Psalm 51 and II Samuel 11-12

1)         Read II Samuel 11 and 12. This story begins with King David NOT riding out to battle with the rest of his army even though he should have.  Everything seems to go downhill from this one mistake.  Have you ever experienced life spinning out of control from one bad decision?   What did you learn from that experience?

2)         How much blame does Bathsheba bear in this story? (11:2-5)   What could she have done differently? What would you have done differently?

3)         Besides Uriah and Bathsheba, who else suffered as a result of David’s sin? (11:14-17) Lent is a season of reconciliation. Take a moment to ask the LORD to show you anyone whom you may have hurt without realizing it.

4)         David is indignant at Nathan’s story of the sheep until he realizes that it is aimed at him (12:1-6). Have you ever felt moral indignation about something only to discover later that you were guilty of similar wrong doing? How did you respond?

5)         Was God fair to take David’s child as a result of David’s sin? Why did David accept this? (12:20-25)

6)         David responded to his sin with fasting and repentance, but he also went out and finished fighting the battle he should have fought in the beginning (12:26-29). When life returns to “normal” (after spinning out of control) do you go all the way back to the root cause of the problem to ensure that it does not happen again? How has God given you success in dealing with root issues  in your life?

“The Lord is at your right hand”

Psalm 110, II Samuel 7

1.         Read II Samuel 7.  What does David want to do for God?  What does God want to do for David?

2.         What is promised to David in verses 9 -16?  How was the promise fulfilled?  In what way today is David’s house and kingdom established forever?  (read Isaiah 9:6-7;  Luke 1:32-33)

3.         John Newton wrote “Amazing Grace” based on this passage (especially the words, “The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures”.)  Reflect on the promises and the grace that God extends to you.  Give thanks.

4.         Read Psalm 110.  What stands out in your mind as you read it?

5.         This psalm is drawn upon heavily in the New Testament.  What point did Jesus make with this psalm (read Luke 20:41-44)?

6.         Who is Melchizedek in Psalm 110:4?  Read Genesis 14:17-20.  How are his roles conferred on the Davidic line?  What does the New Testament say about him  (see Hebrews 7:1-19)?

7.         Psalm 110:5 says, “The Lord is at your right hand.”  What does this mean for David?  For Jesus?  For you?

1)         What are your experiences of dancing as a form of praise? If you’ve tried it yourself, has it helped you worship God better? Why or why not? Has watching other people dance ever helped you worship?

2)         Read Psalm 30 and I Samuel 6:16-27. How does this psalm mirror David’s excitement as he leads the ark of God to the temple?

3)         Do you feel sorry for Michal? Why or why not?

4)         Has worship ever seemed embarrassing or undignified to you? It seems that Michal had some selfish “hang ups” about David’s worship style. During worship how do you discern the difference between your own “hang ups” and personal preference?

5)         What has God done for you historically (or recently) that make you want to worship him without any inhibition?

6)         Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” How is this different from the kind of mourning that David is talking about in verse 11? How is it similar?

7)         Echoing verse 11, Isaiah 61:3 states that God will give his people “a beautiful crown instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a fainting spirit.” What does this “garment of praise” look like in your worship? In your daily life?

Psalm 17

1. All of the psalms can be used as prayers, but Psalm 17 is explicitly titled “A Prayer of David”.  Read through Psalm 17.  What stands out to you as a “prayer”?
2. What pieces of this prayer resonate with prayers that you have been praying recently?
3. At this point in our study in the life of David, he is King over all Israel.  Yet even from a position of power, he doesn’t take revenge on his enemies.  Have you ever had this experience – where you suddenly have the upper hand over those who have done you harm?  Did you avoid being smug or vindictive?  If so, then how did God help you?  If not, then how might you ask God to help you in this situation?
4. As David cries out to God, he declares that his “lips are free from deceit” (verse 1) and his “feet have not slipped” (v. 5)  How can he claim this?  We know that he is not blameless (even if he hasn’t sought revenge on his enemies), yet he says that he is.  How is this confidence possible?
5. What kind of self-examination does it take to make a please of innocence like David makes?
6. David says, “From your presence let my vindication come” (verse 2, ESV, emphasis mine).  When you examine your life and set it before the Lord, do you have assurance that he has vindicated you – from sin, from Satan, from your enemies?
7. Ultimately, our confidence in God’s salvation springs from the righteousness that we have by faith in Jesus Christ.  Look at verse 15:  Do you think David caught a glimpse of this?  What is the last time you caught a glimpse of this?

“Who is this King of glory?”

Psalm 24, Psalm 122, II Samuel 6

Read Psalm 24 and II Samuel 6

1. What would a worship service led by David look like?  Would you be surprised by any sights or sounds?
2. What musical instruments are listed as used in worship (II Samuel 6:5,15)?  How do instruments release love for God?
3. What would it take to get you dancing in the streets?  A disarmament treaty?  Your beloved said, “I do”?  A Super Bowl victory for your favorite team?  Receiving the love that the Lord Jesus has for you?
4. Compare the response of David and the people (II Samuel 6:12-15) with Michal’s response (verse 16).  Have you ever experienced such feelings?
5. In Psalm 24, what does David stress about God in verses 1-2?  How do these qualities relate to his Questions and answer in verses 3-4?
6. What is meant by “clean hands and a pure heart”?
7. In verse 5, we read that the Lord blesses and vindicates those whom He saves.  How have you been blessed and vindicated?
8. What names would you give God from this psalm?  Use these now as you pray and worship Him.