David and Saul

Bible Passage : I Samuel 24:1-31:13; 26:8-9, 21-25
Focus: Authority

Questions for discussion
1. Should God's anointed be treated different from other men? Are they subject to the same judgment as others? What should our response be to those God has placed in positions of authority over us?

• Parents
• A husband/ wife
• Pastors
• Church leaders
• Police
• employer
• Politicians
• School teacher
• Sunday School teacher

2. What authorities in your life do you have a difficult time submitting to? Why?

3. How should we respond when the actions and decisions of those in authority over us seem unjust?

4. Are you as content in your life as David seems to be, to simply let God accomplish his own will, in his own way, in his own timing?

5. What areas do you find difficult leaving them up to God?

6. What excuses could David have used to justify his killing of Saul?

7. We often try to get around rules and are impatient and try to make God's will come true by our own efforts. What do David's actions indicate in this regard?

8. Why do you think David showed respect for authority EVEN THOUGH that authority (Saul) was acting in a manner that was WRONG?

9. What can we learn from David's response to authority in dealing with those who have authority over us?

10. David apologizes to Abigail and Saul apologizes to David? Analyze the similarities and differences between their apologies.

11. Is revenge sweet or bitter? Explain?

12. Which of the quotes below is David most likely to agree with and which ones Saul is most likely to agree with:

• "Revenge is a dish best served cold" -Khan- Star Trek: Wrath of Khan
• "Do unto others then split"
• "Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you."
• "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot" Dt 19:21
• "However rich or powerful a man may be, it is the height of folly to make personal enemies; for one unguarded moment may yield to you the revenge of the most despicable of mankind." - Lyttleton
• "Observe thyself as thy greatest enemy would do, so shalt thou be thy greatest friend." - Jeremy Taylor
• "If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility." -Longfellow
• "In taking revenge a man is but equal to his enemy, but in passing it over he is superior" - Bacon.

13. What lessons can we learn from David's interaction with Saul for responding to those in authority over us?