Tag: I Samuel

Reflections on I Samuel 28-31

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

In our passage today we see two men, two battles, and two outcomes.  Observe:

  • Sin and judgment – When God wouldn’t answer him, Saul again took matters into his own hands and sinned by going to a medium. The medium calls up Samuel who delivers the pronouncement of God’s judgment – Saul and his sons will die in the coming battle.  When God doesn’t respond as you want, do you take matters into your hands?
  • Obedience and blessing – David finds that an enemy has taken away his wives. He first turns to God and finds strength in the Lord (30:6).  He then seeks God’s direction and follows it – and rescues his wives.  Where do you turn first in calamity?  Are you following God’s direction?

Reflections on I Samuel 25-27

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

David continues to hide from Saul.  Observe:

  • Responding to evil – David prepares to respond to Nabal’s evil with more evil, but later David responds to Saul’s evil with good again. Why do suppose David responds to Nabal’s evil differently than Saul’s evil?  When is it easier for you to respond to evil with good?  Harder?  Why?
  • Lord’s anointed – Even though Saul had rejected God and God had rejected Saul, David refused to stretch out his hand against Saul because God had made Saul king. God in his providence still determines who will lead our government today – even those who don’t follow God.  Is your attitude toward your leaders like David’s attitude?

I Samuel 25-31: Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(25) How is David tempted to take matters into his own hands?

What reasons does Abigail give for David to not take vengeance?

What further instructions do you find in Romans 12:17-22?

What application do you see for your own life?

(26) How is David tempted to take matters into his own hands?

Why does David refuse?

What principle is this passage teaching us, and what application do you see for your own life?

(27) Do you think David is taking matters into his own hands in this chapter?  Why or why not?

Why are we tempted to take matters into our own hands?

(28, 31) How does Saul take matters into his own hands?  Why?

What do you think he should have done?

What are the results of his actions (see also I Chronicles 10:13-14)?

(29-30) What does David do when he finds out the Amalekites have kidnapped his family (v5-8)?  Then what does he do?

How does God help David recover his family?

How is David in this chapter a good example for us today?

Reflections on I Samuel 22-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Saul continues his pursuit of David.  Note:

  • Standing by – Saul in his jealousy orders the execution of God’s priests who had earlier helped David. Saul’s servants refuse to carry out the orders.  So Saul tells a foreigner to kill the priests, and Saul’s servants stand by while this foreigner commits murder.  Do you think Saul’s servants are free from guilt?  Do you stand by when you see injustice?  What do you think you should do?
  • Good for evil – Saul’s heart desire is to kill David (23:20), but when David has a chance to kill Saul, David refrains. What evil has been done to you that you need to repay with good?  How might you do it?  Ask God to help you.

 

Reflections on I Samuel 19-21

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Saul in his continued jealousy pursues David, but Saul’s son Jonathan has a different heart.  Consider:

  • Saul’s jealousy – The jealousy that began in chapter 18 reigns throughout our passage today as Saul seeks David’s life. Is there jealousy in your heart?  Are you treating someone poorly out of jealousy or envy?
  • Jonathan’s loyalty – Saul’s son remains loyal to David in spite of his dad’s jealousy, and in spite of the fact that David’s life will keep Jonathan from ever being king. Jonathan accepts the lot God has given him and loves David as a brother.  Are you loyal to your friends?  To God’s people?  Even to your own hurt?  Even when others are against them (and may turn against you)?

I Samuel 25-31: Faithful

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(19-24) God is faithful to David.  How does God faithfully guide and protect David?

19:1-7 –

19:8-9 –

19:10-17 –

19:18-24 –

20:1-42 –

21:1-15 –

22:1-23 –

23:1-14 –

23:19-29 –

24:1-22 –

What application do you find for your own life?

(19-20, 23) Despite his dad’s murderous attempts on David’s life, Jonathan remains faithful to David, and David to Jonathan.  How do they show their faithfulness to one another in these passages?

19:1-7 –

20:1-42 –

23:17-18 –

What does it mean that Jonathan “strengthened his hand in God”?  How might we strengthen a friend’s hand in God?

How might we further apply their example to our own friendships?

Reflections on I Samuel 16-18

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

In our passage today, God chooses a new king.  Note:

  • Heart – God looks not on the outward appearance, but on the heart. God chooses David because David has a heart for God.  What does God see when he looks at your heart?
  • The battle is the Lord’s – David goes out to fight Goliath, but he doesn’t go alone. He goes in the name of the Lord for the glory of God.  What battles are you facing?  You need not fight the battle alone.  Look to the Lord for help and fight for his glory.

Reflections on I Samuel 13-15

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Saul, the new king, fails to follow the Lord.  Observe:

  • Heart for God – Saul offers a sacrifice that is not his to make, and so disobeys God. Samuel tells Saul that his kingdom will not continue, for God is seeking a man after his own heart.  In other words, Saul’s disobedience reveals his heart – and it is not after God.  Where is your heart?  Do your actions reveal a heart for God or not?
  • Obedience – As Saul disobeyed God in chapter 13, so he does it again in chapter 15 – apparently following the people instead of God. Are you following God or the crowd around you?  In what ways are you tempted to follow those around you?

I Samuel 13-18: A Tale of Three Men

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(13) How did Saul disobey God?  What excuses does he make?

What do Saul’s actions and excuses tell you about his heart?

(15) How did Saul disobey God?  What excuses does he make?

What do Saul’s actions and excuses tell you about his heart?

How would you summarize v22?

How should we apply this verse (and the entire passage) to our lives today?

(13-14) What contrasts do you see between Jonathan and Saul?

What do you learn about Jonathan’s heart?

(16-17) God is going to provide for himself a king.  What is God looking for, and not looking for (16:7, see also 9:2, 13:14)?

How might we apply 16:7 to our own lives today (see I Timothy 4:7-8)?

How does David exhibit what God is looking for in chapter 17?

How do David’s actions against Goliath point to Jesus?

(18) Again, what contrasts do you see between Jonathan and Saul?

What do you learn about each man’s heart?

(14, 17)  How do Jonathan and David demonstrate the truth found in II Corinthians 12:9-10?

How do we need to apply this truth to our lives today?

Reflections on I Samuel 10-12

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Samuel anoints Saul to be the first King of Israel.

  • Heart for God – Again this theme comes up. God gives Saul a new heart (10:9).  Samuel instructs the people to serve God with all their hearts (12:20, 24).  Are you serving God with all your heart?  Or is your heart divided?
  • Empty things – Samuel warned the people not to “turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver” (12:21). What are some empty things that our world chases after?  What empty things do you chase after?
  • Prayer – Samuel pledges to continue praying for people (12:23). How is your prayer life?  Who have you pledged to pray for?  Who do you need to pray for today?