I Samuel Chapter 22
Please read: I Samuel 22 –
David fled from the Philistines and went into a cave. He had nowhere else to go. Then God did something incredible. He sent David’s own family to come and be with him, and He also sent a large number of men who were down and out and looked up to David. These were men who were poor and had been through the bitterness of difficult times. These men gave David purpose as he became their leader. His aim was not to form a revolt against Saul, but to lead them in the way God intended for them to be led by the next king of Israel.
In reading the speech of Saul, I imagine him yelling at his people, his servants, demanding allegiance to him. Saul has become consumed with keeping his throne and with destroying David. He is no longer a good leader of his country. He had come a long way from that young man who sought to do as God wanted and listened to every instruction that Samuel had given. Now he was a madman and a murderer; willing to kill anyone who got in his way.
Let's Reflect
1. David was a hero to the people of Israel. He had killed Goliath and had led the people in several victorious battles. He was a natural leader, and people were attracted to him. He probably did not recognize that about himself, he felt discouraged being all alone and running for his life. Besides sending his own family to go and be with him, how many others did God send to be with David?
2. After reading through this chapter, who was it that reported to Saul that David was in the area having been with the priests at Nob?
3. Saul was an intelligent man. He knew that his son Jonathan had done what? See verse 8.
4. What did Saul accuse the priest Ahimelech of doing?
5. Ahimelech seemed to “give it right back” to Saul. He reminded Saul that David had come to him several times seeking the wisdom of the Lord. What else did Ahimelech remind Saul about in regard to David?
6. According to verse 16 what was Ahimelech’s punishment for telling the truth?
7. Saul’s own guard refused to obey his order, but who did carry out the murder of the priests and their families?
8. One of Ahimelech’s relatives escaped. Who did Abiathar run to?
9. David heard the whole horrible story told by Abiathar and he regretted the day he was there and told the lie to the priest. Who had David seen while at the tabernacle?
10. What did David promise Abiathar?
