Annual Sunday School Bible Study 2017

BOOK TITLE: DAVID: A MAN AFTER GOD’S HEART (A Study of 1 Samuel)

Author: Mr. Alani Yakubu (Lecturer, Baptist College of Theology, Igede Ekiti)

 

 

Introduction: The book of Samuel happens to be one of the historical books of the bible. The 1^st and 2^nd Samuel were originally one book until the Hebrew Old Testament was translated by a group of 70 scholars, hence the name given to it Septuagint.

 

The authors were not clearly identified, but 1 Chronicles 29:29 suggest Samuel and others as part of the authors. The events in 1 Samuel spanned a period of about 94 years with three major characters Samuel, Saul and David with some other minor characters as Eli, Hannah, Jonathan, Abigail etc, with God as the Chief Executor.

 

1 Samuel records the crucial transition from theocracy under the Judges to Monarchy under the kings. We see three stages of transition from Eli to Samuel, Samuel to Saul, and Saul to David.

 

As we study the book of 1Samuel this week, let the lives and experiences of these characters especially David inspire you to be a man approved by God.

 

The big question: how can God call an adulterer, a man whose hand is stained by the blood of innocent man, a man after His own heart, what does this statement mean?

 

Brave and coward; innocent and guilty, courageous and discouraged, sympathetic and non-sympathetic, sought God and took counsel on his own anointed but persecuted.

 

David, whose name ‘dawid’ probably is a variation of ‘yadid’ which means, ‘beloved’ lived between 1085-1015, he was a shepherd fugitive, politician, king, father, poet, musician, prophet, Warrior, friend, lover, sinner, penitent and type of Christ. Though his life was a great success, he experienced failures too.

 

LESSON 1

DAVID AND SAMUEL: The Minister  of a Man after God’s Heart (1 Samuel 1:1-16,13; 19:18-24)

The events in the life of David could not be complete without mentioning Samuel. The Hebrew name of Samuel is “shemiel” meaning the name of God or “his name is God”. Hannah the mother of Samuel named him to express that God was the one who gave him to her 1Samuel 1:20. Samuel became a great Prophet in the land of Israel and his rule ended theocratic governance.

 

1. Samuel was born of prayer after a long time of waiting 1Samuel 1:9-18, he was covenant child by vow of her mother, he was given back to God in fulfillment of mother’s vow. 1 Sam.1:24-28; 2;11.
2. Samuel gave himself to God 1 Samuel 2:11, 18; 3;1.
3. Samuel was accepted by God and preferred over Eli and household. 1 Samuel 2: 26-36 (emphasis 26&35), 3:19-21
4. God revealed himself to Samuel in due time to raise him a a prophet for the nation. 2 Samuel 3:1-21.
5. Samuel as reformer: He engaged those who have forsaken God to return to Him and this led to victory over their enemies 1 Samuel 7:3-6, 7-14.
6. Samuel was a king maker – he anointed two kings in his lifetime. 1 Samuel 10:1,24; 16:1-13.
7. Samuel was honest, sincere accountable leader 1 Samuel 12:1-5:
8. He was neither angry nor envious when asked to hand over power.
9. Samuel did usurp kingly duties, he allowed King Saul to rule without undue interference.
10. Fearless in rebuking the king for his misdeeds. 1 Samuel 13:11-14, 15:22-23, 28-29
11. He was an intercessor. 1 Samuel 12:20-25.
12. Samuel was a teacher of God’s law. 1 Samuel 12:14-15
13. Samuel was a compassionate leader. 1 Samuel 15:35; 16:1.
14. Samuel called to God for thunder and God honoured him. 1 Samuel 12;16-18. [We need men of God who can effect national revival towards the true God like Elijah and Samuel]

 

Questions:

1. Samuel ministered before the Lord [1 Sam 2:18], and ministered to the Lord [1 Sam 3:1], what do these mean in the contemporary church/christian life?
2. 1 Sam 3:7 “…Samuel did not yet know the Lord” what does this mean? Discuss what could be the causes of ministering before the Lord/to the Lord without knowing God.

• Discuss the possible experiences of Samuel being separated from his parents at a very young age.

1. Read 1 Sam 7;3-4, how did Israel get to this stage with Eli and Samuel in their midst?
2. Samuel’s life in the house of Eli’s compared with Eli’s children, what can you say about peer or environmental influence? 1 Sam 2:12, 17-18.
3. Reading chapters 4 & 5, God has been dealing with Samuel but the ark of covenant was captured, why?

• Why do you think children of Samuel became ungodly unlike their father? 1 Samuel 8:1-3
• What do the empty things mentioned in 1 Samuel 12;20-21 refer to?

1. Why was Samuel afraid in 1 Samuel 16:1-2?
2. To be a leader with integrity and accountability, what are the things we need to do?
3. Nigeria like Israel needs a national revival, can we make it happen? Yes/No. Discuss in details.

 

LESSON 2

SAUL AND DAVID: The Adversary of a man After God’s heart

Saul the son of Kish was anointed as the first king in Israel, it was saddening that God regretted appointing him as the leader of His people. Is God not regretting choosing you? The expectation of people was high when he was anointed but he could not live up to Divine expectation?

Also, the events at the battle front which Goliath of Gath taunted the armies of Israel led by King Saul threw light to clear cut differences between the King of Israel and David the Shepherd boy.

 

1. Saul acted foolishly 1 Sam 13:8-13; 15:16-19, 27-28. David acted wisely 1 Sam 18;14,30.
2. Saul exhibited cowardice and weakness mostly, 1 Sam14;1-2,6, 13-20, was fearful and perplexed 1 Sam 17:11, but David was brave 1 Samuel 17:26.
3. Saul could not risk his life for his people, but David did for his animals and people of Israel. 1 Samuel 17:34-35, 19:4-5.
4. Saul was envious and feels insecure by success of others or little threat. 1 Sam 18:6-11, 13;11-12.
5. Saul broke his vows three times.
6. Saul behaved deceptively to David on several occasions 1 Sam 17:25, 18;17-27; 19;10-17, but David was very loyal to him. 1 Sam 24;1-5, 26:1-12
7. Saul sought for all ways to kill David [1 Sam 18:11; 19:10-11, 23:14] but David never attempted to kill Saul even when he had the opportunities [1 Sam 24;1-5, 26:1-12]. Had it been the Spirit of the Lord did not arrest Saul and his armies, he would have killed David and Samuel. [1 Sam 19:18-24]..
8. Saul was a killer of innocent people (85 priest of God and their entire family and city) 1 Sam 22:1-19, but David vowed never to kill innocent people except lustful killing of Uriah which he repented.
9. Saul went after mediums (demonic consultants) but David remained with God till death. 1 Sam 28:6-14.
10. God abandoned Saul and he died with his son in battle. 1 Sam 16:14; 28:16-19, 31:1-6.

 

Questions:

11. What do you see to the relationship of Saul and Samuel? Read 1 Sam 28:11.
12. Do you know the reason for Saul’s hatred for David to the extent of plotting to kill him? 1 Sam 22:17, 19:17, 18:8; 20:30-31. How and why do people in the church kill today? Discuss your views.

• Read 1 Sam 14:36-44, 24, why didn’t God answer Saul? What are the lessons for us?

17. Since God knew what the behaviour of king Saul would be, why did God choose him for them? 1 Sam 8:9-20, compare James 1:17. Can we say King Saul was a good and perfect gift?
18. What do you think was responsible for Saul’s failure as an anointed king in his 40 years of rule?
19. David did refused to kill Saul even when he had the opportunities, , will God blame him if he did especially that the Spirit of the Lord has departed from him? So why did David need to cause Sual to die? 1 Sam 26;10. Read

• Mention good qualities or achievements of king Saul.

 

LESSON 3

DAVID AND GOLIATH: The hurdle of a man after God’s heart (1Samuel 17:1-18;9)

Life is full of various challenges which may come one’s way even unexpectedly. Though the appearance of David at the battle front could be seen as a Divine ordering, it could be said categorically that David did not plan to meet such hurdle on that same day he was sent as a civilian to take victuals to his brothers at battlefront.

 

1. A champion – popularly known to have won several battles [vs 4]
2. Famous – People even Saul knew him to have been a warrior from his youth. [vs 33].
3. Giant – Huge, taller than everybody even King Saul who was the tallest in Israel. [vs 4b]
4. Unmatched weapons [vs 5-7] – 16 pounds (about 8kg) spear head – like a sledge hammer.
5. Extremely terrifying when dressed for war
6. Self confident and boastful. [vs 8-9]
7. Inability of none of Israelites army to make a move towards him (They were just, eating, drinking, sleeping, waking up  and may be strategizing for 40 days) [vs 16]
8. David was discouraged by his eldest brother, Eliab [vs 28]
9. David was discouraged by king Saul [vs 33]
10. The continual appearance of Goliath of Gath twice daily aggravated their fears causing them to lose the battle before fighting it. [vs 16]

 

But David was teenager boy, lastborn of the family, physically unfit and weak (couldn’t carry Saul’s armour) and was without war experience.

Though he lacked the physical strength to confront the giant but he he had a heart that resent defiling the name of God and a heart of faith, so he determined to remove the reproach.

 

Ouestions

1. Based on the description of the hurdle, discuss various things that ‘Goliath’ may stand for in Christians’ life? How we can respond valiantly in faith?
2. If you were one of David’s brother, what will your reaction be to the boy?

• Why was it difficult for Israeli army to take steps of fight? Why were they paralyzed with fear?

1. Why was it a ‘one man fight’ approach?
2. Wasn’t David stubborn going ahead to fight despite warnings/disapproval from his brother and Saul?
3. For 40 days that the giant was casting reproach on army of Israel, why didn’t God do something about it?

• Read 1 Sam 17:10 “I defy the armies of Israel today” What does this mean and how does it happen to Christians today?

 

LESSON 4

DAVID AND YAHWEH: The Faith of a man after God’s heart (1Samuel 17:12-49)

Without God, David could not be what he was, David knows God and his faith in Him was strong. Yahweh is the name of God used in 1 Sam 13:4, this is the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses in Ex. 3:13-14. The defeat of Goliath through faith in God remains an unforgettable experience in the life of David.

 

1. David knew God; David not only hear or knew about God of Israel, he had a personal revelation of who he is , what he read is what everyone at the battle front knew about God , but personal revelation of God stood Him out 1Sam 17:26-37,45,46,47

• As a living God: vs. 26 & 36. It takes someone who is alive to fight a battle and win Heb 11:6
• As a deliverer vs. 37
• The warrior vs. 45,47
• A personal and National God- [God of Israel] vs. 46

1. David demonstrated his faith in God in the face of a challenging situation and opposing forces within 17:32-33.
2. David handed the battle over to God 45-46 like Hezekiah [2 King 19:14-19] and Jehoshaphat did [2 Chronicles 20:1-13]
3. David attacked the enemy trusting the God of Israel to defeat him 1 Sam 17:48

 

Questions

1. Did Saul know God or he didn’t know Him at all or he didn’t know Him very well? Explain in details.
2. Read 1 Samuel 8:19-20 and Saul’s failure to fight Goliath what are the lessons for us?

• Discuss your understanding of Goliath’s question to David in 1 Sam 17:43 and its application for today’s belivers.

1. What did David have that Saul did not have in conquering the giant?
2. What did David have which Goliath did not have?
3. How can we hand over our battles to God?

• Of what effect is Goliath’s curse and David’s response in winning the battle? 1 Sam 17:43-47.
• Of what necessity is the stone and sling that David used in the battle?

1. Qualities we saw in the life of David, in whom do you except to see most of it- political or spiritual leader?

 

LESSON 5

DAVID AND JERUSALEM: The pursuit of a man after God’s heart (1 Samuel 17:51b – 54)

Jerusalem was originally inhabited by Canaanite tribe of Jebusites,, the children of Isreal were supposed to drive them out before now, but they did not even King Saul did not attempt it. Though it has been commanded by God, Exodus 33:2, 34:11. Jerusalem, means city of peace but it was not clear when the city was changed to Jerusalem.

 

The pursuit:

David had a special interest for Jerusalem as seen in the events that unfolded, which are

1. David upon killing Goliath carried his head (A symbol of trophy) to Jerusalem to show the Jebusites what will be done to them. He eventually drove them out later. [2 Samuel 5:6-10]
2. David made Jerusalem the capital of Israel. [2 Samuel 5:13-14]
3. David brought the ark of God to Jerusalem at all cost. [2 Samuel 6:1-2]
4. David planned the building of God’s temple in Jerusalem. [2 Samuel 7:1-17]

 

The reasons:

1. God’s commandment must be obeyed
2. Central state capital will serve as a point of unity and promote peace (The city had been divided before between the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin, but now The capital, and the city of God).
3. Things of God were dear to him.

The process:

1. Focused on the trophy, the symbol of God’s victory and not the praise of men.
2. Values obedience to God

 

Questions:

• As a Christian, what will form your political agenda in case you become a powerful political office holder?
• Apart from prayer, how can we influence the political agenda of current political office holders?
• Why do many political office holders use their influence to develop their own village/towns? Is anything wrong in that? Discuss your view biblically.

 

LESSON 6

DAVID AND JONATHAN: God’s rare gift to a man after his own heart [1 Samuel 18:1-20, 43]

The study of friendship between David and Jonathan can be said to be a rarity in the history of men who had natural tendency to be wicked, selfish and self seeking. It was a case of extreme hatred on one hand (by Jonathan’s father) and an extreme affection on the other hand by Jonathan. The Hebrew name of Jonathan means “Yahweh gave” or “Yahweh has been gracious”. Indeed Yahweh has been gracious to David by giving him a rare gift who;

1. Loved him like himself [1 Samuel 18:1-4]: David who disgraced coward king Saul at the battle front with a praise song that elevated him above King Saul [1 Samuel 18:7-8]; is expected to naturally become envied by Jonathan, the heir apparent, but instead, Jonathan developed a very strong affection for David. This is very synonymous to the self-giving love of Christ.
2. Defended him before his father [1 Samuel 19:1-5] Jonathan did not allow his ambition or his father’s sentiment and anger to prevent him from saying the truth even when it hurts. The family and church need such men. [ ! Samuel 20:30-34]
3. Exposed his father’s sinister motive to David [1 Samuel 19:2]
4. Allied himself with David [1 Samuel 20]

• David expressed his fears seeing Jonathan as his confidant [verses 1, 3]
• Jonathan assured David of safety despite death plot [verses 2,9]
• They exchanged vows [verses 12-17; 23:16-18]
• Jonathan expressed overwhelming bonding which David reciprocated [Verse 41]

1. Encouraged David in the Lord and spoke prophetically about David’s kingship [1Samuel 23:16-18]

 

Questions:

1. Explain the role of vow in friendship and other relationships [1 Sam 20:12-17] and discuss causes & consequences of neglected vows in relationships and suggest possible solutions.
2. 1 Samuel 20:32-33, what is your understanding of the text?
3. How comfortable can you maintain good relationship with a member of a family whose family head hates you to death?
4. Read 1 Samuel 20:32-33, what is your understanding of the text?
5. What did it cost Jonathan to be a friend of David?
6. What did Jonathan seek to gain in his relationship with David causing him to do so much for him?
7. Discuss other qualities in the life of Jonathan that are worthy of emulation.
8. Is Jonathan a friend like Jesus? Give evidences to your answer.

 

 

LESSON 7

DAVID AND ABIGAIL: The delightful counselor of a man after God’s heart [1 Samuel 25:1-44]

Abigail played an important role in the life of David during the time of his self-exile. Her name is a combination of two Hebrew nouns ‘abi’ meaning ‘my father’ and ‘gayil’ a variation of ‘gil’ meaning ‘rejoice’ or ‘joyful’. Therefore, her name probably means ‘My father is joy’ or ‘The father is joyful’.

 

Abigail being an intelligent, beautiful and a respected woman has a husband Nabal by name with characteristics in sharp contrast being bad-tempered, miserly [verse 3], wicked [verse 17] and foolish [verse 25]

David requested for foods and drinks from Nabal a rich man who disregarded David calling him a rebellious servant instead of a political refugee [verse 10 -11]

 

Abigail demonstrated the followings

1. Wise and quick plan of action [1 Samuel 25:18-19]
2. Humble character vs 23.
3. She took responsibility for her husband’s misdeed. Vs 24.
4. Generous gifts [1 Samuel 25:18, 27]
5. Godly counsel that prevented David from shedding blood as a result of revenge [1 Samuel 25:23-21]
6. Prevented the trouble from coming to her household through a speech that was characterized by [a] Submission verse 23-24, 1 Peter 5:6 [b] wisdom, verse 25 [c] Predictions verses 26, 28a, 30
7. Sought for David’s favour in future time. Verse 31c.

 

Questions:

1. Give other examples of Nabal’s attitude which is capable of bringing trouble to the family and suggest how they can be averted.
2. What is wrong with Nabal’s perception of David? Give practical examples of such today. 1 Sam 25:10-11.

• How can a wise and intelligent woman marry a foolish man like Nabal, is this proper? Discuss possible causes and solutions. 1 Sam 25:3, 17, 25.

1. As a Christian husband/wife, do you think it was right for Abigail to;

a] Take possessions to David without informing the husband?

b] Calling her husband all sorts of bad names in the presence of David and all the servants?

c] Seeking favour from David in case he becomes king, what was she trying to say?

1. read vs 38-42, what do you see to Abigail’s response to David’s proposal?

 

General conclusion

 

• What is the meaning of the statement ‘a man after his heart’? [1 Sam 13:14], compare 1 Sam 2:35.
• What makes David a man after God’s heart?
• How can we be a man after God’s heart despite human weaknesses?

 

Take home:

Like David, our life is full of different experiences both pleasant and otherwise, however, in all these, we must satisfy God’s heart.

Thank you.