Week Four: Dance with Spirit

King Saul and King David / 1-2 Samuel

 Our readings this week cover the rich and dramatic story of David, who was not yet King when 1 Samuel begins.  We see his rise within the reign of King Saul and his military strengths.

 David is proclaimed king after Saul and his son Jonathan are killed in battle.

He is considered a righteous king even though he is not without flaws.

David captures Jerusalem and brings the ark of the covenant there.

God enters into a covenant with David, promising that his throne would be established forever.

 Here are some things to notice along the way.

1. Who named Jerusalem the City of David?

 

2. What do you see as David’s strengths? What do you see as his flaws?

3. David wants to build a temple for the Lord. What stops him?

Bonus: Why do you think these books are named for Samuel and not David?

Leading Israel into Exile / 1-2 Kings 

King Solomon builds an astounding Temple for the presence of God (and he gets a great palace of his own, too), but soon the people and lands of Israel split into two kingdoms. The Northern Kingdom, which carries the name Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, which carries the name Judah.

The narrative of First and Second Kings moves back and forth among the kingdom, detailing the highlights of each king’s reign, covering battles, behavior and relationship to the Lord.

Here are some things to notice along the way.

1. How does the narrative describe each king’s relationship with God?

2. What were the greatest affronts to God by the people and their kings?

 

Bonus: What becomes of the Temple in Jerusalem?