Anchor My Faith

God’s Chosen King: David’s Victory and His Friendship with Jonathan

Part 1 of Lesson

Section 1: 1 Samuel 17:1–30 – David Faces Goliath

Overview:
The Israelites are facing the Philistine army in the Valley of Elah. The Philistines send their champion, Goliath, a giant over nine feet tall, to challenge Israel. For forty days, Goliath taunts Israel, but no one dares face him. David, a young shepherd sent by his father to bring provisions to his brothers, hears Goliath’s challenge. He is outraged that no one is willing to fight, and volunteers to face the giant, trusting in God’s power. Saul doubts David’s ability but reluctantly agrees.

Theological Themes:

• Trusting God’s power over fear.
• God’s sovereignty in choosing unlikely instruments for His purposes.
• The power of faith and courage in God.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 17:37 – “And David said, ‘The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is David willing to face Goliath, even though he is a young shepherd?
   Answer: David trusts that the God who protected him from the lion and bear will also deliver him from Goliath.
2. What does Saul’s doubt about David reveal?
   Answer: Saul’s reliance on human strength rather than trusting in God’s power.
3. How can David’s confidence in God inspire us today?
   Answer: It teaches us to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when facing overwhelming challenges.

Section 2: 1 Samuel 17:31–54 – David Defeats Goliath

Overview:
David refuses Saul’s armor, instead taking his sling and five smooth stones from the brook. He approaches Goliath, who mocks him, but David responds, “You come to me with a sword and spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts.” With a single stone, David strikes Goliath in the forehead, and the giant falls. David then takes Goliath’s sword and cuts off his head. The Philistines flee in fear, and Israel celebrates the victory that came through God’s power.

Theological Themes:

• God’s victory over seemingly impossible odds.
• The significance of trusting in God’s name and power.
• Courage and faith in action.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 17:45 – “Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does David refuse Saul’s armor?
   Answer: David trusts in God’s power, not in human resources or methods.
2. What does David’s victory over Goliath teach us about God’s involvement in our struggles?
   Answer: God is the true source of victory, and He works through faith, not our own strength.
3. How does David’s victory inspire us in facing our own “giants”?
   Answer: It shows us that with faith in God, we can face and overcome even the most intimidating challenges.

Section 3: 1 Samuel 17:55–18:5 – Saul’s Jealousy Grows

Overview:
After David’s victory, Saul asks Abner who David is, but Abner doesn’t know. When David returns from killing Goliath, Saul questions him, and David answers humbly, stating that he is just a servant of the Lord. Saul then takes David into his service, making him part of his army. As David successfully leads Israel in battle, Saul begins to grow jealous of his popularity, especially after the women sing, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

Theological Themes:

• Jealousy as a destructive force.
• The dangers of pride and comparison.
• God’s providence in raising up leaders.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 18:7 – “And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does Saul become jealous of David?
   Answer: Saul’s pride is wounded by the people’s praise of David and fear of losing his power.
2. What can we learn from Saul’s response to David’s success?
   Answer: Jealousy and comparison can lead to destructive behavior; we should rejoice in others’ success and focus on God’s plan for us.
3. How should we respond when others are praised for their achievements?
   Answer: With humility and a focus on gratitude for God’s work in our own lives, rather than comparison.

Section 4: 1 Samuel 18:6–16 – Saul’s Attempts to Kill David

Overview:
Saul’s jealousy turns into hatred when he sees that God is with David. He tries to kill David by throwing a spear at him, but David escapes. Saul’s daughter, Michal, is given to David as a wife, but Saul secretly hopes that she will be a snare to David. Despite Saul’s attempts to destroy him, David continues to grow in strength and success. Saul’s fear of David grows, but David remains humble and faithful to God’s calling.

Theological Themes:

• The destructive nature of envy and hatred.
• God’s protection of His anointed ones.
• Faithfulness in the midst of persecution.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 18:12 – “Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does Saul become afraid of David?
   Answer: Because David’s success and God’s favor on him highlight Saul’s own failure and loss of God’s favor.
2. What does Saul’s behavior reveal about the dangers of pride and insecurity?
   Answer: It shows how pride can lead to destructive actions, and insecurity can cause a person to act out of fear.
3. How does David respond to Saul’s attempts to kill him?
   Answer: David remains humble, continues to serve Saul, and trusts God’s timing rather than taking matters into his own hands.

Section 5: 1 Samuel 18:17–30 – Saul’s Plot Against David

Overview:
Saul’s jealousy reaches a breaking point, and he makes a new plan to get rid of David. He offers his daughter, Michal, as a reward for David’s bravery, asking David to bring back the foreskins of 100 Philistines as a bride price. Saul hopes that David will be killed in battle. However, David succeeds in the mission, bringing back 200 foreskins, and Saul is forced to give Michal to him as a wife. Saul’s fear of David continues to grow, and David’s success only increases.

Theological Themes:

• The consequences of plotting against God’s will.
• God’s sovereignty in the midst of human scheming.
• Faithfulness and courage in the face of adversity.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 18:29 – “And Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does Saul set a trap for David with the bride price?
   Answer: Saul hopes to have David killed by the Philistines, allowing him to eliminate the threat to his throne.
2. How does David’s success show God’s favor in the midst of Saul’s schemes?
   Answer: Despite Saul’s attempts to harm him, God protects David, and his success continues.
3. What does this story teach us about how we should respond to opposition?
   Answer: We should continue to trust God’s protection and timing, knowing that He will vindicate us in His way.

Section 6: 1 Samuel 19:1–7 – Jonathan’s Loyalty to David

Overview:
Saul’s hatred of David intensifies, and he orders Jonathan and his servants to kill David. However, Jonathan, Saul’s son, warns David of his father’s plan and helps him escape. Jonathan speaks well of David to his father, reminding Saul of David’s loyalty and the good he has done for Israel. Saul listens to Jonathan and swears not to harm David. David is brought back into Saul’s service, but the tension remains high.

Theological Themes:

• Loyalty and friendship in the midst of danger.
• God’s provision of faithful allies.
• The importance of speaking truth in love, even when it’s difficult.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 19:4 – “And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, ‘Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What motivates Jonathan to protect David?
   Answer: His love for David and his sense of justice, as well as his loyalty to God’s chosen servant.
2. What does Jonathan’s defense of David teach us about standing up for what is right?
   Answer: It teaches the importance of speaking out against injustice and standing with the righteous, even when it’s hard.
3. How does God provide for David through Jonathan’s friendship?
   Answer: Jonathan’s loyalty and protection are a means by which God keeps David safe from Saul’s threats.

David’s Escape and Jonathan’s Loyalty

Part 2 of Lesson

Section 1: 1 Samuel 19:8–17 – Saul Attempts to Kill David

Overview:
After David’s victory over the Philistines, Saul becomes increasingly jealous and attempts to kill him. David flees to his home, but Saul sends men to kill him during the night. Michal, David’s wife and Saul’s daughter, warns him and helps him escape by letting him down through a window. She then places an idol in the bed and covers it with a cloth, deceiving the messengers into thinking David is sick. When Saul learns of the ruse, he is enraged and demands the truth from Michal, who lies, claiming that David threatened her.

Theological Themes:

• The destructive nature of jealousy and its consequences.
• The role of deception and the complexities of loyalty in troubled times.
• God’s protection of His anointed even in times of danger.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 19:12 – “So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled away and escaped.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. How does Saul’s jealousy affect his judgment?
   Answer: His irrational jealousy leads to violence, division, and attempts to kill David, who is an innocent servant of God.
2. What does Michal’s actions reveal about her loyalty to David?
   Answer: Despite the danger, Michal risks her own safety to protect her husband, showing her deep commitment to him.
3. What role does deception play in this passage?
   Answer: While Michal deceives Saul’s messengers, it shows how David’s situation has become so perilous that deceit seems necessary for survival.

Section 2: 1 Samuel 19:18–24 – Saul’s Relentless Pursuit of David

Overview:
David flees to Samuel at Naioth in Ramah, seeking refuge. Saul hears of David’s whereabouts and sends messengers to capture him. When they arrive, they fall under the power of the Spirit and begin prophesying, unable to carry out their mission. Saul sends additional messengers, but they also fall into the same condition. Finally, Saul goes to Ramah himself. When he arrives, the Spirit of God comes upon him, and he too begins prophesying, stripping off his royal robes. This public humiliation marks his utter failure and inability to stop David, even as he persists in his pursuit.

Theological Themes:

• God’s sovereignty over human affairs, even over the enemies of His anointed.
• The power of the Holy Spirit to intervene and thwart evil plans.
• Saul’s ongoing descent into madness and humiliation.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 19:24 – “And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel, and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, ‘Is Saul also among the prophets?’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does it mean that Saul “prophesied” when pursuing David?
   Answer: It highlights God’s power to use even His enemies to accomplish His will, showing that Saul was powerless to act against David.
2. What does Saul’s stripping of his clothes symbolize?
   Answer: It symbolizes his loss of dignity, authority, and control, further humbling him in the eyes of the people.
3. How does God demonstrate His sovereignty in this passage?
   Answer: Despite Saul’s efforts, God intervenes through the Spirit, preventing Saul from capturing David and showing His protection of His chosen servant.

Section 3: 1 Samuel 20:1–17 – David and Jonathan’s Covenant

Overview:
David flees to Jonathan, fearful that Saul will kill him. Jonathan initially defends David, believing that Saul would not harm him, but David insists that Saul is determined to kill him. They devise a plan to test Saul’s intentions during a feast. If Saul becomes angry when David’s seat is empty, Jonathan will know that Saul intends to harm him. The two friends make a covenant of loyalty, promising to protect each other and their families. Jonathan assures David that he will find out Saul’s plans and send word to him.

Theological Themes:

• Deep, covenantal friendship based on loyalty, trust, and faith in God.
• God’s protection of David through human relationships.
• The faithfulness required in relationships, even in difficult circumstances.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 20:16–17 – “And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ‘May the Lord take vengeance on David’s enemies.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What is the significance of the covenant between David and Jonathan?
   Answer: It demonstrates a deep, self-sacrificial loyalty, trusting in God’s will for both their lives and promising to protect one another.
2. Why is it important that David and Jonathan seek God’s will in their relationship?
   Answer: It underscores the importance of trusting God in all relationships, knowing that He is the one who protects and directs.
3. What does this passage teach us about loyalty and friendship?
   Answer: True friendship is built on trust, commitment, and sacrificial love, always seeking the best for the other.

Section 4: 1 Samuel 20:18–34 – Saul’s Reaction and Jonathan’s Disappointment

Overview:
The day of the feast arrives, and David’s seat is conspicuously empty. Saul immediately notices and asks Jonathan why David has not come. Jonathan responds with the excuse that David asked to go to Bethlehem for a family sacrifice, but Saul becomes enraged, accusing Jonathan of betraying him and siding with David. Saul attempts to kill Jonathan for his loyalty to David, revealing his increasing madness. Jonathan, heartbroken, returns to David, telling him that Saul’s anger is real and that it is no longer safe for him.

Theological Themes:

• The destructive power of Saul’s jealousy and pride.
• The pain of seeing a loved one reject what is right.
• The cost of following God’s plan in the face of opposition.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 20:30–31 – “Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, ‘You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness?’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does Saul’s reaction to Jonathan reveal about his character?
   Answer: It shows Saul’s intense jealousy, pride, and refusal to accept God’s plan, leading to irrational behavior and violence.
2. Why is Jonathan’s loyalty to David so difficult for Saul to accept?
   Answer: Jonathan’s loyalty to David represents a threat to Saul’s power and position, and Saul cannot fathom his son choosing David over him.
3. How does Jonathan’s sadness reflect the cost of doing what is right?
   Answer: Jonathan experiences personal pain, knowing his relationship with his father is strained, but he remains true to God’s plan for David.

Section 5: 1 Samuel 20:35–42 – The Parting of David and Jonathan

Overview:
The plan Jonathan and David devised plays out when Jonathan shoots arrows as a signal to David. The arrows land beyond David, and Jonathan calls out that the coast is clear for David to flee. Jonathan and David meet secretly in the field, where they share a tearful farewell, knowing their friendship will be tested by their circumstances. Jonathan reaffirms the covenant, asking God to be with David and ensure his success as the future king. They part ways in grief, each knowing that God’s plans for them are bigger than their current situation.

Theological Themes:

• The bond of friendship as a means of God’s strength in difficult times.
• The faithfulness of God to His promises, even in times of separation.
• God’s plan for David to rise to kingship despite current adversity.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 20:42 – “And Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’ And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does the covenant between David and Jonathan mean for their future?
   Answer: It is a promise of lasting loyalty and support, even as their circumstances separate them.
2. Why do David and Jonathan part so sorrowfully?
   Answer: They know that their relationship will be tested by their respective roles in God’s plan, and they are facing the harsh reality of separation.
3. What can we learn from David and Jonathan’s example of friendship and faithfulness?
   Answer: True friendship is sacrificial and rooted in faith in God, even when circumstances are difficult.