Read: 2 Samuel 1:1–24:25.

(Optional)
Read: Chapters 6-7 of Miller & Hayes, pp. 148–220.
Read: Chapters 3-4 of Brueggemann, pp. 39–79

• Question 1. What does Brueggemann mean by the royal consciousness? Where is this consciousness most acutely expressed in the Former Prophets material?
• Question 2. How does Brueggemann define prophetic criticizing? How does this criticism faithfully respond to the royal consciousness? Where do royal consciousness and prophetic critique most dramatically intersect in the 1 and 2 Samuel narratives?
• Question 3. How does David respond to opposition during his reign? How is his administration structured in such a way as to secure religious and political control over Judah/Israel?

Part 2
Based on the learning resources we engaged this week, what do the parallel events of the centralization of Jerusalem and the kingship of David suggest about the political and religious motivations of the author(s) of 2 Samuel? How is Nathan’s role as prophet comparable to that of Samuel, and how is it distinct? Do we witness the evolution of that role in this text?