Interact Handout 69 - 2 Samuel 1

Recap: The book of 1 Samuel ends with the sad demise of King Saul and his sons. At the end of his life, Saul had become so hardened in sin that he did not want to repent. There appears to be a kind of poetic justice here, in that Saul is buried under “the tamarisk tree”.

It seems that Saul spent much of his time under a tree, some of which should have been spent doing battle with his enemies. The only light in the story is the valient act of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead. Many years before, Saul delivered their city from the Ammonites and they repay the kindness God showed them from the hand of Saul. Upon taking the throne, David will thank these valiant men for their kindness to the memory of Saul, Jonathan, and Saul’s other sons.

Understanding:
1. Read 2 Samuel 1 and in your own words pull out the main thought of this passage.
2. How does David hear of the death of Saul and Jonathan?
3. What is David's response to the news of the death of Saul and Jonathan, according to verses 11 & 12?
4. Why did David command that the Amalekite be destroyed, according to verse 16? 2
5. How does David describe Saul and Jonathan in verse 23?
6. Why do we have to be so careful not to gullibly believe everything that is reported to us? How can we check the facts and verify the truthfulness of spiritual claims?

Study Hint:
Mark every reference to death , dying , killing in the same way. Also mark
love and anointed .

Reflection: Euthanasia: 'Mercy Killing'

What does euthanasia mean?
Where are the words derived form?
In our society, the prevailing ideologies used to support euthanasia are based on two sets of criterion: 'quality of life' and personal autonomy.
How should Christians respond to this?