Free group study handout
1 Samuel 18: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 Samuel 18 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Jonathan's soul was knit with David's, and he loved him as his own soul (vv. 1-3). Jonathan made a covenant with David and gave him his robe, sword, bow, and sash (v.
Key verse
“Saul watched David from that day and forward.”
1 Samuel 18:9 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 Samuel 18:1–5 Jonathan and David's Bond
- 1 Samuel 18:6–10 David's Rising Fame
- 1 Samuel 18:11–15 Saul's Increasing Hostility
- 1 Samuel 18:16–20 Marriage Proposals and Manipulation
- 1 Samuel 18:21–30 David's Triumph Amidst Threat
Discussion questions
- In v1, what does the text say about the connection between Jonathan and David?
- What does Saul's reaction in v8 indicate about his feelings toward David?
- Saul's fear in v12: how does it connect to his perception of David's success?
- In v21, why does Saul want Michal to be a 'snare' to David?
- When have you felt jealousy or fear in response to someone else’s success, like Saul?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 Samuel 18: 2 Samuel 7, Genesis 39, 1 Samuel 20.
Before next time: read 1 Samuel 19.