1 Samuel 31: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 31 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled, falling slain on Mount Gilboa (vv. 1-2). The Philistines pursued Saul and killed his sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.

Key verse

“When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them.”
1 Samuel 31:7 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 31:1–2 The Battle Against Israel
1 Samuel 31:3–4 Saul's Desperation and Death
1 Samuel 31:5–6 The Death of Saul's Armor Bearer
1 Samuel 31:7–10 Philistine Triumph and Desecration
1 Samuel 31:11–12 Jabesh-Gilead's Mourning
1 Samuel 31:13 Burial and Fasting

Discussion questions

In v2, who are the sons of Saul that the Philistines killed?
What act does Saul take in v4 to avoid being captured by the Philistines?
Saul's choice to take his own life in v4: what does this indicate about his state of mind?
The display of Saul's body in v10: what does this suggest about the Philistines' view of victory?
When have you faced a situation where you felt you had no options left, like Saul in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 31: 2 Samuel 1, 1 Chronicles 10, 1 Samuel 28.

Before next time: read 2 Samuel 1.