Bible Study Questions

Finding Great Success

2 Samuel 23:1-39

Paul J. Bucknell

2 Samuel 23-24 Success and Failure
2 Samuel 23:1-7 | 23:8- 39 | 2 Samuel 23 Bible Study
2 Samuel 24:1-9 | 24:10-15 | 24:16-25 | 2 Samuel 24 Bible Study
2 Samuel 23-24 Video | Audio Podcast

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Purpose: 2 Samuel 23 Bible Study Questions help us understand genuine success by guiding us to focus on God's work in one's life and on how others have greatly contributed to our lives.

Introduction

By this presentation of David’s success at the end of his life, we can ponder the important question: “What is true success?” After all, our answer to this question will become that which motivates and guides us through our lives.

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Our Life Test (only two questions!)

• What do you think success means?

• What questions will the Lord ask you in the end? Is the way that He defines success different from the world? How so? What about your view?

1) David’s Last Words (2 Samuel 23:1-7)

“Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, And the man who was raised on high declares, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1).

1. What kind of words does David speak here (1) ? What does that refer to?

2. What are the three descriptions of David in 23:1? Explain each.

3. Did you notice anything missing from this final picture of David’s life? What and why so?

4. Reflection: What is it that you treasure the most about your life? How much has God’s grace shaped your thoughts and decisions? At the end of your life, what will be most significant to you and others? Your positions and gains or your special times with the Lord?

David’s words of hope (2 Samuel 23:2-7)

“ 2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue. 3 The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me, “He who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, 4 is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain” (2 Samuel 23:2-4).

“5 Truly is not my house so with God? For He has made an everlasting covenant with me, Ordered in all things, and secured; For all my salvation and all my desire, Will He not indeed make it grow? 6 But the worthless, every one of them will be thrust away like thorns, Because they cannot be taken in hand; 7 But the man who touches them must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear, and they will be completely burned with fire in their place.” (2 Samuel 23:5-7).

1. Who spoke to David (23:2)? Does that refer to personal uplifting or his prophetic ministry?

2. Keil & Delitzsch provides a good translation for verse 3. “A ruler over the human race will arise, a just ruler, and will exercise his dominion in the spirit of the fear of God.” This verse does not speak of David but another coming one. What does this verse say about this coming ruler? Has He come? Who might it be?

3. Read 2 Samuel 7:12-13. How does this relate to the first part of verse 5?

4. What does David speak of in 23:6-7? How might it relate to the former verses?

5. Reflection: Do we focus on our titles, wealth, positions or on God's grace brought to our lives?

2) David’s Great Companions (2 Samuel 23:8-39)

“8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains, he was called Adino the Eznite, because of eight hundred slain by him at one time; and after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there to battle and the men of Israel had withdrawn. He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and the LORD brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to strip the slain.” (2 Samuel 23:8-10).

1. What kind of list starts in verse 8 and runs right to the end of the chapter?

2. Mention at least 4 of these men and things they did.

3. What is the significance of mentioning all these men’s contribution here along with David’s last words?

4. When was the last time you quietly thanked the Lord for all those around you whether at home, church or work? What great things could you do without them?

5. Who is the last person mentioned (23:39)? What is significant about him (see 2 Samuel 11)?

6. Why might his name be placed last on the list?

7. How are our jealousies and selfish desires related to our appreciation of others?

Summary Questions

1. Reflect on this statement, “A person’s life success will be determined by how much they realize how indebted they are to God and by how much they focus on accomplishing what God has for them to do.”

2. As a person gets older, they focus more on who they are rather than what they have done. Is that good or bad? Did David do that above?

3. Can you genuinely say, “I have done great things because ____________ has helped me.” Choose several accomplishments and fill in the blank with people’s names.

4. Have you learned to be deeply appreciated of others? Explain.

Next -> Read, view or listen to the study on True Genuine Success on 2 Samuel 23.

Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell