LIFE-STUDY OF FIRST AND SECOND SAMUEL

MESSAGE THIRTY-EIGHT

THE HISTORY CONCERNING DAVID

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CROWNED BY THE PEOPLE TO BE THE KING
FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON THE EARTH
2 SAMUEL 2—24

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THE LAST STAGE OF DAVID'S KINGSHIP
2 SAMUEL 21—24

Scripture Reading: 2 Sam. 21—24

In this message we will consider the last stage of David's kingship.

I. DAVID'S TAKING CARE OF THE FAMINE
FOR THE PEOPLE

In 21:1-14 David took care of the famine for the people.

A. Inquiring of Jehovah

This famine lasted three years, and David inquired of Jehovah concerning it (v. 1a).

B. Finding Out the Reason for the Famine

David found out that the reason for the famine was Saul's breaking of the oath made by Israel with the Gibeonites. The famine was "because of Saul and because of his house of bloodshed, for he put those Gibeonites to death" (v. 1b). David called for the Gibeonites and spoke to them (v. 2a).

C. The Settlement of the Breaking of the Oath

For the settlement of the breaking of the oath, the Gibeonites required seven descendants of Saul to be executed (vv. 2b-14a). David commanded the people to fulfill the requirement of the Gibeonites, and God responded to the people's entreaty for the land (v. 14b).