Here’s how the study works: Read the chapters mentioned in the heading during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for several chapters creates the opportunity to revisit them and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
21:10 That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.
Why did David flee to the Philistines – Israel's enemies? Did he think that because he was now Saul's enemy they would have something in common? He had to pretend to be insane to survive (v.13). In that culture it was considered back luck to kill a madman.
David resorts to trickery but as time passes his faith in God's ability to protect him from Saul grows. Faith takes time to grow.
21:10 That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.
Why did David flee to the Philistines – Israel's enemies? Did he think that because he was now Saul's enemy they would have something in common? He had to pretend to be insane to survive (v.13). In that culture it was considered back luck to kill a madman.
David resorts to trickery but as time passes his faith in God's ability to protect him from Saul grows. Faith takes time to grow.
22:20 But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David.
Abiathar was the only priest left. God preserved his life to carry on the priesthood and now he joins David. God preserves a remnant – the 'one' to carry on the line. With God one is enough to bring about his purposes.
22:20 But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David.
Abiathar was the only priest left. God preserved his life to carry on the priesthood and now he joins David. God preserves a remnant – the 'one' to carry on the line. With God one is enough to bring about his purposes.
23:16-17 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”
Jonathan was able to find David when Saul was not. But then the Ziphites (v.19) revealed David's hiding place to Saul so perhaps they had followed Jonathan?
Jonathan was a bit naive to say "even my father knows this" yet Saul didn't want David to be king which was why he was trying to kill him. The next mention of Jonathan is his death.
Why didn't Jonathan stay with David? Sometimes you need friends who will do more than just talk. Sometimes you need friends who will take action.
23:16-17 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”
Jonathan was able to find David when Saul was not. But then the Ziphites (v.19) revealed David's hiding place to Saul so perhaps they had followed Jonathan?
Jonathan was a bit naive to say "even my father knows this" yet Saul didn't want David to be king which was why he was trying to kill him. The next mention of Jonathan is his death.
Why didn't Jonathan stay with David? Sometimes you need friends who will do more than just talk. Sometimes you need friends who will take action.
24:22 So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
But David didn't trust Saul. Why else would he go up to the stronghold? Saul had changed his mind before.
Yet David honours Saul and does him good despite Saul's bad treatment of him (Luke 6:27).
24:22 So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
But David didn't trust Saul. Why else would he go up to the stronghold? Saul had changed his mind before.
Yet David honours Saul and does him good despite Saul's bad treatment of him (Luke 6:27).
25:33 May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.
In the last chapter David's conscience stopped him avenging himself but here Abigail does. Sometimes we need help from others.
25:33 May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.
In the last chapter David's conscience stopped him avenging himself but here Abigail does. Sometimes we need help from others.