College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 26 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 26
Saul pursues David again. Saul had once said that he would leave David alone, but he could not resist the temptation to try to kill the man who threatened his position as king. The Ziphites came to Saul in Gibeah and told him that David was hiding in the hill of Hachilah. Saul then pursued David again.
David again spares Saul. Once more David had an opportunity to kill Saul as Saul lay sleeping, Some of David's men wanted him to slay the king, but David was unwilling to lift up his hand personally against God's anointed, the ruler of Israel. He did take his spear and cruse of water. He then awakened Saul and showed him that he could have killed him when he stole into his camp and took his spear.
Saul again repents. Saul knew that he had done wrong in breaking his oath. He also knew that David was more righteous than he himself. When he was confronted with this truth, he repented again. Once more he said that he would not try to kill David. He blessed David and returned to his place.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Man should respect the things of God. David demonstrated over and over again that he respected God's anointed leader. Saul was quite unrighteous but David knew that he was still God's anointed king. He was unwilling himself to take Saul's life even though he did have the opportunity more than once.
2.
Men today do well to respect God's appointments. How oft shall my brother sin against me? (Matthew 18:21). Peter once asked Jesus how often his brother should sin against him and yet be forgiven by him. Peter thought that seven times were sufficient, but Jesus taught Peter that we should forgive a repentant brother an unlimited number of times. David demonstrated this very well in his life. Over and over again he forgave Saul and tried to live peaceably with him.
CHAPTER 26 IN REVIEW
1.
Who told Saul where David was hiding?
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2.
In what hill was David hiding?
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3.
How many men did Saul take to find David?
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4.
Who went with David into Saul's camp?
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5.
Who was Saul's captain?
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6.
What items did David take from Saul's camp?
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7.
By what title did Saul address David?
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8.
By what figures did David refer to himself?
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9.
What part did Saul say he had played?
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10.
What part of Saul's armor did David show to Saul?
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