The pestilence swept through the land like cholera or the black death in modern times. At last it approached the Holy City. It seemed as if the angel of the Lord were hovering over it, sword in hand, awaiting the final order. All this is spoken after the manner of men. It is clear, however, that, in answer to David’s penitent faith, a great change came over the scene. If the same faith had been exercised before the plague reached Jerusalem, may we not believe that an arrest would have come previously? As ° soon as David was prepared, as in v. 17, to suffer instead of his people, his love and contrition and faith were accepted on their behalf.

Then, on Mount Meriah, where centuries before Abraham’s uplifted knife was stayed, the angel now stayed his act of judgment. The threshing floor of Araunah became the site of an altar, while afterward on that spot stood the Temple, the center of national worship and the scene of the manifestation of the Son of man. The lesson for us is that, when we take the true attitude toward God, we can exercise, by our faith, prayer and self-sacrifice, a wonderful influence in behalf of cities and nations.

What is the subject of the entire book? What are its two main divisions? What material is included in the Appendix?

What were the leading elements in David’s life? How does this book confirm the belief that the Psalter began with David?

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding

How did David receive the news of the death of Saul and of Jonathan?

How is David’s character revealed in the “Song of the Bow”?

What was David’s attitude toward the people of Jabesh-gilead ?

What occasioned the conflict between the forces of David and Abner?

How was Abner alienated from Ish-bosheth?

What reasons did Joab have for killing Abner?

How did David show his feelings toward Abner?

How did the murderers of Ish-bosheth misjudge David’s character?

Why was the capture of Jerusalem of great importance ?

How was David’s victory over the Philistines in the valley of Rephaim achieved?

What mistake did David make in returning the Ark?

What incident marred David’s joy at the return of the Ark?

What three promises did God make to David through Nathan?

What was characteristic of David’s prayers to God?

What was the extent of David’s conquests?

What penalty did King Hanun pay for rejecting David’s intended kindness?

How did David fall while tarrying at home during the siege of Rabbah?

What was the fatal flaw in David’s plot against Uriah?

How did God cause David to pass judgment upon himself?

How was David moved by the death of his new-born child?

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding

How did sin begin to show itself in David’s household? i

Why did not David attempt to punish Amnon?

What was David’s attitude toward Absalom?

By what means did Joab secure David’s permission for Absalom’s return? ;

What was Absalom’s position after his return to Jerusalem ?

How did Absalom win the hearts of the men of Israel from David?

Why did David leave Jerusalem immediately on hearing of Absalom’s revolt?

What great quality did David retain in his adversity?

How did David receive the curses of Shimei?

Why did Hushai join the forces of Absalom?

What influenced Absalom to accept the counsel of Hushai?

How was the news of Absalom’s death brought to David? How did he receive it?

How did Joab arouse David from his grief?

How was David welcomed by Judah on his return?

How is David’s treatment of Ziba and Mephibosheth to be explained?

How did David’s return become an occasion of jealousy between the tribes?

Why did David appoint Amasa to be head of the army? What was the result?

What measures did David take to remove a prolonged famine?

What did Rizpah’s faithfulness suggest to David?

What unattained ideal did David express in his last song?

Why did David long for the water of the well of Bethlehem? Why did he refuse the water when it was brought to him?

What example did David set to the men of his time?

Why was it wrong for David to number the people?

How did David prevent the complete destruction of the people by the pestilence?

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