These questions are designed to help you read and study the Bible passage 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).

Context:

1. Look back at 1 Samuel 27:1–28:3. Why is David going out with the Philistine army to fight against Israel?

2. What terrible outcomes could have happened if he had refused to fight with Achish?

3. As David agrees to fight with Achish, which of the following do you think he is planning?

a. To fight against Israel alongside the Philistines.

b. To betray Achish’s trust during the battle.

c. To stay at the back of the line, hoping he won’t have to fight.

4. Are any of David’s options morally good or glorifying to God?

Read 1 Samuel 29:1–11.

5. If you look at a biblical map, you'll see chapter 29 happens chronologically before chapter 28 (see Shunem in 28:4 and Aphek in 29:1). Why do you think the narrator fast-forwards to Saul and his predicament before rewinding again to David and his situation? What does this teach us about these two men?

6. In verses 2–3, what are the commanders of the Philistines upset about? Are their concerns reasonable (refer to 27:8–12)?

7. Is there anything ironic about Achish’s defense of David in verses 6–7? Is his praise justified?

8. Why does David argue with Achish in verse 8 (hint: consider your answer to question 3)?

Application:

9. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14–15.

a. Is David unequally yoked in our text?

b. What are the consequences of being unequally yoked?

c. How do believers sometimes find themselves unequally yoked with unbelievers? What is often the outcome?

10. How do you see God working silently in the background of this text?

a. How does God deliver David (cf. 1 Samuel 23:28)?

b. What does this deliverance teach us about God’s providence?

c. Have you ever perceived God working silently in the background of your life, delivering from your own foolish decisions?