Chapter Summary

Joab murders Amasa. Suppression of Sheba's revolt.

Discussion Questions for 2 Samuel, Chapter 20

1. In verse 1, Sheba, a troublemaker, blows a trumpet and declares, “We have no share in David.” How do we handle divisive voices within our communities, and what steps can we take to promote unity?
2. In verse 3, David returns to his palace in Jerusalem and puts away his concubines, confining them for the rest of their lives. What does this action reveal about the consequences of sin and the complexities of dealing with past decisions?
3. Verse 4 shows David commanding Amasa to summon the men of Judah within three days. How does urgency in leadership impact the effectiveness of a mission, and how do we respond to time-sensitive situations?
4. Reflecting on verse 5, Amasa takes longer than the allotted time to gather the troops. How do delays and unmet expectations affect our plans, and what strategies can we use to manage these challenges?
5. In verse 7, Joab and his men pursue Sheba. What does this pursuit teach us about the importance of confronting rebellion or issues head-on, and how can we apply this to resolving conflicts in our lives?
6. Reflecting on verse 10, Joab kills Amasa with a dagger. What does this act of betrayal tell us about the consequences of unchecked ambition and the importance of trust within leadership?
7. Verse 16 introduces a wise woman from the city who calls out to Joab. How do we use wisdom and communication to de-escalate tense situations, and what role does seeking counsel play in conflict resolution?
8. Reflecting on verse 20, Joab responds to the woman, saying that he does not want to destroy the city. How can we find solutions that avoid unnecessary harm to others when resolving disputes?
9. Verse 22 describes the woman’s successful negotiation, leading to Sheba’s execution and the end of the rebellion. How does decisive action, guided by wisdom, contribute to peace and stability in our lives?
10. In verse 26, David’s administration is listed, showing the various roles in his kingdom. How do we ensure that our own “administrations” or teams are organized and effective, and what can we learn from David’s approach to leadership?

Key Words/Phrase

Traitor, v. 1.

Characters

Bavid, Joab, Amasa, Sheba, Abishai.

Strong Verse(s)

20