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Life Group Leader’s Guide

The King and Kingmaker A Study of 1 Samuel

Based on the sermon series by Pastor Ben Cross First Baptist Church of Eugene

September 2017 – Version 2.0

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 Profile of a Disciple 4 Leader’s Guide

Lessons 7 I Need a Hero | Introduction 9 Poetic Justice | 1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:10 11 Mercy in the Mess | 1 Samuel 2:11-36 13 Next “Man” Up | 1 Samuel 3:1 - 4:1a 15 Arkeology 101 | 1 Samuel 4:1b-22 17 Arkeology 201 | 1 Samuel 5:1 - 7:2 19 Lord of All of or Not at All | 1 Samuel 7:3-17 21 Be Careful What You Ask For | 1 Samuel 8:1-22 23 Majesty in the Mundane | 1 Samuel 9:1 - 10:27 25 The King and Kingmaker | 1 Samuel 11:1-15 27 Samuel’s Coronation Address | 1 Samuel 12:1-25 29 Saul’s Fear and Impatience | 1 Samuel 13:1 - 14:52 31 Bad News for King Saul | 1 Samuel 15:1-35 33 Secret Anointing | 1 Samuel 16:1-23 35 David and the Giant | 1 Samuel 17:1-58 37 Saul’s Tension with David | 1 Samuel 18:1 - 19:24 39 Jonathan’s Loyalty to David | 1 Samuel 20:1-42 41 David’s Narrow Escapes | 1 Samuel 21:1 - 22:5 43 Saul & the Priests of Nob | 1 Samuel 22:6-23 45 A Couple of Close Calls | 1 Samuel 23:1-29

47 David Spares King Saul | 1 Samuel 24:1-22 49 David, Abigail, and the Fool | 1 Samuel 25:1-44 51 David Spares his King | 1 Samuel 26:1-25 53 David Returns to Achish | 1 Samuel 27:1 - 28:2 55 Saul Consults a Medium | 1 Samuel 28:3-25 57 David Finds Trouble at Home | 1 Samuel 29:1 - 30:31 59 Defeat by the Philistines | 1 Samuel 31:1-13

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PROFILE OF A DISCIPLE

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LIFEGROUP LEADER’S GUIDE

Introduction

Thank you so much for choosing to serve as a Life Group leader. A life group is a

small community that seeks to LIVE, LOVE, and LEAD like Jesus through

authentic relationships. You’re leading people to put their faith into action each

week. God can and will use you in powerful ways as you lead your friends and

neighbors into Christ-centered community.

Below are some reminders for leading your Life Group through this curriculum. A

curriculum is a guide, not a strict template that must be followed to a tee. It is good to

have structure and consistency, however make sure you prayerfully allow room for

the Holy Spirit to lead each of your times together as a group. Life Groups are

purposed to put faith in action and see lives transformed. The most important part

of each meeting is not what people know, but how they grow - applying God’s truths

to real life.

Don’t forget to take regular breaks from this curriculum to go out and serve our

community, have a neighborhood BBQ and invite friends, attend a concert or

community event, etc.

As you begin your life group, you have a couple of options for how to get started.

1. ASK. Ask your group about last week’s application (maybe review last week’s

conversation), then listen for how God has been at work in people’s lives. This is also a great

opportunity to review last week’s story.

2. ICEBREAKERS. This is a fun or sometimes serious question that opens up conversation,

helps you all learn something new about one another, and/or relates to the theme in the

passage. Feel free to come up with your own! Give everyone a chance to engage, but don’t let

it take too long. It’s just a warm up.

3. PRAY. Don’t forget this as you begin your time together. Prayer is powerful.

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In this section, you’ll find a summary of the text you’re about to go over. Feel free to read this (try not to stare down at the page the whole time) or read the text for yourself and tell the story in your own words! Remember, your job is to just tell the story, not to teach on any particular points. Next, have everyone bring out their Bibles and rebuild the story, asking questions like, “What happened first?”, “Who were the characters in this story?” and “Then what happened?” This ensures that everyone is involved and starting on the same page — something especially important to any new or non-believers in your group.

This section begins with core group questions that can be applied to any passage: What stuck out to you from this passage? What does this teach you about people? What does this teach you about God? If you like, you’ll find more questions to help your group discuss the passage. The questions are in no particular order, so feel free to jump around or ask different questions that better follow where your group is going. Remember, try to lead your group from head-questions (facts) to heart-questions (emotions and faith), then to feet-questions (application).

There are two ways to ask life application questions: (a) Use questions provided in the guide, or (b) Form your own questions based on comments made during the discussion time. Application questions are the most important, because this is where people put their faith into action.

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As you close your time together, remind everyone when you meet next. Conclude your group time with prayer. Ask for people’s prayer requests and pray for God to continue to teach you about this passage throughout the week. SOME HELPFUL TIPS : - Do not skip the story rebuild or questions sections. They are intended to get everyone on the same page and help the discussion gradually become more serious. That being said, feel free to come up with your own questions within these sections. - Don’t be afraid of the “awkward silences.” Let the seconds pass by in these times — some great comments can come out of these moments. - Manage your discussion time well to ALWAYS arrive at the application question(s) with at least 15 minutes of discussion time le�. It is intended to be the most meaningful time of the group meeting. - Make sure your group knows that these discussions take place in a safe environment where no one will attack them for having different perspectives or experiences. Keep an eye on the dynamics of the group so that everyone feels safe sharing personal thoughts and experiences with others.

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1 SAMUEL: I NEED A HERO (Introduction) The King and Kingmaker

1. ASK. What is one hope or expectation you have for our group this year?

2. ICEBREAKER. How do you react to change?

3. PRAY. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in your hearts and minds as you study this passage.

What do you know already about the stories in 1 Samuel?

The books of 1st and 2nd Samuel are one book divided into two parts because it took two

scrolls to write one continuous story ‑ hence the 1st and 2nd scrolls of one book. For a visual

overview of the characters and themes, see the Bible Project videos at

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/1‑samuel/ and

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/2‑samuel/

Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2 introduces key themes and the first main character, her son

Samuel. Samuel is the last of the judges who led the nation of Israel. Samuel was a good

prophet, and yet the people of Israel wanted a king like the other nations. Saul was a kingly

leader who began with great promise; however pride and disobedience led to his fall. King

David followed Saul, similarly began with great promise and similarly fell because of his

character flaws. However, David displayed a heart of humble repentance and hope in a the

promise of a future king, God’s messiah, who would come to save God’s people. The epilogue in

2 Samuel chapters 21‑24 repeats these themes, the rise and fall of human leaders, God’s

sovereign faithfulness in the midst of human frailty, and the hope of God’s messianic king who

would come to save His people.

Read through 1 Samuel 1 as a group. Rebuild the story as a group.

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1 SAMUEL: I NEED A HERO (Introduction) The King and Kingmaker

Watch the Bible Project video of 1 Samuel. Which characters and themes stand out to you about this book? CORE QUESTIONS:

● What stuck out to you from this story? ● What does this story teach us about God? ● What does this story teach us about people?

MORE QUESTIONS:

● What are you most looking forward to in this study? ● Why would it be important to see a biblical book as a whole before examining it in its

parts? ● How does the name Yahweh LORD of Hosts and that he thunders from heaven bring

you comfort and confidence in troubling times? ● Does this name in any way make you feel uncomfortable and frightened?

Take a minute and ask the Holy Spirit to speak.

● What is one truth from this story the Spirit is pressing on your heart to apply this week? ● Who could you share these truths with this week?

● When do we meet next? ● How can we pray for one another?

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1 SAMUEL: POETIC JUSTICE

1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:10

1. ASK. What was your take-away from last week’s discussion?

2. ICEBREAKER. Think back to a season of your life and write down the things you most

desired. If God had answered every desire with a yes, what would your life be like today?


Samuel opens with the story of Hannah ‑ Samuel’s mother ‑ and her petition, time of waiting,

God’s answer, and Hannah’s song. Hannah is a woman of authentic and real faith. In this story

we are introduced to Hannah, Elkanah, Eli, Samuel, and Yahweh‑God. And we are introduced to

two key themes of the book ‑ God is sovereign, and God exalts the humble and brings low the

proud.

Read through the passage in 1 Samuel. Rebuild the story as a group.

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1 SAMUEL: POETIC JUSTICE

1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:10

CORE QUESTIONS:

● What stuck out to you from this passage?

● What does this teach us about God?

● What does this teach us about people?

MORE QUESTIONS:

● Who are the characters in the story? What roles do they play in this story?

● Have you experienced God working through a time of despair? Where else does this

truth surface in Scripture?

● Stories in the Bible of barren women given children by God can encourage us in our

“impossible” situations. How is this story relevant to your story?

● What are your greatest concerns for the people you love? In what tangible ways are you

expressing these concerns to them?


● What is one truth from this story the Spirit is pressing on your heart to apply this week?

● Who could you share these truths with this week?

● When do we meet next?

● How can we pray for one another?

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1 SAMUEL: MERCY IN THE MESS

1 Samuel 2:11-36


2. ICEBREAKER. Who is the most difficult leader you’ve ever followed? How did you respond?


Eli is the priest of Israel with a key flaw. He did not hold his sons accountable for their actions,

and in so doing he honored his sons more than the God he served. However, even as Eli’s sons

abused their priestly positions for their own interests and gain, God was quietly at work raising

up a new priestly judge who would guide and care for his people. God is kind. He cares for his

people. But God is not always nice. He does correct and discipline those who disobey, especially

those in leadership roles over his people.

“And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever” (1 Sam. 2:35).


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1 SAMUEL: MERCY IN THE MESS 1 Samuel 2:11-36

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● Eli is a complex character. What do we learn about him and from him in this story?

● Who are the other characters in this story and what roles do they play?

● How does God act in this story?

● What does this story show us about God’s character?

● Which of the characters can you most relate to? Why?

● How has God disciplined you for your good?






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1 SAMUEL: NEXT “MAN” UP 1 Samuel 3:1 - 4:1a


2. ICEBREAKER. Are you a night owl or an early riser?


God has something so important that he wakes up Samuel to give him a personal message. But Samuel had never experienced this, so it took a few times before he knew what was going on. Eli gave Samuel good advice that God was speaking, and Samuel needed to wait, listen, and respond with courage. And though it was difficult, Samuel heeded this advice, beginning his ministry as a courageous prophet‑priest.


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1 SAMUEL: NEXT “MAN” UP

1 Samuel 3:1 - 4:1a

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● What was Eli’s message for Samuel? God’s message for Samuel? Samuel’s message for

Eli?

● Review chapter one. What was God’s message for Hannah?

● God’s Word can stir up the comfortable, and comfort the stirred. In this story, where

does God comfort, and where does He stir up?

● When God has been quiet, it makes us value his words all the more. God was quiet,

then spoke to Hannah. God was quiet, then spoke to Samuel. Has God been quiet

lately, or is He speaking something to you?

● How are you listening for God’s words in your life?






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1 SAMUEL: ARKEOLOGY 101

1 Samuel 4:1b-22


2. ICEBREAKER. (safe question) When you’ve had a great day, how do you celebrate?

(less-safe question) What was your biggest struggle in the last year?

(go-for-broke question) What is one thing you’ve done that you regret?


God does not exist for us, we exist for him. The Israelites switched this, trying to fight their

battle with a God who existed for them, with a God who could be manipulated through the use

of the Ark. It didn’t work, “the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and

Phinehas, died” (1 Sam. 4:11). God acted in judgment and grace ‑ judgment for their lack of

faith and grace in quietly preparing Samuel to call His people toward Himself.


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1 Samuel 4:1b-22

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● Can you think of other biblical examples (besides 1 Samuel 4) where God’s people

attempted to treat God like a good luck charm?

● What is the difference between basing a prayer on God’s promises and trying to force

God’s hand?

● In the first four chapters of Samuel, where do you see examples of God’s grace?

● Can you think of examples (in your own experience or that of others) where God has

acted both in judgment and in grace at the same time?

● In your own life, where do you see God working in judgment and grace






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1 Samuel 5:1-7:2


2. ICEBREAKER. In our culture, in what kinds of situations do we use the phrase “good luck”?


In the previous story, Israel used the ark of God as a good luck charm, taking it to war to secure

success. It didn’t work. God is not our good luck charm. The Philistines captured the ark of God,

the ultimate symbol of Israel’s God. And yet, God used the ark to teach a lesson. In the

Philistine city of Ashdod, the ark of God sat next to Dagon, one of the Philistine gods. Each

morning, the people found Ashdod’s image face down on the ground until finally the statue

broke into pieces. Along with this, the people in Ashdod began to develop tumors. So the

Philistines moved the ark of God from Ashdod to Gath, from Gath to Ekron. In each place

tumors appeared, the people panicked, and the ark was moved.

After seven months the Philistines sent the ark back to Israel. When the Israelites in

Beth‑Shemesh saw the ark, they rejoiced and offered sacrifices to the LORD. But some of the

men “looked upon the ark of the LORD” and the LORD struck the 70 men dead. So the people

mourned, and the ark moved on to the city of Kiriath‑jearim to the care of the priest there,

Eleazer.


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1 Samuel 5:1-7:2

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● How would you summarize the main points of this story?

● God spoke to the Philistines through the cows choosing to walk to Beth-Shemesh with

the ark. Can you think of another time when he spoke through an animal? What does

this teach us about God?

● What other spiritual lessons did God communicate to the Philistines and to His people

through the ark of God? Through the god Ashdod? Through the tumors?

● What is the difference between familiarity and intimacy with God?

● The Philistines had evidently heard what had happened to the Egyptians at the Exodus

and it made them fearful. How would you explain God’s judgment as well as God’s

gracious willingness to forgive when we come to him in faith?

● How can we treat religious activities or items like good luck charms?






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1 SAMUEL: LORD OF ALL OR NOT AT ALL

1 Samuel 7:3-17


2. ICEBREAKER. What do you fear most about change? What changes in your past experience

turned out badly and what changes turned out to your benefit?


After losing the Ark of God and then seeing it returned, the people of Israel gathered at Mizpah to recommit their lives and families to the LORD. There Samuel told them to put aside their idols, serve the LORD, and led them in repentance for their sins. In repentance, commitment, and worship the people followed Samuel’s lead. While they gathered, the Philistine army gathered their armies to attack. The people panicked and cried out to Samuel, but Samuel didn’t panick. Instead he offered a burnt offering to the LORD and trusted God to fight the battle for the people. God responded to Samuel’s prayer, thundering from heaven and throwing the Philistine armies into confusion. So Israel pursued and struck down the Philistine armies. To remember this victory, Samuel set up a stone called “Ebenezer” ‑ which means stone of help . Here at Mizpah the people learned a great lesson, that the LORD of Hosts fights for his people when they follow in faith and obedience. Following the LORD of Hosts, Samuel led ‑ he judged the people of Israel ‑ fairly for the rest of the days of his life.


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1 SAMUEL: LORD OF ALL OR NOT AT ALL

1 Samuel 7:3-17

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● Describe the actions of the people of Israel.

● Describe Samuel’s actions as judge - leader - of the people of Israel.

● Describe God’s actions on behalf of His people.

● Is the idea that repentance is supernatural (a grace from God) new to you?

● An Ebenezer is a helpful reminder, recalling God’s past deeds of grace for us. Think

back over your life and identify several milestones or defining moments in your life

when God helped you in a way that reshaped your life.

● How central is prayer in your approach to life with God?

● Repentance moved the people of Israel to action. How has God used repentance to

move you to action? Is there anything you feel the need to repent for today?






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1 SAMUEL: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR 1 Samuel 8:1-22


2. ICEBREAKER. When was a time or place you felt completely out of place?


Samuel’s time as Judge over the tribes of Israel was coming to an end, and Samuel’s sons were unlike their father. His sons were unjust. So the people gathered together, their elders met in one place, and together they asked Samuel to give them a king. This displeased Samuel, but God said, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Sam. 8:7). Samuel warned the people. A king would take the best of their lands and the best of their produce, even the best of their children for his wives and soldiers and servants. The taxes would be steep and ongoing. But the people insisted. They wanted a king, “that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles. ...And the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Obey their voice and make them a king.’ ” (1 Sam. 8:20, 22).


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1 SAMUEL: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR 1 Samuel 8:1-22

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● Why did the people ask for a king? Can you relate to their reasons?

● Is there a temptation for us to avoid being different—even different for God?

● How did God respond to Samuel and His people? What can we learn from this?

● Can you think of times when God has said, “No!” to your prayers and you have

discovered a�erwards what a good answer that was?

● Can you think of times when God gave you what you asked for, not out of favor but in

response to your obstinacy, as an act of discipline?

● What are you asking God for today?






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1 SAMUEL: MAJESTY IN THE MUNDANE

1 Samuel 9:1-10:27


2. ICEBREAKER. When you have to make a really big decision, what do you normally do?

(i.e. are you a researcher or do you go with gut intuition, are you decisive or hesitant, do you

process by yourself or with close friends)


In today’s story, God chose a king and then filled him with a new heart to lead His people. A

Benjamite man named Kish raised donkeys and they got lost. So he sent his son Saul and a

servant to find them. After three days of unsuccessful searching, Saul wanted to head back. But

the servant suggested perhaps they could visit the man of God in that region, a prophet named

Samuel. Perhaps the prophet could tell them where their donkeys had wandered off.

Samuel not only knew where their donkeys had gone, but he had been expecting them. Saul

and the servant ate with Samuel, spent the night in his house, and prepared to leave the next

morning. Sending the servant on ahead, Samuel anointed Saul and told him he had been

chosen by God as Israel’s king. As a sign, on their way back they would meet a group of

prophets where Saul himself would be overcome with God’s Spirit, begin to prophesy, and

transform Saul’s heart into the heart of a king.

Seven days later at a feast for the tribal leaders of Israel, God made his choice of Saul as king

clear to His people. And Samuel reminded them that though they had rejected God in choosing

a king, God had been faithful to choose a leader for them. So Saul was anointed king, and all the

people paid tribute and respect, except a small group that grumbled against Saul.


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1 SAMUEL: MAJESTY IN THE MUNDANE 1 Samuel 9:1-10:27

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● This is a long story with some rich lessons. Try to tell the main points of the story in 1

minute or less.

● Looking at the characters in this story, what do they teach us about our decisions and

desires?

● Which character most stands out to you in this story? Why?

● Why do we sometimes resent legitimate authority, even when it is not harmful?

● How did God act in this story? What does this story teach us about God’s character?

● Can you think of a time when God pursued you relentlessly? If so, what does that tell

you about him? About yourself?

● Have there been times in your life when you have seen God’s providence in the way

quite ordinary things have come together in extraordinary ways?






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1 SAMUEL: THE KING AND KINGMAKER

1 Samuel 11:1-15


2. ICEBREAKER. Which weekly activity gives you the most joy and self-confidence?

Do you have any responsibilities that cause you to gripe, maybe even doubt your ability to

complete them?


The Ammonite army laid siege to Israel’s city of Jabesh‑gilead with an ultimatum. The

Ammonites would either attack, or they could surrender themselves as Ammonite slaves. Word

traveled fast, and Saul heard about the Ammonites while he was coming in from plowing his

fields. The Spirit of God came over Saul, and he sent word to all the other tribes to send their

fighting men to meet at the city of Bezek. So 330,000 men assembled under Saul’s leadership,

and he divided them into three companies, and attacked and defeated the Ammonite army.

After the battle, the people of Israel wanted to kill those who had previously grumbled against

Saul as king. But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has

worked salvation in Israel” (1 Sam. 11:13). So the people of Israel gathered at Gilgal, and there

they anointed Saul as king over all the tribes, offering sacrifices to God and rejoicing greatly.


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1 SAMUEL: THE KING AND KINGMAKER 1 Samuel 11:1-15

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● What did Saul do when he heard of the trouble at Jabesh-gilead?

● At this time, some still doubted Saul’s leadership. How do you react when people

doubt your leadership, or your decisions?

● How did Saul react before, during, and a�er the battle?

● What can we learn and apply from this story about leadership? ...about God?






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1 SAMUEL: SAMUEL’S CORONATION ADDRESS

1 Samuel 12:1-25


2. ICEBREAKER. If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice, what age

would you go to and what advice would you give?


As the people of Israel celebrated Saul’s’ victory over the Ammonites, the great prophet Samuel

stood up and addressed them. He reminded them that as their Judge he had served them

faithfully for many years. He’d been faithful, never cheated nor demanded anything from them.

He recounted Israel’s history starting with Jacob and then Moses and their escape from slavery

in Egypt. He reminded them that every time they failed to follow God their King, He would

allow an enemy to strike them until they cried out. And God their King faithfully sent judges ‑

deliverers like Jerubbul, Gideon or Samson who rescued them and defeated their enemies.

When Israel saw the Ammonites gathering against them, they doubted God’s power and asked

for a human king. God granted their request. However, He told them that their human king’s

power would continue as long as they and their king trusted and obeyed the Lord. If they

disobeyed, God’s hand would be against them. To prove what he said was true, Samuel called

on God to send thunder and rain during the summer wheat harvest which was very unusual.

When the thunder started the people were terrified, and they realized that they had sinned by

asking for a king. Samuel assured them that if they followed God and stayed away from

worthless idols, the Lord would not forsake them. In addition Samuel promised that he would

not sin against God by ceasing to pray for them.


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1 SAMUEL: SAMUEL’S CORONATION ADDRESS

1 Samuel 12:1-25

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● How did the people/God/Samuel act and react?

● Who do you relate to most in this story?

● What was God’s covenant with his people about their king?

● We do not like either pain or fear, but they have a purpose. How does God use pain or

fear in our lives?

● How does this story about Israel and their God relate to our stories today?






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1 SAMUEL: SAUL’S FEAR AND IMPATIENCE - JONATHAN’S COURAGE 1 Samuel 13:1-14:52


2. ICEBREAKER. Would you describe yourself as more compulsive (act first - ask for

forgiveness later) or more a detailed planner (analysis paralysis)?


After King Saul had ruled for some years, he gathered three thousand men to serve as his army.

Two thousand were to stay with Saul and one thousand were to follow his son Jonathan.

Jonathan attacked a Philistine outpost which brought Saul’s enemies to his border. The

Philistines gathered thousands of horsemen, chariots and soldiers in number as “the sand by

the seashore.” The terrified Israelites scattered from Saul and hid in caves, in bushes, rocks and

pits. Some even fled to the other side of the Jordan River. Saul had been told to wait seven days

and Samuel would come and perform the burnt offering sacrifice. But when Samuel didn’t show

up, Saul got impatient, took on the role of priest and offered the burnt sacrifice. As soon as he

finished, Samuel arrived. When Samuel inquired about what was going on, Saul made excuses ‑

the people were starting to desert him, Samuel hadn’t come at the appointed time, the

Philistines were gathering their army, someone had to offer the sacrifice before the attack.

Samuel told Saul that he had acted foolishly, his kingdom would not last and God had found a

man who was “a man after God’s own heart” who would inherit the kingdom and lead God’s

people. After Samuel left, the army of Saul, now dwindled down to about 600 men, continued

in skirmishes with the Philistines. However there were no real weapons to be found in Israel,

the army had been forced to make them out of farm implements. The only swords or spears in

all the land belonged to Saul and Jonathan.

Despite the odds, Jonathan and his armor bearer devised a plan to attack a Philistine garrison

located high up on a cliff, and defeated them. The Philistine camp was so confused, they started

fighting each other. And when word of the battle reached King Saul, he gathered his army and

struck the confused Philistines. Saul’s army became fatigued because of a foolish vow Saul had

placed them under not to eat food until evening.

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1 SAMUEL: SAUL’S FEAR AND IMPATIENCE - JONATHAN’S COURAGE 1 Samuel 13:1-14:52

Jonathan hadn’t heard the vow and ate some honey to refresh himself. As the hungry people routed the Philistines, they rushed upon the spoil and started eating the meat with the blood which was against God’s ordinance. When God wouldn’t answer Saul’s questions he perceived that someone had broken the vow. And though Saul wanted to execute his son, the people stood up and said “Certainly not!” thus saving Jonathan.

Read through the passage in 1 Samuel. Rebuild the stories as a group.

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● What motives do you see behind Saul, Samuel, and Jonathan’s actions?

● For Saul, religious ritual was essential, but careful obedience to God’s will optional.

Read Matthew 23:23. What do justice, mercy, and faithfulness look like in your life?

● Have you ever used a spiritual sounding excuse for not obeying God’s will?

● How daring is your faith?






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1 SAMUEL: BAD NEWS FOR KING SAUL

1 Samuel 15:1-35


2. ICEBREAKER. If you could go back in time and change just one decision in your life, what

would it be?


Samuel came with a message for King Saul commanding him to attack and utterly destroy the

Amalekites, the sworn enemies of Israel. Not one man, woman, child, or animal was to be

spared. So Saul raised an army of over 200,000 men and went to strike the Amalekites. Saul’s

army destroyed everyone just as God had commanded, however they spared the Amalekite

king Agag. And instead of utterly destroying the spoil they kept the best for themselves. After

the battle God told Samuel that He regretted making Saul king of Israel because he failed to

follow God or His instructions.

Samuel went to find Saul at Carmel and when he found him, Saul told him he had obeyed the

Lord and had done all that He commanded. When Samuel asked why he heard the sound of

sheep and oxen, Saul took no responsibility and blamed the people. Samuel announced that

God was about to tear away the kingdom from Saul and give it to someone who was better

than him. Saul, concerned with his standing in front of the people, asked Samuel to go with him

to worship the Lord and Samuel granted his request. But first Samuel killed the cruel king Agag.

Afterwards, Samuel left and grieved over Saul, never to see him again.


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1 SAMUEL: BAD NEWS FOR KING SAUL

1 Samuel 15:1-35

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● What do we learn about Saul in this passage? About Samuel?

● God is a God of feeling and firmness—dynamically responsive to his people, and yet

unchanging in his character and purpose. How does that comfort and/or convict you?

● Is your life headed down a road like Saul’s or Samuel’s?

● Is there anything in your life you need/want to change?






32

1 SAMUEL: SECRET ANOINTING

1 Samuel 16:1-23


2. ICEBREAKER. Would you rather be the person conducting job interviews, or be a person

being interviewed? Why?


Samuel was still grieving over the situation with King Saul when God spoke to him and told him

to get up and go to Bethlehem where he would anoint the next king of Israel. In spite of his

fear, Samuel obeyed and headed off to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse. Samuel invited Jesse

and his sons to a sacrifice that he was going to hold in the town. God promised Samuel that He

would point out the son that he was to anoint as king. But as Jesse presented his sons before

Samuel, God rejected every one even though they all looked like good candidates.

“Are all the young men here?” Samuel asked after the Lord had dismissed all Jesse’s sons.

“There is one more,” Jesse explained and sent for David, the youngest who was tending the

sheep.

“Arise,” said the Lord to Samuel as David arrived, “Anoint him; for this is the one.” So Samuel

anointed David, then went back to Ramah. Later David was called to the palace of King Saul to

play music and calm the king whenever he was beset by an evil spirit. Saul began to love David

and he promoted him to the role of his personal armor bearer.


33

1 SAMUEL: SECRET ANOINTING

1 Samuel 16:1-23

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● How did God act in this story? What does this teach us about God’s character?

● How did Samuel act in this story? What does this teach us about Samuel?

● Samuel was an experienced leader, and yet still missed seeing David as God’s chosen

man. In what ways do you find yourself evaluating outward appearances rather than

the heart?

● Although Saul had failed as king and lost control of the kingdom, the ultimate King

never does. How does that apply in the context of the present world, your church, your

family, your personal life?






34

1 SAMUEL: DAVID AND THE GIANT

1 Samuel 17:1-58


2. ICEBREAKER. Would you rather attend a: (a) sporting event, (b) play, (c) concert, or (d) sit

in front of a fire with a good book?


Even as his favor and responsibilities of the palace grew, David would occasionally return home to his father’s house to take care of the sheep. On one of those occasions David’s father summoned him and asked him to take some food to three of his brothers who were on the battlefield with King Saul facing the Philistines. As David arrived at the Israelite camp, the champion of the Philistines, a ten foot giant named Goliath, was strutting back and forth taunting the armies of Saul. He challenged Israel to come up with a warrior who would fight him and settle the battle then and there. But no one from Saul’s army would volunteer. When David heard the Philistine’s taunts he went to the king to ask if he‑ David could fight the giant. After refusing to wear Saul’s armor David went to a stream, gathered five smooth stones and headed for the battlefield and Goliath. Goliath proceeded to belittle David and threaten to feed his body to the birds, but David knew the battle was the Lord’s. He ran towards Goliath, stuck his hand in his pocket, pulled out a stone and slung it at the giant, hitting him in the forehead. The giant fell and David rushed up and cut off his head with Goliath’s own sword. The battle was won! The Israelite army was so inspired by David’s victory that they chased the shocked Philistines all the way back to their own country. Read through the passage in 1 Samuel. Rebuild the story as a group.

35

1 SAMUEL: DAVID AND THE GIANT 1 Samuel 17:1-58

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● Review the characters (David, David’s dad, David’s brothers, soldiers, king Saul,

Goliath). Who do you relate to and why?

● Contrast David’s view of Goliath with that of the other Israelite soldiers.

● In God’s economy, no experience is wasted. Which experiences in your life has God

used to do something you never would have imagined?

● Do you have experiences in your life that still feel wasted?






36

1 SAMUEL: SAUL’S TENSION WITH DAVID 1 Samuel 18:1-19:24


2. ICEBREAKER. When you were a kid, what was your favorite piece of playground

equipment (i.e. the swings, merry-go-round, bars, ball field etc.)?


After David’s great victory over Goliath, Saul brought him into the palace. There David and Saul’s son Jonathan became knit together as close and trusting friends. Jonathan even gave David his armor and robe in a gesture that foretold that David would be the next king of Israel. Saul’s jealousy began to rise against David when the women of Israel sang a victory song‑ “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” Saul’s jealous rage became so heated that he even hurled a spear at David narrowly missing him. Saul sent David repeatedly into battle hoping that he would fall by the hands of the Philistines. Later Saul offered his daughter Michael’s hand in marriage to David if he would bring the foreskins of 100 Philistines as a dowry. David and his men went out and killed 200 Philistines and returned with their foreskins to present to the king. Jonathan intervened for David and convinced his father that David was a righteous and loyal warrior. Saul relented and welcomed David back into his presence. But the truce was short lived and Saul again turned on David and sent soldiers to his house to kill him. David escaped and ran to his mentor, the Prophet Samuel in the town of Ramah, where they continued to elude Saul and his men. God intervened when Saul sent messengers to take David but they ended up prophesying instead. Even Saul prophesied before Samuel.


37

1 SAMUEL: SAUL’S TENSION WITH DAVID 1 Samuel 18:1-19:24

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● Contrast Saul, Jonathan, David, and Samuel. What does this teach us about people?

● [hypothetical question] What might have been able to change Saul’s jealousy into

acceptance or contentment?

● Do you have any jealousy to deal with in your own life? If so, how will you choose to

deal with it this week?

● Like David, God has probably protected you from dangers which you were unaware of

at the time but realized later on. If so, share your story with the group.

● Do you have a mentor like Samuel in your life? If not, what could you do to find one?






38

1 SAMUEL: JONATHAN’S LOYALTY TO DAVID 1 Samuel 20:1-42


2. ICEBREAKER. When you have a three day weekend without obligations, what do you most

love to do?


As David fled from Saul, he found his trusted friend Jonathan and asked “What have I done? What is my sin that your father seeks to kill me?” Jonathan tried to convince David that Saul would not kill him, that everything King Saul would plan would be revealed to Jonathan. So David devised a test to see if indeed he was safe from the furious king. The Feast of the New Moon was coming up, a time when all the king’s court would gather for a three day celebration. David planned to be absent. If the king was okay with David not appearing at the feast, then he would know he would be safe to return to the court. But if the king was angered by David’s absence, David would know that Saul meant evil towards him. Jonathan led David out into a field and said that after the feast he would come out and shoot some arrows. When Jonathan’s servant boy would run to retrieve them, he’d either say that they were close in, meaning David was safe to stay in the palace, or he would say to the boy, “The arrows are beyond you.” This would be the signal that David must flee. Back at the feast when Jonathan told his father about David’s absence, the king turned on his son and threatened him. Jonathan angrily left the table, went to the field and warned David that he indeed must flee to save his life. After a heartbreaking goodbye, not knowing if they would ever see each other again, Jonathan sent David off and Jonathan returned to the city.


39

1 SAMUEL: JONATHAN’S LOYALTY TO DAVID 1 Samuel 20:1-42

CORE QUESTIONS:

● What stuck out to you from this passage? ● What does this teach us about God? ● What does this teach us about people?

MORE QUESTIONS:

● Compare and contrast Saul and Jonathan. How did each handle their emotions, and what were the relational outcomes?

● Where does the name “the LORD” show up in this story? ● When have you acted like Saul? ...like Jonathan? ...like David? ● Do you have friends you can call on in crisis like David called on Jonathan?


● What is one truth from this story the Spirit is pressing on your heart to apply this week? ● Who could you share these truths with this week?

● When do we meet next? ● How can we pray for one another?

40

1 SAMUEL: DAVID’S NARROW ESCAPES

1 Samuel 21:1-22:5


2. ICEBREAKER. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?


David learned from Jonathan that Saul meant to kill him so he left the city and fled to Nob

where the tabernacle of God stood. There David and his men found Ahimelech the priest and

asked him for some food. The only bread that was available was the showbread, normally eaten

exclusively by the priests. But Ahimelech saw David’s desperate need and gave him the bread.

Saul’s chief herdsman, Doeg the Edomite saw what was going on and was soon to report

David’s movements to the king. After receiving Goliath’s sword that had been kept at Nob,

David and his men escaped to Gath, a city of the Philistines, hoping to go unrecognized. But

David’s identity soon became known because of his past exploits. David went to the king of

Gath and pretended to be insane so that no harm would come to him. Later David left Gath and

found refuge in the cave of Adullam. There his entire family came to him as well as over four

hundred men who were distressed, in debt or in bitterness of soul and David became their

leader. In order to protect his parents, David delivered them to the king of Moab, Israel’s

neighbors to the east, and left them with him. Then he and his men left the stronghold and hid

in the forest of Hereth.


41

1 SAMUEL: DAVID’S NARROW ESCAPES

1 Samuel 21:1-22:5

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● Think about your life before you became a Christian. How many kinds of provision can

you identify which God made for you even though you were a rebel against him?

● List the convictions about God which David demonstrates in Psalm 34 and consider the

relevance of each to his situation in Gath.

● As with David, believers today have stories to tell about personal desperation and

God’s providential care. What are yours?






42

1 SAMUEL: SAUL & THE PRIESTS OF NOB 1 Samuel 22:6-23


2. ICEBREAKER. What’s the story behind the longest time you’ve gone without sleep?


At this point Saul was staying in Gibeah with his dwindling army. His paranoia was increasing and he even began to accuse his followers of conspiring with David and Jonathan against him. Doeg the Edomite (remember him?) came forward and told Saul that David had fled to Nob to meet with Ahimelech the priest and to receive guidance, provisions and even Goliath’s sword for his journey. Saul was furious and sent for Ahimelech and his family to come to him. When Ahimelech showed up, he proclaimed his innocence, for he knew nothing of David’s situation or plans. King Saul ordered the priests to be executed but when none of his men would strike the servants of God, Doeg the Edomite took up a sword and killed eighty five of the priests. Saul then struck the city of Nob and destroyed every man, woman, child and beast in the city. One of Ahimelech’s sons, Abiathar escaped and found David who blamed himself for the slaughter of the priests. But he promised Abiathar “Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but with me you will be safe.”


43

1 SAMUEL: SAUL & THE PRIESTS OF NOB 1 Samuel 22:6-23

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● What situations can you identify where God’s sovereignty over the evil designs of his

enemies on a world or local scale today?

● Take time to pray for local, national, and international leaders that they have the moral

qualities to use their powers justly.






44

1 SAMUEL: A COUPLE OF CLOSE CALLS

1 Samuel 23:1-29


2. ICEBREAKER. Where do you go or what do you do when you’ve had a great week? When

life gets too heavy for you?


As David and his group of ragtag soldiers hid from Saul in the forests, David got word that the Philistines were attacking the Jewish City of Keilah. David was torn‑ should he risk being found by Saul in order to help the people of Keilah? As he sought the Lord’s guidance, and against the wishes of his followers, David decided to go and save Keilah from the Philistines. After their victory, David and his men stayed in the wilderness, and Jonathan visited to encourage David. Saul got word that David was in Keilah. So he gathered a large army to go and capture him. David again sought the Lord and was told that the inhabitants of Keilah would indeed betray him and turn him over to Saul. So David and his men escaped to the Wilderness of Ziph. The Ziphites, fearing King Saul, also reported to him of David’s whereabouts. Saul mobilized his army and came in pursuit of David and his men. As Saul’s army encircled David’s band, word came to the king that the Philistines were again invading Israel. So Saul took his men and went to fight the Philistines while David escaped. As a result, the name of the place was called the Rock of Escape from that point on.


45

1 SAMUEL: A COUPLE OF CLOSE CALLS

1 Samuel 23:1-29

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● How much do you owe to encouragers, people like Jonathan? Identify some of them

and thank God for them.

● What are some key promises in Scripture that serve as a basis for encouraging

Christians facing great trials in life?

● Can you think of an example from your own experience of God’s perfect timing in

bringing a word of encouragement from another believer when you were deeply

discouraged?

● Identify a person who could benefit by a word of encouragement from you? What

reminder of God’s promise(s) would help them?






46

1 SAMUEL: DAVID SPARES KING SAUL 1 Samuel 24:1-22


2. ICEBREAKER. What is your favorite time of the day?

[or] What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?


After Saul returned from fighting the Philistines he was told that David and his men were hiding

in the Wilderness of En Gedi. So Saul gathered three thousand of the finest warriors of Israel

and went to find him. When they arrived at the Rocks of the Wild Goats, Saul went inside a cave

to relieve himself. Unknown to him, David and his men had chosen that cave in which to hide.

David’s men saw this as a chance to take the kingdom by force. They urged David to kill Saul

saying, “This is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold I will deliver your enemies into

your hand,’” But David wouldn’t do it. But he did arise and cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.

After Saul left the cave David was convicted of his actions and followed the king with the piece

of Saul’s robe in his hand. He called out to Saul, bowed down and said “Why do you listen to

those who say I want to bring you harm?” He explained that he could have taken revenge on

Saul in the cave but he refused to touch God’s anointed. David asked the king to let God judge

between the two to see if David meant any evil towards Saul. When Saul heard David’s plea he

wept and told David that he was the more righteous man and that indeed God planned for

David to be the next king of Israel. Saul made David swear that when that happened David

wouldn’t destroy Saul’s descendants. David took the oath. Saul went home and David and his

men continued to live up in the Stronghold.


47

1 SAMUEL: DAVID SPARES KING SAUL

1 Samuel 24:1-22

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● Discriminating between what is providence and what is temptation requires godly

discernment. What is required for gaining godly discernment?

● When you find yourself in a situation where you need confidence that the Lord is a God

of justice, are you prepared to wait on him without taking matters into your own

hands?






48

1 SAMUEL: DAVID, ABIGAIL, AND THE FOOL 1 Samuel 25:1-44


2. ICEBREAKER. What was your favorite toy as a child?

[or] When was the last time you did something new? What was it?


During this time, David received word that his friend Samuel had died and that Israel was mourning for him. Then David arose and left for the wilderness of Paran. In that region there was a very wealthy man named Nabal who owned many flocks of sheep. While David’s men were in the area, they befriended Nabal’s shepherds and protected them by day and by night. So when the sheep shearing festival was held, David sent some of his men to Nabal to ask if they could share in the banquet. David instructed them to let Nabal know how they had protected his workers and that he could ask his shepherds if he didn’t believe David’s messengers. When they approached Nabal he threw them out, saying that David was just a runaway slave and Nabal wasn’t going to share his food with people he didn’t know. When his messengers reached David he was enraged, swearing to destroy every male in Nabal’s household. When Abigail, Nabal’s beautiful and wise wife heard of David’s threat, she gathered provisions and mounted her donkey to intercept David before he could attack. When she encountered him she bowed down before David and took all the blame. She offered David and his men food and provisions, telling David that her husband’s name meant “fool” and that he lived up to the name. She went on to say that David would soon be Israel’s true king. David realized that he had been rash and that this wise woman had prevented him from slaughtering innocent people. Later, when Nabal heard of the encounter and his close call, he was struck down and died ten days later. When David heard about Nabal’s death he sent to Abigail to ask her hand in marriage because King Saul had given his betrothed wife Michael, Saul’s daughter, to another. Read through the passage in 1 Samuel. Rebuild the story as a group.

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1 SAMUEL: DAVID, ABIGAIL, AND THE FOOL 1 Samuel 25:1-44

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● Can you think of incidents in your own life when God’s providential intervention has

saved you from a wrong course of action?

● How does the idea of absolute values/truth another way of affirming the existence and

consistency of God?






50

1 SAMUEL: DAVID SPARES HIS KING

1 Samuel 26:1-25


2. ICEBREAKER. What’s one thing on your bucket list?


The people of Ziph came and told Saul that David was hiding in the hill of Hachilah, so Saul

gathered his 3000 valiant warriors and went to hunt him down. When Saul and his army made

camp for the night David spied on them and once they were asleep, he asked his men, “Who

will go down with me to Saul and the camp?” His friend Abishai answered, “I will go down with

you.” So the two of them stole down and entered the camp of Saul while the soldiers slept. As

they approached the sleeping king, Abishai whispered to David, “God has delivered your enemy

into your hand today,” and asked if he could strike the king right where he lay. But David

forbade him saying that no one should touch the Lord’s anointed. They took Saul’s spear and

his jug of water and slipped out unnoticed because God had placed a deep sleep on all of the

soldiers.

When they reached the top of the hill opposite Saul and his men, David called out to Abner,

Saul’s general. He scolded the general for not protecting the king, saying that he was deserving

of death for neglecting his duties. When Saul heard David he said, “Is that your voice, my son

David?” David once again declared his innocence, saying that if God has stirred up Saul against

David, then He could accept an offering but if it was only the words of men may they be cursed.

When Saul saw how David had once again spared his life, he confessed his sin and promised

David not to harm him. After David returned the king’s spear and jug he said to Saul, “And

indeed, as your life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued much in the

eyes of the Lord.” Then David went his way and Saul returned to his place.


51

1 SAMUEL: DAVID SPARES HIS KING 1 Samuel 26:1-25

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● What can we learn from David’s decisions in this story?

● “Understanding sometimes has to wait, but obedience cannot.” Do you agree or

disagree with this statement?

● Receiving assurance and feeling assured may be two different things. If this is true of

you, which should you trust, the word of assurance or the feeling of insecurity?

● Can you think of instances in your life or those of other Christians when what the Lord

did went beyond what imagination could picture?






52

1 SAMUEL: DAVID RETURNS TO ACHISH 1 Samuel 27:1-28:2


2. ICEBREAKER. What is your favorite part of your daily routine?

[or] Why do you live where you do?


After a time David, still fearing Saul, decided to escape back to the land of the Philistines and try

to attach himself to King Achish. So David, his two wives and six hundred men went to the city

of Gath to find Achish. When David arrived, the king offered to give him the city of Ziklag in the

southern part of Philistia.

Once there David led his men on raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites and the Amalekites

destroying everyone in the cities. That way there were no witnesses left to tell Achish of David’s

exploits. David convinced the king that he was raiding the southern parts of Israel, thus aligning

himself with the Philistines. When he heard these reports, King Achish believed that David had

made himself an enemy of Israel. Later when the Philistines gathered to go to battle against the

Jewish people, David was placed in a difficult predicament but continued to convince Achish of

his loyalty.


53

1 SAMUEL: DAVID RETURNS TO ACHISH 1 Samuel 27:1-28:2

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● What do you think might have motivated David’s decision to move his men, family, and

loyalty?

● In times of deep spiritual disappointment or disillusionment, self-talk can determine

whether we get stuck or move on. What kind of self-talk do you find yourself doing in

times of disappointment?






54

1 SAMUEL: SAULS CONSULTS A MEDIUM

1 Samuel 28:3-25


2. ICEBREAKER. What day of your life would you most like to relive? Why?


When Saul saw the Philistine army gathering for war he was afraid and sought the Lord. But an

answer didn’t come. So the king in his fear, disguised himself and found a woman who was a

medium. He asked her to consult the dead prophet Samuel for him. At first the woman refused,

saying that the king had rid Israel of all the mediums but Saul swore to her that she wouldn’t be

punished if she would just do this thing for him.

As the woman began her ritual she became terrified as Samuel appeared and spoke to Saul.

Saul told Samuel that he was distressed because of the Philistines and that God had ceased

speaking to him. Samuel answered and told Saul that God had rejected him for his disobedience

with Amalek and had given the kingdom to another, David. Samuel went on to say that the

Philistines would indeed be victorious tomorrow and that Saul and his sons would be killed.

Saul was distraught and fell on the ground, refusing to eat. Finally the woman and Saul’s men

convinced him to eat something to keep up his strength. After they ate they slipped out once

more into the night.


55

1 SAMUEL: SAUL CONSULTS A MEDIUM

1 Samuel 28:3-25

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS:

● Saul is a believer in Yahweh God to the end, and yet his leadership and character were

deeply degenerated. What can we learn about the value and the insufficiency of

doctrinal accuracy when it comes to spiritual maturity?

● In what ways may Christians fall into the error of Saul and seek guidance from evil

sources?

● Consider the example of the Ephesian church in Revelation 2:1-11. Do you see this

pattern in your own life or in your church?






56

1 SAMUEL: DAVID FINDS TROUBLE AT HOME 1 Samuel 29:1-30:31


2. ICEBREAKER. Who is your number one advisor in life and why?


As the Philistines gathered for battle against the Israelites, they lined up and marched in review

before the leaders of their cities. David and his men were last in the procession, marching

alongside King Achish. The lords of the Philistines confronted Achish and told him that these

Hebrew soldiers didn’t belong with them in battle. For as soon as the battle raged they

reasoned, David and his men would turn on them, destroy the Philistines and take their heads

to Saul in order to gain his favor. David was delivered from an impossible situation when Achish

came to him and sent him away as the Philistines headed to Jezreel to fight against King Saul.

When David and his men reached their home, the city of Ziklag, they realized that the

Amalekites had attacked the city, burned it and had kidnapped all of the women and children

who lived there. When his men discovered that their families had been taken, they turned on

David and threatened to stone him. But David strengthened himself in the Lord and sought

God’s guidance. The Lord assured David that if he pursued the Amalekites he would defeat

them and recover all that was taken. As they chased the enemy raiders David and his men came

upon an Egyptian servant of the Amalekites who had been left behind. He led them to the

Amalekite camp and David and his men attacked the Amalekites for over twenty four hours,

recovering all of their wives and children and destroying all but 400 of the enemy. After the

battle, several of the worthless men in David’s ranks refused to share the spoil with the men

who had been too exhausted to join in the fight. But David ordered that the spoil would go to

all of the men no matter their role in the battle. In fact upon their return to Ziklag David sent

portions of the spoils throughout Israel in order to celebrate this great victory.


57

1 SAMUEL: DAVID FINDS TROUBLE AT HOME 1 Samuel 29:1-30:31

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● During his men’s revolt, David strengthened himself in God. When did you last

strengthen yourself in God?

● When and how did God work on David’s behalf? What lessons can we learn from this?

● How did David’s men respond? What lessons can we learn from this?






58

1 SAMUEL: DEFEAT BY THE PHILISTINES

1 Samuel 31:1-13


2. ICEBREAKER. What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

[or] If you could do one miracle, what would you do?


As the Philistine army fought against Israel on Mount Gilboa they overpowered the Israelites,

killed many and caused the others to flee for their lives. Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab and

Malchishua were killed and the archers wounded King Saul. Saul turned to his armor bearer and

told him to use Saul’s own sword to kill him so that the Philistines wouldn’t be able to abuse

him. But the armor bearer would not. So Saul fell on his own sword and died. His armor bearer

did the same.

When the men of Israel saw that they were defeated and that their king was dead, they

deserted their cities and the Philistines came and inhabited them. The next day when the

Philistines found the bodies of Saul and his sons, they cut off the king’s head, stripped off his

armor and hung them in the temple of their gods. Then they placed Saul’s body on a wall in the

town of Beth Shan. But the men of Jabesh Gilead came by night, took down Saul’s body and

gave it a decent burial in Jabesh. Then they fasted for seven days.


59

1 SAMUEL: DEFEAT BY THE PHILISTINES 1 Samuel 31:1-13

CORE QUESTIONS:




MORE QUESTIONS: ● How did Saul’s reign as king begin (see 1 Samuel 9-11)? How does this book end?

● Jonathan’s death could be seen as a tragedy or entry into God’s better future. Does

that put some apparent tragedies in our lives into a different perspective?

● List the key lessons you have learned from 1 Samuel and share them with the group.






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