1 Samuel 26: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 26 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying that David was hiding in the hill of Hachilah, near the desert (vv. 1-2). Saul went to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men to seek David there.

Key verse

“David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against Yahweh’s anointed, and be guiltless?”
1 Samuel 26:9 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 26:1–2 The Ziphites Inform Saul
1 Samuel 26:3–5 Saul's Camp and David's Spies
1 Samuel 26:6–11 David's Decision Not to Kill Saul
1 Samuel 26:12–16 David Takes Saul's Spear and Water
1 Samuel 26:17–20 David Confronts Saul from Afar
1 Samuel 26:21–24 Saul's Admission of Wrongdoing
1 Samuel 26:25 Saul Blesses David

Discussion questions

In v1, who tells Saul where to find David?
What does David do in v7 when he reaches Saul's camp?
David's refusal to kill Saul in vv. 9-11: what does this indicate about his view of leadership?
In v21, why does Saul declare that he has sinned against David?
When have you chosen restraint in a situation like David did in v11?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 26: 1 Samuel 24, 2 Samuel 1, Psalm 37.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 27.