Search The Scriptures —Study 19 — 1 Samuel 23 and 24

Study 19 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 23 and 24

1. In what ways did God's protecting hand cover David, and what special encouragements did he receive? Cf. Ps. 37:23, 24.

2. What held David back from killing Saul when it was in his power to do it, and when his followers were urging him on? What virtues shine out in his self-restraint, and what lessons do you learn from this? Cf. Rom. 12:19, 20.

3. Were Saul's words and weeping accompanied by a real change of heart? Cf. Ho. 6:4; Is. 29:13. What does real repentance involve?

Notes

1. 24:13, 14. David uses the proverb to demonstrate his innocence. The wicked action one would expect from a wicked man has not been forthcoming in his case. 'A dead dog...a flea': something harmless, elusive, unimportant.

2. 24:20, 21. Saul apparently knew God's purpose, though he strove to avert some of its consequences

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Search The Scriptures —Study 18 — 1 Samuel 22-23

Study 18 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 22-23

1. Do you gather from 21:10-15 and 22:3-5, that David's flights out of the holy land were done without God's guidance? What seems to have determined David's actions? Contrast 22:23. Are you free from the fear of men? Cf. Pr. 29:25.

2. Consider the character of the motley crew of which David now transform any group under Christian leadership? Cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-11; note especially the phrase 'such were some of you'.
3. Read the story of 22:7-19 in the light of Pr. 6:34; 14:30; 27:4. How can the Christian be zealous without being jealous? Cf. 1 Ki. 19:10, 14; Jn. 2:17.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 17 — 1 Samuel 20:1-21:9

Study 17 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:9

1. What was David's purpose in seeking Jonathan? What request did Jonathan in turn make of David? What components of true friendship does the relationship of these two men illustrate?
2. What Characteristic of true 'loyal love' (20:14) does this passage reveal? Compare it with (a) 1 Cor. 13:4-7, and (b) your own life.
3. When human need and ceremonial obligations conflict as in 21:6, what guidance do we find here as to the right course to take? Cf. Mt. 12:3-8.

Notes

1. 20:6. Such were the standards of morality that even the best of the people seemed to have no scruples in using lies and deception to save life. See 19:17; 20:28, 29; 21:2. But note how deceit brought down Saul's wrath upon Jonathan (20:30), just as it brought disaster upon Ahimelech and his associates (22:18, 19).
2. 20:14. Cf. 2 Sa. 9:3.
3. 20:23, 42. The idea of God being between two covenant partners to watch and to judge is illustrated by Gn. 31:49, 53.
4. 20:26. Saul thought that ceremonial uncleanness accounted for David's absence from the feast. See Lv. 7:19, 20.
5. 21:7. 'Detained before the Lord': perhaps because of a vow.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 16 — 1 Samuel 17:55 – 19:24

Study 16 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 17:55 – 19:24

1. How were fear and jealousy like a cancer in Saul's spirit? How did they show themselves? How do you explain God's action in this matter? By what means were Saul's attempts to destroy David foiled?

2. How did Jonathan and Michal show their love for David? Do we ever risk anything for our friends? See 1 Jn. 3: 16, 18.

Notes

1. 18:5 'Was successful': a pregnant Hebrew word is used meaning 'deal wisely' with the implied consequence of success. Cf. Is. 52: 13a.

2. 18:10. Cf. 1 Ki. 22:22
3. 19:13. 'An image': Hebrew 'teraphim', i.e., household gods; cf. Gn. 31:19. This deceived Saul's messengers into thinking that David was ill in bed.
4. 19:23, 24. ' Naked': i.e., with his outer garment laid aside; cf. Is. 20:2; Mi. 1:8. Saul lay in a trance for a day and a night. The origin of the proverb about Saul is recorded in 10:12. His behaviour here evidently caused men to recollect it.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 15 — 1 Samuel 17: 1-54

Study 15 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 17: 1-54

1. What was it that made David view the situation differently, and gave him courage, when all the men of Israel were much afraid? Cf. Ps. 42:5, 11; Is. 51:12, 13.
2. How did David's past experiences of the Lord's deliverance give him confidence to face the present challenge? What practical lessons does this teach about (a) the value of remembering, and (b) the importance of proving God's presence and power in ordinary daily living?
3. What do you think of Saul's reasoning (verse 33), and of his provision for David (verse 38, 39)? Did he understand what he was saying, in his words to David: 'The Lord be with you!'? What was lacking? See verse 47.

Notes

1. Verses 4ff. The giant was over nine feet tall, and carried 125 lbs. of armour.
2. Verse 18. 'Some token': i.e., that they are well, etc.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 14 — 1 Samuel 16

Study 14 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 16

1. How is true obedience illustrated in Samuel's behavior? What can you learn from his example?

2. What great truth was brought home to Samuel at Bethlehem? Consider how this truth is emphasized in Jesus's teaching. See Mt. 6:1; 7:15, etc. Cf. Rom. 2:28, 29.

3. Here men twice sent to fetch David; why? When he comes into sight, what do we learn about him? Make a list of his characteristics. What was the chief evidence that God had chosen him and rejected Saul? Cf. 2 Cor. 1:22.

Note. Verses 21, 22. David became an 'Armour-bearer---possibly a military title. The phrase 'remain in my service' does not imply continued physical presence. If it did, 17:55, 56 would be unintelligible.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 13 — 1 Samuel 15

Study 13 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 15

1. Trace the course of Saul's disobedience-his excuses (verse 20, 21, 24) and his self-interest (verse 30). Trace also the course of Samuel's warning (verse 1), denunciation (verse 14, 18, 19) and declaration of divine judgment (verse 22, 23, 26, 28, 29). What may we here learn concerning God's ways and the demands of His service?
2. From verse 11, and from Samuel's reply to Saul in verses 22, 23, what do we learn concerning the divine reaction against ritual without obedience, against outward religious observance which masks an inner disobedience? Have God's requirements or His attitude changed.

Notes

1. Verse 15. The whole point about the sacred ban was that everything must be destroyed; not one thing must be spared or looted. Cf. Jos. 7:1.
2. Verse 35. 'Samuel did not see Saul again. 'See' here means 'visit' or 'go to see'. So, 19:24 involves no contradiction with this passage.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 12 — 1 Samuel 14

Study 12 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 14

1. How was it that Jonathan was so courageous? Cf. Verse 6 with 2 Ch. 14:11; 1 Sa. 2:9, 10
2. What indications do you find of Saul's impatience, and how did it lead him to hasty and wrong decisions? Yet what evidence is there that with all his self-will Saul was anxious not to offend the Lord? How do you account for this?

Notes

1. Verse 6. 'The Lord will work for us': the Old Testament is full of the God who acts in different ways. Cf. 1 Ki. 8:32; Je. 14:7; Ps. 22: 30, 31.
2. Verse 24. Saul's purpose was probably religious, viz, by fasting to obtain God's favor.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 11 — 1 Samuel 13

Study 11 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 13

1. Consider the Israelites's great danger. See verses 5, 6, 19-22. In such a situation what ought they to have known to be the one indispensable and sure secret of survival and victory? See 12: 14, 15.
2. What was wrong with Saul's professed desire to entreat the favour of the Lord, and with the action he took to further it? What warning do you take from the irreparable consequences following on one specific sinful act? Why does God expose men to such searching tests? See Dt. 8:2.

Notes

1. Verse 1. Some numbers are lacking here. Thirty would in each case suitably fill the gap
2. Verse 2. Many years must have elapsed. In 9:2 Saul is described as a 'young man'. Here his son Jonathan is old enough to command a fighting force.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 10 — 1 Samuel 12

Study 10 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 12

1. What was the point of Samuel's historical recital? Unlike the Israelites, do we (a) remind ourselves constantly of the great things God has done for us, and (b) allow this reminder to have a full effect upon our behaviour?
2. What were the outstanding features in Samuel's character as seen in this chapter?
3. Summarize the counsels and warnings of verses 20-25. Note especially what Samuel says about prayer. Yet, if the people will not turn from their wicked ways, will prayer avail? See verse 25; cf. Je. 15:1; Ps. 99:6, 8.

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