September/October 2006  SBW Syllabus

SBW-22 BIBLE WOMEN

Lesson 22

Of the Old Testament

The Jewish Age

Coronation to the Division

120 Years; 1 Sam 10 to 1 Kings 12

 

PERIOD OF POWER

(References in 2 Samuel)

 

TWO TAMARS—TO BE ERECT, A PALM TREE

1.         Note the meaning of the name and then think of the description of the two women (2 Sam 13:1; 14:27).  From these verses and from what you remember of her mother, comment on the apparent appearance.

2.      Read the sad story of Absalom’s sister (2 Sam 13:1-39).

A.     Who was to blame for what happened (Deut 22:25-29; Lev 18:9, 11; 20:17)?

B.     Why was she in such despair after the event (Deut 22:20-21)?

C.    How did she plead for her future (2 Sam 13:13)?

D.    What could have been done for her (Deut 22:22-24, 29)?  Which one of these fits this Tamar?

3.            Where did Absalom’s sister go after her defilement (2 Sam 13:19-20)?

A.     What did Absalom plan for revenge (2 Sam 13:28)?

B.     Should Absalom have taken the law into his own hands?  Student answers will vary, but in any case scripture proof should be given.

4.            Why do you suppose Absalom named his daughter Tamar?

5.            See if you can remember three females named Tamar (Gen 38:6; 2 Sam 13:1; 2 Sam 14:27).

 

WOMAN OF TEKOA

1.            Where is Tekoa? See Bible map.

2.            Who sent for her (2 Sam 14:2)?

3.            What role does she play (14:2)?

4.            Before which king was she to play the role (14:3)?

5.            What was her plea before the king (14:4-7)?

6.            How did her made-up story reach the king (14:8-11)?  Student research on the topic of “Avengers of Blood” or “Cities of Refuge” is encouraged.

7.            Give her application of the message (14:12-17).

8.            When the king saw through the scheme, how did she show her wisdom (14:8-20)?

9.            Did she accomplish her purpose (14:21-23)?

10.       Was this what should have been done? See if you can remember the law.  Was Absalom a true “revenger of blood” (Numbers 35:19-27)?  Also, read Deut 22:25-29 again.

11.       Was she an actress or just a liar?

12.       Did the king behave wisely in listening to her?  Consider the results of this action (14:25-26; 15:1-6).

13.       Whose plea was it really? Who "tutored" the woman?

14.       Should anyone use seductive methods to lead astray the people of God?  Be sure to give a scripture and Bible examples here.

 

HOSPITABLE WOMAN OF BAHURIM

1.            On fleeing from En-rogel, where did the spies, (Jonathan and Ahimaaz) go (2 Sam 17:18)?

2.            Where did they hide (17:18)?

3.            Who made secure their hiding place (17:18)?

4.            How did she divert the course of the pursuers (17:20)?

5.            Then what did Jonathan and Ahimaaz do (17:21)?

6.            How did she become a means of saving David?

7.            Before this, who kept the spies of Joshua from destruction?  Be sure to give a scripture here.

 

WISE WOMAN OF ABEL

1.            Who was fighting against this town and why (2 Sam 20:15)?

2.            Who made an appeal to Joab (20:16-17)?

3.            What was her appeal (20:18-19)?

4.            Give Joab’s reply to her (20:20-21).

5.            Then what did she promise to do (20:21)?

6.            What did she do "in her wisdom" (20:22)?

7.            What did Joab do (20:22)?

8.            What about her wisdom:  Student responses will vary.  Cite scripture as proof.

A.     In handling generals?

B.     Her own people?

C.    Saving a city?

D.    Making peace?

 

Note that Sheba was a traitor, an offense punishable by death.  Can you name some other traitors to the kingdom and to David personally about this same time?