Psalm 18 This week, we will say good bye to Saul and to Davids very best friend, Jonathan.

David will finally be given the throne and we will see how he praises God for His faithfulness. As you read and study, think about how God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Look for His faithfulness in your own life. Day One: Today, well go back to read a chapter that gives us insight into Gods judgment of King Saul. 1) Read 1 Samuel 28 straight through. Describe what takes place. 2) What caused Sauls fear? 3) Whom did he seek and why was there no answer? (v.6) 4) In his desperation, where did Saul turn? Saul had previously banned all mediums and spiritists in accordance with Gods law (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). What did God say about consulting such people? 5) Why was the medium frightened? 6) Using a good commentary, explore what seems to be happening in verses 13-19? 7) Sauls reaction is one of great fear. How could his life have been different if his fear of God was greater than his fear of man? 8) How about you? Which is greater your fear of God or of man? Day Two: 1) Read 1 Samuel 31. As you read this chapter, remember the powerful impact Saul had on the people in his kingdom, including David. Verse one describes the beginning of the rapid end of Sauls reign and his life. What does his great army do? 2) Verses 2-3 point to the goal of the Philistines fight. Who is killed and how is Saul attacked? (Remember Jonathans talent in war.) 3) To the end, Saul demonstrates his great fear of man by asking his armorbearer to ____________ him. How do you view Sauls suicide? 4) Verse 7 shows more people reacting out of fear. Sauls example of fear over faith impacted the people of Israel in what way? 5) Verses 8-10 are a display of the evil paganism in the hearts of the Philistines. What do they do to Saul and his sons? 6) Why would the Philistines proclaim Sauls death in the temple of the idols? What about Jonathan? 7) Do some research to discover why the men of Jabesh Gilead come to get Saul and his sons. 8) In what other ways do they honor Saul? Day Three: 1) Read 2 Samuel 1. Where was David when Saul and Jonathan were killed? How many days pass before he finds out? 2) According to verses 2-10, who tells David and why does he claim to have killed Saul? 3) Obviously, the Amalekite was close enough to Saul to take the crown and bracelet, what does this fact say about Sauls army? 4) How does David react

to the news of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan? (vv. 11-12, 17-18) 5) Why does David have the young man killed? 6) Read back through verses 17-27. How does David describe Saul? What does his honor of Saul say about the character of David? 6) What does David say about Jonathan? 7) Thinking back through the details weve learned of David and Jonathans relationship, explain how he must have felt at the loss of his best friend. The meaning of the word for distressed used in verse 26 gives insight into the pain he felt. Take a look at this meaning in a Bible concordance. 8) David is a man who walked with the Lord, a man who sought to know the mind and heart of God. Do you think the death of Jonathan would cause David to question God in any way? If so, what questions do you think he would have in his heart and mind? Day Four: 1) Today, we will fast forward to Davids ascent to the throne of Israel. Lets read 2 Samuel 5. Remember, David has been waiting many years for the word of God to come true concerning his purpose and position. This is a monumental chapter in the life of David. In your initial reading of the chapter, reflect on all weve learned of Davids wait and what we know of Gods timing. How is Gods timing perfect concerning Davids position as king of Israel? 2) In verses 1-3, why do the leaders say they want David as King? 3) How old was David when he began his reign over all of Israel and Judah? Many years had passed since David was called from the pasture, chosen from amongst his brothers and anointed king by Samuel. What were three lessons he learned about God during the years of preparation? How did God prepare him to become a shepherd and a ruler of His people? 4) David goes on to establish his capital in Bethlehem and to develop his kingdom. Two verses show Gods assurance of Davids kingship. Copy the two verses and underline the actions of God showing His blessing. 5) Do you notice a difference in Davids decision-making described in verse 13 as opposed to verse 19? How would this difference affect Davids family and eventually the people of Israel? (Take a look at 1 Kings 11:1-3) 6) 2 Samuel 5:18-25 recount the battle between David and the great enemies of Israel, the Philistines. It seems fitting that David would defeat them in the valley of the giants known as the Valley of Raphaim. How did God fight for and with David in this great battle? Go back to 1 Samuel 17:37, 45-47. David was in another valley with an actual giant. What does He say about God fighting for him in this battle? 7) From both of these accounts, what can we learn about the battles of our own lives and the victories God gives?

*** 1 Chronicles gives more details about the events we are studying in the life of David. If you have time this week, take a look at the chapters coinciding with our study. Well share some of those details in our study discussion. Days Five and Six: Over the next two days read through Psalm 18. Look for God, Who He is, What He does and add to your My God is list. Choose one characteristic of God or aspect of His nature to explore at a deeper level. Use all resources available to you. Try a new study help that you havent tried before. I cant wait to hear what you learn about our great God!