1 Samuel 20:23
And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever."
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:23?

2. How does 1 Samuel 20:23 emphasize the importance of keeping promises before God?

3. What role does God's witness play in Jonathan and David's covenant in 1 Samuel 20:23?

4. How can we apply the principle of divine witness in our commitments today?

5. What other biblical covenants highlight God's presence as a witness?

6. How does 1 Samuel 20:23 encourage accountability in our relationships with others?

7. What is the significance of the covenant mentioned in 1 Samuel 20:23?

8. How does 1 Samuel 20:23 reflect the theme of divine witness in friendships?

9. Why is the LORD's role as a witness important in 1 Samuel 20:23?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20?

11. How do guilt, innocence, shame, and honor differ?

12. 2 Kings 20:6: How does God adding fifteen years to King Hezekiah's life fit with divine omniscience and an unchangeable plan?

13. What does Hebrews 10:23 mean about God's faithfulness?

14. Why does the narrative in Genesis 23 seem to contradict other passages suggesting Abraham freely inherited Canaan?
Discussion Questions
1. How does the friendship between David and Jonathan challenge or inspire your own relationships with others?

2. In what ways can you incorporate God as a witness in your commitments and promises today?

3. How does the concept of covenant loyalty apply to your relationship with God and others?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's sovereignty despite uncertain circumstances. How did that experience shape your faith?

5. How can the enduring nature of God's promises encourage you in your current life situation? Consider other biblical examples of God's faithfulness.1. How does David communicate his fear and concern to Jonathan at the beginning of the chapter? How can this apply to our communication within friendships today?

2. In what ways does Jonathan's loyalty to David challenge societal expectations? What can we learn from his loyalty to a friend over his loyalty to his family?

3. How do Jonathan and David use the New Moon feast to understand Saul's intentions? What does this suggest about their strategic thinking and faith in God?

4. How does the covenant between Jonathan and David reflect their faith and commitment to each other? How can we apply this in modern relationships?

5. Discuss the role of trust in David and Jonathan's relationship. How did it influence their actions?

6. Explore the impact of Saul's anger on his relationships, particularly with his son Jonathan.

7. How does Saul’s reaction to David’s absence confirm his ill intentions towards him? What does this teach us about interpreting actions of others?

8. How does the parting of Jonathan and David reflect the sorrow and pain of their situation? How can we handle such emotional moments in our lives?

9. How is the concept of covenant significant in this chapter? How does it tie into the broader theme of covenants in the Bible?

10. Explore the theme of sacrifice in this chapter. What sacrifices are made and why?

11. Why does David trust Jonathan, despite knowing that he is Saul's son? What does this teach us about trust?

12. How does 1 Samuel 20 challenge the traditional expectations of loyalty to one's family versus friends?

13. Discuss the theme of betrayal in this chapter. How does it manifest and what are the consequences?

14. What can we learn from David's resilience and faith during this difficult period in his life?

15. How does Jonathan balance his loyalty towards his father and his friendship with David? How can we apply this in situations where we have conflicting loyalties?

16. How do David and Jonathan's actions demonstrate their faith in God during this trial?

17. Discuss the symbolic meaning of Saul's thrown spear. What does it represent?

18. How can David and Jonathan's friendship serve as an example for us in present day living?

19. What does the chapter teach about dealing with people who have ill intentions against us?

20. How can the narrative of David, Jonathan, and Saul in 1 Samuel 20 be used as a guide for dealing with conflicts and challenges in our own relationships?

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