Late Night Visitors

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting February 27 to study 1 Samuel 26.  This is very similar to the account in chapter 24, but the differences are important.  This account seems to be more pieced together.  I'm sure lots of theories exist about how it's merely another version of chapter 24, or about how this one is evidence of how accounts of David were more fragmentary legends than actual fact. 

Big deal. Let them theorize.  The only truly verifiable fact is that this account not only made it into versions of 1 Samuel early on, but that it also acquired very few very minor differences between manuscript families. So, while it, like so many we have studied, are peculiar, it has more support as a historical event than many other less ancient cultures.

So, like always, read the chapter several times.  In this one, pay particular attention to things that seem repetitious.  Also pay close attention to any margin notes your particular translation may have.  The repetitious parts may have some significance, but even if not significant, can signal where different versions of the account were pieced together.  If you step back, you can sometimes tell in such places how various accounts were actually amazingly harmonious in their details. 

Jot down questions and observations you make as you read through the chapter.  It may be helpful to look back over chapter 24 for a reminder of details there.  After you've been through the chapter a few times on your own, look back over it with the questions below:

• The people of Ziph come again to Saul.  Why do you think they keep doing this with David?
• So, how do you think David is able to move about and see so clearly without being seen?  It's the desert, it's hard to hide much of anything...or is it?
• David goes out to see for himself, and takes two with him.  Abishai is the son of Zeruiah.  Look up Zeruiah on the Blue Letter Bible website.  There are interesting ideas of what her name means, but why do you think David refers to Abishai in terms of his mom?  He always refers to the three men that way, so it's important, but we don't really know why.
• What is expected but missing as David and Abishai sneak into the camp?
• Who is with Saul here but was missing in chapter 24?  Why do you think he came this time?
• Again, David and his men are able to talk where you would think it would be unwise.  Why do you think that is?  And doesn't it make Abishai's point stronger?
• David restrains Abishai, takes Saul's spear and water jug, and leaves.  What do you think might be important about the 'spear'?
• Who takes the spear and jug?
• On their way out, we're told how they're able to get away with it.  Why do you think God wants David to do this?
• David goes a good distance and calls out to wake the army.  Why do you think he calls out to Abner specifically?
• Read what he says to Abner carefully, possibly from several translations.  His reasoning seems somewhat convoluted, but the essence is clear.  What does he claim needs to be done to Abner?
• As David speaks to Saul, what details are similar to chapter 24?  What details are different?
• David gives the spear back to Saul, and then continues to speak.  With the breaks in the dialogue sometimes you can spot where 'splices' were made to various accounts.  But what is the consistent theme throughout them all?

That should keep us busy for an hour or so.  Be sure to bring your own questions and observations.  See you Thursday!

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!

The Danger of Obedience

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting February 6 to study 1 Samuel 23.  This is a fun chapter, has weirdness in it, close calls, and the tension of leadership.  It also is an excellent challenge about hearing God's voice over the voice of people around us.

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?

That should do it for this week.  Be sure to bring your questions and notes with you Thursday.  See you then!

Wicked Crazy King: Never A Good Combo

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting January 30 to study 1 Samuel 21 & 22 (yes, two chapters).  This is where Saul really becomes unhinged; dark days for Israel.  There are a lot of details in these chapters, some of which you asked about last week.  Good questions then, and here are some good answers.

Read through both chapters, and even the next if you haven't already.  Go back through these chapters a few times, in different translations.  Be looking for odd details, strange elements that paint a peculiar picture.  Note the priests of Nob.  What seems strange about them, their behavior, and their responses to David and Saul?  Look for Nob on a map somewhere in your Bible or atlas.  Be sure to jot down questions or insights you find in these chapters.

Once you've gone through several times already, go back through with these questions:

Chapter 21

• David leaves Jonathan and goes to Nob.  Why do you think the priests would come out 'trembling'?
• There are several questions Ahimelech asks that indicate he knows something's up with David being there.  Why do you think he keeps asking these questions?  What do you think he's after?
• What is the issue with the bread?  What must the men with David be to partake of the bread?
• Read Leviticus 24:5-9.  What's the problem with Ahimelech giving this bread to David?  Why do you think he would do so anyway?
• Read verse 7 in as many different translations as you have.  Most, if not all, state that Doeg is 'detained before' God.  This word seems to have theological significance in the Hebrew Scriptures with reference to God's sovereignty in that it is He who restrains things and people.  What might that mean here?
• Why would the sword of Goliath be here?  Why do you think this would be an important item for David to have?
• Where does David go after leaving Nob?  Remember back to 1 Samuel 17.  Why might David have thought of Gath, and why might this be a bad idea considering what David is carrying among his things?
• What do you think of the king of Gath?  What sort of ruler is he?  Is he smart, foolish, what?
• Why do you think David opts for the 'insanity plea'?

Chapter 22

•  Find Adullam on a map.  In what tribal area is it found?
• Why do you think his brothers and father come to him there?
• Who else comes to find David?  What sort of people are these?  What other story does this remind you of?
• Where does David go with his family?  Why go there?
• Where do you think this 'stronghold' is?
• Why do you think God wants David to return to Judah?
• What does Saul know about David?  So why do you think he remains under the tree?
• What does Saul hold over his servants?
• What does Saul believe about David?  Why would he think this?
• What is Doeg in the service of Saul?  Why do you think he would volunteer this information?
• Why do you think all the priests were summoned?
• What do you think it was about Ahimelech's defense that made Saul want to kill him?
•  If Saul holds lands and positions over his servants, and they won't kill the priests, what does this say about how his servants feel about the king?
• Look up 'H6293' in the Blue Letter Bible website.  What sort of range of meaning does this word have?  So where do you think Doeg did the 'falling' on the priests?
• What do you think of Doeg's obedience to Saul?  Do you think this is what Saul meant?
• What do you call this sort of 'warfare'? (we've looked at it before - as in Jericho)
• So, Abiathar escapes.  Where does he go?  What do you think it means that he knows where to find David?  
• What is David's response when he hears of the destruction of Nob?
• What do you think this means for the nation of Israel?  What do you think about Saul and his mental state?

This should do for now.  We may not get through both chapters.  We'll take it as far as we can.

See you Thursday!

What's A Good Son To Do?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting January 23 to study 1 Samuel 20.  This picks up where the group left off before taking a detour through Multiply and Isaiah 40.  We're back for a while.  After we finish 1 Samuel, then we're going to do something different and look at how we actually got the Scripture we study (it's fascinating and stunning really).

It will probably be helpful to re-read 1 Samuel 19 just for sense of what's going on.  This chapter starts out with a discussion, the context of which could be the dancing naked king's search for his imagined enemy.  On the other hand...

Read chapter 20 several times.  It might be helpful to think in terms of what would each person have to be thinking to say/do what they say/do.  Try to put yourself in their sandals as it were.  Jot down questions and observations of peculiar things.  After going through it a few times, go back through with the questions below:

• Why do you think David would go to Jonathan after leaving the raving naked Saul?
• What do you imagine is David's 'tone' as he talks to Jonathan?
• If Jonathan really doesn't know about his father's pursuit of David, why would that be?  If Saul doesn't leave Jonathan out of these things, why now?
• If David is correct, where does this put Jonathan?  How does he 'win' in such a situation?
• David has an idea to test Saul's intent and show whether he or Jonathan is correct.  Why do you think Saul would expect David to show up if he just pursued him to Naioth to kill him?
• The festival or feast is a new moon festival, look up Number 10:10, and 28:11-15.  Does this sound like what is being celebrated here?
• David's ruse to use with Saul is that he went to Bethlehem to sacrifice.  Look up Deuteronomy 12:5-7, is this what David might be referring to?  Why or why not?  Did you come up with other alternatives?
• David refers to his covenant with Jonathan, and under no circumstances wants to be taken to Saul.  Why do you think David would rather Jonathan put him to death if there is 'iniquity' in him?
• Jonathan makes another covenant with David.  He did this once before in 1 Samuel 18:1-4.  We're not given a lot of detail there, but even so, what do you see different here?
• Jonathan adjusts the plan a bit, but it is essentially David's idea.  Why do you think the arrows, and boy to find them?  What do you think is important about Jonathan notifying David that way?
• Consider that Saul assumes David missed the festival because he was unclean.  Why do you think Saul might be making excuses rather than asking at this point?
• Saul asks Jonathan about David, but in this chapter, Saul never uses his name, but his father's name.  Why might that be?
• Jonathan changes the story slightly adding David's brother.  Why do you think he would do that?
• Imagine the feelings at the table that day.  What do you think everyone else is feeling or thinking?  How aware of that does Saul seem to be?  What does that say about Saul?
• Think through what Saul calls his son.  He said this in front of the entire 'table'.  Saul criticizes Jonathan for choosing David, yet his actions seem to support Jonathan's choice.  What is going on with Saul?
• Saul claims that what he's trying to fix is Jonathan's ascension to the throne.  Why might that not be what he's trying to do?
• Why does Jonathan 'grieve'?  What is it that he feels his father has done to David?
• Jonathan goes out as he said he would, and shoots arrows.  The boy knows nothing, and is sent back into the city before David comes out.  So what's with the boy in the first place?
• Why does David bow down to Jonathan 3 times?
• Jonathan refers to he and David's 'posterity' as they part.  Why might Jonathan be thinking about that as he parts from David?

That is probably more than enough for now.  We probably won't get to all these questions (if any - you know how it goes).  So, be sure to bring your own questions and observations with you Thursday.

Blessings upon you until then!

Poetic Encouragement

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting January 9 to study Isaiah 40.  This is probably one of my favorite passages in Scripture.  It forms the opening of the second section of Isaiah, directed toward the Israelites in exile in Babylon/Persia. 

Some believe this section of Isaiah was written late, during the time of Daniel, others that it was written early, foreshadowing their eventual return.  I think it was written by a remnant of a 'school' of prophets first started/run by Isaiah during the exile.  I'm not sure if they would have been located in Jerusalem or in exile, but the romantic in me likes the thought of Jerusalem (the least likely option).  That would mean the writers wrote from the rubble of Jerusalem words of hope to the exiles in a pagan land. 

Anyway, read the chapter through several times.  This is poetry, not the usual narrative texts we have studied so far, so you can expect to find a LOT more peculiarities and variety in translations.  Translating poetry from one language to another is the most difficult sort of translation (that and humor probably tie).  The problem is the poetic 'license' and 'imagery' used are not to be understood literally.  This is usually handled well in most translations; but read it in several translations, and consider the differences and what they might mean.

After reading it through a few times, go back over it considering these questions:

• Consider the audience in the opening lines.  'Comfort' is an imperative (command), and it's plural.  Consider who is to be comforted.  What is the goal, at the outset, of the writer, and of God through the writer?
• In verse 3 through 5, do you think the audience has remained the exiles?
• Who winds up being the 'voice' referred to in verse 3?
• Who is the highway for?  So, 'who's coming to dinner' so to speak?  So, why do you think it would be difficult for modern Jews to deny so vehemently that the Messiah could be deity?
• Verses 6 through 8 (possibly through 11) there is a dialogue.  The content of the 'crying out' is two fold (if the dialog extends through verse 11), so how do you think the two pieces relate?  Why do you think they were combined here?
• There are at least two elements of God's character described between verse 12 and 17.  His holiness and his glory seem to be the main things in these verses.  Why do you think the audience needs to hear that?  How do these elements of God's character affect you hearing/reading them like this?
• In verses 18 through 26, the worship involving idols is really addressed well.  Why do you think this needs to be addressed, either with the exiles or with the people left in Judah?
• What do you see as the major contrast between idol worship and worship of God?
• Considering the 'resume' of God in verses 21 through 26, what problem do you think this addressing with the audience?  What are they supposed to have known 'from the foundations of the earth', and why do you think they might have forgotten it?
• Verses 27 through 31 are the most famous of this chapter, especially 31.  It begins with a 'quote' either from the exiles or the people in Jerusalem/Judah.  Considering that the way the poetry is structured the focus of the quote is on the 'justice' and 'pathway' of the one speaking, what is the danger of such a focus on our justice and our way of life?
• How do you think knowing that God is never tired and His understanding is unsearchable helps people in bad circumstances?
• The things the audience wants, power and strength, find their source somewhere other than youth.  Why do you think the people needed to know this?  Why might you?
• What does it mean to you or what would it look like for you to 'wait expectantly' for God?  Why would do that renew your strength?  How do you think that 'works' or is that even the right question to ask?

That should keep us busy for quite some time.  Be sure to bring notes and questions of your own. 

Trying The Patience of God

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting December 5 to study Multiply by Francis Chan.  I'm going to assume you've read Part III, Chapter 1 (or Chapter 7 for consistency).  If you haven't, go back and do that first.  In fact, read it a few times to get a sense of some of Chan's details on who, what, why, and so on.

Next, we're going to study a passage he didn't bring up.  I tried to come up with an example of of the dangers of not doing what he suggests.  Since in these cultures, literacy is not common, specific references in Scripture are difficult.  Instead, I keyed off of what reading the Bible should be to us, hearing from God.  Now that I have plenty of examples of in Scripture.

We're going to look at Exodus 3 and 4 (or parts of each anyway).  This is the conversation at the burning bush.  I think Moses pretty well covers most of our excuses, and finally exhausts God's patience.

Read through Exodus 3:1-17, then 4:1-14.  As a footnote, read 4:24-26.  Read these through several times.  You're looking for peculiarities, but also look at the flow of the conversation.  Consider what is going on with Moses, why he's using the excuses he is.  He's got a lot of issues going on here, but one main one.  Jot down notes and questions as you go through.

After going over the passages a few times, go back through with the questions below:

• If a bush on fire is enough entertainment to divert Moses, does you think that indicates he's bored with his current life, or something like this is truly amazing enough to divert a contented man, or something else?
• What do you think made the ground holy?
• At what point do you think Moses recognizes God and connects Him with his heritage?
• God lays out a lot of detail in His initial description of what He's doing with Moses (v.7-10).  This is pretty much repeated throughout His discussion with Moses.  Moses' first issue is his 'suitability' to go to Pharaoh.  He was raised in Pharaoh's household, so what do you think Moses is questioning here?
•  When Moses asks about his 'suitability', God starts out with, "I will be with you" and gives Moses a sign.  How helpful do you think that particular sign would be in motivating Moses?  When would the sign be confirmed?
• Why do you think God's name would be the second problem Moses points out? What do you think is the assumption in Moses' mind if he wants to know God's name? (it might be helpful to consider his background and current family situation)
• God's answer to Moses' question about His name is not the ordinary deific name.  Consider that God's answer in verse 14 is a little different than in 15.  While there is a possible connection, they are not exactly the same (I'll show you at the group meeting).  What sort of effect do you think this name would have on the elders of Israel?  Is it how they would recognize God?  And if not, how does this solve the problem Moses brought up?
• Moses' third complaint is about his validity before the Israelites.  God answers that with three 'signs'.  So, who are these signs for?  Yet, one is one of the plagues against Egypt.  Why do you think the bloody Nile would be a sign to the Israelites?
• Next Moses' complains that he is not eloquent.  Consider God's answer here.  It isn't like the rest.  What do you think Moses is doing, and what do you think God is doing with His answer?  What I mean by that is why would Moses bring up this particular issue, and why would God answer this particular way?  Assume God knows what's going on in Moses' head even if we don't, so His answer is really the clue to what Moses is getting at.
• Moses literally says, "Excuse me Lord, please send in the hand of you will send."  Imagine some person from another country using broken English were to say this to you.  What do you think they might mean by it?
• God's response to Moses' final question or request is to get angry.  Why?  Considering all that has been involved in this discussion, why do you think now God is angry with Moses?  Also, if you don't think God is all that angry, remember the 'footnote' verses (v. 24-26) I mentioned earlier.
• Now, if God speaks to us primarily through Scripture what do we risk by not being diligent in seeking familiarity with these words?  It's one thing to not do what God has asked us to do well, but to not do it at all, how risky is that for us?
• Go back through the list of complaints of Moses.  How many of these, in some form and/or at some time, have you used to excuse yourself from studying Scripture?

That should keep us busy for an hour.  Remember that this really reinforces the chapter in Multiply, so please read that first.  The main point I'm trying to make will make much more sense if you do.