Free group study handout
1 Samuel 19: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 Samuel 19 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Saul speaks to Jonathan and his servants about killing David (vv. 1-2). Jonathan, who delights in David, warns him to hide.
Key verse
“Michal took the teraphim, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats’ hair at its head, and covered it with clothes.”
1 Samuel 19:13 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 Samuel 19:1–2 Saul's Plot Against David
- 1 Samuel 19:3–6 Jonathan Defends David
- 1 Samuel 19:7–8 David's Return to Saul
- 1 Samuel 19:9–10 Saul's Attempt on David's Life
- 1 Samuel 19:11–16 Michal Helps David Flee
- 1 Samuel 19:17–19 David Seeks Samuel
- 1 Samuel 19:20–24 Saul's Messengers Prophesy
Discussion questions
- In v2, what does Jonathan advise David to do to protect himself?
- What does Michal use to deceive Saul about David's whereabouts in vv. 13-16?
- Saul’s oath in v6 raises questions about his sincerity: why does he change his mind so quickly?
- In v24, Saul strips off his clothes: what does this act signify in the context of his prophesying?
- When has a moment of loyalty, like Michal's in v12, required you to act against family expectations?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 Samuel 19: 1 Samuel 20, 1 Samuel 18, 1 Samuel 10.
Before next time: read 1 Samuel 20.