So Joab said to a Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen." The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 18:21? 2. How does 2 Samuel 18:21 demonstrate the importance of delivering messages accurately? 3. What can we learn about obedience from the actions in 2 Samuel 18:21? 4. How does 2 Samuel 18:21 connect to themes of loyalty in the Bible? 5. How should we respond when tasked with difficult messages, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:21? 6. What role does trust play in the events of 2 Samuel 18:21? 7. What is the significance of Ahimaaz's role in 2 Samuel 18:21? 8. Why does Joab choose the Cushite over Ahimaaz in 2 Samuel 18:21? 9. How does 2 Samuel 18:21 reflect on the theme of obedience and authority? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18? 11. When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4) 12. Why does Joab's direct killing of Absalom contradict David's explicit command to spare him (2 Samuel 18:5, 14), and does this create a moral inconsistency? 13. Why is there a discrepancy between the numbers given in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21 for the same census? 14. How many fighting men were found in Judah? Five hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9) Four hundred and seventy thousand (I Chronicles 21:5) Discussion Questions 1. How does Joab's decision to send the Cushite instead of Ahimaaz reflect his understanding of the situation and his leadership style?2. In what ways can we apply the Cushite's role as a messenger to our own responsibility to share the Gospel? 3. How does David's reaction to Absalom's death (later in the chapter) inform our understanding of the personal cost of leadership and family dynamics? 4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences of Absalom's rebellion about the importance of aligning our desires with God's will? 5. How can we trust in God's sovereignty when faced with difficult or tragic circumstances in our own lives? What scriptures can we turn to for encouragement?1. How does David's reaction to Absalom's rebellion reflect his understanding of God's justice? 2. Discuss the implications of David's instructions to his generals regarding Absalom. What does this reveal about his character? 3. How did Joab's decision to kill Absalom conflict with David's orders, and what does this indicate about their respective values and motivations? 4. Reflect on the consequences of Absalom's pride (symbolized by his hair) leading to his downfall. How does this apply to contemporary life? 5. Explore the theme of loyalty in this chapter. How are the loyalties of different characters tested, and what do their actions reveal? 6. How does the news of Absalom's defeat and death affect David? Compare his reaction to the expected reaction of a king whose throne has just been secured. 7. How does David's mourning of Absalom's death demonstrate his fatherly love? In what ways is this reflective of God's love for us, even when we rebel? 8. In what ways does the forest of Ephraim play a role in this narrative? What does it symbolize? 9. How can we apply the lessons from David's experience with Absalom's rebellion and death to handle conflict within our families? 10. Why might Ahimaaz have chosen not to tell David about Absalom's death when he first arrived? 11. How does this chapter highlight the consequences of disobedience and rebellion? 12. What lessons can leaders today learn from David's approach to dealing with Absalom's rebellion? 13. How does the tragedy of this chapter underscore the importance of unity and peace within a family and a nation? 14. Compare the leadership styles of David, Absalom, and Joab. What can these comparisons teach us about leadership today? 15. How can you reconcile David's love for Absalom despite his betrayal? How can this lesson be applied in our lives when dealing with personal betrayals? 16. Reflect on the contrast between victory in battle and personal loss in this chapter. How does this contrast relate to the complexities of victories in our lives? 17. In light of David's deep mourning for Absalom, how can we navigate the tension between justice and mercy? 18. How does this chapter explore the theme of divine justice and its application in our everyday lives? 19. How do you reconcile the idea of a loving father with a king who needs to establish his authority? 20. How would you handle a situation where a close family member betrays you, much like Absalom's betrayal of David? How would your faith guide you in such a situation? Links 2 Samuel 18:21 NIV2 Samuel 18:21 NLT 2 Samuel 18:21 ESV 2 Samuel 18:21 NASB 2 Samuel 18:21 KJV 2 Samuel 18:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |



