How does Saul react to David throughout this section of Scripture? Why do you think that he reacts this way?

During the course of these chapters, Saul tries multiple times to kill David (1 Samuel 18:10-11, 19:9-10, 23:7-8). Meanwhile, David has multiple opportunities to kill Saul, but elects instead to show him mercy (1 Samuel 24:1-4, 26:5-12). What does this tell us about the character of these two individuals? How does that character affect their actions and decisions?

David exhibits deceitful behavior at various points in these chapters (1 Samuel 21:1-9, 27:8-12). What are we to make of this? Why is it significant that the Bible records unflattering details about its characters? (And even its heroes?)

In 1 Samuel 25, David resolves to kill Nabal. But then, David relents when Nabal’s wife Abigail entreats him for mercy. (And later, after Nabal dies, David takes Abigail as his wife.) What can we learn about David’s character from this chapter?

In 1 Samuel 27, David goes out and fights against the Amalekites. In 1 Samuel 30, he destroys them entirely. How does this contrast with Saul’s behavior in 1 Samuel 15?

In all likelihood, David is no older than 15 when he is anointed as Israel’s next king (1 Samuel 16). However, he does not actually become king of Israel until age 30 (2 Samuel 5). What does this tell us about the patience of David? In what ways can we see the patience of Jesus (the Son of David) on display throughout His life? What are the implications of the patience and mercy of Christ for us, as Christians?

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