“The Kingdom” – Bible Study in 1 & 2 Samuel

The Kingdom, 42: Age-Old War

2 Samuel 21:15-22

Imagine you hired an author to write your biography for the world to read. How would you like the final chapters of your book to
end? We would probably want to highlight our strengths and accomplishments as well as end with a grand summary of the best
moments in our lives. But what if the author instead decided to include a portion at the end highlighting your moments of weariness,
describing how you were not as able as you used to be? Well, this was how the Book of 2 Samuel was ending for King David. As we
study 2 Samuel 21:15-22, will see the wisdom of scripture that teaches us why such moments of weakness are important, and even
beneficial for ourselves and others in our lives as we trust in God.

[Background & Notes]

 Context: In the epilogue of the Book of 2 Samuel, starting from chapter 21 to 24, the writer breaks from chronological order
and highlights various aspects of King David’s life. Therefore, reviewing certain aspects of Israel’s history and David’s rule
will help give insight into understanding this text.
 War between the Philistines and Israel (v.15,18-20). This ongoing war was not mainly about capturing territories and
comparing their two armies, but it was a spiritual battle in which each nation believed their god(s) had helped in their
victory or was absent in their loss. However, the one true God of Israel was sovereignly giving Israel over to the Philistines
whenever they disobeyed God and turned to the idols of other nations (Judges 3:1–6, 13:1). When Israel trusted in and
obeyed God, He would provide them with victory in any battle. And under the rule of King David, who was a mighty warrior,
the Philistines could not conquer over Israel every time they came out to battle against Israel (1 Samuel 18:30).
 David’s men. The four of David’s men in this text were part of a larger group of men who had humble beginnings. When
David was fleeing for his life from King Saul, hiding in a cave, other members of his family as well as other men who were
known for being in distress, in debt, and bitter about their lives gathered to David. David became commander over them (1
Samuel 22:1–2).
 Lamp of Israel (v.17). A “lamp” could symbolize life or the future hope of Israel. It seems to be a term of reverence for King
David, who was seen as the hope for the perseveration of the kingdom.
 Goliath the Gittite (v.19). Contrast with 1 Chronicles 20:5, which may preserve the reading of the original manuscript.

2 Samuel 20:1-26 (ESV) Notes

15 There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went
down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines.
And David grew weary. 16 And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the
1. [Observation] In vv.15-17, what do you observe
about David’s condition? What characteristics of
Ishbi-benob would make him confident to kill
the mighty King David?

giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who

was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. 17 But Abishai the son
of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then
David’s men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle,
How did his men specifically address David’s
condition? What do you imagine was going on in
David’s mind in regard to his men’s instructions?

lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”

18 After this there was again war with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai

the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was one of the descendants of the 2. [Observation] In vv.18-21, what is the writer
emphasizing by describing each of the victories
giants. 19 And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and of David’s men?

Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath

the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 20 And

there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who

had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in
3.
number, and he also was descended from the giants. 21 And when he
taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, struck him
[Observation] In v.22, what is the significance
of the men’s victories considering that their
warrior king was no longer with them in battle?

down. 22 These four were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell

by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.

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“The Kingdom” – Bible Study in 1 & 2 Samuel

4. [Interpretation] How does this passage ultimately center on Christ (considering what only Jesus is able to do)? How do
you see God using moments of weariness in your life to teach you how to trust in God?

5. [Application] How do I need to respond to the text (in a personal, tangible, and immediate way)? How can others help me
to follow through? Who else can I share what I learned with?

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