Events of these last chapters tell of David's exploits during his reign. Famine was one of God's judgments that followed the disobedience of His people (2 Samuel 21:1 ). David rightly enquired of the Lord and learned that Saul had shed blood and had broken thereby, Joshua's solemn oath to the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:3-17 ). Seven of the descendants of Saul had to be executed - upon the request of the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:2-6 ).

David presents a godly example in these events:

	In trouble, he inquired of the Lord.
	Willingly consulted with the Gibeonites.
	Stood true to vows of long ago.
	Accepted the conditions of the Gibeonites.
	Kept his word to Jonathan in sparing Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 21:7 ).
	Provided a proper, respectable burial (2 Samuel 21:13-14 ).

We must be just as careful in putting wrongs right.

In the exploits recorded, giants fall before God's obedient men. Faith is ever victorious and increasing. In older life David experienced physical weakness, but remained Israel's bright light (2 Samuel 21:15-17 ). There never should be a dimming of our outshining of truth and likeness to Christ.

Philippians 2:15 "that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,"

Notice the worship in song is directed to the Lord (2 Samuel 22:1 ). Its content is like Psalm 18. Its theme is worship for the Lord's deliverances. Use it in worship to the Lord in the following divisions:-

The Lord is seen as:

	The Rock of deliverance.
	The impregnable fortress.
	The active deliverer.
	The protecting shield.
	The refuge and Saviour.

In distress I called - he heard.

How awesome are the demonstrations of His presence.

The psalmist testifies to having practiced the reasonable requirements of the godly.

The illumination is the Lord Himself, present with us. He gives supernatural strength.

Perfect in His dependability - reliability - availability.

	Blessing for power - placement (2 Samuel 22:33-36 ).
	Teaching and gentleness (2 Samuel 22:35-36 ).
	Stability and victory (2 Samuel 22:37-43 ).
	Kept and established (2 Samuel 22:44-46 ).

All blessing and deliverance comes from the Lord (2 Samuel 22:47-51 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Should we stand firm to vows made long ago? (2 Samuel 21:1-6; Joshua 9:3-17 ).
2. Do you keep your promises made to another? (2 Samuel 21:7 ).
3. Can you tell of victorious exploits accomplished in faith? (2 Samuel 21:15-17 ).
4. Should we express care and protection for our anointed leaders? (2 Samuel 21:17 ).
5. How can we help in not quenching the bright light of leaders who are physically impaired?
6. Can you use some of David's psalm in the worship of the Lord? What particular verses move you most deeply? (2 Samuel 22:1-51 ).