Chapter Summary

Saul's murderous hate pursues David.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 19

1. How does Jonathan demonstrate friendship towards David? In what ways has God demonstrated his friendship towards you?
2. Jonathan is not only Saul’s son but also the crown prince of Israel. Were Jonathan’s actions in Ch. 19 just? When does obedience to God override earthly authorities and duties?
3. What approach does Jonathan take to convince his father not to seek David’s life? How is this Biblical mediation? In what ways does this parallel the prophet Samuel in Ch. 12: 6-17?
4. In response to Jonathan’s words in vs. 4-5, what promise does Saul give regarding his future actions? Given his character, how is this ironic?
5. What provokes Saul’s next attack? Read James 1: 13-15. How do our actions reveal our inner motives? Based on his actions, what appear to be Saul’s inner motives? What would someone assume about your motives based on your actions?
6. In what ways does God have to intervene in order for a person to think rationally? In what ways are we irrational without God? Think of a circumstance where you responded or failed to respond to reason. What happened?
7. While Jonathan demonstrates the art of peacemaking, Saul sets himself up to fail. Why is achieving peace impossible for Saul? Whose fault is this? Where in your efforts at peace might you have set yourself up to fail?
8. Michal uses a terapim, or an idol, to help deceive Saul and protect David. How do her actions confirm David’s favor with the one true God? In what ways might this deception also confirm Saul’s own lack of reverence for God?
9. David flees to Samuel after Saul’s latest attempt to kill him. How does Samuel help David? How does he show superior leadership to Saul in this encounter? What is Samuel’s authority centered upon?
10. What is the ultimate result in this chapter of Saul’s efforts to kill David? How does this image of Saul (vs. 24) confirm God’s sovereignty even over those who are hostile towards him and his agents?

Key Words/Phrase

Murderous envy, vv. 1, 10, 15.

Characters

God, Holy Spirit, David, Saul, Jonathan, Michal, Samuel.

Strong Verse(s)

12