The Life and Times of Samuel, Saul, and David

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The Life and Times of Samuel, Saul, and David

• Lesson 11 David - Waiting on the Lord
• I Sm. 241 - 2544
• For whatever things were written before were
  written for our learning, that we through the
  patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have
  hope. (Romans 154)
• Now all these things happened to them as
  examples, and they were written for our
  admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have
  come. (I Corinthians 1011)

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Introduction

• David was suffering while waiting on the Lord.
• Davids designation and appointment as king were
  at different times. Davids story is rated ID for
  Intense Drama.
• David is an example to provide us patience,
  comfort and hope (Ro. 154).
• We are waiting to reign with the Lord forever!
• Main Characters David, Abigail and Nabal.
• Nabal was a foolish man. He was arrogant with a
  self-sufficient attitude.
• Abigail was beautiful and wise.
• David was restrained from taking vengeance.
  Davids vengeance against Nabal is inconsistent
  with Saul.
• God answers our prayers with Yes, No, or Wait!

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Discussion Questions

• How did God employ the "call of nature" to save
  David (I Sm. 241-7)?
• God delivered Saul via the call of nature
  Saul went in to attend to his needs (244).
• It may have appeared that they were doomed as
  Saul approached David and his men were staying
  in the recesses of the cave. (244).
• Saul was unaware of danger as he went about his
  business.
• David resists peer-pressure to kill Saul Then
  the men of David said to him, This is the day of
  which the LORD said to you, Behold, I will
  deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may
  do to him as it seems good to you. (245).
• It was no accident that David and Saul were in
  the same cave.

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Discussion Questions

• Why was David conscience-stricken over doing
  "what seemed good" (I Sm. 241-7 2610)?
• Davids attitude and heart The LORD forbid
  that I should do this thing to my master, the
  LORDs anointed, to stretch out my hand against
  him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
  (246). How do we feel about current/past
  Presidents?
• Actions of vengeance may seem right at the
  moment, but later our conscience may eat at us.
• David faced a non-trivial decision regarding the
  suggestion to assassinate Saul. It was wrong
  (2610).
• David restrained his men from executing Saul
  (247).
• It was good to be submissive and faithful to Saul
  (249-10). David promoted Sauls best interests!

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Discussion Questions

• Lesson to Learn Submission is the active
  pursuit of the best interests of another, by the
  subordination of our own personal interests.
  (Ph. 21-8 Ga. 61-5 I Pt. 218-25 Ro. 123,
  16 101-4 Jm. 47-10 Mt. 53)
• We must seek the interests of others like Jesus.
• Jesus lovingly willingly suffered and died for
  us.
• Self-service led to the rejection and death of
  Jesus (i.e. Scribes, Pharisees).
• We are to bear one anothers burdens.
• Associate with the humble, not the arrogant.

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Discussion Questions

• What did David say to Saul (I Sm. 248-15)?
• Addressed Saul with respect by calling him lord
  and father My lord the king! (249)
• David prostrates himself in reverence and
  submission to Saul David stooped with his face
  to the earth, and bowed down. (2410)
• David challenges Saul charge against him and
  shows the robe as evidence of what he could have
  done (2410-11).
• David protected Saul from Davids men.
• David is not wicked per the proverb Wickedness
  proceeds from the wicked. (2413).
• Saul is imaging David as an enemy.
• David relies on Gods judgment and justice Let
  the LORD be judge, and judge between you and me.
  (2415)

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Discussion Questions

• Lesson To Learn Principles of sovereignty,
  suffering and servant hood govern spiritual
  leadership. (Ro. 1217-21 131-7 Mt. 41-11
  Lk. 413 Ps. 7 Mt. 544 I Pt. 211-22
  412-19)
• Gods sovereignty is shown in using His control
  over nature/natural things for His purpose. He is
  our judge! (Ro. 1219 131-7)
• Our suffering changes and prepares us to be
  stronger. Overcoming temptation and adversity
  gives us experience and brings glory to God. It
  is unavoidable!
• We are a servant of others, even our enemies. We
  must submit to physical and spiritual pains, not
  as an evil doer.
• We make decisions based on these principles.

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Discussion Questions

• What request did Saul make and how did he express
  his "repentance" (I Sm. 2416-22)?
• Saul addresses David Is this your voice, my
  son David? (2416)
• Saul acknowledges the Lords deliverance and
  Davids kingdom I know indeed that you shall
  surely be king (2420)
• David is right and He is evil (2417-19).
• Saul repented before but it did not last
  (191-7). Watch from a distance.

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Discussion Questions

• Name the losses of David (I Sm. 251, 44
  1918-24 2316-18 223). What do you think
  David may be feeling at this point in his life?
• Samuel, Jonathans last visit, Michal was given
  to another man, parents in Moab, family
  rejection, 600 men not feeling the same way
  toward Saul, on the run for doing right, and not
  ruling even though designated as the king.
• He must have been feeling lonely.
• Eventually, Michal will be reunited (II Sm.
  313-16).

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Discussion Questions

• What did David do for Nabal? How did Nabal
  respond to the request of David? (I Sm. 252-13)
  What was the Old Testament law (Dt. 1428-29
  2610-13 Neh. 810-12)?
• David protected Nabal and contributed to his
  well-being and health, and in turn David wanted a
  gift of food for his men. David went above and
  beyond.
• Nabal refused and was unmoved at a time of
  celebration (2510-11).
• The Law Tithe 1/10th for stranger, fatherless,
  widow. Portions given to those who have nothing
  (Neh.) Gods welfare system.

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Discussion Questions

• What does Nabal know of David (I Sm. 259-13)?
  Describe his attitude and character?
• Nabal knew David was the son of Jesse, servant of
  Saul, and broke away from his master.
• Nabal was severe, cruel and obstinate (253),
  arrogant, hard-hearted, rough, stiff and stubborn
  (2511).
• Nabal was selfish, mean and would not share his
  riches. He was wealthy.
• Nabal was a Calebite from Judah like David.
• Nabal means fool!

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Discussion Questions

• Lesson to Learn Subjects of arrogance and
  self-sufficiency will be destroyed. (Jm. 46 I
  Pt. 55-9 Pr. 2527 3021-23 1310 2825
  2124 143 112 1618 1719 1812 2923
  617 165,8 1525 83 Ac. 1223 I Co. 1012
  Da. 430-37 Ro. 130)
• Prosperity comes from God.
• God resists the proud and gives grace to the
  humble.
• Herod did not give God glory and died.
• We are fools when we do not listen and obey God.
• Take heed lest you fall.
• Wisdom can be gained from the Proverbs.

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Discussion Questions

• What was David's attitude and intended actions (I
  Sm. 2513, 21-22, 30-31)? How did he respond to
  Abigail's message (I Sm. 2532-35)?
• David loses his cool and intends on killing Nabal
  and his males. Why? he Nabal has repaid me
  evil for good. (2521-22)
• David did not expect Nabals reaction of insult,
  evil for his good, Nabals own standard. It is
  expected to return good for good.
• A double-standard Davids reaction to Saul
  versus Nabal (2417-18). Nabal was not a superior
  so he was treated differently.
• David knows Abigail is right and in alignment
  with God.
• Abigail was a godsend and kept David from doing
  wrong (2531-35).

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Discussion Questions

• Lesson To Learn Don't live for the moment, but
  for eternity. The triumphs of the past are no
  guarantee of victory in the future. (I Pt.
  211-12 412-14 Hb. 11 Ge. 2013 Ac.
  1118-19)
• Dont rest on your own laurels (I Co. 1012-13).
• Dont over react like evil doers. Dont give an
  occasion for someone to accuse you of wrong.
• Remember the heros of faith (i.e. Abraham)
  learned to trust in Gods promises.
• The gospel is for all and we must preach the
  gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
• God accepts all who are willing to love, trust
  and obey Him!

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Discussion Questions

• How did Abigail find out about David's plans (I
  Sm. 2514-17)? How did she respond to the
  reaction of David (I Sm. 2518-35)? Describe her
  character.
• A young man revealed Davids works and plans. She
  gathered the facts!
• She is submissive to David my lord, your maid
  servant.
• She petitions David and acknowledges that Nabal,
  her husband, is a fool (2517).
• Dont kill him and dont take vengeance. Accept
  the gift, remember the prophecy, Nabal did wrong
  not the other males (innocent blood), deal with
  Nabal as Saul.
• Abigail acts without Nabals approval. She
  gathers food (5 sheep, 2 jugs, 200 loaves,
  grains, figs, raisins) to be used in celebration.
• Abigail is beautiful and judicious (253).

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Discussion Questions

• Lesson To Learn God sends us warnings and
  messages through people, nature and His words.
  (Hb. 21-4 312 Ac. 2029-31 Nu. 2222-35 II
  Pt. 31-13 Ac. 1127-30 Ge. 61-13)
• People warn us of our sins and judgment.
• Wise words calm a hot-head when presented with a
  humble attitude. Humility is critical in
  correcting others.
• Nature warns us of judgment (i.e. seasons).
• God warns us about sin and judgment through His
  words (i.e. flood/2nd coming).
• Dont drift away or neglect salvation.
• Is anyone listening?

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Discussion Questions Final Thoughts

• What happened to Nabal (I Sm. 2526-38)? What
  happened to Abigail (I Sm. 2539-44)?
• Nabal was a fool, and so close to death.
• He is feasting like a king (drunk).
• Abigail reveals the truth when he is sober.
• He become like a stone (i.e. heart-attack?).
• He dies 10 days later (The lord struck him).
• Abigail is taken as the wife of David along with
  Abinoam.