1 Samuel 13: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 13 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Saul was thirty years old when he became king, reigning over Israel for forty-two years (vv. 1-2). Jonathan, Saul's son, struck the Philistine garrison in Geba, prompting Saul to sound a trumpet to rally Israel (vv.

Key verse

“Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of Yahweh your God, which he commanded you; for now Yahweh would have established your kingdom on Israel forever.”
1 Samuel 13:13 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 13:1–2 Saul's Reign Begins
1 Samuel 13:3–4 Jonathan's Victory and Response
1 Samuel 13:5–7 Philistine Threat Emerges
1 Samuel 13:8–10 Saul's Impatience
1 Samuel 13:11–14 Samuel Confronts Saul
1 Samuel 13:15–22 Israel's Military Weakness
1 Samuel 13:23 Philistine Control Solidified

Discussion questions

In v6, why do the men of Israel hide in caves and tombs?
What does Saul do in vv. 9-10 that violates God's command?
Saul's statement in v12 about offering the burnt offering raises what concerns about his character?
What does Samuel's response in v13 suggest about the expectations of a king's obedience to God?
When have you felt pressured to act quickly, like Saul did in v8?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 13: 1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 14, Acts 13.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 14.