Chapter Summary

David saved from fighting against Israel.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 29

1. What complaint did the Philistines bring to their king as they were preparing to go into battle? Do you think they were right to be concerned? Why or why not?
2. In chapter 27, we see David go out of his way to avoid striking against his own people, yet now King Achish has ordered him to join in the battle against Israel. How might David have felt in this situation, and why do you think so?
3. How did God reveal his faithfulness to David during this chapter? What do you think this teaches us about the sovereignty of God? Are you more likely to trust God in difficult circumstances after reading this story? Why or why not?
4. How does King Achish describe David throughout this chapter? What does this tell us of his opinion towards his servant? Do you think he was right to feel this way? Why or why not?
5. Read verse 5. What do we learn about David in this verse? Does this fit into your idea of the man and king that he was? Does it change how you read the psalms that he wrote? Why or why not?
6. Who do the commanders of the Philistine army believe David is loyal to? Were they correct in this assumption? Where do you think David's true loyalties lay? Why?
7. In verses 6-7, we see the king attempt to protect David from his own people. Why do you think this is significant? Can you think of a time in your own life when God used the unexpected to provide what you needed? How did this bring you closer to him?
8. In verse 8, David calls the people of Israel "enemies" of his king (ESV). Do you think David considered Israel his enemy at this point? Was he acting in anger against his nation, or was he deceiving King Achish? Why do you think so?
9. Achish compares David to "an angel of God" (v. 9, ESV). As a Philistine, what might he have believed about the God of Israel? Do you believe this was in any way affected by his relationship with David? Why or why not?
10. Consider a time when you, like David, were placed in a difficult situation. Did you rely on yourself to find an answer, or did you turn to God? How did your decision affect the outcome? What did you learn about yourself and about God from this experience?

Key Words/Phrase

Ill favor, v. 6.

Characters

David, Achish.

Strong Verse(s)

6