1 Samuel 23: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 23 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

David learns that the Philistines are attacking Keilah and robbing its threshing floors (vv. 1-2). He asks Yahweh if he should go and strike the Philistines, and Yahweh tells him to go and save the city.

Key verse

“Then David said, “O Yahweh, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Yahweh, the God of Israel, I beg you, tell your servant.” Yahweh said, “He will come down.”
1 Samuel 23:10-11 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 23:1–5 David Saves Keilah from the Philistines
1 Samuel 23:6–12 David Seeks Guidance About Saul
1 Samuel 23:13–18 David Flees into the Wilderness
1 Samuel 23:19–24 The Ziphites Inform Saul
1 Samuel 23:25–29 Saul Pursues but is Distracted

Discussion questions

In v1, what are the Philistines doing to Keilah?
In v16, who strengthens David's hand in God?
David's inquiry in vv. 10-11: what does it show about his relationship with God?
The Ziphites' actions in v19: what motivates them to betray David?
When have you felt the need to flee from a difficult situation like David in v13?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 23: Isaiah 35, Hebrews 12, Proverbs 27.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 24.