Read through the chapter several times. Look for things that sound odd or unexpected. Write down your questions and observations. You guys have been asking really good questions. Keep them coming. As we saw, sometimes these are answered in Scripture (as if even the people of that day were asking the same questions you are), and some aren't and we're left to wonder. It's okay, wonder is good. We can use it to our advantage as we explore Scripture.
After you've read through this chapter (perhaps re-read the one behind and then the one ahead), and you have some questions and observations of your own; go back through once more with these questions.
- David has made his family safe, he's back in the forests of Judah, and has 600 men around him. Someone tells him that the Philistines are in Keilah. See if you can find that on a map. Why do you think the people would tell David rather than Saul?
- Why do you think David would hear about Keilah and then inquire of God to know what he should do? Why isn't it obvious? And what do you think the 'obvious' thing would be?
- David's men are afraid if Judah, but of what? Why do you think they would be more afraid of the Philistines?
- David goes back to verify the word of God he heard the first time, and it's confirmed. And they go, and are successful. How do you think the men around David feel now? Do you think they are still afraid, and if so, of what? If not, why not?
- What do you find peculiar about Abiathar coming to David at Keilah? Look back at 1 Samuel 22:20-23; wasn't Abiathar already with David? What could the writer/editor be telling us with Abiathar's arrival?
- What do you think is the significance of David being in Keilah that makes Saul happy?
- This time David seeks God, the ephod is mentioned. Why do you think that detail here combined with verse 6 is important? What do you think that says about David's inquiries in the first 4 verses?
- The word used for 'men' of Keilah can be found in the Strong's Concordance under H1167. After you look that up, look at H1168. Now what do you think about the word used?
- Why do you think the people of Keilah would give their 'deliverer' into the hand of the king who did not come to save them, and only moved when he heard David was there, not Philistines?
- Why would God send David to save such people? Why would God send David to where He knew David would be in danger?
- Look back at 1 Samuel 22:2, where do you think David came up with the other 200 men?
- David leaves Keilah, and Saul hears about it. So, between verse 13 and 14, did Saul go out after David or not?
- Saul can't find David, but his son Jonathan seems to have no problem. Why do you think that might be?
- Consider what Jonathan says to David. What is Jonathan going to do that his father will not?
- How many covenants between David and Jonathan does this make?
- The people of Ziph go to Saul about David. Here again, why might they do that? Does 1 Samuel 22:2 suggest a reason for you?
- Saul is very happy with the people of Ziph, they have had the 'pity' on him that his servants didn't. What does it mean for you that Saul invokes the name of God in blessing these people. How valid a blessing is this, even with God's name used?
- So Saul essentially uses the people of Ziph as 'scouts' for his forces to find David. How effective are they?
- This isn't an easy passage to translate, but the gist of it is easily found in most any translation. How close do you think Saul is getting to David?
- Now Saul hears of Philistines, now he pursues them. Why do you think this is different from before when the Philistines attacked Keilah?
- Look up 'En-Gedi' in a Bible Dictionary, map, online or other resource. What sort of place has David gone?
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