◄ 2 Samuel 1 ►
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Saul’s Death Reported to David (1 Samuel 31:1–6; 1 Chronicles 10:1–6) 1After the death of Saul, David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. 2On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage. 3“Where have you come from?” David asked. “I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” he replied. 4“What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” 5Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 6“I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. 7When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I answered, ‘Here I am!’ 8‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 9Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’ 10So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” 11Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. 12They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 13And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, “Where are you from?” “I am the son of a foreigner,” he answered. “I am an Amalekite.” 14So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” 15Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. 16For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan 17Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan, 18and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow.a It is written in the Book of Jashar:b 19“Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! 20Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. 21O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain.c For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil. 22From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty. 23Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions. 24O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold. 25How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. 26I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. 27How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war have perished!” Footnotes: 18 a Or be taught the use of the bow; literally be taught the bow 18 b Or the Book of the Upright One, commonly cited as Jasher; note that the Song of the Bow that follows is not found in known manuscripts attributed to Jasher. 21 c Or no showers falling on your terraced fields; LXX no fields of firstfruits; Hebrew no fields of offerings Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 2 Samuel 1 Summary David's Song for Saul and Jonathan Verses 1–10 – A Messenger from the Battle Freshly returned to Ziklag after defeating the Amalekites, David meets a lone courier “with his clothes torn and dust on his head.” The stranger claims to have escaped the clash on Mount Gilboa (see 1 Samuel 31). Handing David Saul’s crown and armlet, he reports that Israel’s army fled, Saul and Jonathan are dead, and, according to his own testimony, he himself administered Saul’s death at the king’s request. The man hopes this tale will earn a reward from the new heir apparent. Verses 11–16 – Grief and Justice David and his men tear their garments, weep, fast until evening, and lament for Saul, Jonathan, and the fallen of Israel. When the Amalekite expects gratitude, David indicts him: “How is it you were not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” (v 14). After verifying the man’s confession, David orders his execution, declaring, “Your blood be on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you” (v 16). Verses 17–27 – David’s Lament, ‘The Song of the Bow’ David composes a memorial song and commands that Judah learn it. The poem, preserved in “the Book of Jashar,” mourns the fallen, celebrates Saul’s former glory, and pours out deep affection for Jonathan: “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were a delight to me… How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war have perished!” (vv 26–27). The first chapter of 2 Samuel marks the transition from the era of King Saul to that of King David. This passage brings an emotional report of Saul and Jonathan's deaths, carried to David by an Amalekite messenger hoping for reward. However, his expectations are thwarted by the integrity of David, who mourns the loss of Saul and Jonathan, demonstrating respect for God's anointed despite past conflict. Historical Setting • Timeframe: Shortly after Saul’s death, c. 1010 BC, during the chaotic interval before David is crowned in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1–4). • Locations: Mount Gilboa in the Jezreel Valley; Ziklag in the Negev—territory given to David by Achish of Gath (1 Samuel 27:6). • Political climate: Israel is leaderless, Philistines occupy northern strongholds, and Judah waits to see whether David will seize power or wait on God. Contrast with 1 Samuel 31 1 Samuel 31 states Saul fell on his own sword. The Amalekite’s report either embellishes or fabricates the final scene, hoping for favor. Scripture presents his claim without affirming it, while David treats the confession as self-indictment (compare Deuteronomy 17:6–7). Respect for God’s Anointed David refuses to rejoice at Saul’s demise. Twice earlier he spared Saul’s life (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9). His consistent stance underscores a key principle: the office is holy even when the occupant is flawed (Romans 13:1–2). Character Portraits • David: loyal, restrained, grieving—displaying faith that kingship is God’s gift, not man’s grab. • Jonathan: friend, covenant-keeper (1 Samuel 18:3–4); David’s lament shows maturity that values relationship over rivalry. • The Amalekite: opportunist, reminiscent of Doeg the Edomite (1 Samuel 22:9–19); his fate warns against exploiting sacred moments for personal gain. Archaeological and Geographical Notes • Mount Gilboa’s steep slopes create natural choke points; Philistine iron weaponry gave them an edge here, as excavations at nearby Beth-shean reveal. • Saul’s “crown” fits the period’s small diadem band; armlets were common royal insignia, matching finds from neighboring Trans-Jordan sites. • Ziklag’s probable site (Tell es-Seba or Tell el-Khuweilfeh) contains destruction layers dating to Davidic times, echoing 1 Samuel 30. The Book of Jashar Also cited in Joshua 10:13, this non-canonical anthology preserved national songs of victory and grief. Its mention shows Israel’s early practice of recording poetic history alongside prose narrative. Poetic Features of ‘The Song of the Bow’ • Uses parallelism: “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights.” • Refrain: “How the mighty have fallen!” (vv 19, 25, 27). • Command to teach “the bow” hints at military preparedness; Judah must sharpen skills to resist Philistine aggression. Connections to Other Scriptures • Lamentation style anticipates Jeremiah’s cries over Jerusalem (Lamentations 2:1–9). • Jonathan’s loyalty foreshadows Jesus’ declaration, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). • David’s refusal to celebrate an enemy’s fall mirrors Proverbs 24:17—“Do not gloat when your enemy falls.” Foreshadowing of Christ’s Kingdom David waits on God’s timing rather than seizing the throne—a pattern fulfilled in Jesus, who rejected shortcuts (Matthew 4:8–10) and embraced the Father’s timing (John 7:6). Lessons on Integrity and Mourning • Integrity: Honor God’s structures even when people within them fail. • Mourning: Public grief is not weakness; it acknowledges loss while trusting God’s larger plan (1 Thessalonians 4:13). • Truthfulness: False self-promotion brings judgment; “whoever loves life must keep his tongue from evil” (1 Peter 3:10). Practical Applications 1. Guard your speech—truth matters. 2. Show respect for imperfect leaders while standing for righteousness. 3. Use lament: express sorrow to God rather than suppress it. 4. Cherish loyal friendships; they reflect God’s covenant love. Key Verse to Memorize “How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.” (2 Samuel 1:25) Summary Thought In a moment that could have been triumphal, David chooses tears, truth, and trust—setting the tone for a kingdom built not on ambition but on submission to the God who raises up and brings down kings. Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. Teaching Points David's Reaction to Saul's Death Despite Saul's relentless pursuit to kill him, David mourns Saul's death, demonstrating a profound respect for God's anointed. Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same (2 Samuel 1:11). The Amalekite's Report The Amalekite who claims to have killed Saul expects a reward, but David's response highlights the sanctity of God's anointed. Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed? (2 Samuel 1:14). David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan David's lament is a heartfelt expression of grief and honor for both Saul and Jonathan, showcasing his deep bond with Jonathan and his respect for Saul's position. How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights (2 Samuel 1:25). Practical Applications Respect for Authority Even when authority figures fail, we are called to respect their position as ordained by God. Integrity in Adversity David's response to Saul's death teaches us to maintain integrity and honor, even towards those who may have wronged us. Grieving with Hope David's lament shows us that it is appropriate to grieve, but we do so with hope and trust in God's ultimate plan. People 1. David David is the central figure in this chapter, mourning the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. He is anointed as the future king of Israel and is known for his deep relationship with God. In Hebrew, his name is דָּוִד (Dawid), meaning "beloved." 2. Saul Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. He is described posthumously in this chapter, as David laments his death. His name in Hebrew is שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul), meaning "asked for" or "prayed for." 3. Jonathan Jonathan was the son of Saul and a close friend of David. His loyalty and friendship with David are highlighted, and David mourns his death deeply. In Hebrew, his name is יְהוֹנָתָן (Yehonatan), meaning "Yahweh has given." 4. The Amalekite This unnamed young man brings news of Saul's death to David, claiming to have killed Saul at Saul's request. His actions and report lead to his execution by David. The Amalekites were a group often in conflict with Israel, and the Hebrew root for Amalekite is עֲמָלֵקִי (Amaleqi). 5. The Sons of Israel While not individually named, the "sons of Israel" are mentioned in David's lament as the people who have lost their king and prince. The term "sons of Israel" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, and in Hebrew, it is בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (B'nei Yisrael). Places 1. Mount Gilboa This is the location where Saul and his sons fell in battle against the Philistines. The text in 2 Samuel 1:6 states, "The young man who had brought him the report replied, 'I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and horsemen closing in on him.'" The Hebrew root for "Gilboa" (גִּלְבֹּעַ) can be associated with the idea of a "bubbling spring," though the exact etymology is uncertain. Mount Gilboa is a significant site in the narrative of Saul's demise. 2. Ziklag Although not directly mentioned in 2 Samuel 1, Ziklag is relevant as it is where David was staying when he received the news of Saul's death. In the broader context of 1 Samuel 30, David returns to Ziklag after defeating the Amalekites. Ziklag was a city given to David by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, and served as his base during his time among the Philistines. The name "Ziklag" (צִקְלַג) does not have a clear etymology but is significant as David's refuge during his exile from Saul. Events 1. David Learns of Saul's Death A man from Saul's camp arrives in Ziklag with torn clothes and dust on his head, indicating mourning. He reports to David that Saul and Jonathan are dead (2 Samuel 1:1-4). The Hebrew word for "torn" (קָרַע, qara) signifies a deep expression of grief. 2. The Amalekite's Report The man claims to have killed Saul at Saul's own request, as Saul was critically wounded and did not want to be captured by the Philistines (2 Samuel 1:5-10). The Hebrew term for "anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach) is used, emphasizing Saul's status as God's chosen king. 3. David's Reaction David and his men mourn, weep, and fast until evening for Saul, Jonathan, and the fallen of Israel (2 Samuel 1:11-12). The act of fasting (צוּם, tzum) is a traditional expression of mourning and penitence. 4. David Questions the Amalekite David interrogates the Amalekite about his actions, questioning how he dared to kill the LORD's anointed (2 Samuel 1:13-14). The term "LORD's anointed" underscores the sacredness of Saul's kingship. 5. David Orders the Amalekite's Execution David orders the execution of the Amalekite for admitting to killing Saul, the LORD's anointed, thus holding him accountable for his own testimony (2 Samuel 1:15-16). The Hebrew root for "testimony" (עֵדוּת, edut) implies a legal declaration. 6. David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan David composes a lamentation for Saul and Jonathan, known as "The Song of the Bow," which he instructs the people of Judah to learn (2 Samuel 1:17-18). The lament is a poetic expression of grief and honor. 7. The Elegy of the Bow David's lamentation praises Saul and Jonathan's valor and laments their deaths, expressing deep personal sorrow and national loss (2 Samuel 1:19-27). The Hebrew word for "lament" (קִינָה, qinah) is a formal expression of mourning in poetry. Lessons from 2 Samuel 1 1. The Weight of Grief and Mourning In 2 Samuel 1, we see David's profound grief over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. This teaches us the importance of mourning and acknowledging our emotions. David's lamentation reminds us that it's okay to express sorrow and seek comfort in God. As it is written, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Grief is a natural part of life, and through it, we can draw closer to God and find healing. 2. Respect for Authority, Even in Conflict David's respect for Saul, despite their tumultuous relationship, is a powerful lesson in honoring authority. David mourns Saul's death, showing that respect transcends personal grievances. "Do not touch My anointed ones; do no harm to My prophets" (1 Chronicles 16:22) reflects the reverence David held for God's anointed king. This teaches us to respect those in authority, trusting that God has a purpose for their leadership. 3. The Power of Friendship The bond between David and Jonathan is a testament to the strength of true friendship. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and love, transcending familial and political ties. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17). This encourages us to cultivate deep, meaningful friendships that support and uplift us through life's challenges. 4. Integrity in Action David's reaction to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul highlights the importance of integrity. David refuses to reward the man for his actions, demonstrating that integrity should guide our decisions. "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them" (Proverbs 11:3). Upholding integrity, even when it's difficult, aligns us with God's will. 5. The Consequences of Deception The Amalekite's lie about killing Saul ultimately leads to his downfall. This story illustrates the dangers of deceit and the importance of truthfulness. "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight" (Proverbs 12:22). Honesty is a cornerstone of a life that honors God and builds trust with others. 6. The Role of Lament in Worship David's lament for Saul and Jonathan is not just an expression of grief but also an act of worship. It shows us that lament can be a powerful form of worship, bringing our deepest pains before God. "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Through lament, we invite God into our suffering and find solace in His presence. 7. The Importance of Remembering David's lamentation serves as a memorial for Saul and Jonathan, highlighting the importance of remembering those who have impacted our lives. "Remember the days of old; consider the years long past" (Deuteronomy 32:7). By remembering, we honor their legacy and learn from their lives, allowing their stories to inspire and guide us. 8. The Sovereignty of God in Leadership Despite Saul's flaws, David acknowledges that Saul was God's anointed king. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty over leadership, even when we don't understand His choices. "He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them" (Daniel 2:21). Trusting in God's plan allows us to find peace in His divine wisdom. 9. The Value of Humility David's humility in mourning Saul, who had sought his life, is a profound lesson in humility. It shows us the strength found in humility and forgiveness. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" (James 4:10). Embracing humility allows us to reflect Christ's character and opens the door to God's blessings. 10. The Hope of Redemption Even in the midst of tragedy, 2 Samuel 1 points us to the hope of redemption. David's rise to kingship after Saul's death is a reminder that God can bring new beginnings from our darkest moments. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). Trusting in God's redemptive power gives us hope and courage to face the future. Topics 1. David Learns of Saul's Death The chapter begins with David receiving news of Saul's death. An Amalekite comes to David with torn clothes and dust on his head, a sign of mourning, to report the death of Saul and Jonathan. This event sets the stage for David's lament and the transition of leadership. The Hebrew root for "mourn" (אָבַל, 'abal) reflects deep sorrow and lamentation. 2. The Amalekite's Report The Amalekite claims to have killed Saul at Saul's own request, believing he was doing David a favor. This report is significant as it contrasts with the account in 1 Samuel 31, where Saul takes his own life. The Hebrew word for "anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach) is used to describe Saul, emphasizing the sacredness of his position as king. 3. David's Reaction to the News David and his men mourn, weep, and fast until evening for Saul, Jonathan, and the fallen of Israel. This reaction highlights David's respect for Saul as the LORD's anointed and his deep bond with Jonathan. The Hebrew term for "weep" (בָּכָה, bakah) indicates a profound expression of grief. 4. David's Judgment on the Amalekite David questions the Amalekite's lack of fear in killing the LORD's anointed and orders his execution. This act underscores David's reverence for God's anointed and his adherence to divine justice. The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) implies a deep respect and reverence for God's authority. 5. David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan David composes a lamentation, known as "The Song of the Bow," to honor Saul and Jonathan. This lament is a poignant expression of loss and tribute to their valor and love. The Hebrew root for "lament" (קִינָה, qinah) denotes a formal expression of mourning, often in poetic form. 6. The Beauty of Israel In his lament, David refers to Saul and Jonathan as "the beauty of Israel," highlighting their significance and the void their deaths leave. The Hebrew word for "beauty" (צְבִי, tsebi) conveys a sense of splendor and honor. 7. Jonathan's Love and Valor David extols Jonathan's love, which he describes as surpassing the love of women, and praises his bravery in battle. This reflects the deep bond and covenantal friendship between David and Jonathan. The Hebrew term for "love" (אַהֲבָה, ahavah) signifies a profound and covenantal affection. 8. Call for Mourning David calls upon the daughters of Israel to mourn for Saul, who clothed them in luxury. This call to mourning emphasizes the national impact of Saul's death and the loss of his leadership. The Hebrew word for "mourn" (סָפַד, saphad) is used here, indicating a public expression of grief. Themes 1. Lamentation and Mourning David's deep sorrow over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan is a central theme. The chapter opens with David receiving news of their deaths and responding with mourning. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "qina" (קִינָה), a lament or dirge, as seen in David's lamentation: "How the mighty have fallen!" (2 Samuel 1:19). 2. Respect for God's Anointed Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David consistently respects Saul as the Lord's anointed. This is evident when David rebukes the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul: "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?" (2 Samuel 1:14). The Hebrew term "mashiach" (מָשִׁיחַ) underscores the sacredness of God's chosen leaders. 3. Friendship and Loyalty The bond between David and Jonathan is highlighted, emphasizing themes of friendship and loyalty. David's lament for Jonathan is heartfelt: "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more than the love of women" (2 Samuel 1:26). This reflects the Hebrew word "ahavah" (אַהֲבָה), meaning deep love or affection. 4. Divine Justice and Sovereignty The narrative underscores God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in the demise of Saul, who had fallen out of favor with God. David's lament acknowledges God's hand in the events: "The beauty of Israel lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!" (2 Samuel 1:19). This reflects the Hebrew understanding of God's control over the rise and fall of leaders. 5. The Power of Words and Poetry David's lament is a powerful piece of Hebrew poetry, illustrating the impact of words in expressing grief and honoring the deceased. The lament is a structured poem, emphasizing the importance of language in worship and mourning: "Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!" (2 Samuel 1:19). Prayer Points Pray for the ability to respect and honor those in authority, even when it is challenging. Ask God for a heart of integrity that reflects His character in all circumstances. Seek comfort and hope in times of grief, trusting in God's sovereign plan and purpose. As we reflect on 2 Samuel 1, may we be inspired by David's example to live with integrity, respect, and hope, trusting in God's perfect will for our lives. Answering Tough Questions 1. 2 Samuel 1:1–10: How can Saul’s death be attributed to both his own sword (1 Samuel 31) and an Amalekite’s actions without contradiction? 2. 2 Samuel 1:1: Why is there no clear historical or archaeological evidence confirming the precise location of the battle on Mount Gilboa? 3. 2 Samuel 1:13–16: Why would David execute the Amalekite based solely on his own confession with no corroborating witnesses? 4. 2 Samuel 1:18: Why is there ambiguity around the “Book of Jashar,” and does its mention cast doubt on the text’s preservation? 5. 2 Samuel 1:26: How do critics reconcile David’s intense lament for Jonathan with cultural norms of warfare and rivalry at the time? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why might the Amalekite have thought David would reward him for killing Saul? 2. How does David's reaction to the news of Saul's death demonstrate his character? 3. Why did David order the death of the Amalekite messenger? 4. What can we learn about respect for authority from David's actions? 5. How does this chapter emphasize the importance of integrity? 6. What does David's lament for Jonathan reveal about their relationship? 7. What impact might David's reaction to Saul's death have had on his men and future leadership? 8. How does the 'Song of the Bow' reveal David's sentiments towards Saul and Jonathan? 9. How does David's respect for Saul, despite their history, influence your perspective on handling conflict? 10. How can you apply the concept of respecting God's anointed in today's context? 11. In your life, how can you show respect and love to those who have wronged you, similar to David's response to Saul's death? 12. How would you handle a situation where someone admits to a wrongdoing, expecting reward instead of punishment? 13. Howdoes the 'Song of the Bow' teach us about mourning and respecting the departed? 14. What lessons can leaders today learn from David's reaction to the news of Saul's death? 15. What does the 'Song of the Bow' teach about valuing friendships and alliances? 16. How can David's handling of the Amalekite messenger's news be a lesson for understanding and dealing with misinformation or false narratives? 17. David mourned even for his enemy Saul; what does this teach us about forgiveness and reconciliation? 18. How can David's act of creating an elegy for Saul and Jonathan be seen as a method of healing and closure? 19. How does the teaching of the 'Song of the Bow' in Judah resonate with the practice of remembering historical figures or events today? 20. How can the values of respect for authority and integrity, as demonstrated by David, be applied in your personal and professional life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions