2 Samuel 5:21
There the Philistines abandoned their idols, and David and his men carried them away.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 5:21?

2. Why did David and his men carry away the Philistines' abandoned idols?

3. How does 2 Samuel 5:21 demonstrate God's power over false gods?

4. What can we learn about idolatry from 2 Samuel 5:21?

5. How can we apply David's actions against idols to our modern lives?

6. What other scriptures warn against the dangers of idolatry like 2 Samuel 5:21?

7. Why did the Philistines abandon their idols in 2 Samuel 5:21?

8. What does 2 Samuel 5:21 reveal about the power of God over idols?

9. How does 2 Samuel 5:21 demonstrate David's faith in God?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 5?

11. When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)

12. Did David or Elhanan kill Goliath?

13. 1 Chronicles 14:8–17 – How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David’s battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?

14. Who incited David to take a census? (2 Samuel 24:1 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1)
Discussion Questions
1. What does the abandonment of idols by the Philistines teach us about the power of God compared to false gods?

2. How can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives that may hinder our relationship with God?

3. In what ways does David's leadership and reliance on God serve as a model for us in facing our own battles?

4. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6 relate to the physical battle described in 2 Samuel 5:21?

5. What lessons can we learn from the Philistines' defeat about the consequences of not following the one true God?1. How did the attitudes of the people of Israel towards David change throughout the course of his life, and what were the factors that led to these changes?

2. How did David's leadership style differ from Saul's, and what can we learn from their differences?

3. How does David's patience in waiting for God's timing to ascend the throne challenge your understanding of patience and timingin your life?

4. What does the successful capture of Jerusalem signify in the context of David's kingship and God's promises?

5. In what ways does David demonstrate his obedience to God in this chapter? How does this obedience impact his reign?

6. Why do you think David sought God's guidance before going into battle with the Philistines? What can we learn from his approach to decision-making?

7. Why did David decide to make Jerusalem his capital? What significance does this decision have for the history of Israel?

8. How do you interpret the alliance between King Hiram and David? What does it show about David's influence and God's favor?

9. How does David's expansion of his family reflect the customs of his time, and how does it relate to God's covenant with him?

10. What are the important elements of David's character that allowed him to unite the tribes of Israel? How can these traits be applied to contemporary leadership challenges?

11. What lessons about conflict resolution and reconciliation can we draw from David's interaction with the elders of Israel?

12. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's direction, as shown in David's actions, to the dilemmas we face today?

13. In the modern world, we often face challenges or 'strongholds' that seem insurmountable, much like the stronghold of Zion. How can David's strategy and faith inform our approach to these challenges?

14. Reflect on how David recognized God's affirmation in the alliance with Hiram. How can we better discern God's affirmation in our lives?

15. Why do you think David's victories over the Philistines were so crucial to his reign? How do victories over enemies or obstacles serve to confirm or strengthen our faith?

16. What personal 'strongholds' or challenges can you identify in your own life that you need God's guidance to overcome, as David did with Jerusalem?

17. As Christians, how can we cultivate an attitude of waiting on God's timing, as demonstrated by David?

18. How does David's transition from a fugitive to a king inspire you in your personal journey?

19. In our lives, we may often face 'Philistines' — problems or adversaries that seem overwhelming. What practical steps can we take to seek God's guidance in such situations?

20. Consider David's dedication to making Jerusalem a place of glory and honor for God. How can we work to make our lives and communities places that reflect God's glory?

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