1 Samuel 22:17
Then the king ordered the guards at his side, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me." But the king's servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 22:17?

2. How does 1 Samuel 22:17 demonstrate the consequences of rejecting God's anointed?

3. What can we learn about obedience to God versus human authority from this verse?

4. How does this verse connect to Jesus' teachings on persecution in Matthew 5:10?

5. In what ways can we stand firm in faith when faced with unjust orders?

6. How should believers respond when witnessing acts of injustice, as seen in 1 Samuel 22:17?

7. Why did King Saul order the killing of the priests in 1 Samuel 22:17?

8. How does 1 Samuel 22:17 reflect on Saul's leadership and mental state?

9. What does 1 Samuel 22:17 reveal about the consequences of disobedience to God?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 22?

11. Who was Abiathar in the Bible?

12. Why did Doeg betray David to King Saul?

13. Why did Abiathar and Ahimelech face King Saul's wrath?

14. What is the plot of Priests of Nob?
Discussion Questions
1. How does Saul's order to kill the priests reflect his spiritual state and relationship with God?

2. What can we learn from the guards' refusal to carry out Saul's command about standing up for what is right?

3. How does this passage challenge us to consider the cost of following God's anointed leaders in our own lives?

4. In what ways does this event foreshadow the ultimate justice and sovereignty of God, as seen in other parts of Scripture?

5. How can we apply the lessons of moral courage and reverence for God's servants in our daily interactions and decisions?1. How does David demonstrate leadership in the face of adversity in this chapter?

2. How does Saul's fear affect his judgement and actions? Can you think of a time when fear has clouded your judgement?

3. Why do you think the disenfranchised individuals gathered around David at the cave of Adullam?

4. In what ways does the story of Doeg the Edomite serve as a warning about spiritual betrayal?

5. How does David show compassion and responsibility towards Abiathar, the survivor of the massacre?

6. How might you have responded if you were in David's position, knowing that your actions inadvertently led to the massacre of innocent priests?

7. Reflect on the actions of Ahimelech when he helped David. Was he wrong in his actions? Why or why not?

8. How does 1 Samuel 22 showcase the impact of false narratives and miscommunication (in the case of Doeg)?

9. How does this chapter illuminate the difference between godly and worldly leadership?

10. In your life, have you ever felt like David—pursued, under threat, and responsible for others?

11. Can you draw parallels between David's band of followers and the Church, both being havens for the outcasts and distressed?

12. How does this chapter reinforce the belief in divine providence amidst adversities?

13. What are some contemporary examples of leaders who acted out of fear and paranoia like Saul?

14. Have you ever felt caught in a situation where, like Ahimelech, you made a decision with good intentions but faced unforeseen negative consequences?

15. How does this chapter speak to the responsibility of leaders to protect and ensure the safety of their followers?

16. How can we apply the lessons from David's leadership in our own communities?

17. If you were in the position of Saul's servants who refused to kill the priests, what would your reaction be?

18. How can we ensure that we do not become like Doeg, misrepresenting truth for personal gain?

19. How does the chapter reflect on the theme of innocence suffering due to others' actions?

20. What can we learn from David's acceptance of Abiathar and his promise to protect him?

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