Free group study handout
1 Samuel 25: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 Samuel 25 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Samuel died, and all Israel mourned for him (v. 1). David then went to the wilderness of Paran.
Key verse
“Blessed is your discretion, and blessed are you, who have kept me today from blood guiltiness, and from avenging myself with my own hand.”
1 Samuel 25:33 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 Samuel 25:1 The Death of Samuel
- 1 Samuel 25:2–8 David Seeks Provisions from Nabal
- 1 Samuel 25:9–13 Nabal Insults David's Men
- 1 Samuel 25:14–20 Abigail Learns of Nabal's Insult
- 1 Samuel 25:21–31 Abigail's Plea to David
- 1 Samuel 25:32–35 David Accepts Abigail's Offering
- 1 Samuel 25:36–44 Nabal's Death and David's Marriage
Discussion questions
- In v3, how is Abigail described compared to Nabal?
- What does Nabal say about David in vv. 10-11 that shows his attitude?
- Abigail’s plea in vv. 24-25: how does she balance humility and assertiveness?
- David's reaction in v34: why does he emphasize Yahweh's intervention in the situation?
- When has someone’s wise intervention changed your course, like Abigail’s with David?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 Samuel 25: 1 Samuel 20, 1 Samuel 24, 1 Samuel 30.
Before next time: read 1 Samuel 26.