1 Samuel 24
Most people are keenly aware of times when they believe their rights have been violated by someone else. Sometimes that violation is big; sometimes it’s relatively small. But in either case, there is something inside of us that cries out to get even. We know, though, that for the Christian, the proper response to others when they wrong us is not to seek revenge but to love and do good toward them. However, we can only be free to do so when we are confident in the character of God. David modeled this confidence and the actions that come along with it in the way he acted toward Saul in 1 Samuel 24.
Read 1 Samuel 24:1-7.
- Have you ever been in a situation like David was in when you could easily take revenge? How did it feel to be in that situation?
- What are some of the ways David could have justified killing Saul in the cave?
- Look closely at the advice of David’s men in verse 4. Why is it important to remember that God had already promised David that he would be the next king of Israel?
Read 1 Samuel 24:8-22.
- How did David show humility in these verses?
- What specific characteristics of God did David highlight when he spoke to Saul?
- Why does a knowledge of and confidence in God’s character lead us to do good instead of evil toward others?
Taking it Home:
- How do David’s actions help us remember the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf?
- How can reflecting on what Jesus has done for us free us to do good to others, even when they might deserve otherwise?
Other Scriptures to Engage with this week:
Exodus 10:1-11; Ezekiel 25:12-17; Micah 5; 2 Samuel 22:17-31; 2 Chronicles 33; Psalm 18.