Bible study · 2 Samuel 14:1-33
2 Samuel 14: Water spilled on the ground
Read 2 Samuel 14:1-33 before you meet.
In a few lines
"Neither does God take away life, but devises means, that he who is banished not be an outcast from him" (14:14) is a line in a story: "Joab put the words in her mouth" (14:3). It brought Absalom home, but he "didn’t see the king’s face" for two full years (14:28), until "the king kissed Absalom" (14:33).
The verse to carry
“For we must die, and are like water spilled on the ground, which can’t be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, but devises means, that he who is banished not be an outcast from him.”
2 Samuel 14:14
To talk about
1. The woman spoke of means "that he who is banished not be an outcast" (14:14). Is there someone who feels shut out of your family, your church or your friendships? What would one step toward them look like?
2. David let Absalom come home but said, "let him not see my face" (14:24). What is the difference between letting someone back and truly welcoming them, and why do we sometimes stop halfway?
3. Joab wouldn't come when Absalom sent for him, twice (14:29). Is there someone who keeps reaching out to you whom you've been leaving unanswered?