdom as a result of the king’s actions against Vashti?

Esther Becomes Queen

Esther 2:1-18

Main Thought

The Lord turns the hearts of the king and his court to favor Esther.

Head

1. Do you think Ahasuerus regretted making a decree that Vashti could never come before him again?

2. What solution did the king’s young men suggest? What do you think of this solution?

3. To which king of Israel was Mordecai related? (see 1 Sam. 9:1-2)

4. What was Esther’s Hebrew name?

5. How was Mordecai related to Esther?

6. Describe Esther’s physical appearance.

7. Why do you think Hegai was pleased with Esther right from the start?

8. How long did the women prepare themselves before they met Ahasuerus? Why did they need that much time?

9. Why do you think Esther only asked for what Hegai advised when she was called to go to Ahasuerus?

10. Why did Ahasuerus grant a remission of taxes and give gifts with royal generosity?

Heart

1. Can you see God at work in this story? How?

2. Why do you think Mordecai commanded Esther not to reveal that she was a Jew? Do you think he was afraid of what might happen if people found out?

Hands

1. What do you think Esther did that made her win favor in the eyes of all who saw her?

2. In what way(s) did Mordecai help Esther in this story?

A Plot Against the King

Esther 2:19-23

Main Thought

Mordecai and Esther discover a plot against the king and act to save his life.

Head

1. What was the “second time” referred to in verse 19?

2. Why was Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate?

3. Why did Esther obey Mordecai?

4. Why is it important to know that Esther hadn’t revealed her kindred or her people?

5. Who were Bigthan and Teresh? What does verse 21 mean when it says that they “sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus”?

6. How do you think Mordecai discovered Bigthan and Teresh’s plot?

7. Who told the king about the plot?

8. Why didn’t Mordecai himself tell the king about the plot?

9. What happened to Bigthan and Teresh?

10. What was the book of the chronicles?

11. If Mordecai helped to save the life the king, why wasn’t he immediately honored?

Heart

1. Can you see God at work in this story? How?

2. Do you think at this point in the story Mordecai understood how God was using him to fulfill his purposes? Explain.

Hands

1. If Mordecai and Esther were living in exile in Persia, why would they want to help the ruler of the Persians?

2. Was Esther afraid to go to the king when the king’s life was in danger? Explain.

Haman Attempts to Kill the Jews

Esther 3:1-15

Main Thought

Haman seeks to do to the Jews what the Jews were supposed to have done to his ancestors.

Head

1. What is significant about Haman being an Agagite? What connection did Haman’s ancestors have with Esther’s ancestors? (see 1 Sam. 15:1-33)

2. What did the king command concerning Haman? Why didn’t Mordecai obey the king’s command?

3. If Mordecai had told Esther not to reveal that she was a Jew, why do you think he told the king’s servants that he was a Jew?

4. Why were lots cast before Haman day after day?

5. According to Haman, how did the Jews stand out from other people?

6. Why did Haman offer to give the king 10,000 talents of silver?

7. What did Ahasuerus mean when he told Haman in verse 11, “The money is given to you”?

8. Why were the letters sealed with the king’s signet ring?

9. After Haman sent out the proclamation to destroy the Jews, how did Haman and the king act? How did the citizens of Susa act?

Heart

1. Why would Mordecai’s actions make Haman want to destroy an entire race of people?

2. Did Ahasuerus show any concern for the great number of lives that he allowed Haman to threaten? Why do you think Ahasuerus let Haman go ahead with his plan?

Hands

1. How would the proclamation affect the Jews in the kingdom?

2. How would the proclamation affect the non-Jews in the kingdom?

Mordecai Asks Esther for Help

Esther 4:1-17

Main Thought

Esther lays her life on the line for her people.

Head

1. How did Mordecai express his grief at Haman’s proclamation?

2. Why was no one allowed to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth?

3. Who told Esther about Haman’s plot?

4. What did Mordecai want Esther to do on behalf of her people? Why was Esther reluctant to do it?

5. If someone came to the king and the king didn’t hold out the golden scepter, what would happen to that person? Why?

6. Did Mordecai accept Esther’s answer?

7. What finally convinced Esther to go?

8. What did Esther ask Mordecai to do before she went to the king?

Heart

1. Why do you think the Jews throughout the kingdom went into mourning? Were they mourning their impending death? Or were they bringing their concerns to God and asking for a miracle?

2. Was Esther justified in not wanting to go to the king? If you had been Esther would you have been willing to go?

3. Do you agree with Mordecai when he told Esther, “Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Explain.

Hands

1. How did Esther first try to get Mordecai to stop mourning? Why didn’t it work?

2. Was Esther willing to die to save her people? Compare her answer to Mordecai in verse 16 with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s answer to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:16-18.

Esther and Haman Make Plans

Esther 5:1-14

Main Thought

Esther plans to expose Haman even as he plans to hang Mordecai on the gallows.

Head

1. Why did Esther put on her royal robes? Where did she stand? Why?

2. What did the king do when he saw Esther?

3. What did the king offer Esther?

4. What did Esther request at first? Do you think the king knew that Esther was going to make another request?

5. What did Esther do that made Haman think he was special?

6. What did Mordecai do when he saw Haman at the king’s gate?

7. What did Haman tell his wife when he got home?

8. Even though Haman thought he was being treated in a special way, why was he still troubled? What did Zeresh suggest to Haman?

Heart

1. What made Haman’s heart joyful and glad in this story?

2. If you had been Mordecai, knowing what Haman had done, would you still have refused to honor him at the king’s gate?

3. How could Haman have been so wrong about what was really happening in this story? What made him blind to the real situation?

Hands

1. Why didn’t Esther tell the king about Haman right away? Why did she instead make her first request a simple invitation to a feast? Why did she make her second request a second invitation to a feast? How did this show wisdom on Esther’s part?

2. Do you think it was wise of Mordecai to provoke Haman at the king’s gate? What would have been the harm in Mordecai honoring Haman the way Haman wanted?

Ahasuerus Honors Mordecai

Esther 6:1-14

Main Thought

Haman’s downfall begins.

Head

1. Why couldn’t the king sleep at night? What book did the king ask to be read? What story was mentioned in the book?

2. Why do you think the king failed to mention Mordecai’s name when he first asked Haman how he should honor someone?

3. How was Haman’s entrance ironic? What did Haman intend to do at the kings court? What happened instead?

4. What reasons might Haman have had for thinking that the king wanted to honor him? What suggestion did Haman give for honoring the man? What did Haman intend by this suggestion? What happened instead?

5. Why would it be more of an honor for a man if he used items that the king had previously used?

6. Why did Haman hurry to his house with his head covered?

7. Why do you think Zeresh said, “If Mordecai... is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him...”?

Heart

1. Explain how God orchestrated the events of this story? Could these events have been coincidental?

2. How do Proverbs 11:2 and 16:18 apply to this story?

3. What do you suppose Mordecai thought of the way he was honored?

Hands

1. What did Haman do to contribute to his fall?

2. What did Mordecai do that resulted in the king honoring him?

3. Compare Haman’s actions with Mordecai’s actions. How are they alike? How are they different?

Esther Reveals Haman’s Plans

Esther 7:1-10

Main Thought

Haman’s downfall is complete.

Head

1. Before this feast, did Ahasuerus know that Esther was a Jew?

2. When Esther said in verse four, “For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated,” who sold them? Who purchased the destruction of the Jews?

3. What arguments did Esther make for why Ahasuerus should spare the lives of the Jews?

4. Do you think Esther meant what she said in verse four, “If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king”?

5. Why did Ahasuerus go into the garden?

6. What did Ahasuerus see when he returned? How did he interpret what he saw? Was his interpretation correct?

7. Did the king ask Harbona what to do with Haman? Why do you think Harbona told the king about the gallows without being asked?

Heart

1. Do you think Ahasuerus really cared about what happened to the Jews, or did he just care about what happened to Esther?

2. What do you think made Ahasuerus more angry: Haman’s attempt to kill Esther and her people, or Haman’s actions that tricked Ahasuerus to allow it?

Hands

1. Was Ahasuerus also guilty of planning the destruction of the Jews?

2. When Ahasuerus left in anger, would he have interpreted anything Haman did in a positive light? Could Haman have done anything at that point that would have saved his life?

Esther and Mordecai Save the Jews

Esther 8:1-17

Main Thought

Mordecai devises a plan to avert the destruction of his people.

Head

1. Who ended up in control of Haman’s house?

2. Why did Esther need to speak to the king again?

3. What request did Esther make to the king this time?

4. Why couldn’t the king honor the request as Esther expressed it?

5. What did the king offer in place of honoring Esther’s request?

6. Why does verse nine include the date when the king’s scribes wrote the edict commanded by Mordecai?

7. Why does verse ten say Mordecai sent out the edict  using “mounted couriers riding on swift horses”?

8. Why did many of the people of the country declare themselves to be Jews?

Heart

1. When verse three mentions that Esther spoke again to the king, do you think she was as nervous about speaking to the king in this chapter as she was in earlier chapters? Explain.

Hands

1. If Mordecai’s edict simply allowed the Jews to defend themselves, why were they so joyful? Wouldn’t they still be called upon to fight in order to save their lives?

2. How can we tell from what Ahasuerus said and did in this story that he now favored the Jews?

3. Do you think the people of the country could also tell that the king’s attitude toward the Jews had changed?

4. Based on what you know from this story, did the Jews have a right to attack their enemies or just to defend themselves?

The Jews Fight Their Enemies

Esther 9:1-19

Main Thought

The Lord turns a time of distress for the Jews into a time of victory and rejoicing.

Head

1. Verse one says that everything that was planned against the Jews for the 13th day of the 12th month was reversed. What other events in the book of Esther were the reverse of what had been planned?

2. Can you think of other times in the Bible when fear of the Israelites fell on the people around them? (see Num. 22:13; Deut. 2:25; 11:25; Josh. 2:9; 1 Chron. 14:17)

3. According to verses three and four, who in particular was feared?

4. Why was he to be feared? How did this fear help the Jews?

5. When Ahasuerus heard what happened on the first day in Susa, what was his response? What did he say to Esther?

6. What happened to the ten sons of Haman?

7. Why was the decree extended an extra day in Susa?

8. Why did the Jews hold a day of feasting on two different days?

Heart

1. Who made the other nations and peoples fear Israel? Why?

2. Do you think is was appropriate for the Jews to celebrate a day of killing by feasting and rejoicing? Explain.

Hands

1. Do you think there were people still in the kingdom ready to carry out the king’s first edict by destroying the Jews?

2. Why didn’t the Jews lay their hands on the plunder? According to 8:11 weren’t they allowed to take plunder if they wanted?

3. What reasons might Esther have had for wanting to extend the decree for an extra day in Susa?

The Feast of Purim Is Established

Esther 9:20–10:3

Main Thought

Mordecai oversees celebrations and peace.

Head

1. What did Mordecai record? Where did he record it?

2. Why did Mordecai oblige the Jews to keep both the fourteenth day and the fifteen day as days of remembrance?

3. What does verse 23 mean when it says, “So the Jews accepted what they had started to do...”?

4. How did the feast get the name “Purim”? What role did Haman play in naming the feast?

5. Why does 10:1 mention the tax that Ahasuerus imposed? (see 2:18)

6. What can you tell about Ahasuerus’ empire from the comment that he imposed a tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea?

7. What was the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?

8. How high did Mordecai rise in the ranks of Ahasuerus’ kingdom?

Heart

1. How did the Jews get relief from their enemies? Would they have been able to get this relief without God?

2. How was the month of Adar turned from sorrow to gladness for the Jews?

Hands

1. How did the Jews celebrate Purim?

2. How would you evaluate the rule of Ahasuerus? What do you think of a king who has to make one law to counteract the effects of a previous law?

3. What made Mordecai popular with the multitude of his brothers? Why would this make him popular?

The Exiles Return

Ezra 1:1-11

Main Thought

The Lord show his faithfulness by stirring the heart of Cyrus to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem.

Head

1. Compare Ezra 1:1-4 with 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. Why do you think the author of 2 Chronicles included this information about the return in his book?

2. Who was Cyrus? Over what kingdom did he reign?

3. What word of Jeremiah was fulfilled? (see Jer. 25:11-14; 32:36-38)

4. What did Cyrus allow the Jews to do?

5. How would the Jews get the money to return to Jerusalem and build the temple?

6. What types of gifts did the Jews who returned receive from the people in Cyrus’ kingdom?

7. What did Cyrus give to the Jews who returned to Jerusalem?

8. Who was Sheshbazzar? Why was he called “the prince of Judah”? What was his connection to Zerubbabel? (see 1:8; 4:1-3; 5:14-16)

Heart

1. Do you think Cyrus believed in God? Could he have had other reasons for wanting a temple built in Jerusalem?

2. How did God use Cyrus to fulfill his purposes?

3. Do you think the Jews in exile were surprised by Cyrus’ decree? Explain.

Hands

1. Which Jews rose up to do what Cyrus decreed? How does verse five explain why they did it?

2. What reasons might some of the exiles have had for not returning to Jerusalem?

The People Rebuild the Altar and the Temple

Ezra 3:1-13

Main Thought

The people who returned focus first on their relationship to God.

Head

1. Why does verse one mention the seventh month? What made the seventh month significant? (see Lev. 23:26, 33)

2. Why did the people gather as one man in Jerusalem?

3. Who were Jeshua and Zerubbabel? What did they do before they offered burnt offerings? How did they know where to set the altar?

4. Why did the people of the lands fear the exiles who returned?

5. What was the Feast of Booths? Describe how the Feast of Booths was supposed to be celebrated. (see Lev. 23:33-36; Num. 29:12-40)

6. In addition to the Feast of Booths, what else did the people do to worship the Lord?

7. What had not yet been constructed? What did the people do to change that? Where did they get the construction materials? How did they get the money to purchase the materials?

8. What did the people do after they laid the foundation of the temple?

Heart

1. Why did Jeshua and Zerubbabel work to rebuild the temple before they rebuilt the city walls?

2. Why did the old men cry when they saw the foundation of the temple being laid?

Hands

1. If the people had wanted an excuse to avoid rebuilding the altar and the temple, what excuse(s) do you think they could have come up with? Why didn’t they use any of those excuses?

2. How did Jeshua and Zerubbabel confirm their ability to lead the people?

Opposition to the Rebuilding

Ezra 4:1-16

Main Thought

The faithfulness of the people of Judah is tested.

Head

1. Who were the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin?

2. If the people who approached Zerubbabel in verse two were adversaries, why did they ask to help rebuild the temple?

3. Why did Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders respond so harshly in verse three?

4. What did the people of the land do to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build?

5. Who was Ahasuerus? Who was Artaxerxes?

6. Who wrote the letter to Artaxerxes? What did the letter say?

7. How did the people who wrote the letter describe the people of Judah? How did they make the people of Judah look bad?

8. How did the people who wrote the letter describe themselves? How did they make themselves look good?

Heart

1. Do you agree with what the adversaries said in verse two about worshiping the same God as the Jews who returned to Jerusalem? Explain.

2. Were Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders right in responding so harshly to the people of the land?

3. If God wanted his temple rebuilt, why do you think he allowed so much opposition to arise?

Hands

1. What did the people of Judah do to make the people of the land so determined to stop the rebuilding project?

2. If you are faithful to God, should you expect people to oppose you?

The Work Comes to a Halt

Ezra 4:17–5:1

Main Thought

God allows Artaxerxes to force a halt to the rebuilding.

Head

1. Where did Rehum, Shimshai, and the rest of their associates live?

2. What did Artaxerxes discover about Jerusalem?

3. To what might Artaxerxes have been referring when he mentioned the rebellion and sedition of Jerusalem?

4. What mighty kings had ruled over Jerusalem? What evidence of the might of these kings did Artaxerxes give?

5. Do you think Artaxerxes was afraid that Jerusalem would become powerful and rebellious if he allowed it to be rebuilt?

6. How might Rehum and Shimshai have forced the people of Jerusalem to cease building?

7. According to verse 21, what would have to happen before the people of Jerusalem could resume building?

8. How long did the work on the temple cease?

9. Who prophesied in Judah at this time?

Heart

1. Why do you think Rehum and Shimshai went in haste to Jerusalem as soon as they received Artaxerxes’ reply?

2. Why would God allow Rehum and Shimshai to succeed in their attempt to stop the work on the temple?

Hands

1. What reason(s) did Rehum and Shimshai have for wanting the work on the temple to cease? Do you think they really believed the people of Jerusalem were rebellious and seditious?

2. After Artaxerxes forced the work on the temple to cease, was there anything the Jews in Jerusalem could do to get it started again?

Haggai Prophesies to Israel

Haggai 1:1-15

Main Thought

The Lord through his Spirit stirs the people to renewed obedience.

Head

1. When did Haggai being prophesying? What else happened in that year? (see Ezra 4:24)

2. To whom did Haggai bring the word of the Lord?

3. How were the people living in Haggai’s day?

4. What was the cause of the people’s small harvests? Why did the people never have enough?

5. To what house was God referring in verse eight?

6. Where would the people get the wood for the temple? How was this different from where Solomon got the wood for the original temple?

7. How did Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people respond to Haggai’s message?

Heart

1. Compare the desire of the people in Haggai’s day to postpone the rebuilding of the temple to the situation in David’s day as described  in 1 Chronicles 17:1-14. What was similar about the two situations? What was different?

2. How did heaven and earth obey God in this story?

3. What prompted the Lord to say, “I am with you” in verse 13?

Hands

1. Explain the Lord’s command to “Consider your ways.” How might that command be appropriate today?

2. Does God sometime bless or withhold blessing in our day? Explain.

3. What part did the Lord play in the obedience of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people? (see v. 14)

God’s Glory and Blessing

Haggai 2:1-23

Main Thought

God promises glory and blessing for his people, motivating them to continue their work on the temple.

Head

1. Who would have been left among the people who had seen the temple in its former glory? How old would they have been? What would they have thought of the temple being built in Haggai’s day? Why?

2. To what covenant is God referring in verse five?

3. What will happen when God shakes the nations?

4. What did God mean when he said in verse eight, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine”?

5. To what “latter glory” was God referring in verse nine?

6. What argument was God making in verses 12-13?

7. What did God mean when he said in verses 6 and 21 that he was going to shake the earth? What would be overthrown when God shook the earth?

8. What is a signet ring? How would the Lord use Zerubbabel like a signet ring?

Heart

1. Consider verse 17, when the Lord said, “I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail....” And consider verse 19, when he said, “But from this day on I will bless you.” Do you think God loved his people more, less, or about equally in both of these verses? Explain.

2. Is it sometime harder to believe that God loves you when the circumstances of your life aren’t going the way you want? Explain.

Hands

1. What promises did God give to the people to motivate them to continue rebuilding the temple?

A Vision

Zechariah 2:1-13

Main Thought

Zechariah shares a vision of hope for the people of God.

Head

1. What is a measuring line?

2. What did the man do with the measuring line?

3. According to verse four, why would Jerusalem not be able to have city walls? What would Jerusalem have instead of walls?

4. What was the “land of the north” mentioned in verse six? Why did people need to flee from it? Where did they need to go?

5. According to verse ten, why should the people sing and rejoice?

6. According to verse 11, who will join themselves to the Lord? How is it possible for many nations to join themselves to the Lord?

7. How was Judah the Lord’s inheritance? (v. 12)

8. What did Zechariah mean when he said that the Lord “has roused himself from his holy dwelling”? (v. 13)

Heart

1. How would the Lord act as a wall for his people?

2. What affect would the Lord’s presence have among his people?

3. What does it mean to be the apple of someone’s eye? How are we the apple of God’s eye? (see v. 8; see also Deut. 32:10; Ps. 17:8)

4. Do you think God always planned that many nations would join themselves to him? Can you cite other places in the Old Testament where God showed his concern for nations other than the Jews?

Hands

1. Why is silence an appropriate response when God shows his majesty and glory? (see also Ps. 46:10)

2. When is it appropriate to sing and rejoice?

God Promises Blessing

Zechariah 8:1-23

Main Thought

God promises good for his people.

Head

1. Why would Jerusalem be called a “faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain”? (v. 3)

2. Verses four and five give a description of what Jerusalem would become. What had happened to Jerusalem? What was it like when Zechariah first gave this prophecy?

3. Why might God have used the directions east and west when he said he would save his people form the east country and from the west country? (cf. Ps. 103:12)

4. Can you think of other times when God said, “They shall be my people, and I will be their God”? (see Jer. 32:38; Ezek. 11:20; 37:23)

Heart

1. When God said in verse two that he was “jealous for Zion with great jealousy,” why was he jealous? How did his jealousy express itself? How can a perfect God show jealousy in a perfect way?

2. When God said in verse two that he was “jealous for her with great wrath,” why was he angry? How did his wrath express itself? How can a perfect God show wrath in a perfect way?

Hands

1. What was Jerusalem like when God set every man against his neighbor? (see v. 10) How might that happen today?

2. How would God’s “sowing of peace” mentioned in verse 12 affect the lives of the people in Jerusalem?

3. When God determined to bring good to Jerusalem, how would that change what the people did? (see vv. 16-17)

4. How do verses 20-23 encourage Christians of our day to share the gospel with others?

The Rebuilding of the Temple Is Questioned

Ezra 5:2-17

Main Thought

God’s people respond in faithfulness to God’s prophets.

Head

1. Why did Zerubbabel and Jeshua start a rebuilding project at the beginning of this story? (see v. 1)

2. Who were Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai? What did they govern? What was their relationship to Rehum and Shimshai in 4:8ff?

3. Why did Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai question Zerubbabel and Jeshua about their building project?

4. Why did Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai ask for the names of the men who began building the temple?

5. What reason did Zerubbabel and Jeshua give to Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai for renewing their construction of the temple?

6. In their letter, what request did Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai ask of Darius?

Heart

1. If Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai were concerned about the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, why didn’t they force the men to stop building until after they received an answer from Darius? How was God working to make sure the construction continued?

2. How did God use the concerns of Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai to promote the rebuilding of the temple?

Hands

1. Do you think Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai were opposed to the rebuilding of the temple, or were they simple making sure it was approved?

2. Do you think Zerubbabel and Jeshua should have discussed their building project with Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai before they started rebuilding?

The Temple Is Rebuilt

Ezra 6:1-22

Main Thought

God’s people renew their dedication to him by completing the temple used for his worship.

Head

1. Compare the description of Cyrus’ decree in 6:3-5 with the description of his decree in 1:2-4. How might you explain the differences?

2. In addition to not hindering the work on the temple, what were Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai told to do to help the work?

3. What would happen if someone didn’t obey the king’s edict?

4. Describe the celebration when the temple was dedicated.

5. Compare the dedication of this temple with the dedication of the temple during Solomon’s day in 2 Chronicles 7:1-10.

6. What did the priests have to do in order to celebrate the Passover?

7. How did the returned exiles know how to celebrate the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread?

8. According to verse 21, who celebrated the Passover?

Heart

1. Why do you think Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai obeyed Darius “with all diligence”?

2. If someone had asked the returned exiles why they were joyful, what reasons might they have given?

3. Do Christians today have similar reasons to be joyful?

Hands

1. In response to the blessings that the Lord provided them, how did the returned exiles show their gratitude and obedience to God?

2. What can you deduce from verse 21 about what was required to be part of the community of faith during the time of Ezra?

Ezra Returns to Teach the People

Ezra 7:1-28

Main Thought

After the people complete the temple, Ezra returns to help direct the people in the proper worship of God.

Head

1. According to verse one, who was the king of Persia?

2. Roughly how many years had passed between the events of chapter six and the events of chapter seven? (You may need to consult a study Bible.)

3. From what line of priests did Ezra descend? Why was it so important to trace his lineage all the way back to Aaron?

4. Why do you think someone skilled in the law might be needed in Jerusalem at this time? What reason might Artaxerxes have had for sending him?

5. Who else returned to Jerusalem with Ezra?

6. How long did it take Ezra to travel from Babylonia to Jerusalem?

7. What letter did Ezra take with him? Why did he need it?

8. Who gave money to Ezra? How was this money supposed to be used?

Heart

1. Whom did Ezra praise in verses 27-28? Why? Why didn’t he focus his praise on Artaxerxes?

2. How would Ezra’s understanding of the law help him worship God?

3. How does our understanding of the Bible help us worship God?

Hands

1. What do you think prompted Ezra to travel to Jerusalem? Do you think he had any concerns about what was happening in Jerusalem and how God was being worshiped there?

2. Did Artaxerxes just give Ezra the task of returning to Jerusalem, or did Ezra have to ask for it? (see v. 6)

Ezra Travels to Jerusalem

Ezra 8:15-36

Main Thought

The Lord provides for Ezra and his safe return to Jerusalem, so that Ezra can lead the people in faithful worship.

Head

1. In Ezra 8:1-14, why did Ezra include a genealogy of the people who went up with him?

2. Where did Ezra and the others gather before heading to Jerusalem? What did Ezra do there? What tribe did Ezra discover was missing? Why was it important to have this tribe represented?

3. Where was Casiphia? Why did Ezra send a delegation there?

4. Who was Iddo? Whom did Iddo send to represent the Levites?

5. Why did Ezra proclaim a fast?

6. How long did it take Ezra and the others to get to Jerusalem? What is the first thing they did when they got there? On the fourth day, what did they do?

7. What were the king’s commissions mentioned in verse 36?

Heart

1. Why was Ezra ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers?

2. Would it have been wrong for Ezra to ask for soldiers? Explain.

3. Do you think God would have protected Ezra and the others even if they hadn’t fasted? Explain.

4. Do you think God wanted Ezra and the others to fast?

Hands

1. Why do people fast? What is the purpose of fasting? Should we fast today?

2. Why did Ezra give the silver, the gold, and the vessels to the priests before they set out on their journey? Why didn’t he just keep these items and give them to the priests when he arrived in Jerusalem?

Intermarriage

Ezra 9:1-15

Main Thought

Ezra confesses a communal sin that could destroy the community and remove God’s blessing from it.

Head

1. What problem did the officials make known to Ezra?

2. With whom were the people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites intermarrying? Why was this such a problem? (see Exod. 34:11-16)

3. Why do you think Ezra reacted so severely when he heard about the intermarriage? Why was this sin such a problem at this time?

4. What did Ezra do in the evening after he arose from his fasting?

5. Why was Ezra ashamed? Why do you think he used the pronoun “our” when referring to the iniquities and guilt of the people? Was Ezra also guilty?

6. How did Ezra connect the guilt of the people in his day with the guilt of their forefathers?

7. How did Ezra describe what God did in allowing a remnant to return?

Heart

1. If intermarriage was such a problem, why didn’t God just send them back into exile?

2. What does it mean to tremble at the words of God? (v. 4)

3. Do you think people today are more inclined or less inclined to tremble at God’s words? Explain.

Hands

1. Do you think the people of Israel would have fallen into the sin of intermarriage as easily if the officials and chief men hadn’t been so involved in it themselves?

2. What might intermarriage look like today? Is it still wrong?

3. Did Ezra try to make excuses for the people? What did he do instead?

The People Confess Their Sin

Ezra 10:1-17

Main Thought

The people confess their sin and turn from it.

Head

1. Why did a large crowd gather around Ezra? What did they do while Ezra prayed? Do you think the people knew about the sin of intermarriage and how serious a sin it was?

2. Who was Shecaniah? Was Shecaniah personally affected by the sin of intermarriage? (see v. 26)

3. Why did Shecaniah mention a covenant? What would the people have to do to make this covenant?

4. What oath did the leaders take?

5. What proclamation was made throughout Judea?

6. Compare the people who trembled in chapter nine with the people who trembled in chapter ten. What is different in chapter ten? Why?

7. How did Ezra and the leaders of the people remove the sin of intermarriage from Israel?

Heart

1. Why was Shecaniah able to say in verse two that “even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this”? What did Shecaniah realize about God that gave him hope?

2. Why did Ezra continue to fast even after the leaders took the oath? Should he have continued to mourn? Explain.

3. Does it seem harsh to you that the men had to put away their wives and children? Explain.

Hands

1. What did Ezra do that brought the people to repentance so quickly?

2. Is public confession of sin still important today? Where and when does this public confession take place?

Nehemiah’s Prayer

Nehemiah 1:1-11

Main Thought

Nehemiah lays bare his heart before God, confessing his sins and the sins of his people, and imploring God to remain faithful to his promises.

Head

1. What was the month of Chislev?

2. If the twentieth year refers to the twentieth year of Artaxerxes’ reign, how many years after Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem did the story of Nehemiah begin? (see Ezra 7:7)

3. Who told Nehemiah about the trouble in Jerusalem?

4. What did the men say about Jerusalem?

5. What was so special about Jerusalem that the news of its problems made Nehemiah weep and mourn for days?

6. How had Nehemiah and his fathers sinned against God?

7. What did Nehemiah ask God to remember?

8. To what was Nehemiah referring when he mentioned God redeeming his people in verse ten?

9. What success was Nehemiah seeking from God in verse 11?

Heart

1. What qualities did Nehemiah ascribe to God in verse five?

2. Why are the particular qualities Nehemiah ascribed to God important to know at this time in biblical history?

3. According to verses eight and nine how had God fulfilled his promises to Moses? Did Nehemiah think God was finished fulfilling those promises? Explain.

Hands

1. Christians today often use the ACTS model to organize their prayers: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. How does Nehemiah’s prayer conform to this model?

Nehemiah Returns to Jerusalem

Nehemiah 2:1-20

Main Thought

The hand of God goes with Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Head

1. When was the month of Nisan? How soon after Nehemiah heard the news about Jerusalem did he approach the king with his request? (see also 1:1)

2. Why did Nehemiah give wine to the king? (see 1:11)

3. What was different about Nehemiah when he served wine to the king this time? Why was Nehemiah afraid when Artaxerxes asked him what was wrong?

4. Before Nehemiah made his request, what did he do?

5. What was Nehemiah’s request? Why did he want letters written by the king? What did the letters ensure?

6. Do you think Ezra would have asked for letters like Nehemiah did?

7. Who were Sanballat and Tobiah? Why were they displeased at Nehemiah’s arrival in Jerusalem?

8. Why did Nehemiah inspect the walls of Jerusalem at night?

Heart

1. King Artaxerxes described Nehemiah’s mood as “sadness of the heart.” Describe what caused Nehemiah’s sadness of the heart and how it showed itself in Nehemiah’s life. (see also Prov. 15:13)

2. According to verse eight, why did the king grant Nehemiah’s request?

Hands

1. Do you think Nehemiah had his plans figured out before he approached Artaxerxes? How prepared was Nehemiah to pursue his plans, depending on what Artaxerxes said?

2. Does relying on God’s providence change our need to make plans for the future? Explain.

Opposition to the Work

Nehemiah 4:1-14

Main Thought

The people in Jerusalem face temptations to stop, but the work continues.

Head

1. What did Sanballat think of the Jews’ attempt to rebuild the wall? What did Tobiah think of it?

2. What questions did Sanballat ask in verse two? How did Sanballat want those questions answered?

3. Who is speaking in verse four? Why does he call on God to listen to the words of Sanballat and Tobiah?

4. When the wall was built to half its height, were Sanballat and Tobiah still a threat? Explain.

5. How did Nehemiah respond to the threat from those opposed to the rebuilding?

6. In verse 14, what did Nehemiah remind the people of in order to encourage them to continue rebuilding?

Heart

1. Why do you think Sanballat “jeered at the Jews”? Was it because he thought they were silly for trying to rebuild the walls, or because he was afraid they would succeed?

2. How do you think God answered Nehemiah when he asked God to turn back the taunts of Sanballat and Tobiah on their own heads? How had Sanballat and Tobiah provoked the Lord to anger?

Hands

1. What do you think about the way Nehemiah asked God to treat Sanballat and Tobiah? Was Nehemiah being too harsh? Explain.

2. What did Nehemiah and the others in Jerusalem do to protect themselves?

3. What temptations to stop the work did the people in Jerusalem face? Did they yield to those temptations?

The Work Resumes

Nehemiah 4:15-23

Main Thought

God fights for his people.

Head

1. How had God frustrated the plan of the Jews’ enemies?

2. Explain how the people of Jerusalem were able to continue building the wall and still protect themselves from their enemies.

3. Do you think it was more difficult to work on the wall while holding a weapon?

4. What was the trumpet for?

5. Why was the work on the wall widely spread?

6. Why couldn’t the people all work on one section of the wall at the same time?

7. How long each day did the people of Jerusalem work on the wall?

8. Why did Nehemiah want the people to spend the night as well as the day in Jerusalem?

9. Why did Nehemiah and the others with him stay in their clothes all day and night?

Heart

1. If Nehemiah said in verse 20, “Our God will fight for us,” why did the people have to hold weapons in their hands while working, and why did they have to rush to where the trumpet was blown ready to fight?

2. If we lock our doors at night and do other things to protect ourselves, does that show a lack of trust in God? Explain.

Hands

1. If you had to work holding a weapon in your hand at all times, would you be tempted to flee those circumstances? Why don’t you think the people of Jerusalem fled?

2. Did Nehemiah’s actions show that he trusted God? Explain.

Nehemiah Opposes the Rich

Nehemiah 5:1-19

Main Thought

Nehemiah demands justice for the poor.

Head

1. Why was there a great outcry of the people and their wives?

2. Summarize the complaints in verse two, verse three, and verses four and five.

3. How were all these complaints connected?

4. Was Nehemiah angry about the people complaining, or about the people who were causing the complaints?

5. What irony did Nehemiah point out in verse eight?

6. Why was it wrong to exact interest from a fellow Jew? (see Exod. 22:5)

7. How important was it for the rich Jews to return the money, land, and possessions of the poor Jews? (see  Deut. 15:1-15)

8. What kind of allowance would Nehemiah have had a right to demand from the people of Jerusalem? Why didn’t he take this allowance?

Heart

1. What attribute(s) of God would cause him to be troubled by what the rich were doing to the poor?

2. Do you think Nehemiah was boasting at the end of this story? Explain.

Hands

1. According to verse ten, was Nehemiah also guilty of exacting interest from his fellow Jews? What did he do about it?

2. In what ways did Nehemiah show his generosity toward the people?

3. Why do you think Nehemiah mentioned his generosity at this point in the book?

The Plot Against Nehemiah

Nehemiah 6:1-14

Main Thought

Nehemiah resists his enemies’ attempts to make him afraid.

Head

1. Who was Geshem the Arab, and what was he doing with Sanballat and Tobiah? (see also Neh. 2:19)

2. Was Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono a neutral place for a meeting, or was it a good place to set a trap? Was it both? Explain.

3. Do you think Nehemiah really didn’t have time to meet with Sanballat and Geshem, or was he just making an excuse?

4. Why do you think Sanballat and Geshem sent for Nehemiah four times?

5. What was different about the fifth time Sanballat sent for Nehemiah?

6. What is an open letter?

7. According to the open letter, Sanballat accused Nehemiah and the returned exiles of intending to rebel. Was this true?

8. Did Nehemiah wish to become king? Why would Sanballat accuse Nehemiah of this? What did Shemaiah want Nehemiah to do?

Heart

1. What can you tell about Nehemiah’s heart from his decision to refuse a meeting with Sanballat, but also to refuse the suggestion to take refuge in the temple?

2. Would Nehemiah have sinned by hiding in the temple?

Hands

1. Do you think Nehemiah was tempted to meet with Sanballat and answer the accusations against him? Explain.

2. Do you think Nehemiah was tempted to take refuge in the temple? Explain.

3. What do you think of Nehemiah’s prayer in verse 14?

The Wall Is Completed

Nehemiah 6:15–7:4

Main Thought

Nehemiah completes the wall and establishes other practices for the safety of Jerusalem.

Head

1. How long did it take to finish the wall?

2. Why did the completion of the wall make the surrounding nations afraid?

3. What would the completion of the wall have to do with the surrounding nations’ self-esteem?

4. What nationality was Tobiah? (see Neh. 2:10)

5. Why were many nobles in Judah bound by an oath to Tobiah?

6. How did the Jewish nobles try to raise Tobiah’s reputation in Nehemiah’ presence?

7. What did Tobiah do to try to intimidate Nehemiah?

8. After the wall had been built, whom did Nehemiah put in charge?

9. Why didn’t Nehemiah want the gates of Jerusalem opened until the sun was hot? Why did Nehemiah want the gates closed while they were still standing guard?

Heart

1. If the work was accomplished with the help of God, why did God allow Nehemiah’s enemies to oppose him so fiercely?

2. What consequences did the sin of intermarriage bring in this story?

Hands

1. Do you think it would have taken longer to finish the wall under normal circumstances? Explain.

2. Do you think Nehemiah’s actions in this story showed his fear or his shrewdness? Explain.

Ezra Reads the Law

Nehemiah 8:1-12

Main Thought

The people renew their covenant relationship with God through the reading of the law.

Head

1. Where was the Water Gate located?

2. What was the Book of the Law of Moses? Why did Ezra, and not Nehemiah or someone else, bring the Book of the Law?

3. How often was the word “understand” or a variation of the word used in this story? Why was understanding so important at this time?

4. Who stood by Ezra when he read the book? Why?

5. How long did Ezra read from the Book of the Law?

6. How did the people respond when Ezra read from the Book of the Law?

Heart

1. How did the Jews react when they heard the Book of the Law read and had it explained to them? What other possible reactions might they have had? Explain.

2. What reactions might the hearing of the Law produce in people today? Explain.

3. According to verse ten, how would it be possible for the people not to be grieved? Explain.

4. How is it possible for us today not to be grieved when hearing the law?

Hands

1. How did the Jews show respect for God and his Word? How can we show respect for God and his Word today?

2. According to verse seven, the Levites helped the people understand the law as it was being read. How do you think they did this?

The Feast of Booths

Nehemiah 8:13-18

Main Thought

The people rediscover the Feast of Booths and celebrate it with very great rejoicing.

Head

1. Who came to study the words of the Law at the beginning of this story?

2. What happened on the first day? (see 8:1-12)

3. How was the second day similar to the first day? How was it different?

4. What did the people discover in their reading of Law on the second day?

5. Why did people need to dwell in booths? (see Lev. 23:42-43)

6. What were the booths made of? Where did the people get these materials?

7. Where did the people place these booths?

8. How long had it been since the Feast of Booths was celebrated?

9. How long was the Feast of Booths celebrated?

10. What did Ezra do when the Feast of Booths was celebrated?

Heart

1. Explain why verse 17 says that there was very great rejoicing. (see Deut. 16:14)

2. Is it possible to truly rejoice if you are commanded to rejoice?

3. How did the Feast of Booths help people renew their reliance on God?

Hands

1. Read Deuteronomy 31:9-13. Describe how the Jews in Nehemiah’s day obeyed the commands that Moses set forth in Deuteronomy.

2. Why don’t we celebrate the Feast of Booths today?

The People Confess Their Sin, Part 1

Nehemiah 9:1-21

Main Thought

In their prayer, the Levites describe God’s goodness to his people and the people’s failure to respond with gratitude.

Head

1. How long after the Feast of Booths did the events of this story occur?

2. Why did the people assemble with fasting and sackcloth, and with earth on their heads? Why did they separate themselves from foreigners?

3. What did the people do for a quarter of the day? What did they do for another quarter?

4. Besides the reading of God’s law and the confession of sin, what other elements of worship are present in this story?

5. What did the Levites say about God’s role in creation?

6. What did the Levites say about God’s relationship with Abram?

7. Describe some of the wonders God did for his people in the Exodus.

Heart

1. How would you respond if you were asked to listen to the Law of God read for a quarter of a day, and then confess your sins for another quarter? Explain.

2. Throughout the prayer of the Levites, who is the primary subject? In other words, who is doing most of the action? Why?

3. According to verse eight, why did the Lord keep his covenant?

4. How did God respond when the people refused to obey him?

Hands

1. How important is it for Christians today to hear the God’s law read and to make public confession of their sins? Explain.

2. When God performed mighty wonders for his people, in general, how did they respond? What should have been their response?

The People Confess Their Sin, Part 2

Nehemiah 9:22-38

Main Thought

After confessing their sins the people renew their covenant with God.

Head

1. Who were Sihon and Og? (see Deut. 2:26–3:11)

2. Although the Israelites in the original exodus did not enter Canaan, verse 24 says that their descendants did. How were the descendants similar to and how were they different from their parents?

3. List some of the blessings God showed the Israelites in verses 22-24.

4. To what period of Israel’s history do verses 26-28 refer?

5. Describe some of the hardships referred to in verse 32.

6. According to verses 36-37 why were the people of Israel still slaves?

7. In this story the Levites described the hardships that were brought on by the people’s sin. Then the Levites cried out to God for help. Is this story any different than the pattern found in the book of Judges? Explain.

8. Why did the Levites make a “firm covenant in writing”? What was different about this covenant?

9. When the leaders of the Jews sealed the written covenant with their names, did that obligate all the other Jews to abide by it too? Explain.

Heart

1. How does this story show God’s perfect righteousness?

2. How does this story show God’s perfect goodness and mercy?

3. Why should God have helped the Jews of Nehemiah’s day?

4. Why should God help us today?

Hands

1. According to verse 26, how did the Israelites show their disobedience and rebellion?

The Obligations of the Covenant

Nehemiah 10:28-39

Main Thought

The people obligate themselves to the terms of the covenant.

Head

1. Is the covenant discussed in this story the same covenant described in chapter nine? Who was bound by this covenant?

2. To what problem might verse 30 be referring? (see Ezra 9–10; see also Exod. 34:13-16)

3. Where in the Mosaic law was buying and selling on the Sabbath prohibited? (see Exod. 20:8-11; Deut. 5:12-15; see also Exod. 31:14-17)

4. Where in the Mosaic law were the Jews prohibited from growing crops in the seventh year? (see Lev. 25:2-7)

5. To what law does verse 32 refer? (see Exod. 30:11-16)

6. In what part of the Mosaic law are the offerings in verses 33-34 found? (see Lev. 1–7)

7. What obligations did the people pledge in verses 35-37? Why did they pledge them? (see Ex. 23:19; 34:26; Num. 18:12-13; Deut. 26:1-11)

8. Why did a descendant of Aaron need to receive the tithe mentioned in verse 38? (see Num. 18:25-32)

Heart

1. In the last sentence of this story, the people pledged: “We will not neglect the house of our God.” Why was this so important to them?

2. Do you think the people believed they could fulfill their obligations to the covenant? Explain.

Hands

1. Do you think the people were able to follow the obligations of the covenant? Explain. (see Neh. 13:10-11)

2. Can anyone perfectly fulfill the terms of the covenant? Explain.

The Dedication of the Wall

Nehemiah 12:27-47

Main Thought

Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem praise the goodness of their God as they dedicate the wall.

Head

1. Where were the Levites? Why did the leaders have to seek them “in all the places”?

2. Who were the Netophathites? Where was Netophah located? (see  v. 29; see also Ezra 2:20-23)

3. Why did the priests and Levites have to purify themselves?

4. How might the Levites have purified “the people and the gates and the wall”? (see v. 30; see also Exod. 19:10 and Num. 8:7)

5. How many choirs did Nehemiah appoint?

6. Where did the choirs go? Where did they both end up?

7. Explain the significance of the route the choirs took.

8. According to verse 43, what was heard far away?

9. Why were men appointed over the storerooms on that day?

10. Describe some of the roles of the Levites?

Heart

1. If you were to ask some of the people present on the day of dedication why they were so joyful, what do you think some of their answers might be? Do you think any of their answers might have included more than just the fact that the wall was completed?

Hands

1. Explain how Zerubbabel and Nehemiah followed after the example of David.

2. Using examples from this story, show how the Jews of Nehemiah’s day were committed to obeying the Lord’s commands.

Nehemiah’s Reforms

Nehemiah 13:1-14

Main Thought

Nehemiah learns how fickle God’s people can be when he returns to Jerusalem and must call the people back to obedience.

Head

1. Why were neither Ammonites nor Moabites allowed to enter the assembly of God?

2. How were the Ammonites and Moabites related? (see Gen. 19:36-38)

3. Who was Balaam? Did he succeed in cursing the Israelites? (see v. 2; see also Num. 22:18)

4. What did the people do after they heard the law? Why?

5. Who was Tobiah? (see Ezra 2:10-20; Neh. 4:1-8; 6:1-19)

6. Why was Tobiah given a chamber in the house of God? Why was this a problem? (see Neh. 4:3; 13:1)

7. Where was Nehemiah when Tobiah was given a chamber in the house of God? Why was he there? (see Neh. 2:6 for a possible answer)

8. Why were the Levites not doing the temple work assigned to them? What were they doing instead? Why?

9. What is ironic about the question Nehemiah asked in verse 11? (see Neh. 10:39)

Heart

1. What do you think of Nehemiah’s prayer in verse 14?

2. How would  you describe Nehemiah’s attitude in his prayer?

Hands

1. How important was Nehemiah’s leadership in helping the people to return to obedience?

2. How important are faithful leaders in helping God’s people remain faithful themselves?

More Reforms By Nehemiah

Nehemiah 13:15-31

Main Thought

Nehemiah finds more sins to confront.

Head

1. What were the people doing on the Sabbath? Why was this wrong?

2. Who were the Tyrians? Why were they fishermen?

3. When did the Jews’ ancestors treat the Sabbath in a similar way? (see Jer. 17:19-27; Amos 8:4-6)

4. How did Nehemiah stop people from selling on the Sabbath?

5. According to verse 23, what other sin did Nehemiah discover among the Jews? How did Nehemiah respond to it?

6. Why did Nehemiah mention Solomon in this story?

7. Who was Sanballat? (see Ezra 2:10-20; Neh. 4:1-8; 6:1-19)

8. Who was Sanballat’s son-in-law?

Heart

1. Why was selling on the Sabbath wrong? How did it desecrate the Sabbath? How did the act of selling on the Sabbath show where the peoples hearts were?

2. Didn’t Ezra stop the sin of intermarriage? Why did it return?

3. What other things did the Jews do that showed their hearts were not fully turned to God?

Hands

1. Should we still observe the Sabbath today? If so, how should we observe it?

2. What effect did intermarriage have on the children? How might it affect their faith? What impact might it have on grandchildren?

3. What do you think of Nehemiah’s actions against the people who intermarried? Do you think his actions were appropriate? Explain.

A Prophecy from Malachi

Malachi 3:1–4:6

Main Thought

Malachi proclaims the Day of the Lord.

Head

1. When did Malachi prophesy? (You may need to consult a Bible commentary or study Bible.)

2. How was the prophecy of Malachi 3:1 fulfilled? (see Matt. 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27)

3. If Malachi prophesied to the people of Ezra and Nehemiah’s day, why did he mention the temple and the covenant in verse two?

4. What would make the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem pleasing to the Lord?

5. Does God change? Why not? Explain.

6. How were the people robbing God?

7. Why did the people say it was vain to serve God?

8. What was the book of remembrance?

9. What would the Day of the Lord be like?

10. To whom did Malachi refer when he mentioned Elijah the prophet whom God would send before the day of the Lord?

11. How does this passage anticipate the New Testament?

Heart

1. Consider some of the problems in Nehemiah’s day. How would God ultimately purify the priesthood? How would he purify all his people?

2. How does God show his justice  in this passage? How does he show his grace and mercy?

Hands

1. Does it sometime seem like wicked people get away with their sins? How do you respond to that?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Norlan De Groot holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication-journalism from Dordt College and a Master of Divinity degree from Calvin Theological Seminary. He has also received a teaching certificate in secondary English education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

He has served as a teacher at Chattanooga Christian School and Mount Vernon Christian School. He also served as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing Communication for Dordt College. In addition, Norlan has served as a theological curriculum writer for Third Millennium Ministries, a promoter for Word & Deed Ministries, and the English Communications Coordinator for MINTS International Seminary.

Norlan considers himself a conservative, Reformed Christian. More importantly, he understands himself to be a sinner saved by grace. Norlan and his wife Julie have four children: Christopher, Philip, Megan, and Amy.

__________________________________

If someone has shared a copy of this book with you and you would like to support this work, please consider purchasing your own copy at

www.norlandegroot.com

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      purchase additional copies, updated editions, or different formats (print or electronic) of this book.

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Table of Contents

Samuel’s Birth
Hannah Dedicates Samuel to the Lord
Eli Rebukes His Sons
The Lord Rejects the Household of Eli
The Lord Calls Samuel
The Philistines Capture the Ark
Ichabod
Dagon Falls Before the Ark
The Philistines Return the Ark
The Ark Is Placed at Kiriath-jearim
Samuel Judges Israel
Israel Demands a King
Saul Seeks Samuel’s Help
Samuel Invites Saul to a Feast
Samuel Anoints Saul
Saul Becomes King
Saul Leads Israel in Battle
Samuel’s Final Address
Israel Battles the Philistines
Saul’s Disobedient Sacrifice
Jonathan Starts a Fight
The Israelites Pursue the Philistines
Saul Casts Lots
Saul Spares Agag
The Lord Rejects Saul as King
Samuel Anoints David to be King
David Plays the Lyre for Saul
A Song of a Shepherd
Israel Fears Goliath
David Takes Provisions to His Brothers
Saul Sends David to Fight Goliath
David Fights Goliath
Saul’s Jealousy of David
David Marries Michal
Saul Tries to Kill David
Michal Helps David Escape
Jonathan Makes a Covenant with David
Jonathan’s Arrows
David Receives Help from Ahimelech
David on the Run
Saul Kills Ahimelech and His Family
David Saves Keilah
Saul Breaks Off His Pursuit
David Spares Saul’s Life
David Protects Nabal’s Flocks
Abigail Brings Food to David
David Sneaks into Saul’s Camp
David Confronts Saul
David Escapes to the Philistines
Saul Consults the Medium at Endor
The Philistine Commanders Reject David
The Families of David and His Men Are Taken
David and His Men Rescue Their Families
Saul and Jonathan Die in Battle
David Learns of Saul’s Death
David’s Lament
Two Kings
The Battle of Gibeon
Abner Joins David
The Murder of Abner
The Murder of Ish-bosheth
David Is Anointed King of Israel
David Defeats the Philistines
Uzzah and the Ark
The Ark Is Brought to Jerusalem
God Makes a Covenant with David
David’s Prayer
Some of David’s Many Victories
David Shows Kindness to Mephibosheth
David Defeats the Ammonites
David and Bathsheba
David Plans Uriah’s Death
Nathan Rebukes David
David Confesses His Sin
David’s Child Dies
David Captures Rabbah
Amnon and Tamar
Absalom Murders Amnon
Absalom Returns to Jerusalem
Absalom is Allowed into David’s Presence
Absalom Conspires to be King
David Flees from Jerusalem
Ziba and Shimei
Salvation Belongs to the Lord
Ahithophel Advises Absalom
Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice
David Prepares for Battle
Absalom Dies in Battle
David Grieves for Absalom
David Returns to Judah
Shimei, Ziba, and Mephibosheth Meet David
David Rewards Barzillai the Gileadite
Sheba Rebels
Sheba’s Death
David Avenges the Gibeonites
Battles with Giants
David Takes a Census
David Builds an Altar
David Prepares Solomon to Build the Temple
Adonijah Claims the Throne
David Makes Solomon King
David’s Final Instructions and Death
Solomon Establishes His Throne, Part 1
Solomon Establishes His Throne, Part 2
Solomon Asks for Wisdom
Solomon's Wise Ruling
A Time for Everything
Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple
Solomon Brings the Ark to the Temple
Blessings
Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication, Part 1
Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication, Part 2
The Dedication of the Temple
The Lord Appears to Solomon
Solomon’s Other Activities
The Queen of Sheba
Solomon’s Wealth
Solomon’s Wives
Solomon’s Adversaries
A Prophecy for Jeroboam
Rehoboam’s Foolish Decision
The Kingdom Is Divided
Two Golden Calves
A Prophet Confronts Jeroboam
The Prophet Disobeys
Ahijah’s Prophecy
Rehoboam Secures His Kingdom
The Reign of Rehoboam
The Reign of Abijah in Judah
The Reign of Asa in Judah
Asa’s Reforms
Asa Seeks Help from Syria
The Reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel
The Reigns of Elah and Zimri in Israel
The Reign of Omri in Israel
Ahab and Elijah in Israel
The Widow At Zarephath
Elijah Returns to Israel
The Priests of Baal on Mount Carmel
Elijah on Mount Carmel
Under the Broom Tree
The Still, Small Voice
Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria
Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad
Ahab Releases Ben-hadad
Naboth’s Vineyard
Elijah Confronts Ahab
Ahab and Jehoshaphat Form an Alliance
Micaiah
The Death of Ahab
The Reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah
Jehoshaphat’s Reforms
Jehoshaphat’s Prayer
The Lord Delivers Judah
Elijah Condemns Ahaziah
Elijah Is Taken Up to Heaven
Elisha Succeeds Elijah
Three Kings United Against Moab
The Lord Grants Victory
Elisha and the Widow’s Oil
The Shunammite Woman Bears a Son
Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son
Death in the Pot
Naaman Is Healed of Leprosy
The Greed of Gehazi
The Floating Axe Head
Elisha Traps the Army of Syria
The Siege of Samaria
The Syrians Flee
The Shunammite’s Land Is Restored
Hazael Murders Ben-hadad
The Reign of Jehoram in Judah
The Reign of Ahaziah in Judah
Jehu is Anointed King of Israel
Jehu Kills Joram and Ahaziah
Jehu Kills Jezebel
Jehu Kills Ahab’s Family
Jehu Kills the Ministers of Baal
The Reigns of Athaliah and Joash in Judah
Jehoash Repairs the Temple
The Sins and Death of Joash
The Reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash in Israel
The Death of Elisha
The Reign of Amaziah in Judah
The Idolatry and Defeat of Amaziah
The Reign of Jeroboam II in Israel
Jonah Runs Away from God’s Call
Jonah Prays to the Lord
Jonah Preaches in Nineveh
God Teaches Jonah a Lesson
The Reign of Uzziah in Judah
Isaiah’s Vision
The Reigns of Five Kings in Israel
The Reign of Jotham in Judah
The Reign of Ahaz in Judah
Ahaz Provokes the Lord to Anger
Isaiah Gives Ahaz the Sign of Immanuel
Isaiah Foretells the Assyrian Invasion
Isaiah Gives Hope for the Future
The Fall of Israel
The Resettlement of Samaria
Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple
Hezekiah Restores Temple Worship
Hezekiah Prepares to Keep the Passover
The Celebration of the Passover
Hezekiah Organizes the Temple Worship
Sennacherib Invades Judah
Hezekiah Seeks Help from the Lord
Sennacherib’s Fall
Hezekiah’s Illness
Envoys from Babylon
Isaiah Proclaims Comfort for God’s People
The Reign of Manasseh in Judah
Manasseh’s Repentance
The Reign of Amon in Judah
The Reign of Josiah in Judah
Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law
Josiah Renews the Covenant
Josiah Celebrates the Passover
The Death of Josiah
The Remaining Kings of Judah
The Call of Jeremiah
The Ruined Loincloth
The Potter and the Clay
The Broken Flask
The Good and Bad Figs
The Lord Proclaims Captivity for Judah
Jeremiah Threatened with Death
Jeremiah Spared from Death
Jeremiah’s Yoke
Hananiah the False Prophet
Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles
The New Covenant
Jeremiah Buys a Field
Jeremiah’s Prayer
God’s Promise of Future Blessing
God Promises Peace
God’s Eternal Covenant
Jeremiah Speaks to Zedekiah
The Rechabites
Jeremiah Records His Words on a Scroll
Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah’s Scroll
Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah
Jeremiah Is Imprisoned
Jeremiah Is Thrown into a Cistern
Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah Again
The Fall of Judah
Jeremiah Receives a Promise
Jeremiah Remains in Judah
Gedaliah Murdered
Jeremiah Warns Against Fleeing to Egypt
Jeremiah Is Taken to Egypt
Jeremiah Proclaims Judgment on the People
The People Refuse to Listen
God’s Message to Baruch
The Chariot of the Lord
The Call of Ezekiel
Ezekiel’s Commission
A Watchman for Israel
Ezekiel Acts Out the Siege of Jerusalem
Ezekiel Acts Out the Destruction of Jerusalem
Judah’s Abominations
The Man Clothed in Linen
God’s Glory Leaves the Temple
Ezekiel Acts Out the Exile
Ezekiel’s Wife Dies
A Heart of Flesh
The Valley of Dry Bones
God’s Glory Returns to the Temple
A River from the Temple
Daniel Refuses the King’s Food
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
Nebuchadnezzar Builds a Golden Image
The Fiery Furnace
Nebuchadnezzar Has a Second Dream
Daniel Interprets the Second Dream
Nebuchadnezzar Is Humiliated and Restored
The Handwriting on the Wall
Daniel Interprets the Handwriting
The Plot Against Daniel
Daniel and the Lion’s Den
The Banquet of Ahasuerus
Queen Vashti Refuses the King’s Command
Esther Becomes Queen
A Plot Against the King
Haman Attempts to Kill the Jews
Mordecai Asks Esther for Help
Esther and Haman Make Plans
Ahasuerus Honors Mordecai
Esther Reveals Haman’s Plans
Esther and Mordecai Save the Jews
The Jews Fight Their Enemies
The Feast of Purim Is Established
The Exiles Return
The People Rebuild the Altar and the Temple
Opposition to the Rebuilding
The Work Comes to a Halt
Haggai Prophesies to Israel
God’s Glory and Blessing
A Vision
God Promises Blessing
The Rebuilding of the Temple Is Questioned
The Temple Is Rebuilt
Ezra Returns to Teach the People
Ezra Travels to Jerusalem
Intermarriage
The People Confess Their Sin
Nehemiah’s Prayer
Nehemiah Returns to Jerusalem
Opposition to the Work
The Work Resumes
Nehemiah Opposes the Rich
The Plot Against Nehemiah
The Wall Is Completed
Ezra Reads the Law
The Feast of Booths
The People Confess Their Sin, Part 1
The People Confess Their Sin, Part 2
The Obligations of the Covenant
The Dedication of the Wall
Nehemiah’s Reforms
More Reforms By Nehemiah
A Prophecy from Malachi