Come Follow Me 26: 2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11

 Come Follow Me Lesson 26: 2 Samuel 5-7; 11-12; 1 Kings, 3; 8; 11

Introduction

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

The accomplishments of David as a boy, as a young man, as a leader of the Israelite army and a servant of King Saul and as a king himself were numerous and remarkable. He was a man of great faith and did many great things. How we mourn for David, that he gave way to temptation and fell so far, is how we should feel about all our brothers and sisters. We all have great potential. We are all children of God. We should all have each other’s backs and help each other along. We should do what we can to not hinder our own progress or anyone else’s.

David lost spiritual power when he gave into temptation. Have you witnessed that in others? Have you experienced that yourself?

Solomon also started out as both a strong political and spiritual leaders. He had wisdom. He extended his country’s borders; he built a temple. But he also gave way to temptation, aligning himself with wives of other nations and turning to the practices of other people.

We need to remember that our spiritual strength depends upon the choices we make and seeking to have the Spirit with us daily. It is the Lord’s strength, wisdom, and courage that saves us; not our own.

These stories show us that Israel’s true hope—and ours—is not in David, Solomon, or any other mortal king, but in another “son of David”: Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1), the Eternal King who will “forgive the sin of [His] people” if we “turn again to [Him]” (1 Kings 8:33–34).

Personal Study: 2 Samuel 5-7

How can David’s example help you in challenges you face? How can you be one who unites instead of divides?

1 Samuel 23:2 23:2, 10–11: David asked the Lord if he should go to battle. He wanted to be on the Lord’s side and have the Lord on his side. 30:8 Same thing. 2 Samuel 2:1 David’s habit had been to ask for the Lord’s guidance.

Why do we falter and fall when we forget to include the Lord in our plans?

How are you seeking the Lord’s direction in your life? How are you being blessed by acting on the revelation you receive?

2 Samuel 7:1–3 David wanted to build a House for the Lord.

verses 12–15 Solomon would be the one to build the temple. 1 Chronicles 17:1–15

The Lord also said that He in turn would build David a “house,” meaning a posterity, and that his throne would last forever (see 2 Samuel 7:11, 16, 25–29; Psalm 89:3–4, 35–37). This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Eternal King, who was a descendant of David (see Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32–33; John 18:33–37).

Family Study: 2 Samuel 5-7

When have we “inquired of the Lord” for guidance and direction? How has He answered us?

Will you work on inquiring of the Lord? You need Him.

2 Samuel 7:16 When the Lord told David, “Thy throne shall be established forever,” He was referring to a future king in David’s family line who would reign forever: Jesus Christ.

How can you express your gratitude that Jesus is our Eternal King?

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-sam/5?lang=eng

All Israel anoints David king—He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord—He conquers the Philistines.

Vs 1-5 Israel acknowledged David as their King and he was anointed King of Israel.

10 And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.

Vs 12-13 Did David seek the Lord in doing this, taking concubines unto himself?

19 And David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand. (also vs 23)
He always asked (at least in the beginning).

Vs 24-25 David followed the Lord's instructions.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-sam/6?lang=eng

David takes the ark to the city of David—Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies—David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

A lot in this one to take in. Uzzah was seeking to do right, it would appear, by steadying the ark. I did something more foolish, when I put anointing oil on the drive opening of a computer hoping that it would work well and we could finish our project for a family reunion. I’m glad the Lord did not smite me then or since, for continuing blunders.

David was worried to take the ark of the covenant after this happened, but when he saw that Obed-edom was blessed for having it in his house, David took it after all, rejoicing and dancing before the Lord, and he offered sacrifices.

Michal was upset that David would bare himself in front of the people, but really he was bearing himself to the Lord.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-sam/7?lang=eng

David offers to build a house for the Lord—The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so—The Lord will establish David’s house and kingdom forever—David offers a prayer of thanksgiving.

Vs 1-17 Though David wanted to build a house to the Lord, the Lord did not ask him to. We need to make sure that we are doing the Lord's will and not our own, no matter how magnanimus the gift may seem.

The Lord was pleased to blessed the House of David forever. His Own Son would come through David's line, and His throne will be established forever.

vs 18-29 David speaks in prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord. He knows His promises are sure and gives thanks for the blessings that will come to his house, and asks that the Lord will retain these blessings for his house. Very lovely.

Personal Study: 2 Samuel 11

How can we be on constant guard against sin and temptation?

How did David’s series of choices affect the undesired outcome, before and after he saw Bathseba bathing?

What righteous choices had he made in the past that would have helped him not let down his guard? Or better yet, what choices can you personally make or have you made to help you? Have you followed David’s example of true, sincere, and complete repentance?

We must be valiant, steadfast and immovable in our day. 2 Nephi 28:20–24

“To Look Upon” Video of King David’s choice to seek after Bathsheba and today’s conflict so many have with pornography.

Family

How can unclean thoughts and choices involving more minor transgressions lead to serious sin? What should we do when we come across wrong images or encounter wrong thoughts? Make an escape plan.

Videos: “What should I do when I see pornography” and “Watch Your Step.”

“I will give place no more for the enemy of my soul.”

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-sam/11?lang=eng

David lies with Bathsheba, and she conceives—He then arranges for the death in battle of her husband, Uriah.

I sorrow for David because of this choice, every time.

I wish David had gone to battle to begin with. What lesson can I learn from that bit of information right there?

When David saw Bathsheba, he didn't have to keep looking. Though he were a king, yet he should have remembered to be a servant to our Heavenly King and to his people.

I wasn't where he was supposed to be. He saw something he shouldn't have. He lusted after Bathsheba, and he desired another man's wife and had sex with her.

He violated her, violated Uriah, and violated his covenant with the Lord.

When he knew that Bathsheba was pregnant, he didn't own up to his faults, but sought to cover them. He wanted to get Uriah to lie with his wife so that it would look like the child was his. Uriah was faithful to his fellow soldiers and to the cause of the war and wouldn't take that comfort for himself when others didn't have it.

So David conceived murder in his heart and devised a plan whereby Uriah would be slain in battle. Then he took Bathsheba as his own wife.

Bathsheba mourned the loss of her husband.

Jesus would be born of David's line and ultimately save David. The Lord is merciful and kind, but David's choices did cause him to fall from his exaltation. This saddens me so. Yet I have hope in knowing that his soul is saved. The Lord will be the judge in the final judgment.

 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-sam/12?lang=eng

Nathan tells David the parable of the ewe lamb—The Lord gave many wives to David, who is now cursed for taking Bathsheba—David fasts and prays for his son, but the Lord takes him—Solomon is born—David conquers the royal city of the Ammonites.

David doesn't see himself in the parable Nathan tells him. But David being king took a poor man's wife and then his life. David acknowledges his sin; but there will be consequences for him, for his house, and for Israel. David and Bathsheba's son dies. They have another son Solomon, whom the Lord loved and also favored.

David fasted and prayed for his infant son, and undoubtedly for forgiveness and mercy. When his son died, David accepted the Lord's will and resolved to move ahead and seek his favor.

 

Personal Study: 1 Kings 3

 

How would you respond if the Lord asked you, “What should I give you, or what should I do for you?” 1 Kings 3:5

 

Don’t you wish our leaders now would seek after an understanding heart and to discern between good and bad? Are you seeking that yourself? The gift of discernment is a wonderful gift, as is the gift of wisdom. verse 9
How can we seek after this gift?

“Search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil” Moroni 7:12–19.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/1-kgs/3?lang=eng

Solomon loves the Lord and keeps His commandments—The Lord appears to Solomon and promises him a wise and an understanding heart—He judges between two harlots and determines who is the mother of a child.

Vs 1 Should he have made and alliance with Pharaoh and taken his daughter to wife?

Vs 3 Should he have sacrificed and offered incense in high places?

Vs 5-14 Solomon conversed with the Lord in a dream. The Lord was pleased with Solomon's desire for an understanding heart, so that he could serve better as a king. Since this was what Solomon asked for, he was blessed with that and with so much more.

Vs 15 Solomon showed gratitude by offering sacrifices to the Lord.

Vs 27-28 I am glad that Solomon devised a plan to give the real mother back her child. This is one of the most widely known stories in the world.

Personal Study: 1 Kings 8

Solomon said a dedicatory prayer once the temple was built. What blessings did he ask for in that prayer? How are you blessed through temple ordinances and worship?

Read also 2 Chronicles 1

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/1-kgs/8?lang=eng

The ark, containing the two tablets of stone, is placed in the holy of holies—The glory of the Lord fills the temple—Solomon offers the dedicatory prayer—He asks for temporal and spiritual blessings upon repentant and prayerful Israel—The people sacrifice and worship for fourteen days.

Vs 22-52 Dedicatory prayer and petition on behalf of people.

Vs 54-61 Solomon pronounces blessings on Israel and gives counsel.

Family Study: 1 Kings 11

What are some “other gods” (verse 10) that could turn our hearts away from the Lord? How can we keep our hearts centered on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? 1 Kings 11:9–11

 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/1-kgs/11?lang=eng

Solomon marries non-Israelite women, and his wives turn his heart to the worship of false gods—The Lord stirs up adversaries against him, including Jeroboam, the son of Nebat—Ahijah promises Jeroboam that he will be the king of the ten tribes—Solomon dies and Rehoboam reigns in his stead.

The kingdom splits.

Vs 1-2 The Lord's final counsel through Moses was to stay true to the covenat and marry in the covenant. The leaders of the people should have set the example in this. Our allegience needs to be to God and not to making alliances with men.

Vs 4 We should marry someone with whom we are equally yoked, and we should pledge to each other to help each other follow the Lord.

Vs 9-13 Because Solomon chose the gods of his worldly companions, the kingdom was split. Solomon's son would not rule over all of Israel, only over Judah.

Vs 30-32 Jeroboam was to rule over Israell and Reoboam over Judah.