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2 Samuel 3 · Grade 5

A Prince and a Great Man Has Fallen

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Read and Think

Chapter 3 describes a slow change of power. The war dragged on, but David grew stronger and stronger, while Saul's house grew weaker and weaker. The list of sons born in Hebron, including Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah, introduces names that will matter greatly later in the book.

Abner, Saul's commander, was the real strength behind Ishbosheth. When Ishbosheth accused him of a fault, Abner became furious and vowed to bring the kingdom to David, saying that the Lord had sworn it to David. David agreed to an alliance but first asked for the return of Michal, Saul's daughter, who had been his wife. Abner persuaded the elders of Israel and Benjamin, then came to Hebron, where David made a feast for him and sent him away in peace.

Joab, David's commander, saw Abner as a traitor and an enemy. Without David's knowledge, he called Abner back and killed him at the gate of Hebron, avenging the blood of his brother Asahel. David publicly declared his innocence and called for justice from the Lord. He walked behind the bier and wept at the grave. The people noticed his grief, and it pleased them. David told his servants that a prince and a great man had fallen in Israel that day.

Show What You Know

  1. Why does the list of David's sons matter?

  2. Why did Abner turn to David?

  3. What did David ask for before making an alliance?

  4. How did Joab act without David's knowledge?

  5. How did the people respond to David's grief?

Crossword

4132

Across

  1. a ____ and a great man has fallen today in Israel

Down

  1. He came to David at Hebron.
  2. David grew ____ and ____.
  3. Whatever the king did ____ all the people.
  4. He went in ____.

Think About It

  1. David left justice to the Lord instead of taking revenge himself. When have you needed to trust God to make things right?

  2. The violence of Joab made David's job as king harder. How can one person's anger hurt a whole family or community?

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.

  • How can making peace with a former enemy show trust in God?
  • Why did David say a prince and a great man had fallen?
  • 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.