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2 Samuel 2 · Grade 5

David Inquired of the Lord

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Read and Think

Second Samuel 2 shows David waiting on God. Even though Samuel had anointed him years before, David did not seize the throne. He inquired of the Lord, and God answered with a single place: Hebron. There the men of Judah anointed David king over the house of Judah.

David's first act as king was a message of blessing to the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had buried Saul. He praised their kindness and prayed that the Lord would show them loving kindness and truth. In this way David honored Saul's memory and reached out to people who had been loyal to Saul.

But the kingdom was divided. Abner, Saul's commander, set up Ishbosheth as king over Israel. At the pool of Gibeon a contest between young men turned into a severe battle. Abner killed Asahel, Joab's brother, who would not stop chasing him. As the sun went down, Abner called to Joab and asked whether the sword would devour forever. Joab blew the trumpet, and the people stopped pursuing their brothers. Yet the seeds of a long war had been planted.

Show What You Know

  1. What did David do instead of seizing the throne?

  2. What was David's first act as king?

  3. Why was that message wise?

  4. Who set up Ishbosheth as king?

  5. Why was Asahel killed?

Crossword

53421

Across

  1. They anointed David king over the house of ____.
  2. They ____ David king over the house of Judah.
  3. He said, To ____.

Down

  1. Captain of Saul's army.
  2. Leader of David's men, son of Zeruiah.

Think About It

  1. David waited for God's timing even though he knew he would be king. What is hard about waiting for God's timing?

  2. Abner said the sword would bring bitterness in the end. Where do you see quarrels that only make things worse, and how could peace begin?

Memory Verse

After this, David inquired of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” Yahweh said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” He said, “To Hebron.”

2 Samuel 2:1 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for showing me which way to go. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • How can you earn people's trust without pushing them around?
  • How can a leader show kindness to people who were on the other side?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.