1 Samuel 28: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 28 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The Philistines gather for battle against Israel, and Achish tells David that he will go into battle with him (vv. 1-2). Meanwhile, Samuel is dead, and the people mourn for him.

Key verse

“Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since Yahweh has departed from you and has become your adversary?”
1 Samuel 28:16 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 28:1–2 Philistines Prepare for Battle
1 Samuel 28:3–7 Saul's Despair and Disobedience
1 Samuel 28:8–14 Consulting the Medium
1 Samuel 28:15–19 Samuel's Distressing Message
1 Samuel 28:20–25 Saul's Weakness and Farewell

Discussion questions

In v5, what does Saul feel when he sees the Philistine army?
What does Saul ask his servants to find in v7?
Samuel's words to Saul in vv. 16-17: what does this say about Saul's past choices?
In v20, why does Saul fall to the ground after hearing Samuel's message?
When have you sought help in a way that was against your beliefs, like Saul did with the woman?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 28: Amos 8, 1 Chronicles 10, Isaiah 8.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 29.