Irmela

Q2. (1 Samuel 30:6) From the Psalms of David, how does David seem to strengthen himself in the Lord when things are going bad? What devotional exercises does he adopt? What is the focus of his faith? He calls on the Lord and recalls how in previous occasions the Lord did not leave him in the lurch but came to his rescue. So in his cries to the Lord and together with his petitions he reminds the Lord how on previous occasions He had helped him and so he knows that He, the Rock of his Salvation will do so again. So in his struggles and tempting to give in to despair and to being crushed , David gets encouragement/strengthened in his acknowledgement of God's faithfulness. He worships and praises the Lord and 'brags' or boasts about His greatness and power. The focus of his faith is on the Lord God alone.

Q1. (1 Samuel 30:1-6) Why do the men blame David? Why is the situation so explosive at this point? What does David do in the situation? What is David feeling? Why doesn't he act immediately? David and his men had left the women and children at Ziglag, where they had settled down, while they, joined the Philistines into battle, much further North. David had not left some of the men behind to watch over the women and children, and their possessions at Ziglag. Now that they were missing and everything had been burnt and looted, it was easy to put the blame on the leader. They were all tired and hungry, disgruntled, totally exhausted after their march up North and then back again. Certainly also afraid that their women and children were being mistreated/held captive by enemies, or worse, even murdered. David cries together with his men. He too has lost everything. He turns to the Lord, to find out what the next thing is to do. I think he must feel terrible that his men turn on him. It is not his fault that the enemy made use of the opportunity to loot their place as they did. Not only that, he too is worried about his wives. not only are his family his responsibility, but the whole lot are. He is the leader who has to make the decisions. David waits on the Lord.

Q4. (1 Samuel 28:7-14) Why do you think God condemns occult practices of communicating with the dead and channeling spirits of the dead? How might such practices open Christians to victimization and oppression by evil spirits? What should you do if you've been involved in such practices in the past? That would be putting ones trust in the spirits of the dead, and not in God. We are admonished to trust and believe in God and in Him alone. Not to have other gods beside Him. The evil spirits controlled by satan are just waiting for this kind of an opportunity to infiltrate our mind and being with what is not of God. Anyone having been involved in such practices should repent and seek forgiveness and not repeat such practice.

Q3. (1 Samuel 25) What do we learn about David's character in this incident with Nabal and Abigail? What do we learn about Abigail's character? Nabal's character? Why do you think this story was included in 1 Samuel? What important knowledge does it add to our understanding? David saw an opportunity for his men to be rewarded for having kept Nabal's property safe. Yet when he did ask for it, he was wrongly accused and his men were shamed. This riled him, and he got angry. So much so that he was ready to commit murder. Abigail was a wise woman and hard-working , who wanted peace at all cost. Nabal seems to have been a fool and one who was ready to believe rumors. I think it was included to show that in spite of the fact that David and his men were on the run, and hiding from the king, they were still looking out and keeping enemies out from infiltrating the country. The other reason I do think it was added was to show that in spite of everything, David too was a man. We need God's guidance at all times.

Q2. (1 Samuel 24:12) How do we apply the principle of not lifting a hand against the Lord's anointed in our day? What provisions are there in 1 Timothy 5:19-20 for calling leaders to account. What do you think God will do to those who slander, persecute, and martyr his appointed leaders? We need to pray for the ones that God has placed in leadership positions, not fight them. When there definitely is proof that the leader has not acted right (according to two or three witnesses) then he is called to account publicly so others are warned and should heed this and not go down the same path. When they are wrongly accused those accusers too will be punished.

Q1. (1 Samuel 24:1-15) Why doesn't David kill Saul when he has the chance? What motive do David and his men have for killing a king who is trying to kill them? What is David's rationale for sparing Saul? What does this tell us about David's character? About his faith? What does it say about David's leadership ability that he is able to dissuade his men from killing Saul? David believes that Saul is God's anointed and he will not raise his hand against him. When David went up to Saul and cut off the edge of his robe, he actually proved to the king that he could have killed him but he spared his life, because he had no intention of killing the king. It was not his purpose. David was true and loyal and trusted that God, in His time would let come to pass what He had promised. It was not David's intention to take over the reins as king, His purpose was to obediently serve the king and be loyal. David was quite certain that that was what God desired of him at that moment in time. David's men were more than ready to kill Saul. They egged him on to do so and if not that they do it for him. David was very firm with them and pointed out very clearly that that was not his intent. David did not hum and ha between his decisions. What he said was final. His men did not go against him but respected his decision.

Q4. (Psalms 18, 34, 54, 56, 58, 59, 142) In these ascriptions to these psalms, how many celebrate happy occasions? How many arise from struggles? What does this tell you about David's relationship with God? What does this tell you about his faith during trials? Which is your favorite among these psalms? Why? I still need to get to the point where I love and appreciate and understand poetry. Bits and pieces I can appreciate and they speak to me and warm my heart. Ps 56:11 In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid; what can man do to me? They all basically recollect where and when David was in trouble and how, God, being his rock, defended him, or where David calls out to God to defend him. David lifts His Name high. He praises Him, during and after the problem. He is not blind or immune to the fact that his needs are met or will be met by God. David trusted God completely and with all that he had. He relied on Him for guidance. He truly could trust no man, no matter what he did for them. During trials he knew that God would shield him and be a place of refuge.

Q3. (1 Samuel 23:14-18) Why does Jonathan visit David in the wilderness? What risk is there for David? What risk is there for Jonathan? What do you think it meant to David? Have you ever received a visit from a friend when you needed it most? Jonathan still remains true to his earlier covenant with David. He remains his friend and encourages David. In fact promising David his loyalty when he, David is king. Jonathan is willing to submit to God's will in this whereas Saul is in rebellion and wants the kingdom for his family. Both Jonathan and David know that Saul will not hesitate to kill them if he finds out that there had been communication between them. David was greatly encouraged by Jonathan's actions and words. It is amazing how often God arranges a contact just in time.

Q2. (1 Samuel 22:20-23:12) What did Abiathar and the ephod have to do with "inquiring of the Lord?" Why did David inquire of the Lord? What huge advantage does the person have who seeks God's will before acting? How can you find God's will at key points in your life? Abiathar was the only one of the priests left, after the slaughter of the priests at Nob, ordered by Saul through the hand of Doeg, (the Edomite), in his crazed state, when he found that David had received assistance there. I assume that the ephod which Abiathar brought with him, was the garment his murdered father, the high priest, used to wear when he enquired of the Lord. In this garment was also the Urim and the Thummmim, used by the high priest to get an answer from the Lord. David wanted to follow the Lord and that was why he inquired of Him what to do in the serious situation before them, where the Philistines were plundering the threshing floors of Keilah. David and his motley army did indeed fight the Philistines and won the battle. Then again he inquired of the Lord , as to what next. The Lord clearly showed that inspite of them having helped the people of Keilah, the inhabitants would turn them over to Saul. This was then a sure sign that they had to leave that place as they were no longer safe there. The advantage is that the person is then in the "will of the Lord" at that time of his life and is not going about doing his own thing. We can seek the Lord through prayer, through the reading of God's Word, through joint prayer also with key-persons in ones life,( who also live for God,) through conusel of the leadership where we fellowship together (church).

Q1. (1 Samuel 22:2) Why were David's men attracted to him? What did they have in common? What kind of men were these? What difficulties do you think David probably had in leading them? The men that came to David were the ones who were in distress, in debt, and who were discontented. David was no longer in a favoured position in the court of the king. These men that came to David were also all fugitives in their own rights, so to say. They too might be pursued by Saul for reasons of their own. Possibly debt. If they could not pay, their land would get taken and they themselves sold into slavery. Others could be discontented with Saul's behaviour. It was more and more that of a crazed madman. David's own family were all in danger . Then there were those who were real thieves and bandits who possibly hoped to find refuge with the once favoured soldier/general, David. It sure was a diverse group of people. They all needed to be fed. They all needed to be "hidden" in a way. They all had their own skills. That sure was a school for David to keep them occupied, exercised, and teach them the skills of warfare, without them having the squabbles in their own camp.

Q1. (1 Samuel 22:2) Why were David's men attracted to him? What did they have in common? What kind of men were these? What difficulties do you think David probably had in leading them? The men that came to David were the ones who were in distress, in debt, and who were discontented. David was no longer in a favoured position in the court of the king. These men that came to David were also all fugitives in their own rights, so to say. They too might be pursued by Saul for reasons of their own. Possibly debt. If they could not pay, their land would get taken and they themselves sold into slavery. Others could be discontented with Saul's behaviour. It was more and more that of a crazed madman. David's own family were all in danger . Then there were those who were real thieves and bandits who possibly hoped to find refuge with the once favoured soldier/general, David. It sure was a diverse group of people. They all needed to be fed. They all needed to be "hidden" in a way. They all had their own skills. That sure was a school for David to keep them occupied, exercised, and teach them the skills of warfare, without them having the squabbles in their own camp.

Q1. (1 Samuel 22:2) Why were David's men attracted to him? What did they have in common? What kind of men were these? What difficulties do you think David probably had in leading them? The men that came to David were the ones who were in distress, in debt, and who were discontented. David was no longer in a favoured position in the court of the king. These men that came to David were also all fugitives in their own rights, so to say. They too might be pursued by Saul for reasons of their own. Possibly debt. If they could not pay, their land would get taken and they themselves sold into slavery. Others could be discontented with Saul's behaviour. It was more and more that of a crazed madman. David's own family were all in danger . Then there were those who were real thieves and bandits who possibly hoped to find refuge with the once favoured soldier/general, David. It sure was a diverse group of people. They all needed to be fed. They all needed to be "hidden" in a way. They all had their own skills. That sure was a school for David to keep them occupied, exercised, and teach them the skills of warfare, without them having the squabbles in their own camp.

Q4. (1 Samuel 20:35-42) What is the nature of the covenant between David and Jonathan? What does David receive? What does Jonathan receive? Who benefits the most from this covenant? Is it self-serving -- or not? What is the significance that God is witness to the covenant? They have a deep love for each other. The covenant between them is that the one will look after the welfare of the other. If the one knows of impending danger to the other, he will share that and as best possible protect him from it. When the one is no more the other will care for that one's loved ones/family as best as he is able, as if they are his own. David receives assurance from Jonathan that he will reveal what Saul's intents are towards him (plots Saul has to kill David). Jonathan is assured that God will be between David's offspring and Jonathan's offspring forever. They swear allegiance to each other. The one will not harm the other. Jonathan will not harm David should Saul instruct him to do so but will sooner reveal the plot to him, so that he can escape. David in turn will not harm Jonathan out of vengeance for Saul's venemous anger. They both benefit. Their God-centered friendship remains intact. The covenant is not a spur of the moment or fly by night thing, it is serious. Both love the Lord and want to live in the centre of His will and purpose.

Q3. (1 Samuel 19:18-24) What does it tell us about Saul's faith that he pursues David even when he has sought the sanctuary of the prophet Samuel? Why do people prophesy when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? What is the relationship between this incident and the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)? Would it be faith that was needed to pursue David, who was actually not an enemy but an asset to Saul's kingdom? It sooner seems to be madness that is making Saul try to kill David. (Was Saul aware that David had been anointed as the future king of Israel). I think Saul has one thing in mind and that is to kill David. Out of pure jealousy because of David's success and open love of God and relying fully on God for his successes. That he is prepared to follow him to Samuel, shows total disregard for God and His dealing. The Holy Spirit takes total control and He then speaks through them. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit also came upon those present and took over the gathering. He intervened. In this instance He did the same.

Q2. (1 Samuel 18:18-22) Which of the following is David's chief motive for marrying Michal, in your opinion? Argue for the motivation that makes the most sense to you: (1) pride in his military prowess, (2) obedience to Saul's desires, (3) love or desire for Michal, or (4) enjoyment in killing Philistines. I think love or desire for Michal makes the most sense. To make her his wife he is given the opportunity to win her with his military success. By marrying her, he is inadvertently obedient to Saul's desire or suggestion. I would't use the word ", enjoyment" in killing the enemy, but grateful to be of use in the battle for the Lord's people.

Q1. (1 Samuel 18:13-16). Why does Saul send David into battle? What is the result? To what does the narrator attribute David’s success? Saul's reason for sending David into battle is 2fold: David is then out of his court and out of his immediate presence and hopefully he will be killed in battle or come back defeated. Basically loose popularity. Saul's thoughts are murderous.. David wins battle after battle or skermish after skermish and is a good leader, so the soldiers follow him willingly, knowing he has their welfare at heart. He was loved and accepted by all. The reason for David's success was that the Lord was with him. Just as we also read about Joseph. His success was also attributed to the fact that the Lord was with him.

3. (1 Samuel 17:47) Why do we so often forget that "the battle is the Lord's"? What does that phrase actually mean? How can we avoid the arrogance of pulling God into our battles ("God is on my side"), rather than engaging in His battles ("I am on God's side")? The action is in the here and now, it is all around us and so it seems like the forces are all against oneself. Taking a moment to reflect and we realize that it is not really against the outside/physical us, but actually against the inner man. breaking apart the inner us, the morale , crippling us so that we have no hope, so that we are dejected, depressed and cannot function. If we hand over to the Lord, the burden is lifted it no longer rests on our shoulders. The decision is God's, we need to follow. Then we find that the battle is the Lord's. It is a spiritual battle. That is when we can rest assured we are on God's side. Then we have security and peace within the battle.

Q2. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) What does David's explanation to Saul of his combat experience say about David's faith? David's faith was genuine. The lion and the bear had come to devour the flock that was under his protection, so he relied on God to help him perform his duty. How lethal is David as a warrior? David did not run away from danger but faced it head-on and used what he had on hand. he stood his ground and made sure the enemy was dealt with to no longer be a threat. Why do you think Saul allows him to go out to battle Goliath? Saul recognized that the Spirit of the Lord was on David and was motivating his bravery. He knew something had to be done and soon before his men turned away and deflected from duty. Goliath's taunts were affecting his men negatively. Does Saul have faith? If so, what is the source of it? David's enthusiasm awakens a flicker of faith in God yet again. I am sure he does believe that David will be victorious, with the help of the Lord. Just, he does not quite know how. Someone needs to take the first step, for the people to go on into battle.

Q1. (1 Samuel 17:26-30) Why is David so upset about Goliath's taunt? David loves the Lord and believes in Him. He trusts Him and relies on Him for his safety and well-being. In actual fact Goliath is undermining God. David is very upset that they are allowing the giant to shout out the challenges as he does and that nothing is done about it. Why is Eliab, David's brother, so upset with David? Eliab is in the army and terrified of Goliath and here comes David, as an inquisitive teenager, boldly inquiring about what is going on. Eliab is very likely ashamed of the fact that David, as a youngster, has to see the army in this way. It could also be that he felt David was neglecting his post viz., that of looking after the sheep. What does this teach us about David's faith? David's faith is strong and unwavering. He is convinced that God will give him victory over the Philistines. God was the one that helped him overcome the predators who tried to take his sheep. It was not in his own strength. What does it teach us about Eliab's character? I would say that his actions were very typical that of an older sibling. He was being shown as a coward in front of the youngest brother, whom he, at this stage looked down upon. Now David saw him as a fearful individual. Not only him, but each person in the army. None had taken up the challenge. Anytime now the Philistines would overcome them and go further into the land. To make up for the cowardly behaviour, Eliab, insults David as being only a shepherd and that he must rather continue with his job, which in Eliab's eyes is more insignificant than being in the army.

Q4. (1 Samuel 16:14-23) From Saul's perspective, why is David summoned to court? I guess the bouts of mental illness or maladies make Saul incapable of living a normal life ever again. Some times are worse than others, but it seems uncontrollable. Recommendations are made that a skilled (harp-player) musician be brought so at these times some kind of relief is experienced by Saul. Music can bring calmness. It was suggested that David be brought as he was such a one. David was a skilled musician as well as filled with the Spirit of God. He would know what to play. We do read that David was sent for, and (1 Sam 16:21) Saul loved him greatly. From God's perspective, what seem to be the reasons for this service in Saul's court? David would now be in court and learn how to and how not to deal with things in court (in the lime-light). Humanly speaking he would gain experience for what was lying ahead in his life. The general public would also get to know him. What things tend to prevent us from learning from God in the midst of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? When we do not open ourselves to Him and are unteachable and think we know it all. This can be a big stumbling block in our lives and can cause desert experiences and wasted time. I guess when our eyes finally open we do learn not to act so foolish again and hopefully learn from our mistakes. What might make us more teachable? To let go and let God ................

Q3. (1 Samuel 16:13) What is the significance of Samuel anointing David? What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming upon David? How does this explain his success? How is the Holy Spirit upon us vital for our own success as disciples? Samuel had anointed Saul as king (1 Samuel 10). Saul had failed the test of obedience, not only once, so God had rejected his line to continue as kings. Samuel mourned . It was very difficult for him to get past this fact. It was thus important that it was not usurped by someone but that he himself was again used to anoint the man God had chosen. It was God's chosen people David was called to lead and reign over. In a human capacity to judge and protect and make decisions as how to protect the land and people against invaders . It was important that the Holy Spirit come upon him and empower him. This was not a task that could be accomplished successfully without the Holy Spirit's guidance. Many years lay ahead of him before he would finally be king. As the youngest son in the family, his role would normally not have had much significance. Now that the prophet anointed him, his role was significantly changed. Later in dangerous times when his family was not safe he was the one to make decisions as to how to take care of them. His role as leader was accepted. David loved the Lord and when he sinned and he was confronted he broke down and pleaded with God to forgive him. The Holy Spirit was not quenched. It is very important to be led by the Spirit because He reminds us of what is said in God's Word. He guides us and teaches us.

Q2. (1 Samuel 16:3-12) How does this story teach us the importance of listening carefully to God's voice? God sees and is aware of everything that we are not aware of (that which is hidden) God sees the heart. What is our instinctive way of discerning? We discern by what we see. What will be pleasing to man. How is God teaching us to discern? By waiting on His promptings. Not necessarily by trying to please man. How do we learn to listen to the Spirit? By spending time with the Lord in prayer and reading His Word. By acting on His Word, i.e. by doing what He instructs us to do.

Q1. (1 Samuel 15:22-23). What is rebellion? Webster's dictionary definition is written in the next few lines. It is revolt/desertion Rebellion is insurrection/hostility against lawful or constituted authority or open resistance to lawful or constituted authority. In this passage of Scripture we read that Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (witchcraft is having a compact/agreement/covenant with evil spirits) In what way is rebellion as bad as witchcraft or occult practices? From the definitions above it can be seen clearly why rebellion is compared to witchcraft. What does rebellion have to do with arrogance? arrogance is a haughty/proud contempt of others (looking down on them with superior airs) So one can say that arrogance will eventually lead to rebellion. Orders are listened to with contempt and not carried out. What can we do when we find rebellion against God in our hearts? REPENT!!!!!! What happens if we do nothing? Things will just get worse and the unteachable spirit takes over and self will rule.

Q5. (Judges 8:28-31) How does Gideon influence Israel during his life? What is the positive continuing effect of his leadership as judge? The Midianites were subdued and Israel had tranquility for 40 yrs. Unfortunately Gideon had many wives, contradictory to God's direction. A concubine, also bore him a son. The influence of this wrong, was only reflected after Gideon's death.

Q4. (Judges 8:24-27) What is a snare? In what way does Gideon's ephod ensnare his family and the people of Israel? How can something be a sin if we don't see it as a sin? What was the essence of the sin the Israelites committed? What is the essence of Gideon's sin? Krissi your answer is amazingly written out. A snare is a noose of cord or wire used to catch something unawares. I personally don't think that Gideon made the ephod to be worshiped , but rather fashioned it as a memorial for what God had done for them. Throughout we see that always he points to God being the One to have given the victory, to do the leading, to be the King etc. He is careful not to usurp God's place. So very gradually and unawares the ephod draws the people and they begin to worship the ephod and not God who it meant to point to. Anything or anyone that separates us from God is a sin. The Israelites prostituted themselves after the ephod. In plain language they worshiped it as an idol. Gideon was the one who had fashioned the ephod so he inadvertently became the snare that led the Israelites into idolatry again.