Session 13: 1 Samuel 17

Session 13: 1 Samuel 17

Summarize:

1. Goliath challenges the Army of Israel and defies God (1-11)

1. The armies of Israel and Philistia gather for battle(1-3)
2. Goliath challenges the army of Israel(4-11)
3. The Israelites refuse to fight because they are afraid(11)

2. David witnesses the taunts of Goliath(12-24)

1. David is sent to resupply his brothers(12-20)
2. David hears the the challenge of Goliath(21-23)
3. David witnesses the fear of God’s people before Goliath(24)

3. David rebukes the Israelites for not answering Goliath’s Challenge(25-30)

1. David asks what will be done for the person that answers the challenge(25-27)
2. Eliab scolds David(28-30)

4. David and Saul speak about the challenge(31-37)

1. David volunteers to fight for Israel(31-32)
2. David addresses Saul’s fears by reminding him of God’s faithfulness(33-37)

5. David Prepares for battle(38-40)

1. Saul tries to equip David with his weapons of war(38-40)
2. David rejects the kings tools and equips himself with what the Lord has given(40)

6. David defeats Goliath(41-58)

1. David declares to all that God will give him the victory(41-47)
2. David strikes down Goliath and causes the Philistines to flee(48-52)
3. Saul seeks the identity of David(53-58)

Analyze:

Read 1 Samuel 17:1-11

1. What does Goliath say to the Israelites? Why is what Goliath says offensive to the Israelites and God?(Lev 24:16)

a.  What keeps the Israelites from going out to face Goliath?  How does the Israelites fear demonstrate where their confidence for fighting the battle is?

The king of Israel should have been the one to answer the challenge to combat. Saul, a man of war, was described as a head taller than all the men in Israel.  Not only was he physically more capable but had been the Lord’s anointed. However, Saul’s disobedience in 1 Samuel 13, and lack of repentance caused him to lose confidence in meeting the enemies of the Lord.

b. What are some similar situations you may face that cause you fear or anxiety?

c. Is the fear because of something you have done or something you fear you can’t do?

Read 1 Samuel 17:12-24

2. How long was Goliath taunting the Army of Israel before David went to visit his brothers?

a. Why had David come to the battle line?

The army of Israel was a militia, not a standing army. They were provisioned by their families and for the men of Israel to be gone for over a month put great hardship on the people because it was during the spring when men were needed to plow fields and prepare crop. This is only evidence of Saul’s lack of administrative skills as a ruler which used to be overshadowed by his military prowess/victories.

b. How does the text describe the Army of God reacting to Goliath's words? (24)

c. What are some similar situations or unconquerable foes that cause you to be fearful and silent? (Acts 4:29)

Read 1 Samuel 17:25-29

3. How does David respond to what he observes from Goliath and the Army of Israel? (26)

a. What causes David to be zealous and bold in his response?

b. Why does Eliab criticize David for exhorting the people of God to fight?(28)

c. What kind of excuses or justifications keep you from being bold for the Lord? What causes you to be fearful of the outcome of confrontation/conflict? What criticisms have you faced for acting in obedience to God’s Word?

Eliab confronts David and accuses him of pride and mischievousness perhaps in trying to provoke someone else to fight so he could watch the battle. Eliab had been the older brother of David that was passed over as the next king of Israel. It may have been this earlier interaction that would cause Eliab to respond harshly to his brother.

Read 1 Samuel 17:30-37

4. What reasons does Saul give to keep David from volunteering to fight?

a. How does David respond to Saul's admonishment? Why is David confident that God will give him victory over Goliath? (37)

Saul as king was not only the head of state but also the religious head of the people of Israel. He was supposed to lead the people of God to follow and have faith in God. By refusing single combat with Goliath and discouraging David he is acting out of character for the appointed leader of Israel. David in contrast reminds Saul of God’s sovereignty and power by sharing his testimony of God’s previous deliverance.

b. Who is the one that delivered David in the past? (Rom 8:31-39)

c. How does David's example help you to understand what confidence in the Lord looks like? (1 Pet 4:10-19)

Read 1 Samuel 17:38-40

5. How does Saul try to help David? (38)

a. Why does David reject the armor and weapons Saul gives?  How does David prepare for the battle?

Saul and Goliath were armed with shaped metal tools. They possessed the best military implements men could buy. In contrast David rejects these implements for what God supplies, tools formed by God a stick and stones. Some commentators also suggest that David picks the sling and stones because of the command to stone blasphemers.

b. Did David know for certain he would kill Goliath? (Phil 1:21)

c. What assurances did David have for success that we don’t have? How does this help us to understand the role of faith conquering fear? (2 Timothy 1:7-10)

The object of our faith will determine our confidence and peace when confronted with difficult circumstances.  The response a person has when confronted with great difficulty reveals where hope and confidence is found.

Read 1 Samuel 17:41-47

6. Why is Goliath angered when he sees David come out to fight him?

Goliath is a mercenary whose reputation is based on who he kills.  There is no glory in killing a no name adolescent shepherd.

a. How does David respond to Goliath's insults and taunts? (45)

b. How does David's response show where he is placing his confidence? (46)

c. What reasons does David give for his confidence that God will give him victory? (46-47)

Read 1 Samuel 17:48-58

7. What was the reaction of the Israelites to David's victory? How did the Philistines react?

a. How does the victory of Jesus Christ give you confidence to take a stand and follow Him? What keeps you from having confidence and following?

Contextualize:

1. God is greater and more powerful than any seemingly unconquerable foe.

2. God delivers those who trust in Him

3. Boldness in God’s omnipotence is never unfounded.

Actualize:

Write out the greatest fears you have and surrender them to the Lord. Review the list every day and continue praying about them until God gives you peace.