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SAUL IS DETERMINED TO KILL DAVID

I Samuel 20:24b-42

Victor M. Eskew

 

1.      Outline:

 

I.                    DAVID’S ABSENCE NOT QUESTIONED (I Sam. 20:24b-26)

II.                 DAVID’S ABSENCE QUESTIONED (I Sam. 20:27-34)

III.               JONATHAN’S ARROWS WARN DAVID (I Sam. 20:35-40)

IV.              FRIENDS’ AGONY EXPRESSED BEFORE DEPARTURE (I Sam. 20:41-42)

 

2.      When did the king sit down to eat meat? (I Sam. 20:24b)

 

…and when the new moon was come, the king sat down to eat meat.

 

A.    At the new moon

 

3.      Where was the location of the king’s seat? (I Sam. 20:25)

 

And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall…

 

A.    A seat by the wall.

 

B.      Saul would sit with his back to the wall instead of having it exposed.  Too, he would sit so he could see all who were coming and going.

 

4.      What other men were at the king’s table? (I Sam.20:25)

 

…and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side…

 

A.    Jonathan

 

B.      Abner:  he is the captain of Saul’s host (See I Sam. 14:50)

 

5.      Who was missing? (I Sam. 20:25)

 

And David’s place was empty.

 

A.    The plan was in full gear.  The question was:  “How would Saul respond to David’s absence?”

 

B.      LESSON:  An empty seat of never a good thing. 

1.      Jonathan had told David:  “…and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty” (I Sam. 20:18).

2.      There is loss and sorrow and grief experienced by those who see the empty seat.

3.      No time together.  No love that is expressed.  No ability to catch up on the news.  A lost opportunity to strengthen the bond.

 

6.      T- F      Saul asked where David was? (I Sam. 20:26)

 

Nevertheless Saul spake not anything…

 

A.    False

 

B.      This probably appeared to be a very positive sign to Jonathan.  He had not expected his father to be upset because he believed Saul was not going to harm David.

 

C.     Don’t you know that David was wondering how things went that first day?

 

7.      What did Saul reason had happened to David? (I Sam. 20:26)

 

…for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean:  surely he is not clean.

 

A.    He believed something had caused David to be defiled.  Thus, he had to excuse himself for the first day.

 

B.      Leviticus 15:16; Deuteronomy 23-9-11

 

C.     LESSON:  David’s faithfulness was such that Saul only reasoned that David had a “good excuse” for not being at the feast that first day.  He did not reason that David had missed intentionally.  This should be the kind of reasoning others use about us when our seats are empty from worship.

 

8.      Who did Saul ask about David’s absence on the second day? (I Sam. 20:27)

 

And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David’s place was empty:  and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor today?

 

A.    Jonathan his son

 

B.      Curiosity now had the better of Saul.  Too, he may have been upset because he was not going to be able to carry out his plan of execution.

 

C.     Again, the plan of David was being executed.  On this day, the real test will come.  How will Saul respond to the answer that Jonathan will give him?

 

9.      Into which town did Jonathan say David asked to go to? (I Sam. 20:28)

 

And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem.

 

A.    Bethlehem

 

10.  What was the purpose of David’s trip? (I Sam. 20:29)

 

And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there:  and now, if I have found favor in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren.  Therefore he cometh not to the king’s table.

 

A.    He was commanded by his brother to be with his family at a sacrifice in the city.

 

 

 

 

11.  T – F    Saul was glad that David could go see his family (I Sam. 20:30)

 

Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan…

 

A.    False

 

12.  How did Saul describe Jonathan? (I Sam. 20:30)

 

…and he said unto him, Thou son of a perverse rebellious woman…

 

A.    A perverse, rebellious woman

 

B.      Definitions:

1.      Perverse

a.   Strong (5753):  a crook, crooked

b.   BDB:  bent, twisted, do wrong, commit iniquity

                  2.   Rebellious

                        a.    Strong (4780):  rebelliousness

                        b.    BDB:  rebellion, rebellious

 

C.     Somehow Saul picked up on the fact that Jonathan was protecting David.  His tone, his mannerisms, or both combined let Saul know that Jonathan had sided with David.

 

D.    Various positions:

1.      Some say that the words could be translated:  “Son of an unjust rebellion,” indicating that he was in rebellion against his own father.

2.      Others say that he was merely insulting Jonathan by reproaching his mother.

 

E.      LESSON:  “Abusive language always argues a mean, weak, and malevolent heart” (Clarke, e-sword).

 

13.  Who had Jonathan chosen to his own confusion according to Saul? (I Sam. 20:30)

 

…do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion…

 

A.    He had chosen the son of Jesse

 

B.      Confusion:

1.      Strong (1322):  shame

2.      BDB:  shame

 

14.  What did Saul mean when he said:  “…and unto the confusion of thy mother’s nakedness”? (I Sam. 20:30).

 

A.    The word “confusion” is the same word used in the previous statement. 

 

B.      His mother’s nakedness occurred when she brought him into the world.  His present actions bring shame to the fact that she brought him into the world.

 

 

 

15.  For as long as the son of Jesse lived, Saul knew who and what would not be established? (I Sam. 20:31).

 

For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom…

 

A.    Jonathan would not be established.

 

B.      His kingdom would not be established either.

 

C.     NOTE:  Saul does not seem to understand the words of the prophet and of God. (See I Sam. 15:28).

 

And Samuel said unto him, The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbor of thine, that is better than thou.

 

1.      The word “friend” means “friend, companion, another person, fellow, fellow-citizen.

2.      It certainly did not refer to his son Jonathan.

 

16.  “Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die” (I Sam. 20:31).

 

A.    David was definitely right to be concerned about eating with Saul on the feast days.

 

B.      Part of Saul’s anger could have been that Jonathan had spoiled his plans to murder David.

 

17.  What two questions did Jonathan ask his father after Saul told him David will die? (I Sam. 20:32)

 

And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain?  What hath he done?

 

A.    Wherefore shall he be slain?

 

B.      What hath he done?

 

C.     LESSON:  Before a person is put to death, there should be adequate cause.

 

18.  T – F    Saul tried to take Jonathan’s life with a javelin. (I Sam. 20:33)

 

And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him…

 

A.    True

 

19.  “…whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David” (I Sam. 20:33).

 

A.    Strong (3615):  to end, to cease, to finish, complete, prepare, consume

 

B.      BDB:  to be accomplished, to be determined, be plotted (bad sense)

 

 

 

 

 

20.  How did Jonathan arise from the table? (I Sam. 20:34)

 

So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month…

 

A.    Fierce

1.      Strong (2750):  a burning (that is, intense) anger

2.      BDB:  heat (of anger), burning (of anger)

 

B.      Anger

1.      Strong (639):  nose, nostril, rapid breathing in passion, ire

2.      BDB:  nose, nostril, anger

 

21.  Jonathan was grieved for David (I Sam. 20:34)

 

…for he was grieved for David…

 

22.  Define:  grieved (I Sam. 20:34)

 

A.    Strong (6087):  worry, pain, anger

 

B.      BDB:  to hurt, be in pain, grieve

 

23.  What did Jonathan believe his father had done to David (I Sam. 20:34)

 

…because his father had done him shame.

 

24.  Define:  shame (I Sam. 20:34)

 

A.    Strong (3637):  wound, insult

 

B.      BDB:  to insult, shame, humiliate, blush, be ashamed, be put to shame, be reproached, be put to confusion, be humiliated…to dishonor

 

C.     LESSON:  Reputations are very valuable things.  We need to be very careful about tainting the reputation of another person.  We certainly do not need to spread lies about them.  Even if what we know is true, we may not need to say those things to others.

 

25.  T – F    Jonathan went into the field the following morning. (I Sam. 20:35)

 

And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him.

 

A.    True

 

26.  What did Jonathan tell the lad that was with him to do? (I Sam. 20:36)

 

And he said unto his lad, Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot.  And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.

 

A.    He told the lad to run and find the arrows that he would shoot.

 

27.  When the lad reached the place of the arrow, what words did Jonathan cry out to him? (I Sam. 20:37)

 

And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?

 

A.    Is not the arrow beyond thee?

 

B.      Remember what this meant.  “But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; to thy way:  for the Lord hath sent thee away” (I Sam. 20:22). 

 

C.     QUESTION:  I wonder how David must have felt when he heard that cry coming from Jonathan’s lips.  He knew he would now have to leave his home and his family. 

 

28.  T – F    The lad gathered up all the arrows. (I Sam. 20:38)

 

And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not.  And Jonathan’s lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.

 

A.    True

 

29.  T – F    The lad knew what the words Jonathan had spoken really meant. (I Sam. 20:39)

 

But the lad knew not any thing:  only Jonathan and David knew the matter.

 

A.    False

 

30.  After giving the lad his artillery, where did Jonathan tell him to take them? (I Sam. 20:40)

 

And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his land, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.

 

A.    He told him to take them back into the city.

 

31.  How many times did David bow before Jonathan? (I Sam. 20:41)

 

And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times…

 

A.    Three times

 

32.  “…and they kissed one another, and wept one with another” (I Sam. 20:41).

 

A.    This will be the last time David and Jonathan are together for a long period of time. 

 

B.      They will come together one more time while David is fleeing from Saul.  The meeting will be brief.  Thus, this is like a final farewell.

 

33.  What does it mean when the text says:  “…until David exceeded”? (I Sam. 20:41).

 

A.    Exceeded

1.      Strong (1431):  to twist, to be large

2.      BDB:  to grow, to become great

B.      David’s grief and sorrow just continued to grow and grow.  Emotionally, he was a wreck because he was going to have to flee from his friend, his family, his home, his work, his country, and from the courts of his God.

 

34.  “And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace” (I Sam. 20:42).

 

A.    Peace

1.      Strong (7965):  safe, well, in health, whole

2.      BDB:  completeness, wellness, peace, quiet, tranquility

 

35.  Who was between Jonathan and David and between their seed? (I Sam. 20:42)

 

…forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed forever.

 

A.    The Lord

 

36.  “And he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city” (I Sam. 20:42).

 

A.    They both depart from one another still in their grief.

 

B.      David is about to enter into another chapter of his life. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAVID’S FLIGHT FROM SAUL:

The First Two Stops

Homework

I Samuel 21:1-15

Victor M. Eskew

 

1.      Outline:

 

V.                 I SAMUEL 21:1-9

VI.              I SAMUEL 21:10-15

 

2.      To which town did David flee after leaving Jonathan? (I Sam. 21:1)

 

3.      Who did he come into contact with? (I Sam. 21:1)

 

4.      T – F    The priest was glad to see David. (I Sam. 21:1)

 

5.      What question did Ahimelech ask of David? (I Sam. 21:1)

 

6.      What reason did David give for being in Nob? (I Sam. 21:2)

 

7.      What did David say he had done with his servants? (I Sam. 21:2)

 

8.      What did David want Ahimelech to give him? (I Sam. 21:3)

 

9.      What was the only bread that was available to give David? (I Sam. 21:4)

 

10.  What was the only requirement for David to receive this bread? (I Sam. 21:4)

 

11.  How long did David say the men had been apart from women? (I Sam. 21:5)

 

12.  “…and the bread is in a manner __________________, yea, though it were ________________ this day in the vessel” (I Sam. 21:5).

 

13.  What is the other name by which this hallowed bread is known? (I Sam. 21:6)

 

14.  Define:  showbread (I Sam. 21:6)

 

15.  What servant of Saul was in Nob on the day David was in the city? (I Sam. 21:7)

 

16.  Where was he from? (I Sam. 21:7)

 

17.  What position did he occupy on behalf of Saul? (I Sam. 21:7)

 

18.  Why didn’t David bring his sword with him (I Sam. 21:8)

 

19.  What was the only weapon available for David to take with him? (I Sam. 21:9)

 

20.  T – F    David tarried in the city of Nob for two days (I Sam. 21:10)

 

21.  After leaving Nob, where did he go? (I Sam. 21:10)

 

22.  Who was concerned when they saw David in Gath? (I Sam. 21:11)

 

23.  What did they know that had been said about David? (I Sam. 21:11)

 

24.  What emotion did David display when he heard these words of the servants? (I Sam. 21:12)

 

25.  How did David behave before the king? (I Sam. 21:13)

 

26.  T – F    Achish believed that David was mad. (I Sam. 21:14)

 

27.  T – F    Achish wanted nothing to do with David (I Sam. 21:15)