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Q3. (1 Samuel 25) What do we learn about David's character in this incident with Nabal and Abigail? He was quick to anger. Get mad and ask questions later type of person. What do we learn about Abigail's character? She had common sense and knew how to treat different personalities and when to humble herself. Nabal's character? Sounds like he was born into money and had no direct experience with dealing with people. He just cast them out of his sight. He was awfully “me” centered. He thought his position and wealth would scare others away who might threaten him. Why do you think this story was included in 1 Samuel? Just as it took 40 years to get the Israelites leaving Egypt ready to enter Canaan, it took awhile to get David ready to be King of Israel. This story showed how David grew up spiritually during this time running from Saul. What important knowledge does it add to our understanding?
 We are a work in progress. When we learn new knowledge about ourselves pertaining to obeying God and doing what is right then we need to change and do it. God is displeased with our sin but how happy he must be when we listen to him and turn from doing wrong. http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1174

Q2. (1 Samuel 24:12) How do we apply the principle of not lifting a hand against the Lord's anointed in our day? We should honor and respect the ones who are anointed by God to do his work. This doesn't mean that the ones who are anointed should not be accountable but there is where things get mucky. Sometimes it is hard for church leaders to share their plan for the church. What provisions are there in 1 Timothy 5:19-20 for calling leaders to account. 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. What do you think God will do to those who slander, persecute, and martyr his appointed leaders?
 Punish them. Actually I could go on and on about this subject. I understood what I Timothy said and I have no problem with believing it and respecting and honoring the verse. I believe that when one does have a problem with the character of one of their church leaders, and it cannot be resolved, then that person would do themselves and the church good if they would leave that church and find another. http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1173

I like your answers-keep it simple and to me trusty God is simple. We as humans try to twist and turn it to try to meet our circumstances which are connected to the world.

Q1. (1 Samuel 24:1-15) Why doesn't David kill Saul when he has the chance? Because God appointed Saul as king, and even though David knows that he will be the next king, he trust in God to set the time as to when Saul will be king no more. It is not for him to do. What motive do David and his men have for killing a king who is trying to kill them? So they themselves will not be killed. Plus, they know that David is to be the next king so they want to get Saul taken care of before any of them die in the process. What is David's rationale for sparing Saul? God appointed him king, God will unappoint him king. For David to take on the timing of Saul’s death would have made him take on the character and work of God. What does this tell us about David's character? That he acknowledges that he is a servant to God. About his faith? He puts his faith in God that God will take care of it when the time is right. What does it say about David's leadership ability that he is able to dissuade his men from killing Saul?
 They trust in David that David is right with God and that God is in control of the timing of when David will become king. http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1172

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? Only 1 celebrate a happy occasion. Six of them arise from struggles. David must have known that what he was doing and how he was acting against Saul was correct with God. I'm sure that David was weary and starting to question himself and his actions. After so long of fighting the fight one questions their motive and if what they were doing was justified surely it would have been resolved quickly. David ran the race. David's faith hung in there during his trials. My favorite psalms is 58. It is short and concise. The intent is obvious. It hits home when he says “these men are born sinners, lying from their earliest words”. So true. What is truth in this world? The truth can be written many ways. People can learn how to tell the truth and it would be a lie to God. A high dollar attorney is a good example. How can they be proud of what they do? But, David says to tear their teeth out and to disappear into the dry thirsty ground. He wants them gone. Unfortunately there is always another to replace them.

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 visited David in the wilderness to give him encouragement to continue with the running from Saul. David runs the risk that Jonathan coming to him could have been a trick to capture him. Johathan runs the risk that in trying to get to David that David's men may kill him. Also, if his father had known he went to go see David he probably would have killed him himself. I'm sure David got encouragement from Jonathan coming to encourage him. It was a sign from God that he was doing the right thing and although there is more to come David is headed on the right path. I cannot remember if I ever have received a visit from a friend when I needed it most.

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 brought with him an ephod when he escaped when all of the priest were being killed. The ephod was a part of the priest clothing. It was similar to casting lots. It seemed like it was a type of dice that when thrown it could come up as 2-yes, or 2-no's or a yes and a no. Two of the same answer was a definite answer from God. David had inquired of God if he should attack the Philistines. He got the same yes answer 2 times. This doesn't seem quite right to me, but it was the Old Testament and the Holy Spirit did not indwell within God fearing people at this time. Also, time was of the essence for a reply (in some instances God answered mans questions via a dream). The huge advantage that someone have of inquiring to God before acting is it demonstrates his belief in God and that God will supply the answer to him and will provide for the answer being accomplished as God stated. We can find God's will at key point in our life by praying to God and asking him to supply our answer. Ask that the reply be obvious and that you are accepting and obedient of the response.

Q1. (1 Samuel 22:2) Why were David's men attracted to him? What did they have in common? Why kind of men were these? What difficulties do you think David probably had in leading them?
 David's men were attracted to him because they shared similar qualities. Many of them had a price on their heads-some because they were bandits but also the family of David was in danger of Saul just because of their family connection. They were a rough and tumble group of men, hit first and ask questions later. That is probably how they saw David since he had proven himself to be a brave warrior. David probably had difficulties in leading them because of their independence as warriors and fighters-everyone had their own perception of what should be done. Also, as said before, I'm sure these men were very independent. When people start to gather as a united group rules have to be made and enforced. I'm sure these men were not used to being told what to do even if it was for the safety and unity of the group.

I wonder how they knew that they were or would be friends of this nature? Was it by their actions that they were able to identify one as being friends. Did they have time to talk and eventually learn the binding nature of their nature? It really doesn't matter because that is not the point but I have met people and I have thought "Wow, I think i would really like to be their friend". I don't really know them for sure but something between us just clicks.

Q4. (1 Samuel 20:35-42) What is the nature of the covenant between David and Jonathan? The covenant was an "alliance of friendship" between individuals. Jonathan must have had a different heart than his father. He must have understood, or seen within David, that he was a man after God's will. Jonathan must have accepted the fact that God had given David the ability to be the next king or maybe he was just one of the rare individuals who did not wish to be king. What does David receive? David receives from Johnathan gifts of a robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt. What does Jonathan receive? At the time of making the covenant I don't think that Jonathan received anthing from David except the promise of the covenant and the verbal comments as to why he wanted to be joined with Jonathan in this covenant. But later, Jonathan did physically benefit from this covenant when years later David brought Jonathan's son into his house and cared for him. Who benefits the most from this covenant? David may have physically benefited more from the covenant but, Jonathan had the nature to not be able to live with himself if he did not desire this covenant. As mentioned above Jonathan knew what David was doing was ordained by God. Is it self-serving -- or not? No, it was not self-serving. Self-serving is all about you. David made the covenant with Jonathan because he knew that although they were on opposite sides they still had the heart and desire of one. What is the significance that God is witness to the covenant? The covenant was not taken lightly. When it was stated that God was the witness it would have been similar to a sin against God if that covenant had not been maintained and honored.

After reading several peoples replies, and most were different I have decided that I would really hate to be a judge or on a jury and make a judgement about someones actions.

I would have to say #1, although I do not see that as a stand alone answer. Yes, I think that David liked the fact that people knew who he was as far as being militarily astute. By this time David probably already knew that Saul was unpredictable in nature. David must have surmised that the Israelites singing that song comparing him to Saul would not sit well with Saul. I think that by this time David may be getting a little “me centered”. Why did he kill 200 men and take their foreskin verses the 100 that was Saul's asking price. I don't believe that he loved Michal. Maybe he wanted to physically love Michal, but that along with his greater military prominence would occur if he married Saul's daughter. Maybe David saw her as someone who could help him to out smart Saul, if need be, since she had a teraphim which Samuel had condemned which indicates to me that she was already leading a deceitful life. http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1165

Q1. (1 Samuel 18:13-16). Why does Saul send David into battle? He wants him to be killed. Like David did to Bathsheba's husband, Uriah. What is the result? He didn't get killed. In fact it was the opposite. He won the battles and won them good. If it was a football game the crowd watching would say that it wasn't a good game because it was evident who was going to win early in the game. To what does the narrator attribute David's success? That God was with David. 
http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1164

I am so bad at this as I have stated earlier, especially with my children. I need to step aside and let God face the battles with my son, who is able to take care of things by himself but always seems to want to drag me into his predicaments. The two may seem like worlds apart but it is the same concept-our control to take over when it is Gods battle. I ask God for intervention but I no sooner than do that and I am back to doing Gods work for him. It's the same thing. I am a single mom. It's hard for a mom to be a disciplinarian, at least on a constant basis. Another reason why God created man and woman. It's as simple as yen and yang.

Q3. (1 Samuel 17:47) Why do we so often forget that "the battle is the Lord's"? I've got to really study this one because I have been intervening for God in a specific area for ages..... I tell myself time and time again “that's it” and back I go again. Why? Because it involves family and I must find a way to distance myself from this person or I know it will probably happen again. At this point I have thought about writing a letter of “termination of financial help” to this person, my son. I would give the letter to this person and then also to my husband (not my sons father) to show him my sincerity in terminating this enabling action. Why do we forget that “the battle is the Lord's” - because we live in a world of sin, we are hurry, hurry people, we need to get on to the next need, we feel guilty about many things and take the personal blame and let me fix it attitude. What does that phrase actually mean? We cannot fix it, in fact we are the enablers to keep it going. Maybe we have even asked God to work on this for us and then the next day we take over again. But, also I think the phrase also entails a spiritual part. We are not only asking God for a physical intervention but we want spiritual healing or learning to go along with the physical intervention. 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")? We have to ask ourselves if our battle affects Gods kingdom or glory. If if doesn't I would want to have the where withall to not pursue my battle and ask for God's help. And I would want to do this because the longer a personal battle goes on the greater the chance that you will do something foolish and disgraceful to God. God may not really care one way or another if you pursue this battle but it is just too easy to do something against what you want to stand for. 
http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1162

Q2. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) What does David's explanation to Saul of his combat experience say about David's faith? David trust himself in being a courageous warrior. I believe he even at this age trusted God to watch over him while he was tending his sheep. But, now going into battle with Goliath is going to take more than corage to kill a lion or bear. He knew that this was God's battle and not his. He was the means by which it would get done but God would win the battle. How lethal is David as a warrior? He doesn't think about his own physical determination-how strong he is or how quick he is. He is basing his kills on spiritual determination to trust God and give him the glory. Why do you think Saul allows him to go out to battle Goliath? Theres nothing to loose. If Goliath continues with his jabs then the Israelites will start to desert the army. If David looses and is killed there is not much lost- the Philistines will attack which they will probably do anyway. But, if David wins that will boost the moral of the army but demoralize the Philistines and the fight will be on. Does Saul have faith? If so, what is the source of it?
 He doesn't have faith in God that the battle will be won or he wouldn't have been doing all of that reasoning about if David wins or if he looses. He has faith in himself that he can reason good and that he himself is a good warrior. http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1161

Q1. (1 Samuel 17:26-30) Why is David so upset about Goliath's taunt? I see David with the faith of a child in this instance. Don't know how old he was but he did not question once if God would take care of the situation. In fact, he stands in amazement that the soldiers on his side (including his brothers) have not rushed to defend God from Goliath's taunts. It seems very obvious to us what should have been done here but it wasn't. This is where a strong Godly leader would have perservered. And that is what David became and Saul probably never was one. Why is Eliab, David's brother, so upset with David? Because David makes him look small, like he has no faith. The younger brother is teaching the older one. Also David has a history of taunting his conceidedness. It embarrasses Eliab and makes him look bad compared to his brother David. What does this teach us about David's faith? He is resting his faith upon the promises of God the Almighty. What does it teach us about Eliab's character? He has turned worldly-trusting in his own strength and the strength of those around him. 
http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1160

Q4. (1 Samuel 16:14-23) From Saul's perspective, why is David summoned to court? To provide a soothing environment for Saul so he would not be in such a manic state. From God's perspective, what seem to be the reasons for this service in Saul's court? To expose David to the environment of being a King. The power, decision making, how easily others can betray him. What things tend to prevent us from learning from God in the midst of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? We are usually in a panic state when we are “in the midst of a circumstance”. We want things to be over with or solved quickly. We start to second think ourselves and God. Was God mad at this or that? Did God understand. If we have stopped and asked for forgiveness for our sin then asked God for help in correcting and wait for him to

Q4. (1 Samuel 16:14-23) From Saul's perspective, why is David summoned to court? To provide a soothing environment for Saul so he would not be in such a manic state. From God's perspective, what seem to be the reasons for this service in Saul's court? To expose David to the environment of being a King. The power, decision making, how easily others can betray him. What things tend to prevent us from learning from God in the midst of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? We are usually in a panic state when we are “in the midst of a circumstance”. We want things to be over with or solved quickly. We start to second think ourselves and God. Was God mad at this or that? Did God understand. If we have stopped and asked for forgiveness for our sin then asked God for help in correcting and wait for him toQ4. (1 Samuel 16:14-23)

What is the significance of Samuel anointing David? For 2 reasons. It is an outward appearance to the Jewish people that God has chosen David to proceed Saul as King. It seems as if Saul and probably God did not want the people to know that Saul was going to loose his kingship. There were things that needed to be done and David needed to grow up. Telling the people that it was coming could have been disaterous. Secondly, when Samuel anointed David the Holy Spirit entered David and mentally, spiritually prepared David to be King.

How do we learn to listen to the Spirit?
 Prayer, read and study the Bible. Sounds simple enough, but we must be tuned in, plugged in to listening for the Holy Spirit talking to us. We have to be conscious of the fact that the Holy Spirit is with us and could talk to us at any time. Patience. Be receptive to the Holy Spirit, open your heart and head door wide. Follow what the Holy Spirit has said to you. Trust-go forward and act upon what you have heard. If things aren't working right go back to the Holy Spirit and talk some more. Remember Gideon, from the Old Testament, who tested the God speaking to him and ask God to make a blanket dry after the dew in the morning but leave the grass wet. He told God if he did that then he knew that what God had told him was indeed from God.

Q1. (1 Samuel 15:22-23). What is rebellion? In what way is rebellion as bad as witchcraft or occult practices? What does rebellion have to do with arrogance? What can we do when we find rebellion against God in our hearts? What happens if we do nothing? rebellion is doing what we think is best, not what God tells us to do. We may justify the actions in our minds, thereby giving it a pass, but it is sin and going against God. Rebellion is as bad as witchcraft because we are placing ourselves on the same level as God (big mistake), and there by giving us the authority to look for and determine the answer. That is what witchcraft is – looking for the answer but outside of God's response and guidance. When our pride and arrogance leads us to believe that we know better than God then we do what we think is best – which is rebellion against God. Repent of this sin. Pray that God would show us other examples in our lives where we are rebellious against him. Pray that God would continue to bring these examples to the surface and give us the knowledge and strength to intercede and do his will. If we don't repent of the sin then the sin will continue to manifest itself in other ways. As the sin continues it will feel softer and softer until it is not viewed as sin at all. It's like the saying that “one lie leads to another which leads to another and another and so on”. It gets easier to lie as the lie and its sprouts goes on and on and on.