Chapter Summary

David's mercy to Saul in En-gedi.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 24

1. Chapter 23 told us that David has "about six-hundred men" (vs. 13). How many men do we find that Saul has in Chapter 24? Why would the author want the reader to know this? What does this information set up at the beginning of this segment?
2. Consider the irony that Saul relieves himself in the midst of his enemies without knowing it but walks away unharmed. How is God faithful to both David and Saul in this situation? What does this reveal to you about God's mercy?
3. What do David's men encourage him to do? What is his response? Based on his reaction, was this appropriate? Why/why not?
4. Despite David's initial position of strength and ongoing blamelessness, notice his behaviour when addressing Saul after the latter has left the cave. Do his words and actions match? What do they reveal about him?
5. In what ways is the personal testimony of words corroborated by actions in David's life? How does disharmony between these two damage the credibility of the individual (e.g. Saul)? Where could you harmonize words and actions in your life?
6. David admits that he could have killed Saul but chose not to do so out of respect for God. Where does God's mercy to you help you overlook the offenses of others in your life? What effect would this have on the way that you see the offender?
7. David appeals to the Lord as his judge (vs. 15). In what ways does God's judgment surpass the judgment of men?
8. Note Saul's response to David's words and actions in vs. 16-21. What does Saul confirm about David's character? How does he condemn his own actions?
9. Saul wrongly suspected David of plotting against him. Where have you assumed bad motives on the part of others? What can you do to address the mistake?
10. What is the difference between convincing someone and converting them to a position? Has Saul been convinced or converted here by David? What does David reveal about his understanding of Saul's sorrow and confession? How does David prove the words of Christ in Matthew 10:16?

Key Words/Phrase

Mercy (dealt well), v. 18.

Characters

God, David, Saul.

Strong Verse(s)

12, 17.