Study Questions on 1 Samuel 24
Discerning God’s Will in Confusing Times
Paul J. Bucknell
Perplexing moments | Inner testings | Personal resolve | Questions
Opening question: Have you ever faced a situation where you didn’t know what to decide? What made it so difficult to decide?
1. Handling Perplexing Moments (1 Samuel 24:1-4)
24:1 Now it came about when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, saying, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi. 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3 And he came to the sheepfolds on the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the inner recesses of the cave. 4 And the men of David said to him, “Behold, this is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’” Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe secretly. (NASB if not noted.)
What is it that Saul decides to do after chasing off the Philistines (1)?
Why might Saul go after David in the wilderness (read previous chapters)?
How important was it for Saul to seek out David (2)? What do you think Saul would do with David once caught? Why?
What happened to create a very unexpected scene (3)?
How did David’s men react to this situation (4)? What advice did they give?
Did David follow the men’s advice (4c)? Why?
Have you ever had a friend suggest something that didn’t feel right? Please explain.
How should we determine whether a given situation indicates God’s good will?
2. Struggling With Inner Testings (1 Samuel 24:5-7)
24:5 And it came about afterward that David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. 6 So he said to his men, “Far be it from me because of the LORD that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD’S anointed.” 7 And David persuaded his men with these words.
What happened once David cut part of Saul’s robe (5)?
What do you think it means by “David’s conscience bothered him” (5)? How does the Spirit of God work with the conscience?
How does David explain his actions and thoughts to his men in verse 6?
Explain what David meant by referring to Saul as the Lord’s anointed (6)?
List some reasons why David and his men might have justified killing Saul. (Reflect on King Saul’s actions.)
What do you think made this decision difficult to choose? Do you struggle with making decisions?
How is it, in such an extreme and tense situation, that David chose this way to please the Lord - “far be it from me”?
Do you usually put God’s desires ahead of your own? Think of a few situations and consider how you normally respond.
3. Living by Personal Resolve (1 Samuel 24:8-22)
In the end, we have to make decisions. It’s good that we can trust God with the results and, like in this case, see the good that comes from not relying on our feelings but remembering the importance of all of God’s Word.
24:8 Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself. 9 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men, saying, ‘Behold, David seeks to harm you’? 10 “Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’S anointed.’ 11 “Now, my father, see! Indeed, see the edge of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it.
24:16 Now it came about when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” Then Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 And he said to David, “You are more righteous than I; for you have dealt well with me, while I have dealt wickedly with you. 18 And you have declared today that you have done good to me, that the LORD delivered me into your hand and yet you did not kill me. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safely? May the LORD therefore reward you with good in return for what you have done to me this day. 20 And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 21 So now swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s household.” 22 And David swore to Saul. And Saul went to his home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
What did David do after Saul left the cave (8)? Would you have done that? Why or why not?
What does David start doing in verse 9? Why might he have done this?
How did Saul respond to David (16)? Are you surprised at his response?
Summarize Saul’s statements from verses 17-19. Why do you think Saul was so touched by David’s words?
After reading verse 20, do you think Saul realized David was anointed king after him? What implications could this have for Saul?
What does Saul request from David in verse 21?
How did David respond (22)? Do you think everything would be resolved between Saul and David from then on? Why or why not?
Saul’s hardened mind and spirit were temporarily softened by David’s mercifulness and kindness toward him. Can you think of how loving actions sometimes require bravery?
How would you summarize the main lesson of 1 Samuel 24?
Summary
Whenever we face tests, God points to deep values inside us that He wants to nurture. By choosing to make decisions based on these values rather than feelings or others’ suggestions, we reaffirm our commitment to God, from which maturity and righteousness grow.
Perplexing moments | Inner testings | Personal resolve | Questions