The One Year Chronological Bible - Week 16 Reflection Questions

Week 16 (Apr 13-19): I Sam 15-31:14, II Sam 1:1-27; 4:4, Psalms 34, 52,54,56, 57, 59,142; I Chron. 9:40-44;10:1-14;12:1-22

As you read through these passages of the Bible, reflect upon these questions individually, through journaling, in pairs, or in small groups...

1. In I Samuel 15, Saul did not follow God's instructions to destroy everything.  He claimed to have set the good things aside to offer them to God as sacrifices.  Was this blatant defiance, naivete, or misguided praise?  What makes you believe this way?
2. After realizing his mistake, Saul asked for forgiveness.  Samuel replied, "He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind."  How do we reconcile this with the mercy and grace of God?  How is this situation different from those in which Moses interceded on behalf of the people and the "Lord changed his mind?" (Exodus 32:14)
3.


10. Memorize Ps. 57:9-11 & incorporate these verses into your prayer life.
11. Moab had been the enemy of Israel, yet David took his parents to them for safety while he was fleeing Saul.  What does this say about David and about his situation?
12. When David first escaped Saul, the priest, Ahimelek unknowingly assisted him.  Doeg told Saul about this and then Saul had Ahimelek and his family killed except for Abiathar who then told David what happened.  David took responsibility for what happened and offered Abithar protection.  When have your actions led to someone else's harm.  How did you handle this?
13. Read Ps. 52.  David seemed to condemn Doeg and lift himself up.  Is David as innocent as he seems to suggest he is?  Why or why not?
14. As Saul pursued David, Jonathan went to him, reassured him and made a covenant with him.  When have you found yourself between a loved one and a dear friend?  How have you handled that situation?  Would you have acted differently than Jonathan?  If so, how?
15. Saul entered a cave that David and his men were hiding in.  David's men tried to convince him that God was giving David victory, but David felt guilty for even cutting off a part of the king's robe.  How do we discern God's call in the midst of circumstances, especially when our supporters suggest one direction when our heart seems to be leading us in another direction?  When have you experienced this and what have you done?
16. David sent messengers to Nabal for assistance, but Nabal's response incited David to attack. Abigail acted quickly to take supplied to David and avoided blood shed.  When have you seen trouble ahead for someone and interceded on their behalf?  How did they receive your assistance?
17. Once again, David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but he did not even when one of his men encouraged him to.   When has a friend given you advice to do something that went against your sense of right and wrong?  How have you decided what to do?  Would you do things differently now?
18. While David lived among the Philistines for protection, he raided certain areas but claimed to be raiding Judah.  He fooled Achish to the point that the king made David his bodyguard.  Did David's ends justify his means?  How do we evaluate David's ethics given his circumstances?
19. Saul asked the Lord for guidance, but received no answer so he consulted a medium.  The medium brought the spirit of Samuel for Saul to consult.  What are he to make of this?
20. While Achish trusted David, his men did not.  Thus Achish sent David away before going into battle.  What do you think David would done had he been able to stay and go into battle with Achish against his own people?


 May the Lord bless and shape us through our individual reading and corporate study of His word this year.