Chapter Summary

Choice of David as king. His annointing and visit to Saul.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 16

1. In what ways does the Lord demand primary place in Samuel's affections? How does this translate into action? What parallels do you see in your own life?
2. Is it appropriate that Samuel is still mourning Saul? Why/why not? What does this mourning reveal about Samuel's relationship with Saul? What does the author suggest about godly vs. wordly regret here?
3. Why does Samuel fear to go to Bethlehem? Does he have grounding for his fears? Why/why not?
4. How does God respond to Samuel's question in vs. 2? In what circumstance(s) does your fear tempt you to question or doubt God?
5. What responsibility do the elders of Bethlehem exercise upon Samuel's arrival? Why do they ask him about peace? What are they afraid of? What does their fear reflect about Saul's kingship?
6. What does consecration mean? What role does it play in the events of this chapter? How are all believers consecrated for God's purposes?
7. What mistake does Samuel make when he first sees Eliab? What similarities and differences do you see between Eliab and Saul (1 Samuel 9:2 and 10:23)? What is the difference in how Samuel and the Lord look at candidates?
8. In what circumstances are you tempted to judge people or situations based on external appearances? How do we seek wisdom when we can't see another person's heart the way God does?
9. What do we learn about David in terms of his skills and talents? How do these gifts bless Saul and Israel? In what ways do these gifts suggest David's future kingship?
10. What negative circumstances does God allow in Saul's life? How do these consequences reflect his unrepentance? Where are you holding onto and suffering from unconfessed sin/unrepetance?

Key Words/Phrase

Chosen, v. 1, (annointed, v. 17).

Characters

God, Holy Spirit, Samuel, David, Jesse, Saul, Ellab, Abinadab, Shammah.

Strong Verse(s)