Old Testament Bible Study Assignment

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Name: Makayla Crowder Date: 10/29/2023 Section: BIBL 105-003 Old Testament Bible Study Assignment Passage: 2 Samuel 9:1-13 Instructions: For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of David and Mephibosheth found in 2 Samuel 9:1-13. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study . I. Observation A. I have read 2 Samuel 9:1-13 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation ( NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. Please use the translation provided in your digital library or found at Biblegateway.com o Yes o No B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2 similarities and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this story. You may list as many similarities and differences that you find as long as you meet the minimum amount. 1. Similarity: - The story and the content of 2 Samuel 9 remain the same throughout the NIV and the NKJV translations. 2. Similarity: - The NIV and NKJV translations focused on the kindness and generosity exemplified by King David. 1. Difference: - The NKJV and the NIV translations of 2 Samuel 9 differ in certain word choices throughout the story. Such as verse 6, which states in the NKJV, “Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself” and states in the NIV, “When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor” (BibleGateway). The difference in the word choice in these translations is drastic in this verse.

2. Difference: - The NKJV and NIV translations have different spellings of Mephibosheth’s son’s name. The NKJV states that Mephibosheth’s son’s name was “Micha,” whereas the NIV says that Mephibosheth’s son’s name was “Mika.” 3. Difference: - The NKJV and NIV translations have different spellings of the name of the person’s house that Mephibosheth was at. The NKJV states that Mephibosheth was brought out of “the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar,” while the NIV says that Mephibosheth was brought out of “Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.” C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying 1. Main characters: (List them) - King David - Ziba - Mephibosheth 2. Plot: (50-100 words) - King David asks a servant of Saul, Ziba, if any family of Saul remains. King David then finds out about Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, who is the son of Saul, and the fact that both of Mephibosheth’s feet are lame. King David demanded Ziba to bring Mephibosheth to him so that he may show him the kindness of God. King David then told Mephibosheth not to be afraid that he was restoring to him all of the possessions of his grandfather Saul, including all of his land and belongings, and he informed Mephibosheth that he would always eat at the King’s table. 3. Narrative structure: (50-100 words) Note: Plot and Narrative Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example) - Introduction:  The passage begins with King David asking a servant, Ziba, if any family of Saul remains to fulfill his promise to Jonathan. - Inciting Incident:  King David finds out about Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, and his lame feet and tries to find him. - Rising Action:  King David becomes aware of Mephibosheth’s location and orders Ziba, a servant of Saul’s house, to bring Mephibosheth to him. - Climax:  Mephibosheth arrives in the presence of King David and receives all of his grandfather Saul’s possessions. - Falling Action:

 Mephibosheth does not believe that King David would notice him, so King David declares his order to Ziba to show his truthfulness. - Resolution:  King David takes care of and provides for Mephibosheth and his son, Mika, and allows Mephibosheth to eat at his table to honor his promise to Jonathan. D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation. Remember to review chapters 17 and 33 in Everyday Bible Study . This will help you be more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.” Please be detailed and specific as you answer these six key questions. 1. Who: - King David - Ziba - Mephibosheth 2. What: - King David wonders if there is any family of Saul remaining. He then speaks to Ziba, a servant in Saul’s house, who tells him about Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, and his lame feet. King David orders Ziba to bring Mephibosheth to him and honors his promise to Jonathan by caring for Mephibosheth. Kind David gives Mephibosheth all of Saul’s belongings and land. King David declared to Ziba that all of Saul’s possessions should be provided to Mephibosheth to show his truthfulness. King David also tells Mephibosheth that he is to always eat at the King’s table. 3. When: - During King David’s reign. 4. Where: - Jerusalem - Lo Debar 5. Why: - King David promised Jonathan that he would protect his family, so King David honored that promise by caring for Mephibosheth and giving him all of Saul’s possessions. 6. How : “How King David fulfilled his promise and demonstrated kindness.” - King David starts by questioning if anyone is remaining in the family of Saul so that he may show God’s goodness and kindness to them. He then learns about Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, who is the son of Saul, and summons him. - King David assures Mephibosheth that he will be provided for by returning him to the land that belonged to his family. King David gives Mephibosheth all of his grandfather Saul’s belongings and land. - King David also invites Mephibosheth to always eat at the King’s table. He communicates his intentions and assures Mephibosheth that he is safe.

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II. Interpretation A. Summarize: Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (100-400 words) explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember two things. First, this passage is made up of both action and dialogue. Thus, this passage is both showing and telling us something. Second, words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation words. Thus, they should not be used in your answer for this question. Interpretation is about “then and there” and not “here and now.” We were not there so the passage is not about us. Our “part” in the passage is the application or how we will respond to God’s Word. - The author’s main point of this passage is to demonstrate the kindness of King David and his desire to honor his promise to Jonathan despite the past they might have had. The author uses this passage to emphasize King David’s qualities as a kind ruler and the theme of God’s goodness. - This passage communicates the importance of being kind and compassionate to everyone regardless of their past. The author conveys a sense of goodness, consideration, understanding, forgiveness, and inclusion. It represents the biblical theme of God’s covenant and emphasizes the importance of behaving with mercy, grace, goodwill, benevolence, and generosity. B. Identify: Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences. Once again, please remember that words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation words. - One principle that can be taken from this passage is the importance of illustrating kindness, compassion, mercy, and generosity despite the person’s past or troubled actions. This passage emphasizes the importance of honoring promises and extending grace to others despite differences. C. Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource in order to offer support for the principle that you believe the passage is teaching. Please consult the “Commentaries” as well as the “Bible Dictionaries & Handbooks” tabs found on this research guide provided by the Jerry Falwell Library. BIBL105 Research Guide - This passage expresses the importance of demonstrating kindness, compassion, mercy, and generosity, as well as the importance of honoring promises and extending grace. King David actively seeks anyone that remains of the family of Saul so that he may show kindness. According to the Expositor’s Bible Commentary – Abridged Edition: Old Testament, King David’s desire to show kindness came from his covenant relationship with Jonathan, son of Saul (2017). This source supports the principle stated above by providing commentary about the origin of King David’s desire to show kindness to the family of Saul.

III. Correlation A. How does this Old Testament narrative fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State what type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you believe this to be so? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length. It may be good to review chapter six in Everyday Bible Study in order to recall what each of these four themes are about. - I believe the narrative of 2 Samuel 9 fits within the metanarrative of the Bible as a story of redemption. This passage tells the story of King David and how he honors his promise to Jonathan, son of Saul, by protecting his son, Mephibosheth, despite the differences that King David and King Saul had in the past. This story reflects God’s forgiving nature and emphasizes the importance of generosity, mercy, and grace. It also demonstrates that redemption and reconciliation are possible even when people have a troubled past or differences. B. How does your principle fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the one you have written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation assignment. If your principle is a true Biblical principle, it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the principle discovered in this Old Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (200-300 words) in length. Be specific. List, explain, and cite your supporting passage(s) from Scripture. - The principle of demonstrating compassion, kindness, generosity, and mercy despite a person’s troubled actions or past fits the broader themes found throughout the rest of Scripture and the Old Testament in many ways. For example, in Genesis 45-50, Joseph forgives his brother despite their past abuse and betrayal. He demonstrated compassion, kindness, and grace by forgiving them for their previous actions. In addition, this principle can be found in Micah 6:8, which states, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the L ORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (BibleGateway, ESV). This verse emphasizes that God calls us to be kind and humble. This principle can also be found in the Psalms. For example, Psalm 103:8 says, “The L ORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love,” which exemplifies that the Lord is merciful and gracious, and we should be too (BibleGateway, ESV). Lastly, this principle can be found in the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. Although this verse is not part of the Old Testament, it greatly reflects the principle of kindness and compassion despite troubled pasts or actions.

C. How does this Old Testament narrative reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State and explain at least one way that the principle of this narrative can be identified in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (200-300 words) in length. Be specific. List, explain, and cite your supporting passage(s) from Scripture. - The Old Testament narrative in 2 Samuel 9 reflects the person and work of Jesus Christ in many ways, specifically in its prominent principle of showing kindness and compassion despite past troubles or actions. For example, similarly to Kind David in the narrative of 2 Samuel 9, Jesus, during his earthly ministry, demonstrated the same principle of offering kindness, compassion, grace, and redemption to individuals despite their past troubles, actions, or even their social standing in society. Jesus extended His grace to tax collectors, sinners, etc., demonstrating His compassion and mercy towards others through this. Another example of how the principle of this narrative can reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ is in Luke 19:1-10. The passage in Luke 19 is the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector and sinner to whom Jesus showed kindness and compassion by dining with him. As a result, Zacchaeus changed his life around and repented for his past troubles. Lastly, the ultimate and most crucial act of Jesus’ work was His offering of grace, redemption, forgiveness, and mercy to all persons despite their sins and past troubles. Jesus’ life and His teachings highlighted the importance of demonstrating grace, compassion, and honoring promises. The narrative of 2 Samuel 9 and the person and work of Jesus Christ both illustrate the importance of compassion, generosity, kindness, and mercy, which exemplifies the message of God’s grace and His calling to His followers to exemplify the same grace to all persons despite their troubled pasts, actions, or differences. IV. Application What points of application can be made using the “Four Questions for Application?” State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of these points should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length. A. The question of duty - The narrative of 2 Samuel 9 focuses on King David’s responsibility to fulfill his promise to Jonathan, son of Saul, and to show kindness. The question of duty in our lives revolves around our responsibility to show compassion, kindness, generosity, and mercy to others despite any past differences or troubles we may have had. For example, questions could include “Do we honor our promises and commitments?” or “Are we willing to extend grace and mercy to those who may have wronged us or have differences?” 2 Samuel 9 challenges explicitly us to honor our promises and commitments, even in the face of conflict. It also questions our willingness to show grace and mercy to

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the persons we may have conflicts or differences with, as well as whether or not we recognize the importance of unity and understanding. This narrative challenges us to represent Christ by exemplifying compassion, kindness, generosity, and mercy despite differences. It encourages us to fulfill our promises, extend grace, and reconcile in our interactions with others. B. The question of character - Based on 2 Samuel 9, the question of character that comes to mind is, “What kind of character do I exemplify when interacting with others, especially those we have differences with?” As stated above, this passage challenges and encourages us to consider the qualities of compassion, kindness, generosity, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. This question of character should motivate us to look at our own ethical and moral principles to see if we exemplify the qualities that King David did, such as compassion, kindness, mercy, generosity, grace, and forgiveness. Specifically, we should look at our interactions with those we may have had a troubled past with, those with a complicated past, or those with differences to evaluate whether we exemplify the qualities Christ calls us to display. C. The question of goals - After reading 2 Samuel 9, my mind asks the question, “What are my goals and priorities in my relationships and interactions with others, specifically regarding exemplifying compassion, kindness, grace, and generosity?” 2 Samuel 9 encourages us to examine the goals that we set when interacting with others. Specifically, we should prioritize acts of kindness, seeking understanding and peace, honoring promises and commitments, and demonstrating generosity throughout our interactions and relationships. When prioritizing acts of kindness, we should be seeking to make a positive impact on the lives of others despite their pasts. We should be aiming to mend broken relationships and promote unity among others. We should intentionally honor our promises and commitments to reflect integrity and trustworthiness. Lastly, we should be generous in worldly ways and extend forgiveness and grace to those we may have troubles with. D. The question of discernment - The question of discernment, based on the narrative of 2 Samuel 9, that I think of is “How do we exercise discernment in our interactions and relationships with others?” 2 Samuel 9 encourages this question of discernment by motivating us to consider how we exercise discernment in our day to day lives. For example, do we use discernment to recognize the genuine needs of others, like David discerned Mephibosheth’s fundamental need for care? Or are we determining when opportunities for peace and unity come about? Or do we exercise discernment when evaluating our promises and commitments to

ensure they correspond with our values or morals? And finally, are we discerning how we demonstrate acts of kindness and considering the circumstances of those we interact with? These questions, all based on the narrative of 2 Samuel 9, encourage us to be thoughtful and discerning in our interactions and relationships with others. It challenges us to use discernment in many areas of life, specifically concerning compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and generosity.

Old Testament Bible Study Assignment

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