(Reading Mar 28- Apr 3)

14. David’s Rise to Power
Portions of 1 Samuel and Psalms
   
Key Point:
Saul is rejected as king by God because of his sin and his failure to learn that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22).  God establishes the dynasty of David because of David’s obedience and dependence on God.

Key Verse:
“But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command” (1 Sam. 13:14; DB page 400).

Main People:
Saul, Samuel, Jonathan, David, Goliath, Michal, Abigail

Outline:
The Reign of Saul (1 Sam. 13-15)
Saul’s early successes, followed by his failure to obey God
David’s Rise to Power (1 Sam. 16-31)
    David is chosen by God and anointed by Samuel (16)
    David defeats Goliath, enters Saul’s service, and is befriended by Jonathan (17,18)
    Saul attempts to kill David (18-20)
    David rises in exile and builds an army (21-27)
    The final decline of Saul (28-31)
   
 
Thought Questions:

1.    What were the specific weaknesses of Saul that made him an unsuitable ruler?





2.    David was chosen because of his heart, not because of external qualities.  Is it ever possible for us to know someone’s heart?  If so, how?





3.    How does our concept of God affect the way we face our “giants” (challenges) in everyday life?





4.    What do you think brought Jonathan and David together as friends?





5.    What do the psalms in this section teach you about David’s relationship with God?





6.    What does the incident of David sparing Saul’s life (1 Sam. 24, DB page 423) say about David?

7.  In your opinion, why is David called “a man after God’s heart”?