Saul’s story will end in his death this week. David will complete his rise to being king. The book of Judges repeatedly stated that there was “no king,” and the last verse of the book emphasized “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” Saul, who looked like king material on the outside, was the suitable king the people asked for. They asked to look like the nations around them, and they got a king that led them into a bloody civil war and assassinations. However, God wants His people to reflect His glory. Israel as a people, and more so Saul the king, have a choice. Saul can be obedient to God’s word and be an example of His blessing, or do his own thing and be an example of God’s cursing. Unfortunately, Saul chooses to follow his own wisdom instead of the LORD. The next king, David, trusts in the word of the LORD. We will come to see that David does not do this perfectly. Saul tries to preserve his kingship through his own means, including many attempts to kill David. There' no doubt Israel needs a king, one that follows God’s word. Israel need a true king, a king of redemption.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 25
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, or 1 Chronicles, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read 1 Samuel 16:7, 12-13. David’s age is unknown at that time, but a teenager at the oldest estimation. Read 2 Samuel 2:4. Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5. How long was David king over all? How long was David king over just Judah? How long was he king over Israel and Judah?
Read 1 Samuel 23:1-5. How David’s mercy shown to his men, and his faith in God? Read 1 Samuel 24:3-7, 26:7-11. How does David show mercy to Saul and faith in God’s plan? Read 2 Samuel 1:14-16. The Amalekite lied to look good in front of the would be new king. How does this backfire on the Amalekite? How do these verses show God’s power to bring about His word? Read 2 Samuel 4:8-12. How does David’s character point to God’s character?
Read 1 Samuel 28:3. What had Saul done? Read verse 7. Why is it ironic that it was so easy for the servants to find a medium? How does this show Saul’s lack of commitment to trusting the LORD alone? Read 1 Samuel 10:21-22, 15:24, 20:30-31, 28:5. What emotion plagued Saul because of him being more concerned with himself than trusting the word of the LORD?
Read 1 Samuel 22:5. Where was David commanded to be the last time he left Israel’s territory? Read 1 Samuel 27:1,6. What was David fearful of that drove him to seek refuge with the enemy in enemy territory? How long was he there? Read 1 Samuel 29:9-11. What was the reason David was sent back to Ziklag? Read 1 Samuel 30:1-6. What happened in their absence and what were the men plotting to do? What did David do, and how is this significant considering where David was supposed to be?
Read 1 Samuel 25:1, 31:8, 2 Samuel 2:8-9, 3:6-10, 3:27-39. Which general stepped into the power vacuum after Saul’s death? After all these murders and plots for power, what does verse 39 show us about what David trusts in for victory?
SHARE IT.
What about David point you to God the most? What about him seems like the real deal? Does this mark your life?
How was Saul's life a tragedy? tragedy: an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe. How did Saul miss God's promises? How can you take a step towards God's promises this week?
How does Israel's chaos remind you that we need God to lead us? What about our nature struggles to follow God?
Read 1 Samuel 28:5. What provokes fear in you? What spiritual discipline (Bible study, prayer, worship, fasting, etc.) or specific scripture do you use in times of fear? What worldly wisdom are you tempted to use to handle fear? (anger, entertainment, numb out, etc.) to help you prepare for times of fear or anxiety?
As you read about the kings, does it make more sense to you now that God was always meant to be king? Does your life currently reflect God as your "king", where everything about you points to him? What needs to happen next?
FINAL THOUGHT
David points us to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled God’s word in obedience. Christ is the delivering King Israel waited for. The people need redemption from their own sinful hearts. The disobedient people also point us to the need for Jesus to give us a new heart. Saul, Abner, Joab, Ish-bosheth, the Amalekite from Saul’s camp, Baanah, and Reechab were all selfish actors that used their positions in selfish ways. The outcome was murder, suicide, collective skepticism, fear, anxiety, and a civil war that spread destruction among the people of God. Only David’s dependence on the LORD stopped the cycle of bloodshed for a time. Our heart issues go deeper than needing a good leader and a moral code to live by. Our hearts are tainted by sin, and our best efforts fall short. We all need atonement for our sin AND a new heart to worship God in spirit and in truth. Jesus trusted in God even to death on a cross to fulfill all God has spoken, as the obedient King. He allowed Himself to take the place of a criminal. Take comfort today that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father ruling and reigning over all the selfish actors in this world. God will not be mocked, and at the right time Jesus will return to fully establish His kingdom. So, repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Receive new life in King Jesus. He will give you a new heart and be the King of your life.
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