Then Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD's battles." But Saul was thinking, "I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him." Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 18:17? 2. How does Saul's offer of Merab reveal his intentions toward David in 1 Samuel 18:17? 3. What does Saul's strategy in 1 Samuel 18:17 teach about deceitful leadership? 4. How can we discern and avoid manipulation like Saul's in our own lives? 5. Connect Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 18:17 with other biblical examples of deceitful intentions. 6. How should Christians respond when faced with manipulative offers or deceitful intentions? 7. Why did Saul offer his daughter Merab to David in 1 Samuel 18:17? 8. What does Saul's intention reveal about his character in 1 Samuel 18:17? 9. How does 1 Samuel 18:17 reflect the theme of manipulation in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 18? 11. Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18? 12. How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David? 13. Why does Song of Solomon 8:8–9 mention the brothers’ protective stance, yet offer no clear historical context or evidence of such customs in ancient Israel? 14. 1 Samuel 18:17–27: Is the story of David collecting Philistine foreskins historically plausible, and what does it imply about the reliability of the text? Discussion Questions 1. How does Saul's offer of Merab to David reflect his true intentions, and what does this reveal about his character?2. In what ways does David's response to Saul's manipulations demonstrate his faith and trust in God? 3. How can we apply David's example of integrity and patience in our own lives when faced with difficult or manipulative people? 4. What other biblical examples can you find where God uses human schemes to fulfill His divine purposes? 5. How does understanding the cultural and historical context of Saul's offer to David enhance our interpretation of this passage?1. How does the friendship between David and Jonathan challenge your understanding of loyalty? 2. In what ways can we see God's favor in David's life in this chapter? 3. How does Saul's jealousy of David mirror modern-day scenarios? Can you think of any personal examples? 4. How did Saul's jealousy evolve into fear, and what does this tell us about the nature of envy? 5. How do you interpret Saul's attempts to harm David? 6. Discuss David's attitude towards Saul's hostility. How would you react in a similar situation today? 7. In what ways do you relate to David, Jonathan, and Saul's characters in this chapter? 8. How can you apply the lessons from David's and Jonathan's friendship in your own relationships? 9. What role does the people's praises play in fueling Saul's jealousy? 10. Saul used his own daughter Michal as bait in a trap for David. What does this reveal about his character? 11. How did God protect David in the face of Saul's envy and malicious intentions? 12. How can the story of Saul's jealousy towards David be a cautionary tale for us today? 13. How do you deal with jealousy or envy in your own life? 14. How does 1 Samuel 18 reflect the statement that “Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)? 15. How does David's growing reputation among Israel and other nations parallel the growth of Christianity today? 16. In spite of repeated success, David remains humble. How can we practice humility in our victories today? 17. Saul’s paranoia led him to make irrational decisions. How can we guard our hearts and minds from paranoia? 18. Saul misused his position of power out of fear and jealousy. How can we use our positions responsibly today? 19. How does David’s faith in God impact his actions throughout the chapter? 20. Jonathan gave up his royal garments and weapons to David. What can we learn from his act of selflessness and surrender? Links 1 Samuel 18:17 NIV1 Samuel 18:17 NLT 1 Samuel 18:17 ESV 1 Samuel 18:17 NASB 1 Samuel 18:17 KJV 1 Samuel 18:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |



