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2 Samuel 3 · Grade 4

Peace Broken by Revenge

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Read and Think

The long war between Saul's house and David's house slowly turned. David grew stronger, while Saul's house grew weaker. In Hebron six sons were born to David, among them Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah.

Abner had been holding Saul's house together. After a bitter quarrel with Ishbosheth, Abner said he would transfer the kingdom to David, as the Lord had sworn. He spoke with the elders of Israel and then came to Hebron. David welcomed him with a feast and sent him away in peace.

Joab returned and was furious. He secretly called Abner back and killed him, to avenge his brother Asahel. David declared that he and his kingdom were guiltless before the Lord. He led the mourning, followed the bier, and fasted. All Israel understood that day that the king had not wanted Abner killed.

Show What You Know

  1. Who had been holding Saul's house together?

  2. What did Abner say he would do?

  3. How did David welcome Abner?

  4. What did all Israel understand?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

HebronpeaceAbner
  1. In six sons were born to David, among them Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah.
  2. After a bitter quarrel with Ishbosheth, said he would transfer the kingdom to David, as the Lord had sworn.
  3. David welcomed him with a feast and sent him away in .

Think About It

  1. Joab chose revenge instead of peace. How can you stop a cycle of getting even?

  2. David mourned openly for a man who had once fought him. What does that show about his heart?

Memory Verse

“Now there was a long war between Saul’s house and David’s house. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s house grew weaker and weaker.”

2 Samuel 3:1 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for making me stronger. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • Why is revenge so dangerous for a family or nation?
  • What does David's public grief teach about honoring others?

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.