Study Questions | 1 Samuel 24

These questions are designed to help you read and study the Bible passage that will be preached next week. Our prayer is that these questions will assist you in growing deeper in God’s Word as you examine the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so (Acts 17:11).

Chapter 24

Read 1 Samuel 24:1–7.

  1. Saul pursues David to Engedi, a "major oasis along the western side of the Dead Sea about 35 miles southeast of Jerusalem" (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 487). Why do you think Saul sent such a large army against David and his men? How do you think this large army made Saul feel?

  2. Why does Saul go into the cave alone (see Deuteronomy 23:12–14)?

  3. Who happens to be hiding in the cave?

  4. How do David's men react to this opportunity?

  5. Is this an opportunity for David or a temptation for David?

  6. Can you think of a time when a temptation felt like an opportunity? How can you tell the difference?

  7. How did David respond and why did he feel guilty for his response in vv. 5–6?

  8. Why did David not want to strike down Saul and what does that teach us today?

  9. What does our culture teach about vengeance or getting even? Can you think of any movies that glorify revenge?

  10. Read Romans 12:19–21, Matthew 5:38–48, and Luke 22:51. What do these passages teach about the theme of vengeance?

  11. What can you learn from David's example?

Read 1 Samuel 24:8–15.

This is the longest speech of David in 1 Samuel (114 words in Hebrew). What do we learn about David's character and theology?

Read 1 Samuel 24:16–22.

  1. This is the longest speech of Saul in 1 Samuel (67 words in Hebrew). What do we learn about Saul's character and theology?

  2. Without reading ahead in 1 Samuel, what are signs that Saul's sorrow was not true repentance?

  3. David was merciful to Saul and heard his repentance. But notice that he didn't go back home with Saul. Why? What could this teach us about dealing with dangerous or abusive people?