A Man Who Knew How to Repent

2 Samuel 24:1-25

Key Verse 17

“When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the Lord, “I have sinned; I, the shepherd, have done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall on me and my family.”

1. Read verses 1-4.  What had happened in Israel? (1, 1 Chronicle 21:1, Exodus 30:12) What does David ask Joab? (2)  What does Joab say upon hearing David's request? (3) How does the King prevail over others? (4)

2. Read verses 5-12. How many men does Joab find in Israel? (5-9, 1 Chronicle 21:5) What happens to David after he hears the report? (10) What does God tell David through the prophet Gad? (11-12)

3. Read verses 13-17. What consequence does David choose among the three options given to him? (13, 14) What happens to the Israelites? (15)  What does God do when his angel reaches out his hand to destroy Jerusalem? (16) What does David say to God? (17) What do you think there is to learn from the interaction between God and King David in this passage?

4. Read verses 18-24. What does God say to David through Gad? (18). What did David do? (19-21) What does Araunah offer David? (22-23) How does David respond to this offer? (24). What does God do in acceptance of David's offerings?  (25, 1 Chronicle 21:26) What do you think we can learn from David and what do you think we can learn about God from this?

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