Compass Men’s Bible StudyLesson 19 – 1 Samuel 28:3-25

DAILY BIBLE STUDY – QUESTIONS FOR GROUP DISCUSSION

FIRST DAY: Read 1 Samuel 28:3

  1. Although chapter 28 focuses primarily upon the darkest moments of Saul’s life and reign, where is David during this time, and what is he doing? Why is this significant to what is happening in chapter 28, and what Saul may have been thinking? See 18:7.
  1. At a time in Saul’s life, when he was apparently obeying the Lord, he put the mediums and necromancers out of the land. What is a medium and a necromancer?
  1. Saul’s prohibition of these wicked people was based in God’s instructions. Using the following verses, describe God’s prohibitions and instructions on dealing with these people:

Ex. 22:18

Lev. 19:31

Lev. 20:6

Lev. 20:27

Deut. 18:10-14

SECOND DAY: Read 1 Samuel 3:4-7

  1. What was Saul’s mindset in verse 5? What does verse 5 say caused Saul to feel this way?
  1. Read 1 Samuel 12:20-25. In verse 24, who was Saul supposed to fear, and why?
  1. How do Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28 compare with Samuel’s words? Is there anything in your life right now that you are fearing more than you fear the Lord? How will you address this?

THIRD DAY: Read 1 Samuel 3:4-7

  1. Verse 5 is not the first time we see Saul in fear. How was Saul fearful in the following verses?

1 Sam. 10:22

1 Sam. 16:14

1 Sam. 17:11, 24

1 Sam. 13:11-12

1 Sam. 18:12, 29

  1. This is not the first time Saul has had to face the Philistines. What was supposed to be part of Saul’s mission as Israel’s king (see 1 Sam. 9:16), and why has he not carried it out yet? Consider 1 Sam. 16:1 in your answer.

FOURTH DAY: Read 1 Samuel 28:4-25

  1. In verses 6-7, why was God not answering or communicating with Saul? Consider 1 Sam. 15:23 in your answer. How does Saul’s plight compare with David’s custom and practice? See 1 Sam. 22:10, 15.
  1. Do you think Saul was genuinely inquiring of the Lord in the sense that he was seeking to learn God’s will in order to do it? Why or why not?
  1. We know what role prophets played in communicating God’s words to His people. But what role did dreams and the Urim have as a means of God’s communicating with His people? Use Numbers 12:6 and 27:21 to explain. Where were the Urim at this time (see 1 Sam. 23:6)?

FIFTH DAY: Read 1 Samuel 28:4-25

  1. As a result of God’s silence, what did Saul command his servants to do in verse 7? In light of what we learned in question 3, why was this such a terribly bad idea? Re-read 1 Sam. 12:20-25 and consider it in your answer.
  1. Why did Saul disguise himself?
  1. Why are Saul’s words in verse 10 to the medium so blasphemous, and how do they reveal how utterly corrupt he had become? See Lev. 20:27.

SIXTH DAY: Read 1 Samuel 28:4-25

  1. Given the prohibitions we studied in question 3, the encounter with Samuel in verses 13-19 is obviously unique in all of Scripture, and which God was using for His sovereign purposes. Why, then, do you think the medium reacted the way she did in verse 12?
  1. How does 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 recap what ultimately caused Saul’s horrific downfall? What specific sins did he commit, and what was the result?
  1. Read John 14:15, 21, 23 and 1 John 2:3. What is a sure mark of one who has repented and put his faith in Christ?
  1. If there is any way in your life where you have sought spiritual wisdom in ways other than through your relationship with Christ and in diligent study of Scripture, write out a prayer of repentance and utter dependence upon Him.