Free group study handout
1 Samuel 29: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 Samuel 29 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The Philistines gather their armies at Aphek, with the Israelites encamped by a spring in Jezreel (vv. 1-2). Philistine princes question David's presence among them. They express concern about David, mentioning he is the one whom the people sang about, declaring, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands' (vv. 3-5). Achish defends David, asserting that he has found no fault in him (vv. 6-7). Despite Achish's support, the lords of the Philistines remain opposed to David joining the battle. David expresses confusion over his dismissal, asking Achish what he has done wrong (vv. 8-9). Achish instructs David to return home peacefully in the morning (vv. 10-11). David and his men rise early to depart back to Ziklag, while the Philistines proceed to Jezreel.
Key verse
“But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him; and the princes of the Philistines said to him, “Make the man return, that he may go back to his place where you have appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For with what should this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Should it not be with the heads of these men?”
1 Samuel 29:4 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 Samuel 29:1–2 Philistine Gathering at Aphek
- 1 Samuel 29:3–5 David's Presence Examined
- 1 Samuel 29:6–7 Achish Defends David
- 1 Samuel 29:8–9 David's Dilemma
- 1 Samuel 29:10–11 Return to Ziklag
Discussion questions
- In v3, how does Achish refer to David when speaking to the princes?
- What does the phrase 'you have been upright' in v6 suggest about Achish's view of David?
- In v4, why do the princes of the Philistines express concerns about David joining the battle?
- David's question in v8, 'What have I done?' implies what about his relationship with Achish?
- When have you felt caught between two loyalties, like David with the Philistines and Israel?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 Samuel 29: 1 Samuel 27, 2 Samuel 14, 1 Chronicles 12.
Before next time: read 1 Samuel 30.