Chapter Summary

David among Israel's enemies. Saul consults the witch.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 28

1. As the Philistines prepare for war at the start of chapter 28, David is placed in a difficult position. Why would Achish's command be difficult for David to follow? What was his response? Do you think his response was right? Why or why not?
2. In verse 2, David named himself a "servant" of King Achish (ESV). What did it mean to be a servant of the king? In previous chapters, David called himself a servant of King Saul. Is this any different? Why or why not?
3. Read verse 3. Who was Samuel? Why did the entire nation of Israel mourn his passing? Do you think it is important that the author included this background information in this chapter? How does it enhance the story?
4. In regards to mediums and necromancers, how did Saul act righteously? How did he later act unrighteously? Did his unrighteous act nullify his righteous deed, or render it worthless? Why or why not?
5. In this chapter, Saul is earnestly seeking the will of the Lord, but he is met with silence. Consider a time in your life when you felt God was not answering a prayer. Can that time be compared to God's silence in this story? Why or why not?
6. Read verse 6. What is "Urim" (ESV)? How did Jews use this to determine the will of God? Do you think it is still a valid means for believers today? Why or why not?
7. What caused Saul to break his own rule forbidding mediums and necromancers? Did his faith in God or fear of man rule over him in that moment? Have there been moments in your life when you, too, have allowed the fear of man to act in a manner displeasing to God? What did you learn from this experience? How has your trust in God increased since then? If it has not, why?
8. Consider the contrast between Saul and the medium. Which of the two behaved more honorably in this story? Why do you think so?
9. What reason does Samuel give for why the Lord abandoned Saul? Do you think Saul was deserving of this abandonment? Why or why not? Do you believe Saul was right to despair in verse 20? Why or why not?
10. How do you think Saul may have felt in learning that the Lord had become his enemy? As believers, will we ever experience this? Why or why not? What assurance do we have that God will never abandon us? How does that make you feel?

Key Words/Phrase

Spiritism, v. 7.

Characters

God, David, Saul, Samuel, Achish, witch.

Strong Verse(s)

15, 16.