◄ 2 Samuel 15:8 ►
For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: 'If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.'" Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:8? 2. What does 2 Samuel 15:8 reveal about the importance of keeping vows to God? 3. How can we ensure our promises to God are sincere and fulfilled today? 4. In what ways does 2 Samuel 15:8 connect to Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 about vows? 5. How does Absalom's vow in 2 Samuel 15:8 reflect his true intentions? 6. What lessons on integrity can we learn from Absalom's actions in this passage? 7. What vow did Absalom make to the LORD in 2 Samuel 15:8? 8. Why did Absalom choose Hebron to fulfill his vow in 2 Samuel 15:8? 9. How does Absalom's vow in 2 Samuel 15:8 reflect his character and intentions? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15? 11. Why do historical records suggest that David's kingdom was much smaller than the Bible describes? 12. Does the timeline in 2 Samuel 15 align with other biblical accounts, or does it create chronological contradictions? 13. Why does 1 Samuel 8 conflict with later passages that seem to affirm kingship, such as 2 Samuel 7? 14. In 1 Chronicles 15:29, Michal criticizes David's dance--does this episode conflict with the portrayal of Michal in 2 Samuel, creating an inconsistency in her character and motives? Discussion Questions 1. What does Absalom's vow reveal about his character and intentions, and how can we ensure our vows to God are sincere? 2. How does the concept of making and fulfilling vows to God appear in other parts of the Bible, and what can we learn from these examples? 3. In what ways might we be tempted to use spiritual commitments for personal gain, and how can we guard against this? 4. How does God's sovereignty play a role in the unfolding events of Absalom's life, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that our return to God, like Absalom's return to Jerusalem, leads to genuine repentance and restoration? 2 Samuel 15 Bible Study Questions 1. How does Absalom’s behavior serve as an example of subtle manipulation? How can we guard against such behavior in our own lives? 2. How does Absalom exploit the needs and desires of the Israelites to his advantage? What does this tell us about the power of discernment? 3. How does David's reaction to Absalom's betrayal reflect his faith in God? 4. Why does David choose to flee Jerusalem instead of confronting Absalom? What can we learn from this about handling conflicts? 5. How does David's approach towards Ahithophel's defection demonstrate wisdom and strategy? 6. Discuss the role of Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar. How do their actions emphasize loyalty and courage? 7. What can we learn about trusting God in times of personal crisis from David's reaction to his son's betrayal? 8. If you were in David's shoes, how would you handle Absalom's rebellion? 9. How does Absalom's behavior impact your understanding of the consequences of unchecked ambition? 10. David's life was full of conflict. How did he use these challenges to strengthen his faith? 11. In what ways do you think David might have felt responsible for Absalom's rebellion? 12. How would you counsel someone dealing with betrayal by a close family member or friend, based on David's experience? 13. How can David's trust in God inspire us in our own trials and tribulations? 14. How do David's actions show his love for Jerusalem and his people? 15. In times of betrayal and conflict, what strategies did David use to keep his people united? 16. How did the priests Zadok and Abiathar demonstrate their loyalty? What can we learn from their actions? 17. How does David's handling of Absalom's rebellion show his skill as a leader? 18. How does Absalom's story warn against the dangers of pride and a rebellious spirit? 19. Discuss the significance of David's prayer on Mount of Olives in the context of his crisis. 20. Based on David's experiences, how would you apply his strategies and faith to a crisis in your own life? Links 2 Samuel 15:8 NIV 2 Samuel 15:8 NLT 2 Samuel 15:8 ESV 2 Samuel 15:8 NASB 2 Samuel 15:8 KJV 2 Samuel 15:8 Commentaries Bible Hub