1 Samuel 22: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 22 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

David departs to the cave of Adullam, where his family and about four hundred distressed men join him (vv. 1-2). He seeks protection for his parents by bringing them to the king of Moab while he stays in a stronghold (vv.

Key verse

“The king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you, and all your father’s house.”
1 Samuel 22:16 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 22:1–2 David's Refuge and Followers
1 Samuel 22:3–5 Seeking Protection for His Family
1 Samuel 22:6–14 Saul's Paranoia and Accusation
1 Samuel 22:15–19 The Fate of the Priests
1 Samuel 22:20–23 Abiathar's Escape and David's Response

Discussion questions

In v2, who gathers around David and what are their conditions?
What does David seek from the king of Moab in vv. 3-4?
Saul's question in v8 implies what about his view of loyalty?
In v15, Ahimelech insists he knows 'nothing of all this'; what does this suggest about his awareness?
When have you felt responsible for the consequences of someone else's support, as David does in v22?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 22: 1 Samuel 23, 1 Samuel 20, 1 Samuel 25.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 23.