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Sermons at Morgan Hill United Methodist Church

David Study for the Web
Summer 1997

The story about King David is not some cute kid's story learned in Sunday School about a little shepherd boy who by following God get magical strength to fight lions and giants and becomes king. This is a story to tell our children with fear and trembling, because, in fact, it is a story of one who begins a journey to be engulfed by ego and power and loses himself in his work. It is a story about spirituality in the midst of crisis, of God's blessing in the midst of evil, of forgiveness, and of grief.

If David is a person "after God's own heart", then it is because through all this, he is able to sing truthfully.
Contents
The Purpose of the Class
The Histories in the Bible
Outline of 1 Chronicle's Story of David
Outline of 1 and 2 Samuel Story of David
Do Your Own Interpretation Instructions
Sunday School Classes:
Session 1: The Call of David
Session 2: Two Giants: Goliath and Saul
Session 3: David and Saul, Jonathan and Michal
Session 4: David Becomes King
Session 5: David and the Ark of the Covenant
Session 6: David Tries to Build a Temple
Session 7: David, Bathsheba, Uriah and Joab
Session 8: David Repents
Session 9: David and his Children
Session 10: David's Death

Purpose of the Sermon and Educational Series


This Bible study took place on ten weeks of the summer of 1997. It is another attempt to teach the foundational Biblical stories so that we as a church can use the language of that spiritual journey. Last summer we did the story of Moses. This year, the story of David, the defining image and character of hope in a Jewish and Christian Messiah. However, the story is far from the little faithful shepherd boy become the king chosen by God. This story is much more relevant to the driven, work and power oriented culture we live in. The purpose of this series on the Bible is to break down the simplistic interpretations and look at the complexity of the myth itself in defining a spiritual journey of repentance and life transformation.

Biblical Histories

The second part of the Hebrew Bible, our Old Testament, is the "histories". These books are intended to be a second level of interpretation to the Torah (the first five books, also called the pentateuch). But the Hebrew concept of interpretation is about dialogue and process, not about consistant theology. The histories are the ways that God's word unfolded in the Hebrew people.

Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings,
1 and 2 Chronicles, Ruth, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

The authorship of these books is complex. Similar schools of thought to those that wrote the first five books exist in these writing, primarily J (which uses the term Yahweh, or the German Jehovah, for God), E (which uses the term Elohim for God) and P (what is called the Priestly source and is concerned with temple worship) are all three present in these. In addition, other oral sources are woven in. Joshua and Judges were probably a collection of songs about the Jewish heroes which was then edited into story form.

Joshua is the story after Moses dies and as Joshua takes over the leadership of the Jewish people and follows God's direction to take over the "Promised Land".

Judges: after Joshua dies, there is a period of history where the Jewish people have no formal leadership, instead they are occupying and settling Israel (within the twelve tribal boundaries. When comes a time of great need or war, God chooses a leader to help the people (men and women by the way.) These temporary leaders are called Judges.

1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings: The jewish people look aroundd, and everyone else has a king, why shouldn't they. Even against God's advice, the persist, so God gives in. One way to look at these books is to see the consequences of not followng God's advice. The people get a king, and from thene on the fate of the people rests in how faithful or unfaithful the ruler is. So, the books follow the history of the jewish Kings from Saul David and Solomon, who rule all twelve tribes, to the division of the kingdoms and final destruction of both.

1 and 2 Chronicles: This book follows the same format as Samuel and Kings, but written from another perspective, often with contradictory stories. Its main concern is with times and places and lists.

Ruth, a story of faithfulness and spiritual search that becomes also the story of David's grandmother, a Moabite who embrasses the Jewish faith.

Esther: a story set in the time of exile, when a beautiful young Jewish woman becomes the tool by which the people of Israel are save from the Assyrian tyrant.

Ezra and Nehemiah: After the Israelites return from exile, they must build up the society again in faith. Buildings, politics and the true faith, these are the concerns of these books.

1 Chronicles: Saul and David

(from the Basic Bible Commentary)
Lists and Contexts
1:1-54 Geneology from Adam to Esau
2:1-8:40 Geneology of the children of Jacob, establishes leadership of 12 Tribes
9:1-34 The Egyptian Exile and Taking the Promised Land
King Saul (9:35-10:14)
David Becomes King
11:1-3 The choice of all Israel
11:4-9 David's capture of all Israel
11:10-47 David's warriors
12:1-22 David's supporters
12:23-40 David's coronation at Hebron
David and the Ark of the Covenant
13:1-14 Bringing the ark from Kiriath-jearim
14:1-7 David's house and home
14:8-15 Victories over the Philistines
15:1-16:43 The ark of God in Zion
17:1-15 David's desire to build a temple
17:16-27 David's prayer
The House of David
18:1-13 David's Conquests
18:14-17 David's government
19:1-20:3 Campaign against the Ammonites
20:4-8 Heroes against the Philistines
The Military Census (21:1-22:1)
David and the House of the lord (22:2-26:32
22:2-23:1 Preparing for the temple of the Lord
23:2-26:32 Organization of the Priests and Levites
David's Administration (27:1-34)
David's final Arrangments (28: 1-29:25)
David's Death (29:26-30)

Summary of the Story from 1&2 Samuel and 1 Kings

1 Sam. 15: Saul disobeys God in Amalakite conquest
David at the Court
16: 1-13 David annointed in Bethlehem
14-23 David plays for Saul in the court, Jonathan
17: 1-58 David and Goliath
18: 1-16 David and Jonathan, David's victories
17-30 Saul gives David Merah and takes her away
19: 1-10 David gets Michal for 100 Philistine foreskins
David Fleeing From Saul
11-18 Saul's anger and Michal helps David escape
20:1- David and Jonathan's arrangement
21: 1-10 David flees, gets Goliath's sword from priest
10-15 at Gash with King Achish
22: 1-5 At the Cave of Adullam, spider web,
6-10 Saul asks after David
11- Saul kills Ahimelech's priests
23: 1-5 David saves Keilah
6-14 David consults with God to leave Keilah
15-27 Saul chasing David and stuff with Jonathan
24: David at cave of Engedi takes corner of robe
25: 1 Sam. dies
2-43 Nabal and Abigale who becomes wife, also 2 others
26: 1-25 Saul pursues David to wilderness of Ziph -- spear
27: David living with the Philistines at Ziklag
28: Saul consults the witch of Endor
29: David excluded from the fight with Israelites
30: 1-21 David returns to Ziklag and fight Amalakites
21-31 Dealing with spoil for folks who support
31:1-8 Philistines attack and kill Saul and Jonathan
8-13 Dealing with Saul's body
David the King Consolodating the Kingdom
2 Sam. 1:1-16 David told of Saul's death by man he kills
17-27 Poem: David's lament from Saul and Jonathan
2: 1-4 David goes to Judah (after asking God) annointed
4-7 David blesses Jabesh-Gilead for getting Saul's body
8-11 Abner gives northern kingdom to Ishbaal
12-32 Joab and others pursue Abner -- long war
3: 2-5 David's children
6-21 Abner takes Saul's concubine, in spat joins David
22-30 Joab kills Abner in peacetime
31-39 David mourning for Abner
4: Ishbaal laments and is murdered, David executes
5:1-5 David annointed king over all
6-12 David conquors Jebusites and honored by Tyre
13-16 More of David's children
17- Philistine attach, David asks God and goes
David and the Ark of the Covenant
6:1-5 David gets the ark at Baale-judah, David dances
6-11 Uzzah zapped for touching ark, David angry at this
12-15 So David takes ark to Obededom, Dances
16- Michal hates David's dancing,
7: David promises house and Nathan blesses idea
Intrigue at Court and Colapse of Unity
8: Consolodation of Kingdom: Philistines, Moab, et al
9: David get heir of Jonathan- Ziba-> Mephibosheth
10: David fights Ammonites
11: David and Bathsheba -- sighting and Uriah stuff
12:1-14 Nathan confronts David with parable
15-24 David mourns until the child dies
24-25 David has Solomon (who God loves)
26-31 Joab take Ammonite capital of Rabbah
13:1-23 The rape of Tammar by Ammon, David does little
23- Absolom waits then kills Ammon and flees
14: Joab convinces David through wise woman to get A
15: 1-12 Absolom revolts to take throne from Hebron
13- David flees Jerusalem
16: David fleeing confronted by Ziba and Shimei
15-23 Absolom's counsel by Ahithophel and Hushai (spy)
17: Ahithophel and Hushai counsel regarding David
18: David musters soldiers and Joab kills Absolom
19: 1-8 Joab criticizes David for mourning David's victory
9- David gets Israel -Shimei, Ziba and Mephibosheth
20: The rebellion of Sheba, Wise woman of Abel
21: 1-14 Famine from Saul's bloodguilt of Gibeonites
15- Philistines gather again
22: David's poem -- "The Lord is my rock"
23: The Last words of David
Other Stories
8- The Three (Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, Sammah)
The three and the Thirty
24: 1-9 David takes a census and regrets it --
10- Choice: 3 days pestilence, altar built at threshing
Old David and his Death
1 Kings 1: Adonijah revolts with great power, Solomon wins
1 Kings 2: David's advice to Solomon and dies


Some Themes in The Story of David 1 Samuel 16-1 Kings 2

A. This is the Third Story Cycle of Jewish Heritage
Abraham and Faith, Moses and Torah, David and Yahwehism. This is also not a history but a story that sets the context of faith within a people ruled by a king who is arbiter for God and people. The story has a ring of reality but, little or no colaborating evidence for historicity.
B. It is a story of Passion
Young David
1. David's loyalty to God's annointed king is way beyond reason. But the question is how would the people David is with see his strength in the context of this kind of loyalty even to an enemy. He is trustworthy beyond reason, and very ambitious under it all.
2. Being chased around by Saul David travels all over and makes friends everywhere. He begins to consolodate power he will use later.
3. David's obedience to God . If you obey, God blesses.
David the King
The Warrior King: The reason for the king is to fight the Philistines and others. So first act is to establishes his power and domain. Does this very effectively and well.
The Abusive King: When he stops fighting, he does not weigh his desire nor their cost. He gets little warnings of the costs for this kind of life, but doesn't heed them. His affair with Bathsheba and mudrering Uriah is the result But the other result is that he follows his own desires, his own heart before God.
The Forgiven Man: Has to pay the cost of his desire. If putting all his energy into work doesn't work then he swings 180 degrees and overdoes it being nice to family. But the other turn is that now David's most important criteria is not the kingdom. It goes as badly. He cares but he cannot judge. He must learn balance.
Old David.
Ability to be Mocked
Ability to be Wise and Prudent
Final ability to lead. Brings his kingdom back to him by love and passes this on to his son, Solomon, to lead

Do Your Own Interpretation

In each session, homework is given, questions to answer. However, the heart of Bible study in a community of faith is making the scripture your own. One can never know enough to understand the bible, but opposite is also true. We must hear God's message to us from wherever we are. We suggest this pattern for doing one's own interpretation of scripture. And for each of the sessions on David, we offer a small passage to do this exercise.
1. Read the Passage:
2.What words or phrases pop out?
3. What do they mean?
4. What might the passage have meant to community long ago?
4. If this were a personal message from God to you, what would itbe?
There is a David in you that God calls?

Sunday School Sessions

David Series: Session 1

You come to me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day, the Lord will deliver you into my hand. 1 Samuel 17:45.

The Story: The Annointing of David

Samuel called to annoint another king, while Saul still lives. Integrity is issue.
Questioning a debating with God.
Going to Bethlehem, excuse of sacrifice with Jesse's kin -- Honor and Questions
This is about appearance -- God looks at what is inside.
Finding and Anointing David

The Biblical Interpretation::


The Context of Government in early Israel

The Time of the Kings and Prophets
Saul and Samuel

Bethlehemis the useless hill country which that Abraham chose as the heart of the promised Land.

Jungian Interpretation and Image Analysis


In the beginning of this century a new work began in the field of psychology. Combined the science of the mind with the works of archeology, socilogy and mysticism and dreamwork. Looked at the myths and images of a culture as the collective mind. of a whole society. The images were an inward language that held the soul of a culture, and many times, the healing path. Now, Marie Louise von Franz, James Hillman, Marian Woodman, are some of these pathfinders.

The Psyche
PERSONALCOLLECTIVE
ConsciousPersonal Life Social Self
UnconsciousForgotten MemoryArchetypes

David is the story of our faith in its search for the savior. David is in us all. How does the story tell us we will find the God-chosen leader inside each of us?



Read 1 Samuel 1-15
and as much of the first ten chapters of 1 Chronicles as you can handle.
In 1 Chronicles, don't be obsessive about reading, but look for names that you know.


Governing Israel
Before Saul was annointed as king, the people of Israel had the governing structure set up by Moses in the wilderness for governing the twelve tribes. But for the most part, each tribe did what it wanted to do. And a great deal of diversity developed between them. This was especially true of how much they incorporated the customs and worship of those around them. (This becomes especially important several hundred years later in the time of the kings.) when great need arose, as when they were attacked usually by the Philistines, their next door neighbors. Then God would temporarily call forth a leader to deal with the infringment. These leaders were called judges. Can you find out why? The judges were military and spiritual leaders.

As Samuel starts, the people of Israel are disatisfied with this system and want a king. Why?

As the time of the kings start, so too starts the time of the prophets. Why is this important?


Who chose Saul to be king of Israel? How was this done?





What is the immediate cause of God abandoning Saul and chosing another king?




Who was the prophet who was to annoint another king? Why didn't he want to?

David Series: Session 2
David and Goliath

You come to me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day, the Lord will deliver you into my hand. 1 Samuel 17:45

The Story: David and Goliath, and David at the Kings Court

Immediately after tha annointing, Saul gets an "evil spirit" soothed by singing
David is called and sings, only his singing can help the king.
The next story begins with another battle with the Philistines.
Keeping the Philistines out is the rimary job of the king
this time it goes badly -- Goliath
David sent by his mother to check up on her three sons, and send cookies.
David stops to check out the battle and hears about the reward and offers to fight.
David doesn't fit in anyone's armor, so goes with his sling and faith.
David defeats the Philistine.
When David is presented at court, Jonathn falls in love with him.
There is a brief report of David's successes, a bit about giving David a bride as reward, and intrigue at court.

The Biblical Interpretation::


There are a few different sources working in these chapters. Where do you see jolts in the text? What do you suppose are the reasons for them?

Notice in particular, that at the beginning of the story of David, he is confronted by three giants, Goliath, Saul, and Abner (who we find out more about later). These three represent the powers of the time, of the Philistines, the King, and the general. How do they relate to David and how does he respond?

Jungian Interpretation and Image Analysis


Jungian analysis interprets giants in amny different ways, but the most significant seems quite applicable here. A giant is that persona that is so big that it swallows up anyone around, particularly men. This is, most often, a male image and a struggle for the male psyche. Giant corporations and governments get people to lose themselves while they are swallowed up in the system. A persons individuality is at stake, especially in the first years in business when the influence is strongest. How does David deal with the call of his work?
Mid-week Class Series on David Session 2: David and Saul

Read 1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 1 for next time, read 2 Samuel 1-5
and 1 Chronicles 11-12

A Theology of God
The authors of the two versions of the story of David have distinctly different theological agendas (Samuel and Chronicles) Chronicles sets a case that if you do what God wants, then you are blessed, but this is especially to show the primacy of the Southern Kingdom, Judah , as God's chosen (it is from this that "Jewish" comes from. Until this thought becomes dominant, they were known as Israelites, not Judean or Jews). In this light, all of the questionable material about David's character is noticeably lacking from Chronicles.

The authors of Samuel are struggling, however. Initially, Jewish theology felt that all the bad things that happened were because one was unfaithful or disobedient to God's call. And so, much of the older stories of David are set in this light. However, the book is edited and finally written by those coming back from the exile who have advanced the theology beyond merely material presence of God. There are other elements that add depth and contrasts. David does not have to be all shining and light and pure to have God be with him. And, David is confronted by some real tensions, to become king, his best friend will have to die. Watch for these dynamic questions of theology as you read the story. Who is God, and how does the picture of God change in the story?

Why does David want to marry Michal? What happens?



Why do youd think Saul was so obsessed with killing David?



What were the two time David could kill Saul? Why didn't David do it?



Who does Saul consult in order to find out God's will about his fight with Philistines?



How does David hear about Saul's death and how does he respond?


David Series: Session 3
David and Saul

24 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. As the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.The Benjaminites rallied around Abner and formed a single band; they took their stand on the top of a hill. Then Abner called to Joab, "Is the sword to keep devouring forever? Do you not know that the end will be bitter? How long will it be before you order your people to turn from the pursuit of their kinsmen?" Joab said, "As God lives, if you had not spoken, the people would have continued to pursue their kinsmen, not stopping until morning." Joab sounded the trumpet and all the people stopped; they no longer pursued Israel or engaged in battle any further." 2 Samuel 2:24-28

The Story:

After David is presented at the court fresh from killing goliath, the intrigue begins. Saul does everything he can think of to get rid of David, using stealth, arms, and his own children. David keeps escaping, and being chased, always giving honor to Saul. David even has two opportunities to kill Saul and doesn't. Finally, David flees to the land of the Philistines and fights for them. The Philistines, feeling that the best Israelite general is in their hands, attacks Israel, and as foretold by the ghost Samuel, they are defeated and Saul kills himself to escape humiliation and torture. David weeps hearing of the King's death, and the death of his friend.

The Biblical Interpretation::

Once again, we have the face of honor and devout following of God while underneath is David's growing ambition. Now it is hard to separate the two.
But the significant part of the story comes in a juxtraposition of an image for God. This is the crucial point. There are stories that believe that faithfulness to God brings all good things. David is faithful and so he is made king. But the story is told by the Jews back from exile, no fault of their own. They are already changing their theology from and planning and scheming God, to one in the heart, present, even in pain. And so, David feels, not the joy of victory in his faith, but his first real grief. Following God's plan has cost him the life of his dearest friend. What is God's will mean in this context? Be very careful.

But even here, the grief has many political uses, done in the presence of allies who were faithful to Saul, and who David needs as allies, and needs them to know he honor's Saul.

Jungian Interpretation and Image Analysis

In image analysis, we are now at the part of the story where the young man newly enmeshed in the world of work (the giant) gets a hint of something terrifying. He sees, or feels, the cost of his ambition. Someone else pays the price of his success, a friend caught in the power struggle. But in this first encounter, the young man only briefly gets it. It is still hard to tell whether he is sincere or acting for political benefit.

Mid-week Class Series on David Session 3: David Becomes King

Read 2 Samuel 1-5 for next time, read 2 Samuel 6
and 1 Chronicles 13-15
David Becomes King by Acclamation (and assasination)
1 Samuel 5 states that everyone annoints David king by acclamation and by reason of the fact that he rules already. There are a couple of important things to be said about this process however.

1. David was annointed king already. Do you know when? Why would there be two?

2. The divided Kingdoms
Up to this point in the history of Israel, Israel has been a group of tribes, or a single nation. And yet so much of the history after this point will establish a divided kingdom of the north and the south. Both the authors of Samuel and Chronicles want to make a case that the south, Judah, is God's chosen ("Jews" short for Judeans instead of "Israelites").. Chronicles does this absolutely, Samuel hedges a bit. But here in the beginning of the reign of David, we see the split for the first time, Ishbaal ruling the northern kingdom and David the south

3. David as Patriarch
There is a strong tradition within Judaism of the patriarchy. Patriarchs were the family leaders, the religious leaders, and the political leaders of their time. There was a strong push to make David a patriarch. A few things needed to happen to follow the pattern. He had to be in covenant with God. He had to leave the promised land and be drawn back (where did this happen?) He had to be intimately in touch with God.

Who are the two great generals? Who do they serve?


Which kingdom does David rule first and where is the seat of government?


Why did the politicians ruling for Saul's son finally come to David?


Where does David choose for his capital city, and what is it then called?



How does David hear about Saul's death and how does he respond?

David Series: Session 4
David Becomes King

The Story:

David Annointed in the south, Judah.
Ishbaal made king by Abner in the north, Israel.
Seven years of civil war.
Ishbaal accuses Abner of impropriety and Abner makes contract with David
David sends for Michal and Abner helps
Joab kills Abner secretly
Ishbaal assasinated, and David retaliates
David annointed king over all. Jerusalem made capital
Phillistines attack and David asking God's advice conquors

The Biblical Interpretation::

The most significant issue at stake her for the Bible times was the divided kingdom. Due to people's politics, not following or even asking God's advice, the kingdom is divided north and south.

Jungian Interpretation and Image Analysis

Four Male archetypes
the king -- rules from a point of value, sets value context
the wizard -- knows the territory, the studier, wisdom of spiritual.
the warrior -- protects that which is most important, not just fighter but poet.
the lover --

The General is the highest warrior, one almost ready to rule as king.

What happens when there are two generals?


David Series: Session 5
David and the Ark

6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there because he reached out his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God. David was angry because the LORD had burst forth with an outburst upon Uzzah; so that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day.David was afraid of the LORD that day; he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come into my care?"So David was unwilling to take the ark of the LORD into his care in the city of David; instead David took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household. 2 Samuel

The Story:

The story is fairly simple at this point. But what are the pasages in the bible that talk about the ark. See if you can find the history of the ark to this point.

Jungian Interpretation and Image Analysis

The ark is the image of the container for God's presence. It has many different forms in the study of images and myths.

The container of God's presence is that mystical force within us that is at once the mediation between God and ourselves and something that tends to conceal the divine presence from us. So, itis an image of the promise of God's presence, and the hiding of God's presence at the same time.

Look in yourself and see if you have this dynamic in the deepest parts of yourself.

The image of David finally bringing the ark to the center of his life is an amazing image in this sense. Dancing and celebration, and at the same time, a figure in him that disapproves of all this foolishness that is undignified. What might this mean?

Mid-week Class

Session 5: The Ark of the Covenant


Read 2 Samuel 6 for next time, read 2 Samuel 7
and 1 Chronicles 17 and22-23

The Ark of the Covenant The ark of the Covenant symbolizes the Israelite's escape from slavery through the wilderness and the presence of God with them in their wandering. To this point it has never had a home, but has been the mark of the faith and trust of the people of Israel. Within it is the tables of the law, and in this way, it is also a symbol of the way that the people of Israel experienced God's presence, in God's way of living. David's passion is about God's Presence in his life but also about God's truth and law and a way of obedience.
A number of significant things are going on in these passages.
There is David's love of the things of God.
There is a combination of power: monarchy and priesthood associated with the end to the divided kingdoms.
There is political gain and ambition.
There is tension in the family.
Who is Uzzah?
Michal?
the cherubim?


Why does David not take the ark into Jerusalem initially?

What does David do that makes Michal so upset? How does David respond to her?

In Chronicles, how does David bring in the ark? What does this book emphasize?

Do you remember what happened when Saul made a burnt offering to God?


Sadly, this is the end of the story about Michal. From a very young infatuation with the new power in town, Michal is immediately used by both her father and David for purely political purposes, dragged away from the only happiness she can carve out of the situation, and her is this section, there is little surprise that she is filled with resentment. It is a sad commentary on our faith heritage that she is a lost story, because this is a spiritual situation seen far too often in our time. At the end of the story, the Bible dismisses her from the scene by saying that she never had any children -- Biblical shorthand for "she was unimportant".
Read 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17 and 22-26

David Series: Session 6
David and the Temple

Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? {6} I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. {7} Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"2 Samuel 7:5-8

The Story:

Today the story is fairly simple. David has the ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem, the political power and the spiritual power are all aligned in the same city. The country is prospering and is vistorious in all battles. And David wants to turn some of the wealth back to God. A curious thing happens. He asks permission and is given in by Nathan, but then God speaks to Nathan and takes back the permission. But in this Chapter of Samuel, God meets David as a patriarch, speaking a covenant.

The Biblical Interpretation::

Where are some of the places in the Bible where the temple figures prominantly?

Jungian Interpretation and Image Analysis

As early as the first decades of the Christian church, the temple is used as an image of the holiness of the body.

A temple is an image of wholeness and a linking of the material and the spiritual.

A number of questions arise from this story. David is moving toward integration of these two elements in his life, the material and the spiritual, but he isn't ready. In his story, he comes to a time of integration and it is God that stops this movement. What are some reasonsto stop the building of templ?

The other image of temple in this story is the frustrated project of passion. There is the grief of failure in every life of passion. What great failure has helped form your life?

Mid-week Class Series on David Session5: The Temple of Jerusalem

Read 2 Samuel 7 for next time, read 2 Samuel 8-11
and 1 Chronicles 17 and22-23

The Temple
When Jesus is in Samaria (the north of Israel in his day), they talk about where to worship, at the temple in Jerusalem or on the holy mountain. In the times of the kings there were many holy mountains, shines to nature Gods, or often holy places where Yahweh was worshiped. People fought long and hard about where to worship God. This was especially important because the Temple in jerusalem had such prominence in the time of the kings and later in the time of Herod until BCE 70 when the Romans leveled it. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, not on one or the other but in spirit and truth is God worshiped. See how this is similar or different to what God tells David.

Why does David want to build the temple in Jerusalem.



Who gives David permission to build the temple? What happened?



Where does David decide to build the temple and how is the site chosen?



What place does Satan have in this story?




David Series: Session 7
David, Bathsheba, Uriah and Joab

The messenger said to David, "The men gained an advantage over us, and came out against us in the field; but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate. {24} Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall; some of the king's servants are dead; and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also." {25} David said to the messenger, "Thus you shall say to Joab, 'Do not let this matter trouble you, for the sword devours now one and now another; press your attack on the city, and overthrow it.' And encourage him." {26} When the wife of Uriah heard that her husband was dead, she made lamentation for him. {27} When the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife, and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD 2 Samuel 11:23-27

The Story:

David's inattention to his inner world, and his inflated sense of his own importance lead him to the unthinkable. David stays home when all the men are off fighting and falls in love with one of his captain's wives. Almost without a thought, he invites her over, sleeps with her, impregnates her, then tries to hush the things up by calling Uriah back home and getting him to sleep with his own wife. When the faithful captain won't sleep at home, when his soldiers are on the field fighting, David designs a plan with the general Joab whereby they place Uriah in front of a large battle, and withdral all help until is killed. After a very short time of mourning, David marries Bathsheba.

The Biblical Interpretation::

This is a scandal of the first order. The Jews will be looking at this story of their great king and seeing how many of the ten commandments are shattered.

How many rules did Saul break to be abandoned by God? And yet, in this story we put God's promises to David in 2 Samuel 7 to the test.

It is a wonder that this story is even told of so great a king as David. In fact, the book of Chronicles mentions it not at all.

We will deal with consequences next week. This week we stay with the story of David's adultery and murder and question why.

Jungian Interpretation and Image Analysis

The life and cultural story of men who have become embroiled in their work worlds and in middle-age, when everyone one else is working, they finally stay home and have an affair is too common not to be noticed. The question is what is this life process and spiritual path about. Who is Bathsheba, who are these women who have affairs with these men, what do they represent?

By the way,Bathsheba probably isn't an image of a bimbo or woman used like Michal who falls for the powerful man. Bathsheba and David will end up in a very strong relationship and much that is generative and loving will finally flow from this relationship which God will later bless. What is that about?

What does it mean, when it was time for kings to go to war, David stayed home?
What does it mean, for David to cast his eye on one taking a bath?
What does it mean, to send your lover's husband to war and withdraw support?
Mid-week Class Series on David Session 6: David, Bathsheba, Uriah and Joab

Read 2 Samuel 11-12 for next time, read 2 Samuel 13-20

David and Bathsheba
This really isn't a story about David and Bathsheba. She is hardly named. Not one ounce of attention is given to her part in the guilt or innocence because of the kings order. The story focuses all the attention on Daivd. Also, this story is very little about law, which would be primary in Jewish thinking. No one even questions that David deserves to die, including David. It is often said that the difference between the Old Testament and the New is of a forgiving and loving God, but this pictures here is pretty forgiving.

For Christians, it is important that Jesus comes from the line of David, and that it is from this union that the line of David continues. Messiahship happens in the midst of the good and the bd stuff of life. Christ's work is not a judgement, but a transformation, or conversion, of the guts of life.

What does David want and how does he get it?



How does the prophet of God, Nathan confront David?



Who does David feel he has wronged?


Why do you suppose that God condemns and forgives in the way God does?



What happens to David's sons by Bathsheba?




David Series: Session 8
David Repents

(2 Sam 12:12-14) For you did it secretly; but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun." {13} David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan said to David, "Now the LORD has put away your sin; you shall not die. {14} Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child that is born to you shall die."

The Story:

This is the second part of the David and Bathsheba Story, but once again, Bathsheba is not a major player. The story is about David. Everything is going along fine, David has done a nice cover-up job from everyone but God. In stomps the prophet Nathan with a problem. He tells a legal problem of a rich man who stole what little his neighbor had. What should happen? David, used to making judgements, pronouces death. Nathan, "You are the man!" He then proceeds to judge David with unrest, death, troubles.

David gets it. Immediately. And the story doesn't have much of the ambiguity we have seen in other places. He repents immediately. And God withdraws the punishment. But there are consequences. The baby dies, and this time, David is present. Something has changed. Never again will David make a decision of career over family in the story.

The Biblical Interpretation::

This is one of the most powerful stories in the Bible, but especially from the point of view of political power being confronted by spiritual power. But the mix of which is which is intriguing. Nathan confronts David from a spiritual and a political place, and David responds not from a political place of power but from a spiritual one.

The key point from a narative perspective is David's repentance. He knows that when he sins, he just doesn't hurt others but hurts God. This knowledge is deeply spiritual and very healthy for David. He is not looking at what works, but what is.

Jungian Interpretation and Image Analysis

If we read this from a Jungian image place, what do the images mean.

What is the prophet in us?
What is the repentant king in us?
What is the dying baby in us?

If we read this from a Jungian image place, what does the story mean?

Look at the movement of the story so far, how does it say we come to repentance and what advice does it give?

What does the repent, fast, get on with it process say to you?

Session 9: David
When you Must Kill What You Most Love

(2 Sam 19:5-6) Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, "Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your officers who have saved your life today, and the lives of your sons and your daughters, and the lives of your wives and your concubines, {6} for love of those who hate you and for hatred of those who love you. You have made it clear today that commanders and officers are nothing to you; for I perceive that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be rejoicing.
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Read 2 Samuel 14-1 Kings 2

The Royal Court Intrigue

One would think that after the dramatic conversion after the affair with Bathsheba, that David was finally in God's hands. But from the look of the story, David changes one obsession for another. Where he gave family and friends almost no thought at all before watching his family fall apart, now he gives great priority to his family and doesn't do his job or his calling, and both the kingdom and his family fall to pieces. The issue for the bible is that David, although changing his direction, does not finally turn his life over to God, there is still so much pride. And so, woven into the story is the issue of shame and how this begins to form David as a balanced character.

Who is it who revolts against David? How does David respond?




Who finally solves the problem and how?





Who is Ziba, Mephibosheth, and Abishai and why are they important?


David Series: Session 10
David's Death

(1 Ki 2:2-3) "I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, be courageous, {3} and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.

The Story:

The story ends rather oddly. Just when we think we are at the end in 1 Samuel 23, then there is more stuff from all over his life. Then we hear about Solomon and Adonijah duking it out. And about a virgin given to David as a servant, a very odd snippet to put in, what do you think that is all about. And finally we come to David's last words again in 1 King 2. David passes on wisdomd and a few specific messages to Solomon and he dies. The story ends rather more gentle than the rest. David dies in the midst of people he loves and who loves in and in relative peace and balance.

The Biblical Interpretation::

Most important in this section is the formula at the end of 1 Kings 2. Both the writers of Chronicles and Kings have a formula that says
The name of the king
That he died and often where buried
How long he reigned.
Each king is treated with this summary. The story wraps around this form. Saul to the last kings of the divided kingdoms, four hundred years of history told by these three statement, and in some cases, this is all the story that is told. In God's hand, in the history of our people, these were our rulers. Certainly this was part of the oral tradition, probably memorized by everyone, especially story tellers.

What is your connection with your heritage and the heritage or rule in your country. Can you name each president and how long he reigned and where he is buried.

Jungian Interpretation and Image Analysis

We are looking at the life journey and a spiritual pattern. David has been chosen and goes through kid first encounters with career, leaving a holistic life for a life of work. He tests himself in the working world and becomes proficient, but loses his soul at the same time. He is warned a number of times with loss, but he discovers this loss after his affair when he unwittingly judges himself. And yet this judgement causes a switch of priorities but the same inner unbalance and he must 1) deal with his own shame, and 2) he must kill what he most loves. Eating shame and grief bring something of a balance to his life, and the end of his life becomes a celebration with people he loves, friendship, very rare in his life.
See the Psalms for something of the depth of his faith. Psalms ascribed to David are: Psalm 3- 9, 11-41, 51-65, 68-70, 86, 101, 103, 108-110, 122, 124, 131, 138 -145
See especially 3, 39, 51, 131, 139

David's Death
It is hard to say if David did a good job. The end of his life is characterized by a ruined family and a disrupted court, and yet . . . He has been the most powerful king Israel will have. He is loved by the people of Israel for all time and sets the political agenda for five hundred years. At his death, he is attended by people who really love him. And one of the fruits we gain, is his poety of faith, many of the Psalms.

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