Who Let's Their Enemy Go Free?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting February 13 to study 1 Samuel 24.  This is one of the most popular stories of David being pursued by Saul.  There is one more of these, but this one, of all the other stories of David, stands out in people's minds.  It also makes it into lots of children's books, but Saul is usually 'napping' (I suppose 'pooping' would detract from the point of the story with most children).

Read through this fairly short chapter several times.  Think through the setting, to the extent that it's described.  This region is made up of limestone cliffs, narrow winding 'wadis' or water trails through the cliffs, and caves of all sizes and shapes.  No one really knows where the cave in this story is, or which one of the many it could be.  All that is known is the general lay of the land around En-Gedi.  This link will take you to the Israel tourist web page for Engedi.  It's interesting reading.  This link will take you to some better pictures of the current location in Israel.

Read through the chapter several times looking for those things that seem odd, either aren't explained, or have an odd explanation.  There are plenty of things to ponder, so make notes, write down your questions, and bring them with you Thursday.  You may find reading the preceding chapter, and the one that follows very helpful.  As I mentioned last week, I have a favorite explanation of what motivates David to do this, but it's only one, and not necessarily the most popular one; and it's not original with me at all.

After you've read through the chapter a few times yourself and made your own notes and questions, read through again with these questions:

• The literal description of Saul's choice of men was 'young men'.  Why do you think that would make sense in Saul's choice?
• En-Gedi means 'spring of the mountain goats', but Saul looks among the 'crags of the mountain goats'.  Why do you think he would look there rather than the 'spring'?
• The description here is of 'sheep pens' on the road.  The idea being that there is so little room on the path/road that the sheep pens are right along or on it, impeding traffic perhaps if carts, horses, or donkey's are used.  What seems odd about the the sheep pens and this cave in close proximity?
• The Hebrew euphemism used here is 'cover his feet' which refers to 'going number 2' (yes, we're sure, it's still used today).  What other options have you heard for Saul's 'activity' in the cave?
• What characteristic of caves might make the comment of David's men rather dangerous?  What does this say about qualities of this particular cave?
• David listens to his men, but only cuts off the 'wing' of Saul's robe.  Why do you think he only cuts off piece of the robe if he's been urged to take his life?
• After cutting off the piece of robe, David's 'heart caused him to be struck', a euphemism for 'a sudden attack of conscience'.  Why now, and why after only cutting off the piece of robe?  In cutting off the piece of robe, what has David done?
• What quality of both David and Saul can you think of that they have in common (read verse 6 carefully, David mentions one twice)?  What difference might some sort of quality like this make on his decision to let Saul live?
• What effect does David's words have on his men?
• David follows Saul out of the cave, and calls to him.  Why do you think he would bow when Saul turns around?  
• What about the 3,000 men with Saul, what do you think they think right now?
• David refers to some interesting things in his 'speech' to Saul.  Why do you think he blames Saul's pursuit on others rather than Saul?  Why do you think David would let them know his men are in the cave?  David shows the 'wing' of Saul's robe as proof he was close enough to kill him, but that's what he felt guilty about.  Why show it as proof of his innocence now?
• David calls on God to act as judge and 'avenger' between them.  Why do you think he phrases it that way?  Does Saul really seem to care about God at this point?  Do you think Saul can even tell what God says or does?
• What about his 'ancient proverb', why do you think David would bring this up?  What does it say about Saul, and in front of his men?  Does that help perhaps clarify what David is most concerned about in this?
• Saul makes a very powerful admission, and does so with weeping.  What do you think this means for the 3,000 young men following Saul?
• What do you think Saul's point is in verse 19?  What implication is he making?
• Saul confesses in essence what his son says in the previous chapter.  Do you think this just now dawns of Saul?  Why or why not?
• Saul requests something of David.  This really is fairly strange if you think about it.  Why do you think Saul would ask about his 'seed'?  What's the implication here?  When would this 'oath' be invoked?
• David agrees, and they go their separate ways.  Why do you think that David does not return with Saul?  Do you think Saul expects him to?

That should do for now.  You may find it helpful to go back over the chapter a few times again after these questions.  More questions will probably come up as you do.  It really has several layers to it.

See you Thursday!