College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 24 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 24
David spares Saul's life. David was hiding in a cave in En-gedi when Saul came to rest in the open mouth of the cave. As Saul slept, David crept forward and cut off the bottom of his robe. When Saul left the cave, David ran after him to identify himself and to show him how he could have killed him if he had so desired.
David pleads for his life. David rightfully judged that many men had spoken false words about him and his relationship to Saul. He therefore asked Saul to listen to him and not to the false reports. He also asked that the Lord judge between Saul and himself.
Saul accepts David's plea. Saul knew that what David said was true. He admitted that David was more righteous than he and assured David that he would no longer pursue him. Saul then went home, but David and his men stayed in the stronghold of Judah.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Let God lead. David was not willing to take matters into his own hands to get rid of Saul. He knew, of course, that if he killed Saul that he would himself become king. He would come to the throne under these circumstances with a shadow of guilt over him. He therefore was willing to wait until in God's providence Saul's reign would end. We need to learn this lesson of patiently following the Lord in all of our endeavors.
2.
Let the Lord judge. David asked Saul to let God judge between the two of them. David knew that the Lord's judgment would be right. This is where all our judgment should originate.
3.
Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21 b). David's goodness in sparing Saul's life overwhelmed Saul and caused him to realize that he had been wrong in trying to take his life. He therefore assured David that he would no longer pursue him. He also asked David to make a covenant that David would not kill Saul's descendants. David was willing to make this covenant, and the pursuit was over for the time being.
CHAPTER 24 IN REVIEW
1.
How many men did Saul take to catch David?
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2.
What name was given to the area where Saul went?
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3.
Where was David hiding?
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4.
What did David's men urge him to do to Saul?
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5.
What part of Saul's clothing did David cut?
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6.
What ancient proverb did David quote?
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7.
By what figures did David allude to himself?
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8.
What did Saul do when he recognized David?
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9.
Where did Saul go after leaving David?
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10.
Where did David go after Saul left?
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