Everyone Makes Mistakes, Or Do They?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 6 to study 1 Samuel 27 and 28 (maybe both, maybe just 27).  These chapters raise huge questions for loyal followers of Jesus.  There are lots of 'conjectures', 'theories', and 'suggestions'; all of which are opinions, but none of which are really satisfactory or comfortable.  The reality is that these two chapters make us uncomfortable as believers.  So, like all the previous times, we will dive into and swim fearlessly in the deep murky water of Scripture to find the jewels of our Master hidden within.

So, as always, read these chapters several times.  It may be helpful to read ahead, perhaps to the end of the book.  The challenge for us with these two chapters is to perceive what God is doing with these events, and see if we can determine what He is doing, and what He is 'permitting' to be done.  I think that this is an example of our Master 'working all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.'  But what is that purpose, and how is He working? 

Jot down your thoughts and questions as you read through.  It may be tough, but try not to camp out on one idea or theory.  Keep in mind we all have opinions on these things, but trying to look back 3,000 years is never easy, and rarely sure.  What we do know is that we have to read is what God wants us to have.  Beyond that, His Spirit uses these words to work on our hearts for His purpose.  That's what we know; all else is opinion.

After reading through the chapters a few times, read through again with these questions in mind:

Chapter 27:

• After reading David's statement in the previous chapter (1 Sam. 26:19) it seems this is not a new idea for David.  Why do you think David seems to even consider this idea?
• Review 1 Sam. 21:10-15.  Why do you think David would consider returning to Achish?
• David's plan seems to work. Saul stops pursuing him.  How do you think the people of Israel think of David at this point?
• David wants space from Achish, and the king gives him Ziklag.  Why do you think David would want it, and why do you think Achish would give it to him?
• Look at a map of the region (one that goes south to the border of Egypt, the one below is too small), and consider where the peoples are that David raids. Why do you think David raids these people?
• If David leaves no witnesses, who do you think he sounds like?
• What is David doing here, raiding, leaving no witnesses, and lying to Achish; what is he playing at?
• Read verse 9 in a few translations.  What is David doing with what he takes?
• What do you think about that 'clothing' can also be translated 'treachery'?
• David says he's raiding the south of Judah.  Why do you think Achish would believe David would behave like that?

Chapter 28:

•  Achish tells David that he will accompany the king into war.  Read verse 2 in as many translations as you have.  What do you think David means by his response to Achish? 
• No one knows, the Scripture never tells us, but what do you think David planned to do in battle?
• What 'position' does Achish give to David?  Why do you think Achish would do that?  What do you think he thinks of David?
• This chapter repeats the statement about Samuel we already say in chapter 25.  Why do you think this is an important enough element to repeat?
• The other element with which Samuel's death is combined is the comment that Saul had 'removed' those communing with the dead from the land.  What do these two have in common?
• What sorts of things does Saul use to try to 'hear' from God?  Why do you think God doesn't answer?
• Saul resorts to asking his servants about one of these 'ones communing with the dead'.  How long does it take to fine one?  What do you think that means for the 'effectiveness' of Saul's 'purge' of such people?
• Saul specifically asks for, and the woman in En-Dor is specifically referred to as a "Baal-Spiritist", and since baal can mean 'lord' or 'master', what do you think this means for who she is among 'spiritists'?  What do you think may be some other options?
•  If God will not answer, how wrong is Saul in seeking this option?
• Saul disguises himself and goes to the super-spirit-channel-surfer-chic.  What is the first thing she says when they approach her for this 'gig'?
• What seems really odd about Saul's response to her hesitation?
• There is a bunch of conjecture about what made the woman scream, Samuel or the fact that Saul was the one asking her to do this.  What do you think it means if she screamed when Samuel appeared?
• Since God forbids this sort of practice, what do you think it means that Samuel appears?  Why, if it 'works' does God not what this sort of thing practiced?
• Read verse 13 in several translations (included the King James if you can find one).  What does she see?  Consider that in verse 14, the reference is 'singular', "What is his shape?" while 'gods' is a plural reference.  Why do you think that might be a problem?
• What is so remarkable about what the woman describes that confirms to Saul it's Samuel?
• Why do you think Saul bows himself down when he realizes it's Samuel?
• Samuel speaks.  Imagine this scene.  What is happening?  Where is the super-spirit-channel-surfer-chic while this is going on?
• What do you think of Saul's answer to Samuel about why he asked him to be brought up?
• Samuel does not seem helpful, at least not at first.  What do you think of his response initially?  How might that help us understand why God never answered in the other ways Saul tried first?
• Where will Saul and his sons be tomorrow?  So, is Samuel in 'heaven' or 'hell'?
• Read 1 Samuel 11:1-7 and compare it to 28:20.  What do you think it feels like to be Saul right now?
• The super-spirit-channel-surfer-chic makes a great hostess, serves veal, and makes bread.  What do you think she's doing, and why?

That should keep well entertained for at least one evening.  Remember to bring your questions and observations to group this Thursday!