Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 3, 2018

“A Different Kingdom”   2 Samuel 1:1-16   Bible Study   06/03/18

This morning we begin a new study in the book of 2 Samuel. The book begins with additional information surrounding the death of Saul and then proceeds to record the key events in the reign of David as king over Israel. We will want to note that a key element of the narrator’s intended purpose is to contrast the lives of Israel’s first two kings: Saul and David. In a real sense, while one goes down, the other rises up. In God’s OT economy, kings are not just any leaders. In spite of their failures and those of the people they lead, they are a part of God’s plan to reveal, install and exalt His ultimate King, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I. The report of Saul’s death (1:1-5)

• David at Ziklag
• an Amalekite messenger from Saul’s camp
• David’s questions

II. The hole in the story (1:6-10)

• compare with 1 Samuel 31
• somebody is lying
• ultimately exposure of falsehood

III. The magnification of grief (1:11-12)

• structural center of the story
• the Amalekite can wait
• meaningful mourning

IV. The protective value of fear (1:13-16)

• the Amalekite’s assumption
• David’s discernment
• David’s key question
• a fear grounded in love

V. So What?

• Because God’s kingdom reflects His character and culminates in Christ, conform to its principles.
• Treasure God’s truth.
• Relish God’s reputation.
• Submit to God’s authority
• “Omniscience governing omnipotence, infinite power ruled by infinite wisdom, is a basic biblical description of the divine character.” (Packer)
• “Ye saints who toil below, adore your heavenly King, and onward as ye go, some joyful anthem sing.” (Baxter)