1 Samuel 20: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 20 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

David seeks Jonathan's help regarding Saul's desire to kill him. He questions Jonathan about his father's motives (vv. 1-3). Jonathan reassures David that he will seek to learn Saul's thoughts and offers to help (vv. 4-6). They formulate a plan to determine Saul's intentions based on whether Saul reacts angrily to David's absence at the new moon feast (vv. 7-13). Jonathan and David make a covenant, promising loyalty to one another and their families as they commit to seek Yahweh's favor (vv. 14-23). At the feast, Saul's anger is revealed when he notices David's empty seat and confronts Jonathan about his allegiance to David (vv. 24-34). After the feast, Jonathan and David share a final farewell, confirming their covenant and parting in peace (vv. 35-42).

Key verse

“Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever your soul desires, I will even do it for you.”
1 Samuel 20:4 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 20:1–4 David Seeks Jonathan's Help
1 Samuel 20:5–13 The Plan is Formulated
1 Samuel 20:14–23 Covenant and Commitment
1 Samuel 20:24–34 Saul's Anger Revealed
1 Samuel 20:35–42 The Final Farewell

Discussion questions

In v6, what reason does David give for needing to go to Bethlehem?
Why does Saul assume David is 'not clean' in v26?
In v31, Saul claims that David prevents Jonathan's establishment; what does this indicate about Saul's view of David?
In v15, Jonathan asks for kindness to be shown to his house; what does this express about his relationship with David?
When have you had to make a difficult choice between loyalty to a friend and family expectations like Jonathan?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 20: 1 Samuel 18, 1 Samuel 19, 1 Samuel 25.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 21.